John McCain's 'spirit, service and fierce independence' shaped Arizona, Gov. Ducey says

Maria Polletta | The Republic | azcentral.com

Show Caption Hide Caption John McCain will be buried at Naval Academy Cemetery John McCain chose the United States Naval Academy Cemetery as the place he will lay rest. He'll lie next to his former classmate and lifelong best friend.

U.S. Sen. John McCain was a "giant" and "icon" whose passing creates a void "in the heart and soul of our nation," Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement Saturday.

Minutes after McCain's death was announced, Ducey ordered all flags to be lowered to half-staff.

"John McCain is one American who will never by forgotten," the governor said. "But here at home, we were most proud to call him a fellow Arizonan. Like so many of us, he was not born here, but his spirit, service and fierce independence shaped the state with which he became synonymous."

Ducey said McCain was "about more than politics," rising above partisan squabbling to fight "for what he thought was right, even when it wasn't popular."

"His dogged patriotism and passion for country made him an inspiration, and a model, for all of us," Ducey said.

The governor said he and his wife, Angela — who visited the senator in May — "join all Arizonans in praying for Cindy and the entire McCain family during this difficult time and offering our full support."

"May his life and legacy continue to inspire us to build a future for this country, and a history for this country, that would make John McCain proud," Ducey said.

Ducey will appoint McCain's successor

McCain's death while in office will compel the governor to fill a Senate seat by appointment for the first time in Arizona's 106-year history.

The senator's successor must be a Republican, as McCain was, and would serve at least until the 2020 general election.

Beyond those requirements, the governor has broad discretion. Given the high-profile battles playing out in Washington, D.C. — from a pending Supreme Court nomination to the growing calls to impeach the president — the choice could have lasting consequences.

More: Sen. John McCain, American 'maverick' and political giant, dies at 81

More: John McCain's top quotes through the years

Ducey has publicly ruled out appointing himself to the seat, a statement he made after McCain's glioblastoma diagnosis in July 2017. Ducey has spurned further questions about potential candidates, calling them inappropriate.

News that the senator was halting treatment Friday revived speculation about who might be in the running.

It's unclear at this point whether the governor would select a "caretaker" replacement or someone with aspirations to hold the seat long-term.