Rep . Joe Barton will be a temporary replacement for the late Sen. Robert Byrd . Sen. Byrd died last month . If the contest is held this November , it would add another possible Senate pick up potential for the Republicans and would help their odds at possibly retaking control of the chamber . Sen. Byrd was the longest serving senator in Congressional history .
Rep . Joe Barton will be a temporary replacement for the late Sen. Robert Byrd . Sen. Byrd died last month . Sen. Byrd was the longest serving senator in Congressional history .