Next President pro tempore

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Current President pro tempore of the Senate Robert Byrd is not only very old, but experienced serious health problems in recent years.

As by custom most senior Senator from majority party becomes President pro tem, which puts Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, 85, as first in the line. But the third most Senior Senator, a Democrat Pat Leahy of Vermont, is not yet 70. So I think he may have better shot than Inouye in next years.

If Republicans captures the majority, Lugar, sitting on safe seat and "not extremely old" for Senator, is first in line.

I know Senate pro tem is a low key post, but I'd like to raise this topic

[Kaine for Senate '18]

It will probably be Inouye, and then Orrin Hatch.  After that, I dunno.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

It will probably be Inouye, and then Orrin Hatch.  After that, I dunno.

Lugar outranks Hatch with seniority. However, I won't be suprised with Leahy after Byrd immedially.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

It will probably be Inouye, and then Orrin Hatch.  After that, I dunno.

Lugar outranks Hatch with seniority. However, I won't be suprised with Leahy after Byrd immedially.

I think Lugar will retire in 2013.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I think Lugar will retire in 2013.

If so, then Hatch will become most senior Republican Senator.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

I think Lugar will retire in 2013.

If so, then Hatch will become most senior Republican Senator.

Yes, which is why he will replace Inouye as President Pro Temp in 2015.