If Clinton wins, McAuliffe could appoint anyone to fill Kaine's Senate seat

By , Anna Giaritelli

Published October 23, 2016

Hillary Clinton's move to pick Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine as her running mate could be a move that helps Democrats secure one more seat in the upper chamber for six years.

If the Democratic duo beats Donald Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence in November, long-time Clinton confidant Terry McAuliffe — the Democratic governor of Virginia — could select any person to fill Kaine's seat.

From an incumbent House member to an old friend with no political experience, McAuliffe would have total freedom to appoint whomever he wants in the Senate, including himself.

The state would hold a special election in November 2017 to decide if they want McAuliffe's pick to continue for another year until the following November in 2018 when the seat is up again.