What in the Nepotism is this?

Nothing wrong with this. This is done in 46 states. Governors can appoint a temporary, interim senator to serve until a special or general election is held. However, in four states-Kentucky, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin-state law requires vacancies to be filled exclusively through a special election, meaning the seat must remain vacant until voters choose a successor.No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen. [U.S. Constitution, Article I, section 3, clause 3]

@eighteen : The wives of the politicians are most often chosen to serve in the interim. Since she is the closest relative, I can see where she qualifies.

@eighteen : This happens all the time the spouses or family members will take over until a special election has taken place. This is nothing new.

Oh ok. I guess I need to pay closer attention. Can't say I recall this happening in the event a Dem dies. I suppose the rest of Republicans were already out of office. Who took over for John McCain?

@eighteen :

Sonny Bono's wife filled his seat when he died. I believe she won elections after that too.

@MrsT : Oh, yep, I remember that one.