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Appointed senators: The winners, seat-warmers, losers and weirdos

Political Theater, Episode 354

Two appointed senators, Roger Wicker, R-Miss., left, and Roland Burris, D-Ill., walk through Statuary Hall before President Barack Obama's address to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 24, 2009. Burris did not seek election following his appointment. Wicker won election and has continued to climb the ranks in the chamber.
Two appointed senators, Roger Wicker, R-Miss., left, and Roland Burris, D-Ill., walk through Statuary Hall before President Barack Obama's address to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 24, 2009. Burris did not seek election following his appointment. Wicker won election and has continued to climb the ranks in the chamber. (CQ Roll Call file photo)

Appointed senators: They’re a thing. Of the 206 individuals appointed to the Senate since 1913, when the 17th Amendment codified direct election of senators and how to fill vacant seats, 11 of them are currently serving. Jason Dick and Nathan Gonzales go through the highlights, lowlights and weirdlights of this category of senators.

Show Notes:

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