Hypothetical question here, and I suspect the FBI will knock on my
door for even asking it in this day and age: what would happen (god
forbid) if a non-incumbent presidential candidate died prior to a US
presidential election. e.g. if Kerry died, what would happen?  Also
what would happen if say both Kerry and Edwards died, prior to the
election? Last question: what would happen if they Kerry were elected
but died prior to being sworn in?

P.S. I ask this question only out of pure interest of what could
happen in a worst case scenario. As a US citizen, I believe it is
still my right to ask these questions and learn the answer.

Hello Kcbjordan~

Since you're asking about a specific part of the U.S. Constitution, I
don't think the Secret Service will be too alarmed :)

If a candidate dies, it's up to his (or her) party to find a
replacement. This would be true for the Vice Presidential "*and*
Presidential candidate.

The U.S. Constitution allows that if the President-elect dies, then
the Vice President-elect will be sworn in as President. (If the
Electoral College hasn't voted yet, then the Electoral College may, at
their discretion, choose somebody else.) (See "President Elect" at
Word IQ: http://www.wordiq.com/definition/President-elect ) To view
this section of the Constitution, see "Amendment 20, Section 3:"
http://iwhome.com/Constitution/cns1/cns179.htm

Regards,
Kriswrite

KEYWORDS USED:
"president elect dies"

Great answer, clear and concise.

If you're really worried about the FBI checking you out, then give the
local FBI office a call.  It's better that you call them then they
call you.

Thanks for the advice, but hey they get paid to do a job. I'm not
really wild about calling up the local FBI and saying "hey, why don't
you start a file on me".

:-)