Juneau, Alaska has been unrepresented in the Alaska State Senate for the last month. The original Senator, Kim Elton (a Democrat), had resigned to accept an appointment in the Obama administration. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin believes she is entitled to choose any Democrat for the vacant seat, unless the full legislature vetoes her choice. But Democratic Senators believe that the Governor may only appoint a Democrat suggested by Senate Democrats. Two gubernatorial appointees, Tim Grussendorf and more recently Joe Nelson, have failed to be seated. The Alaska legislature adjourns in little more than a week.
The law only requires that she appoint a member of the political party of the former legislator, subject to confirmation by a majority of the party members. If it were an appointment subject to confirmation by the full senate, one would expect the confirmation vote to be public.
Alaska conducts statewide special elections (within 60-90 days) in case of a vacancy for US Senator, US Representative, and Governor (the Lt. Governor is acting governor only during the interim period), yet has some secret appointment scheme for legislators.
I think it is amusing that the media in this country continue the obsession with Sarah Palin. Thanks to this obsession, we know more about someone who unsuccessfully ran for vice president than we know about the current sitting vice president. Seriously, is Joe Biden alive?
I think Joe Biden is still senator.