The recent fall of the United States in Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman once again expressed concerns about his overall health.
Fetterman fell to the ground last Thursday after what his office described as a “recurrence of ventricular fibrillation,” or a type of irregular heartbeat. While walking near his home in Braddock, he felt dizzy, fell to the ground and hit his face.
According to cardiologists, the heart disease that caused the fall could have been fatal if not treated immediately. Thanks to the implantation of a pacemaker after a stroke in 2022, his life was probably saved.
Ventricular fibrillation is an emergency condition requiring immediate medical attention. During ventricular fibrillation, the lower chambers of the heart contract in a very rapid and uncoordinated manner. As a result, the heart does not pump blood to the rest of the body. It is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death.
AND According to Mayo Clinicthe risk of other long-term complications depends on how quickly treatment is started.
If the 56-year-old’s health deteriorated again, would Fetterman consider resigning from the U.S. Senate? And if so, what will happen next?
Article I section 3 section 2 of the Constitution originally granted the power of appointment to fill Senate vacancies solely to state governors when legislatures were in recess, with state legislatures empowered to elect alternates to serve for the remainder of the term in their next session. The Amendment 17ratified in 1913, it provided for direct election of senators and required governors to issue election papers to fill vacancies. It also authorized state legislatures to authorize governors to make interim appointments until successors are elected. Currently, 45 states authorize their governors to appoint a senator to fill a vacancy until a replacement is elected. Five states – Kentucky, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island and Wisconsin – stipulate that Senate vacancies can only be filled by election.
Pennsylvania is one of 34 states that authorizes its governor to elect a senator to serve until the next regularly scheduled election. Although Commonwealth law states that the Governor may call a special election at least 90 days after a vacancy occurs, a transient appointment may be made pending an election at the end of the term.
Since 1913, the Keystone State has had five U.S. Senate nominations:
- William E. Kruk (R), appointed October 24, 1921, to fill the vacancy caused by death Philander C. Knox; served until his death on August 2, 1922
- George W. Pepper (R), appointed January 9, 1922, to fill the vacancy caused by death Penrose boys; Elected to office on November 7, 1922
- David A. Reed (R), appointed August 8, 1922, to fill the vacancy caused by death William E. Kruk; Elected to office on November 7, 1922
- Joseph R. Grundy (R), appointed December 11, 1929, to fill the vacancy caused by the refusal of the Senate to fill the seat William S. Vare; he lost the fight for nomination in the next election
- Harris Wofford (D), appointed on May 8, 1991, to fill the vacancy caused by death Jan Heinz, III. Elected as an MP on November 5, 1991
Fetterman’s term runs through 2028, and current wisdom seems to indicate that former Mayor Braddock will face a primary challenge given Democrats’ frosty opinion of him. Former congressman Conor Lambdefeated by Fetterman in the 2022 primary, could find himself in another race for the seat, while incumbent congressman Brendan Boyle may also decide to consider moving across the Capitol to the Senate.
They also had a contentious relationship with the Commonwealth’s senior senator Governor Josh Shapiro and the thought that the state’s chief executive will have the opportunity to choose a successor could be enough of a boost to keep Fetterman in the upper house.
Whatever happens, the 6-8 Fetterman is keeping his spirits high by posting on Twitter: “If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!”
