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Leahy 3rd in Line to Presidency

He is now president pro tempore of the Senate

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 18, 2012 3:27 PM CST

(Newser) – The death of Daniel Inouye of Hawaii yesterday has Democrats shuffling committee posts and such, but one change in particular carries some import with the Constitution. Patrick Leahy of Vermont got sworn in as president pro tempore of the Senate, which puts him third in line to the presidency behind Joe Biden and John Boehner, reports the Hill. Inouye's death makes Leahy, who took office in 1975, the longest-serving senator in the chamber, notes Politico. For the record, Hillary Clinton is next in line behind Leahy.

Vice President Joe Biden, right, reenacts the swearing in of Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., as president pro tempore of the Senate in the Old Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill.
Vice President Joe Biden, right, reenacts the swearing in of Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., as president pro tempore of the Senate in the Old Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
augie2
Dec 20, 2012 12:15 AM CST
Took office in 1975 - there should NEVER be career politicians.
whattodo
Dec 19, 2012 11:17 PM CST
What happened to he Constitution  which states that after President cannot do his duties, his Vice takes over, after he cannot do his duty the Speaker takes over, this how I learned the Constitution, so when did it change?
Rugger1
Dec 18, 2012 7:30 PM CST
The country wouldn't be in better hands.

 
Senate • Patrick Leahy • Daniel Inouye • president pro tempore

 
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