So who takes over if Kitzhaber resigns?

[Ken Burch]

Would it be the SoS? If so, who's that?

[Old Codger]

1. SoSas you say

Kate Brown

[Maedhros]

2. I'd be happy with Kate Brown as Governor.

I've been a supporter of hers since she was a first-term state legislator.

[SunSeeker]

4. Good to hear it will be someone decent.

That could explain why the Oregon Dems have already abandoned Kitzhaber.

[DreamGypsy]

3. Oregon Governer Line of Succession...

...from Wikipedia:

Line of succession

The gubernatorial line of succession was modified in 1920 and 1946, only to be repealed and replaced by a new section in 1972.[4] The current list is designated as Article V, Section 8a. It defines who may become or act as the Governor of Oregon upon the incapacity, death, resignation, or removal from office of a sitting governor. The acting governor will serve out the remainder of the outgoing governor's term until the next election. Unlike many states, Oregon does not have a Lieutenant Governor (though in 2007, legislation was proposed to establish such an office.)[5] The current chain is:

# Position Current office holder Party
1 Secretary of State Kate Brown Democratic
2 State Treasurer Ted Wheeler Democratic
3 President of the Senate Peter Courtney Democratic
4 Speaker of the House Tina Kotek Democratic

[cascadiance]

5. Now then who would take SOS after Kate Brown became governor...

I don't think you could just shift those in the line of succession to the "next job" as you couldn't take Tina Kotek and make her a state senator. So would you have a special election for SOS then, or would Kate Brown be able to name her temporary successor? Knute Buehler might be licking his chops then, and he quite frankly would scare me as SOS. Vote by mail might go away!

[Bryce Butler]

6. Kate Brown would appoint someone to fill in for the remainder of her term...

From the Oregon constitution:

Governor to Fill Vacancies by Appointment

When during a recess of the legislative assembly a vacancy occurs in any office, the appointment to which is vested in the legislative assembly, or when at any time a vacancy occurs in any other state office, or in the office of judge of any court, the governor shall fill such vacancy by appointment, which shall expire when a successor has been elected and qualified. When any vacancy occurs in any elective office of the state or of any district or county thereof, the vacancy shall be filled at the next general election, provided such vacancy occurs more than sixty-one (61) days prior to such general election.

- Article 5; Section 16

[cascadiance]

7. Yes, note Seth Woolley's comments at the bottom of this article...

http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-23961-governor-in-waiting.html

I know Seth and he ran against her for SOS for the Greens in the last election. He'd be an awesome choice, since we then might have a shot at getting instant runoff voting in place here in Oregon if he were SOS. I know he's joking though of course!