The last attempt to fill such a vacancy in 1887 led to the outbreak of violence in the state legislature known as the Black Day of the General Assembly.

The position of lieutenant governor was created with the adoption of the first Constitution of Indiana in August 1816.

[2] To become lieutenant governor, a candidate must have been a United States citizen and lived within Indiana for the period of five consecutive years before the election.

[7] In the event that both the governorship and lieutenant-governorship are vacant, the constitution stipulates that the Senate president pro tempore becomes governor.

[10] Should the lieutenant governorship become vacant for any reason, including death, resignation, or succession, the governor may nominate a replacement who must be approved by both houses of the General Assembly.

[11] The majority of the powers exercised by the lieutenant governor are statutory and have been assigned by the Indiana General Assembly.

The first additional powers granted to the lieutenant governor were added in 1932 when the office holder was made the head of the state's agricultural commission.

[11] As head of the various office and committees, the lieutenant governor controls many patronage positions and is permitted to fill them by appointment.

[12] The annual salary of the lieutenant governor is set by the Indiana General Assembly and was $76,000 in 2007.