Comments

  • Alan . # .
    executive succession: I don\'t think the speaker is a good choice as the acting governor, especially if you require resignation. Strangely enough it was written up in today\'s Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/02/AR2007030201141.html .
    I would specify a time limit for a new gubernatorial election. The \'until a new election can be held\' language is what allowed a VP to declare himself (probably illegally and almost certainly contrary to what was intended) not acting, but permanent, president in the US. A better choice for a shot-term stopgap official would be the chief justice, or perhaps just the cabinet in orer of seniority.

    Speakers resign in the US only because, as the articles says, their succession act is extremely dubious in constitutional terms because it allows a member of congress to become president. To avoid any doubt the speaker has to resign his seat.