Special elections vs. gubenatorial appointments for Congressional vacancies

[muon2]

I'd have every Senate and House vacancy appointed, with special elections held at the general election in the case of Senate vacancies in seats not up that term (don't see a ton of point in 2 month terms). Perhaps there'd be some restrictions, like Wyoming's same-party pick.

You have described the method of replacing vacancies in the IL General Assembly. Here's what the State Constitution says in article 4, section 2:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Statute provides for the method by which parties fill the vacancies. In general it is by the weighted vote of the chairs of county party organizations (or ward and township committeemen for Cook). The weighted vote is based on the votes cast in the most recent party primary.

[muon2]

For legislatures, I think simply leaving the seats vacant until the next regular election would be reasonable.  It would encourage both the parties and the voters to take the health and ethics of candidates a bit more seriously if they knew it wouldn't be easily filled if there was a problem.  At most, a provision to suspend their participation while part of an executive cabinet if making it easier for legislators to switch to the executive branch by allowing to return to their former function if their term hasn't already expired by the time they leave the cabinet.

Bur who would represent a district that might be vacant for as much as two years? The constituents have the legitimate expectation of a voice in the form of a vote in the assembly as well as an advocate to introduce and promote legislation of interest to the district.

[muon2]

For legislatures, I think simply leaving the seats vacant until the next regular election would be reasonable.  It would encourage both the parties and the voters to take the health and ethics of candidates a bit more seriously if they knew it wouldn't be easily filled if there was a problem.  At most, a provision to suspend their participation while part of an executive cabinet if making it easier for legislators to switch to the executive branch by allowing to return to their former function if their term hasn't already expired by the time they leave the cabinet.

Bur who would represent a district that might be vacant for as much as two years? The constituents have the legitimate expectation of a voice in the form of a vote in the assembly as well as an advocate to introduce and promote legislation of interest to the district.

Then they should elect someone who they can count on remaining in office for a full term.  At most your argument is an argument for multi-member districts.

As Ernest implied there can be a change in administration and if there's a change in parties, there's no way to know that a representative might be given a cabinet post. I wouldn't blame the voters for not being able to predict that future.