Names to fill Flake's vacancy may surface today

Even as tributes continue to pour in, the clock has started ticking to fill the seat of long-serving state legislator Jake Flake (R-Snowflake).

A citizens panel has been formed and has the task of picking three people who are eligible to replace Flake in the state Senate. According to a Republican Party insider, some names should start to surface soon. Flake's seat must be filled by a Republican.

Sen. Flake's passing has cast uncertainty on an election where Flake was running unopposed. A two-part process is under way to first fill his seat and to replace him on the primary ballot.

The citizens panel's three names will be transmitted to the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, which will select Flake's temporary successor. Whoever is chosen will serve until the general election.

The Republican Party faces the challenge of finding someone to fill Flake's position on the ballot. On Saturday, June 14, the Republican precinct committeemen in the 5th Legislative District will meet to discuss who should be put on the ballot in lieu of Flake.

According to an Associated Press report, published in the Tucson Citizen, state Rep. Bill Konopnicki (R-Safford) has expressed interest in becoming the fill-in candidate. Sylvia Tenney Allen, who is running for a state House seat, also expressed some interest.