Cannon calls the law setting the conditions for withdrawal "ridiculous." House Speaker Marty Stephens, R-Farr West, said the issue could be placed on next Wednesday's special legislative agenda, but Gov. Olene Walker sets special session agendas "and I have not spoken with her, nor with Senate President Al Mansell," about it.

Theoretically, if the Legislature passed it and Walker signed it, an immediate change in the law could enable Workman to step off the ballot and be replaced by another Republican.

"Certainly, in the case where someone is charged with a felony and forced to take a leave from office, there should be a way for that person to be replaced on the ballot" without meeting some extreme condition, said Stephens. Nevertheless, "I don't believe it will or should happen. When you make laws in haste, well, it is not often wise or fair."

If Workman were to change her mind, and should she be allowed to withdraw, the question would then become: Who would replace her? Scratch acting Mayor Alan Dayton from that list.

"I just am not interested," he said.

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