Martin Harris

Martin Harris was the Vice-President of the Terran Republic, Martin Harris died of a heart attack in May 2618, and explorer Tom Connery is asked by President Sylvia Wyatt to fill the position for the remaining 6 months of her term, Connery accepts.

Martin was probably some kind of naturalist, chosen by president Sylvia to balance the ticket. It's impossible to think ailments like heart attacks haven't been long cured.