[Ready4Freddy]

Some talking heads shouldn't talk, huh? There are no special elections for Senate vacancies. The vacancy is filled via appointment in the manner decided upon by the state, and is for the remainder of the term.

Johnson's replacement, if it comes to that, would be up for reelection in 2008, but only because that's when Johnson's current term ends.

Plus, the position would be up for grabs either (depending on which talking head you listen to) within a special election in 90 days, or in the next General Election - 2008.

[Ready4Freddy]

Meant to add that my response above was based on US Constitution and quick reading of the exception states to gubernatorial appointment. SD isn't on that list for some reason, but their statutes do provide for a special election at the time of the next general election. SD is not one of the few states that require the governor to appoint someone of the previous incumbent's party, btw.

South Dakota Codified Laws

12-11-5. Special election to fill senate vacancy. The special election to fill the vacancy of a senator shall be held at the same time as the next general election. The general election laws shall apply unless inconsistent with this chapter.

Source: SL 1979, ch 99, § 2.

The US Constitutional difference between replacement of a House member & replacement of a Senator is that a special election must be held in the case of a House member, but is left to the legislature of the state to determine how to replace in the case of a Senator.