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I was reding an earlier thread to get an idea for a possible timeline where Sam rayburn assumes the Presidency because ofthe death of President Truman by assassination and Vice President Barkley by heart attack (partly after sparring with MacArthur for weeks - which makes MacArthur's exit a bit easier as he gets at least a little blame, though at the time it would probably be painted as two stubborn old guys going at it.)

So, Sam Rayburn becomes President in 1951, let's say February or March. Since the 25th Amendment of course a V.P. is appointed and there's always someone to fill out the term. But in 1865 if LIncoln and John are both killed in the Booth plot, it's common knowledge (well, at least to AH.com'ers) that a special election is held in 1865 and Lafayette Foster serves for just undrer a year.

So, when did it change? Does Rayburn serive till 1/20/53, or does a special election get called for 1951? And if the latter, would it still be the same people? (I suspect it would be.)

Of course, given the war, if Rayburn feels up to it, I suspect that all parties could jsut agree that they'll keep tot he regular cycle, to avoid even more confusion with 4 presidents in a span of just under 16 months, which you would have with a 1951 election.

I'm especially intrigued by this TL idea because some on that thread speculated about a Voting Rights Act of 1951. That would make thigns quite interesting.
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