(1) Vacancies in the office of United States Senator shall be filled by appointment by the Governor.
(2) The appointee under subsection (a) of this section shall serve during the entire unexpired Senate term if the office would in regular course be filled at the next general election if no vacancy had occurred.
(3) If the office would not in regular course be filled at the next general election, the remaining portion of the vacated term shall be filled as follows: At the next general election if the vacancy occurs four (4) months or more before the next general election; or
(4) At the second general election after the vacancy occurs if the vacancy occurs less than four (4) months before the next general election.
(5) The person so elected shall: Take office on the first day of January following his or her election; and
(6) Serve the remaining portion of the vacated term.