Palpatine in '08

[swirly]

The details of the process vary from state to state and are covered by state, not federal, law.

Correct and here is a link with some information on what actually happens in Alaska (since this measure passed in 2004).

http://www.ncsl.org/ncsldb/elect98/irsrc...recid=2330

This measure would repeal state law that allows the Governor to appoint a person to temporarily fill a vacant seat in the United States Senate until an election can be held and certified. Under this measure a vacated seat would remain vacant for three to five months, leaving Alaska without full representation in the Senate. Other provisions are identical to existing law and those parts of the law remain unchanged. Current law requires that a senate vacancy be filled by special election, or regular election if the vacancy occurs less than 60 days before the primary election for that seat.

So my understanding is that if, after being elected, Stevens steps down or gets kicked out then a special election must happen and the seat is vacant till that election is over.