Will Patty Murray Be Third in Line for President of the United States?

Senator Patty Murray, off the heels of her fifth re-election campaign, is poised to hold an important position in the United States Senate. Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, said today that he intends to nominate Senator Murray for the illustrious position of Senate pro tempore, which would also make her third in line for President of the United States.

What is the Senate's President Pro Tempore?

The Vice President of the United States is also designated as the President of the Senate, where they preside over the Senate and may be called upon for a tie-breaking vote. Should the Vice President not be present, the President Pro Tempore resides over the senate. While unable to cast a tie-breaking vote, the President Pro Tempore can swear in new senators and sign legislation. The current President Pro Tempore is Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy, who is retiring. On a side note, Senator Leahy is noted for his many cameos across five Batman films, including a chilling scene where he comes face-to-face with Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight.

Senator Murray has represented Washington in the United States Senate since 1993 and is said to be honored by the gesture, saying, “I look forward to the opportunity to serve our country in this position.” This delegation would make Senator Murray the first woman to hold the position.

Despite the increase in responsibility, Senator Murray's camp says she will "continue to do what she has done her entire career: put working families and Washington state first."