Arizona

Since Rep. Giffords is still alive, they would first reach a decision as to whether she can resume her congressional duties. If she cannot, I believe they would hold a special election. In some states, the governor appoints a replacement.

. . .

I disagree with the above. First - Arizona would not decide whether she has vacated her seat - that is a matter for the House to decide, and there are no guidelines for making that determination. In fact, it is arguable whether or not they could even make that decision without a Constitutional amendment since Article I - Section II of the Constitution already sets the requirements for Members of the House.

Second - Article I - Section II of the Constitution states: "When vacancies happen in the Representation from any state, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies." So, once the House has declared the seat to be vacant, the only way to replace a Representative is for the state to hold a special election. There is no provision to appoint a replacement before the special election is held.

Finally - Article I - Section III of the Constitution describes how Senators are chosen. Initially, they were chosen by the state legislatures, but that was changed with the 17th Amendment. That amendment states: "When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such 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."

So, with respect to Senators, if approved by the state, the Governor may appoint a person as an interim Senator until the next (or interim) election. Can the Arizona governor appoint a temporary Senator? Yes, and the governor is required to appoint a temporary replacement of the same political party as the person whose seat was vacated, which is not a requirement for all states.

1,052 miles taking this route:

1. Take I-10 WEST from Phoenix across to the 210 WEST to PASADENA at EXIT 77B in the INLAND EMPIRE of CALIFORNIA.
2. Take the 210 WEST, around LOS ANGELES, to I-5 GOLDEN STATE FWY - NORTH to SACRAMENTO at EXIT 1A.
3. Take I-5 NORTH all the way up to U.S. 97 to KLAMATH FALLS at EXIT 747 in Weed, northern California. TURN RIGHT off the exit ramp onto U.S. 97 NORTH to KLAMATH FALLS.
4. Take U.S. 97 NORTH to KLAMATH FALLS.