a special election would have to be held to replace her and likely to favor a republican. lastly, still no word on mr. trump's choice for secretary of veterans affairs. veterans groups are calling for mr. trump keep robert mcdonald in that position. he had the job now for about two years. and many veterans groups say that mcdonald, a republican, has implemented the types of reforms they would like to see and hope that he continues to hold that position. martha? martha: we will see. david lee, thank you. mr. trump's pick for secretary of state, rex tillerson, face as rough road to confirmation mostly because of his ties to russia. is this an advantage or disadvantage for him? this is first faceoff between the trump white house and senate republicans opposed to this. how will this go down? a packed show beginning a senator from tennessee bob corker who was up for that job, one of the people under consideration. the chairman of the senate