Chris Nelson

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For the trade and foreign policy journalist, see Christopher Nelson.

Chris Nelson is the Secretary of State of South Dakota.

[edit] Role in Possible Replacement of U.S. Senator Tim Johnson

This article documents a current event.
Information may change rapidly as the event progresses.

Nelson has gained prominence as a key constitutional figure in any possible replacement of Democratic U.S. Senator Tim Johnson, who suffered stroke-like bleeding in the brain caused by a congenital malformation known as arteriovenous malformation.^[1]

Should Johnson die or otherwise make the office "vacant" (the meaning of which is the subject of various interpretations by constitutional law experts^[2]), South Dakota law provides for the governor to name a replacement. Current South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds is Republican. Given the slim 51-49 majority to be held in the U.S. Senate by Democrats in the 110th Congress, the selection of a replacement could change the balance of power.

Nelson has told the press that there are no special restrictions on an appointment by the governor and a replacement would not have to be from the same political party.^[3]