The 17th Amendment

From ConstitutionFacts.com

Amendment XVII: Direct election of senatorsThe Seventeenth Amendment was proposed on May 13, 1912, and ratified on April 8, 1913.
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.
When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointment: until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.

So, the Governor of the state could make a temporary appointment once a special election date has been determined, right? The appointed Senator would know that it was temporary, still participate in senatorial duties and decide whether or not to officially run for the seat. Am I missing something here? Why don't we do it this way anymore? Can the Senate say they will do it this way to avoid all of the drama? Because in my world, following the Constitution is pretty much drama free. And right now, that sounds pretty good.