How Does A Governor Get Replaced?

[tokenuser]

With Bill Richardson being tapped for SecCom, how does the new New Mexico governor get selected? Is it by order of succession, with the Lieutenant Gov becoming the new Gov for the remaining term of the current Gov, or do they go to the polls at the mid term election, or is there a special election called?

Sorry for the questions - I understand the politics, but some of the political processes have me stumped. This is completely foreign to me, having grown up with the Westminster system of government where the Cabinet (Front Bench) consist purely of elected members who serve dual roles as both Minister of <insert post> and Member for <electorate/political district>.

[masherscf]

I suppose it depends on the Constitution of the state in question.

My guesses,

1. Lt. Governor
2. Special Election
3. Legislative Appointment

My money is on option one. An appointment to a cabinet position is just practical resignation for the governorship. Governors are usually replaced my the Lt, in most states I'm familiar with. The real problem comes in places like NY where the standing Governor had to resign and the Lt. replaced him without a clear line of succession after that. If the new Gov becomes unavailable....then what?

[alaskalonewolf]

Well, unless you live in Alaska. The constitution we wrote still needs a few amendments.

[bigshotprof]

A rich movie star backed by a powerful right wing coalition calls for and gets a special midterm election, then uses smear campaigns and press intimida--oh wait. That's California. Never mind.

[ariastar]

Get enough signatures to get it on the ballot to recall the governor, also have a porn star, a movie star, and Gary Coleman run for replacement. Goes to ballot. If there are enough yeses to the recall, then whoever had most votes wins. If there aren't enough, then the election part is moot. Really, Davis sucked ass, and I'm satisfied with Arnold. Not perfect, but who is?

[zaza]

Originally Posted by bigshotprof

A rich movie star backed by a powerful right wing coalition calls for and gets a special midterm election, then uses smear campaigns and press intimida--oh wait. That's California. Never mind.

LOL......

[alaskalonewolf]

How does a governor get replaced?

Dunno. If you live in Illnois it seems that you get a new governor
when the old one gets a lengthy prison sentence for corruption:

...or you could just send him some mail, asking him, maybe he'll listen?

[bigshotprof]

How many Illinois Governors does it take to change a light bulb?

What's the difference between the man who perfected the "rhythm method" and the Governor of Illinois?

[alaskalonewolf]

Dunno. How many?

[rabidbadger]

Originally Posted by bigshotprof

How many Illinois Governors does it take to change a light bulb?

Just one to hold the bulb, then the world revolves around them?

What's the difference between the man who perfected the "rhythm method" and the Governor of Illinois?

Governor refuses to pull out?

Just guessing.