What happens to McCain's senate seat if he wins?

When a senate seat opens mid-term doesn't the governor of the state usually appoint someone to fill it out? In that case it would likely go to a Democrat, since the AZ governor is a Democrat.

No Napolitano could not appoint a democrat she must appoint someone from the Republican party because 1 she has to I can't remember where I saw it and 2 she would never win the senate race she might be planning for and it would ruin her credibility

17th amendment

[quote who="17th amendment"]The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of each State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

[/qoute]

Guess it's a by-election then.

It depends on the state. Some have requirements that they must pick the same party. Others just have an "unwritten agreement". In most states it is totally up to the Gov and in several cases they have been replaced by opposing party people.