I assumed Stitt will appoint someone quickly, and said so in the same post you quoted. That still leaves a hole. I don’t believe it will be as small as a day.
Democrats have multiple ways to exploit this pick; that’s only one of them. They should use every one to their advantage, large or small.
According to the congressional record:
John Kerry served as a Senator until his resignation Feb 1 2013 to become Secretary of State.
His appointed replacement, Mo Cowan started serving Feb 1 2013 until July 15.
Edward Markey won the special election on June 25, and was sworn in on July 16.
So no gaps between Kerry and Cowan, and at most a day between Cowan and Markey.
I don’t see why not. The pick is official as soon as the governor announces it.
And it’s quite likely Stitt already has a list of candidates and can choose from any of them, as long as they fit the list of qualifications under Oklahoma law and the qualifications under Article I. Whoever it is can just cool their heels in DC until Mullin’s confirmation vote and can be sworn in immediately after he subsequently gives up his Senate seat. There is no requirement Stitt make the announcement of an intended replacement after Mullin’s confirmation.
It’s possible, if the Dems held the Senate, to try to pull some shenanigans so the replacement isn’t immediately sworn in and seated, but they don’t hold the Senate.
To the extent they can ‘exploit’ the pick to reduce the majority, it won’t be by delaying the seating of a legitimately appointed US Senator. If there are such ways (within the bounds of the Constitution and US law, of course), please explain. I would genuinely like to know what this would involve beyond a vague ‘there are ways…’