The Three Governors Controversy
Georgia politics received a jolt in December 1946 when the governor-elect, Eugene Talmadge, died. The state constitution did not specify who would assume the governorship in such a situation. Thompson contended that he should become governor upon his swearing in as lieutenant governor. Arnall, the outgoing governor, claimed that he could remain in office until his successor was chosen and sworn in. Eventually, Arnall removed himself from contention and threw his support behind Thompson's claim.
After the legislature elected Herman Talmadge governor in January 1947, both Arnall and Thompson refused to recognize the election. Nevertheless, Talmadge exercised gubernatorial power for more than two months. The state's highest court finally ended the Talmadge governorship by ruling that his legislative election was invalid and that Thompson should serve as acting governor until the next general election in 1948. The court directed that at that time the voters would choose someone to complete the remaining two years of Eugene Talmadge's term.
Read more about this topic: Melvin E. Thompson
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