Feeds: 
symbol identifies content for paid subscribers only.
SO WHAT NOW FOR OBAMA'S SENATE SEAT?
A couple of thoughts on Obama’s Senate seat:
- Dick Durbin is right that the state legislature should immediately pass a bill abolishing the governor’s right to appoint a new Senator and replacing it with a special-election process. It works for House seats everywhere and Senate seats in some other states. It would prevent Blagojevich-style shenanigans (and more prosaic political horse-trading) and simply be a more democratic and transparent process—something Illinois very much needs.
- If Blagojevich’s successor, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn (who is not implicated in Blagojevich’s scandals), appoints a replacement, he should pick someone who is above reproach, will promise not to run in 2010, and is not part of the state's political establishment -- someone who owes no one any favors and has no need to earn any goodwill with politicians in the state. No obvious candidates come to mind, but I’m sure there must be someone in Illinois who fits the bill.
- Sens. Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell should jointly announce that the Senate will refuse to seat anyone appointed by Blagojevich. If the governor refuses to resign, it will take some time for the legislature to impeach him — time he could use to appoint a replacement. If the Senate makes clear they will not allow it, it could hasten the necessary transfer of power in the state.
—Sam Boyd
COMMENTS (12)
"No obvious candidates come to mind." How about Caroline Kennedy?
Posted by: Rob M | December 9, 2008 2:32 PM
Appoint a previous Senator like Braun, Dixon or Stevenson.
Posted by: Anonymous | December 9, 2008 2:55 PM
Why should anyone promise not to run? If they are so sterling, you would think having them really run for office would be ideal.
Posted by: Carol | December 9, 2008 2:55 PM
How about Oprah?
Posted by: tomboy | December 9, 2008 3:12 PM
Quinn could appoint Tammy Duckworth. I see no reason for her to promise not to run in 2010.
Posted by: Cervantes | December 9, 2008 3:19 PM
Duckworth will get tarred with Blago association, no doubt. I'm digging Oprah, though.
Posted by: Chris O. | December 9, 2008 3:22 PM
Ditka for the Senate seat!
Posted by: Dan | December 9, 2008 3:25 PM
At Junior Senator, from the University of North Carolina, #23, MICHAEL JORDAN!!!
Posted by: tomboy | December 9, 2008 3:27 PM
How about we abolish the 17th Amendment and return the Senate to the role that the Founders intended it to have, which was as the states' governments check on the federal government.
Posted by: Chicounsel | December 9, 2008 3:33 PM
I disagree on the special election. Why give the repubs a chance for a pickup when this is "our" state? Let Blago be impeached or resign and then have the Lt. Gov. appoint a Dem.
Would the other side do any different in the same situation?
Posted by: Virginia | December 9, 2008 3:58 PM
How about former federal judge (and White House counsel and Obama supporter) Abner Mikva, who I believe is now associated with the University of Chicago Law School's clinic?
Virginia, the Illinois GOP is in such disarray that even given the Blagojevich gift, I'm doubtful they could win a special election.
Posted by: bob | December 9, 2008 4:37 PM
I disagree on the special election. Why give the repubs a chance for a pickup when this is "our" state? Let Blago be impeached or resign and then have the Lt. Gov. appoint a Dem.
Well, yes, but if anyone the Lt. Gov appoints is seen as tainted by this sludge, then it makes for an easier pickup by the Repubs in 2010. A clean candidate might stand a better chance in 2 years.
Posted by: Mike in Astoria | December 9, 2008 7:19 PM