7. A vacancy in the membership of the council shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made, but for the unexpired term only. When a vacancy occurs among one of the gubernatorial appointees who is a member of the same political party as the Governor then in office, the Governor shall appoint a replacement of the Governor’s choice. When a vacancy occurs among one of the gubernatorial appointees who is a member of a political party which is different from that of the Governor, the Governor shall appoint a replacement from a list of three nominees submitted by the chair of the State committee of that political party.

L.1996,c.24,s.7.