The state constitution requires the Democratic-controlled King County Council to appoint a successor for the late Norm Maleng . That person must be a Republican, as Maleng was.

The appointee will serve until after the November election is certified and can run this fall to serve out the three years remaining in Maleng's term, which expires at the end of 2010.

The council must choose from among three persons nominated by the King County Republican Central Committee. If the council fails to fill the vacancy within 60 days after the vacancy occurred, the governor gets to make the appointment - something the council is unlikely to let happen.

Whoever wants to run for the office from either party will have to organize a campaign almost overnight.

Because the primary election now is a month earlier than it has been in the past - on Aug. 21 this year - the five-day candidate filing period opens a week from Monday, nearly two months earlier than in past years.

Meanwhile, statements of condolence continue to come in for Maleng's family.

King County Councilman Bob Ferguson said:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our county's prosecutor, Norm Maleng. Norm was a symbol of justice for all of us in King County and especially those of us in the legal community ... As a young lawyer I had heard the stories of Norm's renowned idealism, and it was an honor to get to know Norm as the compassionate, honest, consummately respectful, and above all, decent individual that he was.

Throughout his distinguished career, Norm showed an unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice and family .... Norm was a lawyer's lawyer, and the people's lawyer. My deepest condolences go out to Judy and Mark for the loss of a wonderful husband and father, and to all of the King County residents whose lives were touched by this great man. I know Norm's team in the Prosecutor's Office will continue to honor Norm by carrying on his ideals as they do the people's work during this difficult time."

King County Councilman Regan Dunn said:

"I want to offer condolences to the Maleng family on the loss of their husband and father. Norm has been a life-long personal friend and mentor. He was one of the finest public officials to ever serve in this state. His death is an immeasurable loss that I feel deeply and personally."