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Senators debate making pro tempore automatically become lieutenant governor in vacancy plan
Summary
Senators discussed a proposal that would make the Senate pro tempore automatically assume the office of lieutenant governor when that office is vacant, with members raising concerns about concentration of power, electoral consequences and preferable alternatives.
A Senate member warned that automatically making the Senate pro tempore the lieutenant governor could put senators "in a box," creating electoral and succession problems if a vacancy occurs, and said he would rather have the full Senate elect a replacement than give the governor broad appointment power.
The senator noted the practical scenario lawmakers are most likely considering: a governor’s death, removal, or resignation leading the lieutenant governor to succeed to the governorship. "A little bit of a concern for me about that much power in the in the governor," he said, and added, "I… honestly, I'd rather the senate and 35 senators elect the, the lieutenant governor than than the governor having that much power."
Senator Carly seconded a motion during the exchange and the chamber proceeded with routine orders after brief discussion.
Discussion only; no formal vote on a statutory change or amendment to succession rules was recorded in the transcript. Speakers framed the issue as a trade-off between avoiding ad hoc appointments and avoiding unintended consequences when a sitting senator could be elevated automatically. The senator also noted practical considerations for senators planning re-election who might be moved into the lieutenant governor role by operation of law.
The remarks occurred during floor consideration of other agenda business and were recorded as part of a broader debate over succession mechanics and an unspecified proposal associated with "Senator Orr." No statutory citation or formal amendment language was quoted in the transcript excerpt.
Looking ahead, senators did not record a formal direction to staff or a vote on the proposal in the excerpt provided; the discussion ended with the body returning to other agenda items.
