BREAKING: Rep. Giffords to step down from Congress

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced in a personal message on YouTube today that she is stepping down from Congress this week.

Giffords thanks the community for its support as she recovered from the shooting. Giffords says she plans to focus on her recovery. She promises to return when she gets better.

I believe this requires a special election. Let me do the research and I will update this post.

UPDATE: Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 16, Article 3, Sec. 16-222. Vacancy in the office of United States senator or representative:

A. When a vacancy occurs in the office of United States senator or representative in Congress by reason of death or resignation, or from any other cause, the vacancy shall be filled at the next general election. At such election the person elected shall fill the unexpired term of the vacated office.

B. For a vacancy in the office of representative in Congress, if the next general election is not to be held within six months from the date of the occurrence of the vacancy, the governor shall call a special primary election and a special general election to fill the vacancy. The governor shall call the special primary election and establish its date within seventy-two hours after the office is officially declared vacant. Notwithstanding sections 16-313, 16-351 and 16-542, for a candidate for office at an election held pursuant to this subsection, the following apply:

1. The special primary election shall be held no less than eighty nor more than ninety days after the occurrence of the vacancy, and the special general election shall be held not less than fifty nor more than sixty days after the special primary election.

2. Nomination papers and nomination petitions shall be filed no later than thirty days after the date of the proclamation calling the election.

3. Any court action challenging the nomination of a candidate shall be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. on the fifth business day after the last day for filing nomination papers and petitions.

4. The superior court shall hear and render a decision within five days after the filing of the action.

5. Beginning fifteen days before the date of the election, the county recorder or other officer in charge of elections shall mail early ballots within forty-eight hours after receipt of a complete and correct early ballot request from persons qualified to vote.

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This sets up a double election for Giffords' House seat later this year. Whoever wins the special election will face a general election in November.