Chris Nelson (politician)

Chris Nelson is the former Secretary of State of South Dakota. A Republican, he was a candidate to become U.S. Representative from South Dakota's At-large congressional district in 2010. Nelson lost to Kristi Noem in the Republican primary.

Nelson 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] If Johnson died 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. Then Governor of South Dakota Mike Rounds is Republican. 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]

References

  1. ↑ Associated Press [Los Angeles Times], Senator's Illness a Lifelong Condition, December 14, 2006
  2. ↑ Jonathan Ellis, S.D. governor would name person to fill Johnson vacancy, Argus Leader [USA Today], December 14, 2006
  3. ↑ Associated Press [ABC News], Sen. In Critical Condition After Surgery, December 14, 2006