1.  What was John McCain's role in the federal government?

He was the Senator from Arizona for 30 years.

2. Who will be in charge of naming a replacement for him?

Doug Ducey, the Arizona governor, has to replace McCain with another Republican.

3. How long will that replacement serve?

They will hold that place until 2020.

4. What restrictions are there for who can be chosen to replace McCain?

They must be from the same party as McCain, Republican.

5. Why won't voters vote on a replacement for McCain in this November's elections?

Since he did not leave before May 30 there will not be a vote in November; this senator will serve until 2020 and then a vote will take place for who serves the rest of McCain’s 6 year term.

6. Why are Republicans happy that McCain's seat is not up for election this November?

The other Arizona Senator seat, held by Flake, will be up for grabs this election and there is a solid chance for a Democrat to take it.

7. What is the current Republican majority in the Senate?  

As of now, it is only a 51-49 majority held by them.

8. Why might McCain's replacement be better for Republicans than McCain was?

McCain was not a traditional Republican so his vote was not always very reliable, meaning the next choice for Senator is most-likely going to be more Republican and more likely to make the same choices as the rest of the party.