My friend and bridge partner, who is most likely a Republican (you don’t talk about stuff like that at bridge), asked me what happens when a nominee dies before the election. She thought perhaps the v-p nominee would automatically become the party’s candidate. I looked in the party rules briefly, but could not find an answer. I know when Paul Wellstone died, the party was allowed to have a new candidate. And, I also know that when Mel Carnahan died, he was elected, anyway. Anyone have clarity on this issue? My friend was specifically worried about Bernie’s longevity, but , certainly, anyone can die at any time. I know the party has vacancy committees, but if someone has already secured the nomination and then dies, what happens? I could not answer, and I cannot seem to find appropriate guidance to answer.