[TopQuark]

Yeh, I was always curious about this aspect of our country "of laws not men." The seat often goes to the spouse of a deceases senator. Is this the best choice for the country?

Similarly here, the probability that one's own daughter is the best choice for the country is almost nill. Shame on the governor and shame on the Republicans that condone this move.

[hobbes1]

Well, I would not go that far, she was just Elected a leader in the state house, so that makes it cool...at least IMHO.

I would have a poblem if it were the survivor with ZERO experience....this is not that.

[YaYa123]

Well then, shame on me, cause I think it's a fabulous appointment! After I read his daughter's qualifications, education and experience, hellsbells, maybe she should have run for governor. She might have beaten her Daddy.

Of course I basically agree with you, nepotism is a bad thing...especially when it involves unqualified wives and widows, but this is different. If his daughter is as well-qualified as the other candidates, why wouldn't he select her? Sounds to me as if the people of Alaska are the big winners here, and if they don't like the appointment, she will lose next time around.

[BlueMoose]

Amendment XVII The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each state, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislatures.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any state in the Senate, the executive authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, that the legislature of any state may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

DON'T we understand:

"elected by the people thereof"

"the executive authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies"