“Don’t know that such is true - normally a governor can appoint whoever he/she wants. If Ducey was to lose, Kyl could quickly resign and Ducey appoint himself as Senator before the new governor takes office.
Also could be his long term plan - Kyl could serve a few months to a year then resign setting Ducey up to appoint himself as he is term limited and this would be his last term as governor - then what?”
Arizona state law stipulates that the governor must choose a replacement from the same political party when the person was elected. Even if Kyl retires in January 2019, the new governor must chose a Republican.
If Ducey loses in November he won’t appoint himself as Senator. His political career would be over if he does not win.
Thank you for pointing out the AZ requirement that the appointment actually be from the same party. Appears AZ is one of 6 states with that requirement, 30 other states that allow Governor to appoint aren’t so restricted.