Final answer:
The governor's appointment of a licensed commissioner to fill a vacancy is guided by state laws and the 17th Amendment, which allows temporary appointments until an election is held.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appointment of a licensed commissioner to fill a vacancy should be made by the governor of a state according to the rules set forth by either the state constitution or statutes consistent with the U.S. Constitution. The 17th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides guidance on this matter by stating that should a vacancy occur in the representation of any state in the Senate, the executive authority of such a state can issue writs of election to fill such vacancies. However, it also allows state legislatures to empower the governor to make temporary appointments until the vacancy is filled by an election as directed by the legislature.
In practice, most states allow governors to make these appointments which usually last until a special election is held to temporarily replace the outgoing commissioner. This ensures that the continuity of governance and representation is maintained. The specific procedure for selecting nominees from which the governor can choose may vary and can include details such as providing a list of three nominees from relevant bodies or interest groups. Such variabilities are usually detailed within the respective state's laws or constitution.
Moreover, the president of the United States similarly has the power to fill vacancies for certain federal positions during the recess of the Senate with the stipulation that any commissions granted shall expire at the end of the Senate's next session.