Report: Ducey to wait until after McCain burial to announce successor

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey will wait until the memorial proceedings for U.S. Sen. John McCain have been completed before he announces a successor for the long-time senator, according to the Washington Post.

McCain died on Saturday at the age of 81. He will be buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis on Sept. 2, his office announced.

Daniel Ruiz, a spokesman for Ducey, told the Washington Post the governor will honor McCain by waiting.

“Out of respect for the life and legacy of Senator John McCain and his family, Governor Ducey will not be making any announcements about an appointment until after the senator is laid to rest,” said Daniel Ruiz, a spokesman for Ducey. “Now is a time for remembering and honoring a consequential life well lived.”

Arizona law requires Ducey to name a replacement who is a member of McCain’s Republican party and will fill the seat until the next general election in 2020.

The Washington Post listed a group of potential successors including McCain’s widow, Cindy; Ducey’s chief of staff, Kirk Adams; State Treasurer Eileen Klein; former Congressman John Shadegg; and former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl.

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