While my recollection is that your surmise is true, it is NOT true that interviews would not be held because it's a big state. The field could be winnowed to a manageable number, allowing interview of, say, 30-40 or more applicants, perhaps doing them online. There are states that do exactly that.. What the Senators did last year isn't necessarily what they'll do this year. If you want the absolute correct answer then call their offices... or accept the word of some anonymous internet contributer. Personally I'd make the (simple and easy) phone call.