(Pennsylvania) Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll Dead At 78

[bigworld]

Source: WGAL

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- News 8 has learned that Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll has died at the age of 78.

Gov. Ed Rendell says Knoll died at about 6 p.m. at National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Knoll, who at age 72 became the first woman to be elected as the state's lieutenant governor, was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in July and began radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

"On behalf of all Pennsylvania, Midge and I extend heart-felt sympathy to Catherine’s family,” Rendell said. “Today we mourn the passing of one of the strongest, most dedicated public servants in Pennsylvania’s history. Our thoughts and prayers are with Catherine’s family. She will be deeply missed."

Knoll returned for the start of the fall Senate schedule in September. But she showed signs of fatigue and on Sept. 22 announced she would heed the advice of doctors, family members and colleagues and take time off.

Read more: http://www.wgal.com/news/17968134/detail.html

[bigworld]

1. This could get interesting if Rendell takes a job in the new Administration.

Anyone know how the PA Constitution handles succession of the Lt Gov??

On edit, to answer my own question:

In case of the death, conviction on impeachment, failure to qualify or resignation of the Lieutenant Governor, or in case he should become Governor under section 13 of this article, the President pro tempore of the Senate shall become Lieutenant Governor for the remainder of the term. In case of the disability of the Lieutenant Governor, the powers, duties and emoluments of the office shall devolve upon the President pro tempore of the Senate until the disability is removed. Should there be no Lieutenant Governor, the President pro tempore of the Senate shall become Governor if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Governor and in case of the disability of the Governor, the powers, duties and emoluments of the office shall devolve upon the President pro tempore of the Senate until the disability is removed. His seat as Senator shall become vacant whenever he shall become Governor and shall be filled by election as any other vacancy in Senate.

[paulkienitz]

3. I keep hearing from different directions: Rendell will not

My brother works for Rendell. Which actually means I do want him to go to DC, but my brother agrees that it's probably not happening.

[PaDUer]

4. He can't....

The other political effect of the news of Baker Knolls death is, it takes Governor Rendell out of any consideration for Secretary of Transportation or Energy under the Obama Administration. Under the Pennsylvania State Constitution, the President of the Senate takes over as Lt. Governor, which is GOP Senator Joseph Scarnati, who is planning on retaining his senate seat.

[femmocrat]

5. Rendell said this week that he intends to serve out the remaining 2 years of his term.

Well, they all say that. I don't think there is a cabinet post in his immediate future, though.

[Olney Blue]

2. LIfe is not fair.

:-(

[Dennis Donovan]

6. Cross gently, Lt Governor Knoll...

Very sad.:(

[demodonkey]

7. Catherine, we will miss you...

...a great lady.

Not a tall lady, she loved to tell folks how she stood on a box when chairing the PA Senate, and once said to me that "those Republicans in there are mean and I have to keep them in line!"

Farewell and God bless you Lt. Governor Knoll.

:cry:

[The Wielding Truth]

8. It's a sad day. She will be long remembered as a really

great public servant and a great woman.