Question: If Pence Is Impeached, How Is He Replaced?

[ChoppinBroccoli]

I only ask this question because I read an article this morning suggesting that Pence's involvement in the Flynn communications could lead to his impeachment. The article indicated that their "sources" were suggesting that, "impeachment (of Pence) IS on the table." Now, regardless of how authoritative or believable this article is, it got me to thinking about what would happen if Pence WERE impeached.

As far as I know, a Vice President has never been impeached, so how would his replacement be selected? Would Trump get to select just anyone he wants, or does it have to follow the line of succession that's in the Constitution (which would mean Paul Ryan would be next in line)? And what if Trump is under impeachment, or the possibility thereof, at the same time? Would he still get to select his own replacement even if he were under impeachment? Because I'm 100% sure he'd select a doozy, and about 99% sure it would be Newt Gingrich.

Even if the article I read is pure fantasy (and the realist in me thinks it probably is--Pence has too much plausible deniability at this point, but who knows what the future will bring as we continue to pull at this thread), it just got me to thinking about how the moving parts in such a proceeding would work. I know Nixon replaced his VP once, but it wasn't because of impeachment.

[Me.]

1. Here You Go

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10028653260

[lagomorph777]

8. Imagine the hilarity of a President DeVos!

At that point though, the GOP would be in ruins. The order of succession was meant to deal with catastrophes such as war, not the complete de-legitimization of a party.

[Me.]

9. God, I Thought We Had Already Bottomed Out

[NurseJackie]

2. When Agnew resigned, Nixon chose Ford. (Right?)

If so, then I'm guessing that Trump would get to choose a new VP. But if Trump is impeached and removed before his choice of VP is approved and sworn in, then we'd have President Ryan, perhaps?

[DonViejo]

4. Yes, Nixon chose Ford. Trump would then appoint Pence's replacement (assuming Trump,

himself hadn't been impeached)

[LonePirate]

3. As long as there is a president in place, he or she will name a replacement VP.

Ryan won't automatically be promoted. It's no different than when Agnew resigned and Nixon replaced him with Ford.

[CK_John]

7. The majority of both houses of Congress must also confirm.

[rickford66]

12. Then Ford got Rocky for VP.

Complete unelected executive branch. All done with "deals".

[Else You Are Mad]

5. The Congressional GOP will never impeach Pence.

Having Pence as president is the ultimate goal of the GOP. He is a model Republican candidate but he, -- or others like him -- would never stand a chance to win in a presidential election. So they will do everything to get him in the white house and will defend him for as long as possible.

[LonePirate]

10. I think the Repubs in Congress are more worried about VP's involvement than 45's crimes.

However, if Pence resigned and was replaced by a scandal-free establishment toady, they might be more willing to investigate 45.

[Else You Are Mad]

11. Except...

I am certain that if Pence is impeached, Trump, who gets to choose who his VP is, will choose someone so crazy or insane to be his new VP -- like Bannon or someone similar with 'clean hands'-- that Congress would be insane to impeach Trump for fear of having that person as president. This is especially true if Trump realizes that he is next if they impeach Pence.

[doc03]

6. This guy