Senator John H. Gear died in July 1900, Shaw was responsible for making an interim appointment to fill the seat. Connor was one of many Republicans who hoped Shaw would choose them to fill the vacancy, but Shaw instead chose Connor's congressman, Jonathan P. Dolliver, thus creating a new vacancy in the U.S. House.
Senator John H. Gear's demise in July 1900 prompted Shaw to make an interim appointment to fill the vacant Senate seat. Connor had hoped to be chosen by Shaw for the position, but Shaw instead selected Dolliver, a congressman and fellow Republican, which subsequently created another vacancy in the U.S. House.