Trump's election bill tops 50 Senate votes, but Democrats could still block it

[BumRushDaShow]

36. "Shapiro would call for a special election. So, he would remain at 50/49 for months. "

The Senate DOES have a gubernatorial "appointment" privilege (that the House does not have) IF the state allows it and PA DOES allow it.

17th Amendment

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.

(snip)

https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/amendmentxvii

When John Heinz (R) died in office back in April 1991, then-Governor Bob Casey appointed Harris Wofford (D) as his temporary replacement about 1 month later, until the Special Election was held (at the-then upcoming November 1991 General Election) to fill the rest of the term (which ended up being for 4 more years as Heinz had just been reelected in 1988).

So there was very little lapse in representation (and Casey was even criticized for waiting that long ).

Wofford ended up winning that Special Election but lost to Frothy when the term was up and the seat was up again.