Spencer's character will have a central role in the next original episode of the program, which is scheduled to air Jan. 8. The episode entitled "Running Mates," taped in mid-October, will revolve around a debate between Spencer's Leo McGarry, who's on the ticket of Democratic presidential nominee Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits), and Gov. Ray Sullivan (Brett Cullen), the Republican running mate of Sen. Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda).

Suffice it to say, Spencer's death has not only thrown the show's staff into emotional turmoil, but a strategic one as well -- and both must be balanced simultaneously.

"Wing" writers will not only have to develop a new story line -- one that could determine whether the program will get picked up for an eighth season -- but perhaps incorporate a new character as well. It's unclear when the show's fictional election will take place; speculation on the Web has centered on a March "election," though an NBC spokesman Monday said that was inaccurate.