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Thursday, February 21, 2008

Thinking ahead: Who'll take Sen. Obama's place if he goes to the White House?

If Barack Obama, our junior U.S. senator,  is elected president or vice president this November or is named to the cabinet in the next administration, what happens to his  seat?

The 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says:

When vacancies happen in the representation of any state in the Senate, the executive authority of each 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 appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

Our legislature has empowered the governor in this way:



Meaning Gov. Rod Blagojevich has almost limitless discretion in naming a person to fill out what would be the last two years of Obama's six-year term in U.S. Senate.

First, let me argue that this is a bad law. It should be amended to require the governor to appoint a replacement from the same party as the outgoing senator, as the law requires in certain other states.

It probably won't be relevant here -- Obama and Blagojevich are both Democrats -- but down the line there's really no justification for allowing a governor unilateral authority to perhaps  shift the balance of power in the United States Senate.

Second, let me throw out a few names of possible replacements for your consideration and analysis:

  • U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
  • U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky
  • U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel
  • U.S. Rep. Luis Guitierrez
  • Ill. Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan
  • Ill. Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias
  • Ill. Comptroller Dan Hynes
  • Former Ill. Sen. Carol Ronen
  • Dan Seals
  • Tammy Duckworth
  • Ill. Rep. Jay Hoffman (D.-Collinsville)

Would he choose to reward an ally? Toss a favor toward a constituent group?  Get a potential political rival safely out of the way?

A smart and popular choice would be Lisa Madigan, who's not only widely seen as a likely challenger to Blagojevich for the 2010 Democratic gubernatorial nomination but also the daughter of  his bitter legislative rival, House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Other names that belong on that list?


Ramsin Canon at Gaper's Block engaged this question recently.

Larry Handln, "The Archpundit" handicaps my list above and adds a few names of his own: Blair Hull, Manny FlLores, Paul Vallas....



I think Giannoulias would make an excellent Senator. He's done an excellent job with his office, is very popular, is an Obama protege, and represents the "next generation" of leaders. He is Illinois' brightest star right now (next to Obama)

That's just what we need, a 31 year old Senator with one year of public service experience. Maybe one day, but sure as heck not now.

Blagojevich better be careful to nominate someone who won't be an easy mark for Republicans when the seat comes up in an election. It seems reasonable that appointees have a harder time defending their seats than elected incumbents. Of course Illinois Republicans haven't shown an ability to take advantage of even the easiest opportunities so it may not matter. The easiest targets on your list are probably Jackson Jr., Schakowsky, Duckworth, and Blagojevich himself. The Republicans would probably least want to run against Madigan or Emanuel.

If Obama is elected President (shudder) I'll be slightly comforted by the near certainty that the appointee will be more conservative than he is.

Emil Jones. One hand washes the other.

Emil Jones. One hand washes the other.


Two birds, one stone.


EZ, you hit it on the head: Gov. "Testicular Virility", who has an excess of chutzpah, and an obvious disregard for the amount of disdain in which he is viewed in Illinois will appoint none other than himself. He wants national office so badly - even if it is only for a brief time before he is indicted by Patrick Fitgerald and his AUSA staff for his (alleged) actions while governor of Illinois . . . .
Another reason Blago would have no compunction about naming himself as Senator Obama's replacement:

He has a gargantuan - nay, an Olympian - sense of self-importance. He doesn't give a ratz-ss about his party. It's all about him . . . .

(Do you think his wife, Patti, will continue to sell real estate [and collect real estate commissions] while he is senator?)


I want to be properly cited as a source for this.


7 hrs ago

Here's my scary nightmare:

Obama wins, his senate seat becomes empty.

Blagojevich gets to select a replacement for Obama.

Blagojevich picks himself.

Suddenly we have Lipinski Jr. and Blagojevich as Illinois' representatives in Washington for LIFE. Neither elected to the post, but once placed there, impossible to remove.

That solves the Democrats' problem of what to do in the 2010 governor race, gets Blagojevich to D.C. and situated for life.

The fact that Illinois will suffer, the residents will pay and pay for nothing and more nothing, forever and ever, doesn't matter to the actual powers behind the throne(s).

This is why I WON'T be voting for Obama. This is currently my WORST nightmare.


Ronen is a joke, right? A nod to her refusal of the supposed forthcoming DoC appointment by Blagojevich?

Blago has a lot of options and will undoubtedly receive criticism no matter who he picks. If he's concerned about the 2010 race, he should appoint Giannoulias - the only possible candidate with more money AND charm than he has.

Tammy Duckworth

Pretty good list. I was worried about who would replace Obama... feeling a little better now... :-)

I don't see anything in the law that says Blago has to appoint an Illinoisan. I predict he names Bill Clinton, as the result of a backroom deal between Blago, Obama, and Hillary in exchange for Hill's delegates.

A critical fact that most bloggers don't appreciate is that US Senate appointees are not often then elected to the position. That's why widows get the job a lot. Appointment is not a short-cut to a permanent spot in the Senate.

Add to that the widespread distain for the Governor, no one he appoints is going to be able to run again.

My expectation is that Jesse White or some other retirement-aged official will get the appointment.

Lisa Madigan would be terrific. Plus, we need more women in the Senate.

Don't discount the possibility that he would name somebody out of the private sector, perhaps a successful African-American. That way, he doesn't alienate any elected officials and he stays in the good graces of the AA electorate.
Or he could name Jesse White as somewhat of a placeholder for the duration of the term. Nice tribute to a well-liked official. That move could also help him put his close friend Rep. Jay Hoffman into the Secretary of State office.

Posted by: Bill, Chicago, IL | Feb 21, 2008 5:46:19 PM

That assumes President Obama does not appoint Stroger to a cabinet post. He did endorse him after all. I could see Stroger as Sec of Health and Human Services, considering his background in hospitals.

If Hillary loses the nomination to Obama, there's no way she is ever president in the future, right? This is her one shot. If that's the case, Bill Clinton will file for divorce before she finishes her concession speech.

ZORN REPLY -- Not necessarily on both counts.

We've got to think outside of the box with these things. The media and society generally likes to fill these positions with other members of the political elite.

Therefore, I would like to recommend myself!

I am a loyal citizen of these United States and the state of Illinois. My Illinois heritage goes back to early 19th century, perhaps more than others on the list above.

How would I get the Governor to appoint me?

Blago will appoint himself.
After all, he thinks he's the greatest pol of all time.
I actually like that, because it would mean Governor Pat Quinn.
Blago couldn't do any damage in DC, the other senators wouldn't give him the time of day, they knows he's a bum.

I can TOTALLY see Rod Almighty appointing himself. Not only would that make me vomit profusely, but I would get the hell out of this state.

Zorn- you have absolutely got to be kidding about putting Dan Seals on your short list. Leaving aside the fact Seals faces serious credibility problems in his campaign, Seals has never been elected to so much as the local library board, and his only qualification for running for Congress against Mark Kirk is the fact he ran for Congress last cycle (and got beat). That's no qualification at all, and certainly no reason to appoint him to the U.S. Senate.

Or are you suggesting he'd be a suitable replacement for Barack Obama simply because Seals does his best to look and sound like Barack Obama?

I do admit it would be a nice consolation prize for Seals once he gets beat again by Kirk.

ok, addition to my other comment. He needs some more senior votes in the next election, so I'm thinking he will nominate some insider from the AARP. And them give then free plane trips to and from Washington from Srpingfield alogn with their free transit because, well, there is nothing like giving out free stuff to people that would vote for you.
Oh, and all the while yelling, "Oh won't someone please think of the children!?!?!?". Of course to Rod, "children" is just another word for "elected corrupt politician"

Although Madigan, Hynes or Jackson would be unbeatable choices, I would think Emanuel would be the best of all possible choices....


Who is replacing him right now? How can Obama (or Clinton or McCain) afford to spend so much time away from work? I wish I could get that much paid vacation.

I think Lisa Madigan really wants to be Govenor. She's all set to run from what I hear unless Obama ends up losing and maybe running himself.

She'd be good as a senator though.

I've heard others make your same arguments regarding constraints on a governor's appointment power to the U.S. Senate, and I think they're all bogus:

* 'there's really no justification for allowing a governor unilateral authority to perhaps shift the balance of power in the United States Senate' Actually, there is: the Framers intended the Senate to be a lever for States to exert influence over the Federal government. That emerging political dynamics in one state could suddenly shake things up is probably a good thing for Washington power brokers to keep in mind.

* 'It should be amended to require the governor to appoint a replacement from the same party as the outgoing senator' Why? The people of Illinois elected Barack Obama to the Senate, not the Democratic Party. Do you mean to say that makes the party somehow entitled to the position? Do you think that entrenching that mentality would actually be improving our body of law? Moreover, the people of Illinois also elected the governor, and the appointment powers of that office--and consequences thereof--should have been a factor in voters' decisions.

1st off Obama has never done the job he was elected for. He showed up for work, took the oath, set up the office and then hasnt been seen since.

2nd off, does it matter what crook another crook appoints. They are only going to screw us more because you people keep putting the idiots into office.

When your kids and grandkids live in cardboard huts I dont want to hear any complaints out of you sheeples.

Oh, indeed, I'm with Chibear. Rahm Emanuel for sure is the best choice.

until I got to the part where you said Blago would choose Lisa Madigan to solve his own problems, I was mentally screaming, "NO! Not Lisa Madigan! She has to be the next governor!" So don't be making her a senator, now.

I can hardly wait to see her run against Blago. It will be such an interesting, entertaining race...

I am liberal, and tend to vote Democratic in state and national races (in Kane County, where I live, there are some good Republicans, too!) -- but I wouldn't mind (except for the whole balance of power thing) if Blago appointed Mark Kirk. I like Kirk a lot. He seems, by and large, reasonable, clear-thinking and independent.
What's appalling is that the most idiotic governor we have ever had might get to make such a momentous decision.
That said, hey, I'm for Hillary.

Here are some names

Alan Dixon -- Has been there, will not run again
Jesse White -- Helps the gov with his Chicago core
Rev. Jesse Jackson -- See above
State Sen. Meeks -- Likely takes Meeks out of running for gov.
Dick Mell -- Shuts his father-in-law up
Oprah -- Interesting idea
Ron Santo or Ernie Banks -- He is a huge Cub fan.

Glen Poshard - Helps him downstate
Sheila Simon -- Helps him downstate

Lisa Madigan takes a pass if offered.

ZORN REPLY -- Oprah is a fascinating idea. Huge paycut for her, but quite a choice.

How do you enforce the same-party rule, especially in a state like Illinois where you do not register to vote as a member of a party? I suppose current elected officials and party committee members could be defined, although even some of them might be tricky. Under such a rule, would Democrat-turned-RINO-to-win-a-nomination-turned-Independent Mike Bloomberg be eligible if Clinton is elected president? What is Joe Lieberman for these purposes (other than irrelevant because he is already in the Senate)?

For others, it gets even harder. What is a prominent businessman? Whatever party's ballot he took in the last primary? What if he took a Democratic ballot for the first time in his life because the Democratic presidental primary was more interesting than the Republican? If the rule is that you are what you say you are, what stops someone from "changing" parties the day after a Senator becomes president-elect in order to qualify for the appointment two and a half months later?

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. - probably too much baggage. Plus, he wants to be Mayor, not Senator.

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky - waaaay to partisan and liberal.

U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel - he would be a decent choice, but I think he's angling to be Speaker.

U.S. Rep. Luis Guitierrez - Wants to be Mayor

Ill. Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan - wants to be Governor

Ill. Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias - way too young and inexperienced.

Ill. Comptroller Dan Hynes - this makes the most sense. He would relish the job of Senator, has run before, holds a statewide office, and is pretty popular to boot.

Former Ill. Sen. Carol Ronen - unknown statewide

Dan Seals - Doesn't even hold an elected office. The only thing he's known for is losing in a congressional race. Way too inexperienced to be Senator.

Tammy Duckworth - see above

Ill. Rep. Jay Hoffman (D.-Collinsville) - unknown statewide

Gov. Rod Blagojevich - I don't think I even need to go into what's wrong with this.

If Obama gets into the WH (horrors!!!), Tammy Duckworth. It doesn't get more obvious. Durbin's a typical American man displaying an overly stereotypical infactuation with the Asian-American woman since he first met her. Wasting all the money in the world wouldn't get her into Congress. This is the next best opportunity.

Blago's got other fish to fry. He'll have no problems putting Duckworth in the Senate.

If Giannoulias is smart, he'll challenge Blago for gov. in the Primary. He'll win the Primary & the General later that year.


Posted by: Republokratsuk | Feb 21, 2008 9:13:59 PM

Don't let facts get in your way, buddy.




But hey, keep drinking that talk-radio cool-aide.

Since our current junior senator hasn't done much of anything, they might as well replace him with JOHN Stroger.

I'm for Hillary, too - as Obama's successor in the role of junior senator from Illinois. She would elevate the corruption in Illinois politics to a significantly higher plane. Also, if she gets out of New York, Nita Lowey would finally get a chance at the senate seat Hillary crowded her out of in 2000.

Rahm Emanuel

Benjammin -- please see Neil's comments.

Obama 2008!

Well, the "Machine" gave us Todd Stroger & Dan Lipinski so who knows who they will pick to 'represent' us. But comically, Blago won't listen and appoint Lisa Madigan, only so she won't run against him in a few years.

Forest Claypool???

Seals does seem unlikely but he is often compared to Obama (maybe for superficial reasons mostly) and don't count him out in November vs. Kirk.

What about Michelle Obama? She's an articulate lawyer and the goodwill might just buy Blago a pardon down the road.

ZORN REPLY -- Right. Using the Hillary CLinton Experience Formula --HCEF -- Michell has 8 years in Springfield as a legislative spouse and now 3 in Washington as a senatorial spouse....more than 10 years in governmental spousal service!

MICHAEL Madigan. That way, the Governor wouldn't have to deal with his nemesis to pass state legislation any more.

ZORN REPLY-- Devilish!

Posted by: Benjammin | Feb 21, 2008 10:33:53 PM

Perhaps Obama will bring John Stroger back from the dead. Messiahs can do that.

Maybe he will also convince Tony Rezko to give all his money to the poor. They can do that too.

ZORN REPLY-- You're really getting grumpy, there, SS. Think how much fun you'll have if Obama is elected -- four, maybe eight years of non-stop crabbing online!

Jan Schakowsky is the most likely. Very competent, knows a lot of Senators already, no learning curve involved.

Lisa Madigan is probably happier where she is, on track to eventually being being Governor

Melissa Bean would be a good choice, except her open seat would be more likely to revert to Republican. And, she could use more experience.

Rahm's temperament is more House than Senate.

ZORN REPLY -- Bean would be a bad choice because naming her would really risk that hard-won seat for the Democratic party.

Don't let facts get in your way, buddy.

>>Senator Obama has sponsored or co-sponsored 570 bills in the 109th and 110th Congress.


Senator Obama has also introduced amendments to 50 bills, of which 16 were adopted by the Senate.<<


Posted by: Neil | Feb 21, 2008 10:25:05 PM

Let's expose Neil for being a Kool-Aid guzzler himself. 'Cept he gets his off the Internet.

Everything in the above passage was copied verbatim (including the all-caps "LAW") from this page on the Daily Kos, a web site for left-of-left loonies.


Gosh, Neil, did you miss the thread about attributing souces (i.e. Medill)? Do you always let others do your thinking for you?

ZORN REPLY --- When you put things inside those quote-mark like things -- carats?-- you signal that the words aren't yours. IT passes muster by the loose standards of message boards where "Phil the K" passes for attribution.

I like the idea of Duckworth...she has proven she cannot really exists on her own as a political entity, and is beholden to her political allies. This is really what we need from an Illinois senator, someone beholden to the machine, further entrenching their power.

Is Duckworth going to stand up to the Stroger Machine and demand he relinquish control of the County Hospital? Dream on, mate......

Obama in the White House, another hack sent to the Senate...Illinois cancer continues to spread to Washington.

Guys...things are getting financially desperate in Illinois. The person we send to the Senate should have only one agenda: looting as much federal money for Illinois as possible. We need a real bagman for this job.


Some of the choices for replacing Obama are just as scary as Obama !!!!

He wasn't around long enough as a senator to really do anything for Illinois so his replacement wouldn't have any shoes to fill.

Either way this is a dark time for the state.

Former Ill. Sen. Carol Ronen would be excellent. I met her during a visit to Springfield and she was gracious, intelligent and would be a perfect representative of Illinois in the Senate.

[For those complaining that Obama hasn’t done the job of a US Senator: If you really understood how our legislative system works, you would be screaming for ALL elected officials to spend most of their time away from DC. This country is not improved by elected officials spending their days riding the little underground trolley back and forth – which is exactly what you are advocating.]

The Governor’s pick will be someone who currently holds a position that also requires a gubernatorial appointment. If handled smartly (?) Blago can do a stream of appointments. This eliminates all members of the US Congress and the IL legislature.

And I will repeat my earlier statement: Senate appointees do NOT get re-elected to the position. Ask Jean Carnahan in MO and Howard Metzenbaum in Ohio (who did eventually make it later). It would be great exposure to someone who wants to run statewide post-2010.

But no one Blago appoints is going to be elected to hold the seat in 2010. Alan Keyes could actually win against any Democrat Blago appoints.

ZORN REPLY -- You're really wrong about that. An organization-backed Democrat will clobber the GOP nominee in 2010 as he will in 2008; the only way this doesn't happen is if Blago makes a deeply unpopular or strange appointment.

Wow, it is pure comedy reading the right-wing rantings here. No wonder the conservative agenda is getting rolled back everywhere--with clowns like this spreading the word, honest, sensible people are choosing a different path. So smear away, wingnuts! Keep it up with the puerile personal attacks on "libruls" You are digging your political graves deep in the wilderness for the next 40 years!

Being a Conservative living part-time in the eastern San Francisco suburb of Illinois, does not have many palatible choices. I may be insane, from the culmulative effects of a lifetime of living in a Kleptocracy, but something about Jesse Jackson Jr, appeals to my risk taking tendencies.

Agree with none of his Politics but he can sell, is engaging and like it or not has a Pedigree. Either he is just one of those people I am just 'hard wired' to like or maybe (my biggest fear) he actually would be able to talk me out of my money and turn Illinois around.

Why should he be replaced? He hasn't done any thing except since he has been senator. Apparently we don't need another senator.

I think Rahm would be the best choice - but I doubt it's going to happen.

Andrea Zopp. Successful African-American woman with strong public service background as a federal and later state prosecutor. Outstanding career in the private sector after leaving government. Unimpeachable integrity. Outside the box.

Alexi Giannoulias - you're cartooning me right? He's not even qualified for the position he is in now. Someone still needs to investigate all the loans he made to the Mafia while working for his daddy's bank.

ZORN NOTE-- I've deleted your next comment as redundantly off topic. This isn't a trash Obama thread, readers, and the joke nominations....eh.

This will be a moot point. Obama isn't going to be President.

ZORN REPLY -- He might be veep, he might be in the cabinet, he might decide to retire. Y'never know.

I have addressed this issue before as you should have. There is only one other person who could smoothly fill the position and would have Daley support and Chicago support without ruffling political feathers... Ron Huberman!

As I read the Constitution, it doesn't give the Governor the authority to hog-tie his choice, toss him or her in a freight car, and pack him or her (doesn't political correctness make clumsy sentences?) off to Washington. The selectee can still say, "Hell no, I won't go!"

Were I Lisa Madigan, that's what I'd do, unless I really wanted to live in Washington. (The summers there are dreadful.) She'd be a shoo-in for governor in 2010, and IMHO, would make a good one.

I hope her dad will stick around and continue to be a thorn in Milorad's side.

Dan Seals? If he wins in November, Milorad won't appoint him. If he loses, maybe so, though I agree with the posters above that he lacks seasoning.

You're all spending a lot of time and energy on something that won't happen. The Clinton corruption machine will somehow pull Billary from the ashes and she'll win the nomination. But perhaps too much energy and money and favors spent on winning the nomination could make her more vulnerable for the GE...

Please keep building your case, Mr. Atty Fitzgerald - we need a new mayor.

Since the guv's arrogance knows no bounds, he is most likely to appoint himself. None of the other candidates you have listed are even remote possibilities:

Rahm Emmanuel - no way does a guy with his ego want to be second banana to Dick Durbin. No way Durbin will allow any more usurpation of his power (betcha $1M Durbin will be happy to see johnny come lately leave the IL delegation)

Lisa Madigan - way too clever a choice for Blago, which means no way this happens.

JJ Jr - Really wants to be mayor of Chicago

All the of the remaining candidates you mention are no friend of the Guv, so not likely to get the nod. I offer up a unique alternative - Deborah Mell. This accomplishes several things; smooths over family feud, puts another woman in the senate, puts the first openly gay person in the senate. I don't think she is qualified, but neither is the Toddler, Lipinski Jr, or Blago himself.

ZORN REPLY -- IT would be politically very tough for Blago to make a pick like that, and a signal that he's not going to run again. The case can be made, however, re. Mell or Seals or some of the other names floated, that what you want in a U.S. Senator is not necessarily someone who's been a career elected official, but someone who's exhibited lots of brains, common sense, creativity and charisma. A business leader is not out of the question. Or an academic. Or a media star such as Oprah.

This talk of Blago appointing himself is stupid. Why would he leave a job as chief executive of the state to go be one of 100 in the US Senate. Perhaps if the seat werent up for 4 years, it might buy him some time. However, whether in the senate seat, or the governor's office, he still needs to run again in 2010. And if people think that he will have opposition in the governor's race, why wouldnt somebody challenge his senate seat.
Blagojevich will not appoint himself. Zorn, can you put this to bed please?

ZORN REPLY --It's a much easier, equally prestigious gig that would allow Blago to do what he truly likes to do best, grandstand. It would also pretty much hand the governor's office to Lisa Madigan, as Pat Quinn would have to run as an outisder even as an incumbent, so he might secure Mike Madigan's blessing/assurance that the party will be behind his senate re-election effort in 2010.
Do I think it's likely? No.

How about Congresswoman Melissa Bean?

She's a moderate Democrat woman from the collar counties with a strong background, good experience and not tied to any machine.

You know, I really hate it when people complain about US Senators not doing something for their state or US Representatives not bringing money back to their district. They were never supposed to do so, they were supposed to run the United States and work for the best interest of the nation, not the best interests of Illinois. That's what our state government is for.

Yeah, yeah, it's a pipe dream, I know. But the "do something for me" attitude is why we have all those earmarks and such that cause our federal taxes to be high enough for people to complain about them all the time.

What about Lt. Governor Pat Quinn? He has worked very well in his office, won againts a hard republican candidate in the first election, does not demonized republicans and seems that really care about people.


There's been too much focus on Illinois politicians and not enough on Illinoisans who've made their contributions outside politics:

How about Studs Terkel?


Jeff Tweedy: "I am trying to break your heart." A continuous loop of that Wilco lyric would serve as the soundtrack to my political adulthood.





Of the ladies...

Carol Marin. 'Nuff said.

Oprah. See Marin, Carol.


Nan Warshaw. Who? Nan is one of the founders of Chicago's Bloodshot Records and one of the driving forces in Chicago's music scene. Not only does Nan Get Things Done, she has witnessed first-hand -- and again and again -- the price hard-working, but randomly unlucky, Americans pay under our current, disastrous health care system. If Nan was in the Senate, we'd have single-payer, universal coverage in about six months.

Politics is too important to leave to the politicians.


Lt. Pat Quinn would make a good US Senator

Phil, I wasn't aware that my lack of attribution made my statements any less true. But of course, it's the MO of conservatives to attack the messenger when they can't dispute the message. Next time I'll be sure to cite all my references, after all, this IS an internet message board. In message board parlance, it's very very serious business.

Chicago City Treasurer Stephanie Neely -- I'm surprised she did not make your list. She is the only Chicago city-wide elected female official. She has impeccable qualifications and is doing an excellent job in her position(s) -- past and present. She does not carry the negative baggage of most on your list.

It would be a really good way for him to get rid of speaker Madigan.

Mark Kirk has reached across the aisle many times to bring about good things for Illinois.
If gog B really wants to improve Illinois' representation in the US Senate, he should nominate Representative Kirk.

I like Schakowsky as the replacement.
She's my congresswoman & all she cares about are illegal aliens & how she can help them.
Then we, in the Ninth will get a real representative in Congress.
First we had Ancient Sidney, who was only back in the district once in the last 10 years of his time in DC.
That's absolutely true! One of his opponents had a prize for the first person to see Sid in the district. The winners was the doorman at the LSD building where Sid rented a studio apartment to satisfy being a resident of the district.
No one else saw him that weekend.
Now we have Jan, her ex-con husband & her weekly press conferences saying we need even more immigrants.
She could never win a statewide election, so we would be permanently rid of her in two years.
A win all around!
And I'm a Dem that hates her!

What about Senator Noland.

If Gov. Blockhead wanted to really do something to redeam his sorry state (us and him) he would appoint former Senator Peter Fitzgerald. Senator Fitzgerald was someone who didn't follow the party line, wasn't a political hack like Durbin (I'm the senator that always jumps on the bandwagon whenever there is a percieved problem but hasn't a solution) and had the guts to appoint Patrick Fitzgerald as District AG. He knows the ropes, the people, and isn't beholding to the rest of the liberal or conservative hacks all of you mentioned above. He did a great job as our senator but probably won't serve if called unfortunately as he didn't get the support of either party.
Come to think of it thats why we want him there!

If you want to see what legislation Obama, Clinton, McCain or any member of Congress has proposed, you can see it at http://thomas.loc.gov/. Look for items that have been sponsored by the person, co-sponsored does not indicate anything other than signing on to a bill someone else has submitted. Obama has sponsored 52 items so far in the 110th Congress, Clinton sponsored 93 and McCain 20. None of which have made it into law.

Do the research. Educate yourselves.

Okay, scary thought.... New York's in the same position with Hillary running. What if - heaven forbid - the Dems put up a Clinton/Obama ticket (in whichever combination) and they win..... BOTH Senate seats open up.

In the meantime, I've wondered what Oprah's political aspirations may be with her backing of Obama. I do suspect she's planning to ride his coat-tails and now wonder if the Senate situation may have already been planned.

Come to think of it thats why we want him there!

The most brilliant choice to succeed Senator Obama is Cook County Clerk David Orr. His administration of the Cook County Clerk's office has been a bright light of fiscal restraint and competence among Illinois elected officials. Orr offers a rock solid intellect, no pretensions, and honesty in government. We could use his integrity in Washington, DC -- or in the Governor's mansion.

I like the Forest Claypool idea. He deserves it!

Other than that, I nominate Patrick Fitzgerald, Oprah, Scott Turow, or maybe the Ryan whose campaign got blown out of the water by the stench from the previous Ryan. Was that one Jim? I know he's a Repug, but maybe he'd be willing to change parties for a Senate seat. He definitely seemed like the best the Repugs have to offer. Which isn't saying much.

Anita Alvarez, she has all the qualities we look for in our elected officials; unqualified, minority and a woman.

I'm kind of rooting for Jan Schakowsky, for a very strange reason...

If she takes over in the Senate, then there's a chance that state rep Julie Hamos would take her seat...

...then I could run to replace Hamos. I've got no experience, no money, and no chance, but hey, it'd be a lot of fun. And I could be the first loyal CoS reader to make the leap into, you know, the politics.

Funny, I was just thinking about this question yesterday and was going to write and suggest you blog about it.

The right choice is Lisa Madigan. Blago won't do that. And, yes, she would take it instead of being Governor - always time for that later if she still wants it. Madigan as Senator will be reelected as long as she wants and a decade down the road (or less) will be considered VP material.

Blago might well appoint himself. He has continually thumbed his nose at everyone else in the state; he has terrible relations with the legislature; he has virtually no change of being elected governor again.

So, why not make himself senator, take his shot at election in two years from an incumbent's seat there, and fall back on DC contacts he makes to do high end lobbying in election doesn't pan out? It is the ultimate selfish move. What has he ever done as governor to suggest he wouldn't follow that route?


Not really on topic to the conversation, but I disagree - as EZ did.

Hillary has no shot in the future if Obama is elected in November. Obama is then the Dem candidate in 2012; then 2016 will bring a new generation of candidates.

But if Obama loses in November (better than zero chance of this happening), then Hillary essentially says, "See; if I had been the candidate, I would have prevailed." And she gets another shot at the nomination in 2012. She may or may not win, but she can be a serious contender.

How about Dawn Clark Netsch? She could serve out the term with grace and honor, whilst all of the other politicos line up their troops for the next primary.

SCAM's suggestion of Patrick Fitzgerald is brilliant. Think Blago will come up with it (maybe he reads this blog)? :-)

I live in the 2nd Congressional District and Jesse Jr has been good, not great but good, he'd be a decent choice.

I like the thought of Luis Guiterriez taking the seat as well as Rahm Emanuel but wouldn't both of these guys (as well as Jesse Jr), be up for possible cabinet positions?

What about Richard M. Daley?

Your request for comments didn't specify whether we should suggest whom we thought SHOULD be nominated or who we thought Blago WOULD nominate. Knowing Blagojevich those 2 list of names are probably mutually exclusive.


Whom he SHOULD appoint:

Tammy Duckworth - I was enormously impressed with her and when she lost I was hoping we would one day see her get another chance at high office.

Dawn Clark Netsch - senior statesman, she has the gravitas though she might be a bit old for the job.

Dan Hynes - impressive public official who will ascend to higher office eventually.

Whom he probably will appoint:

Himself - he has the chutzpah to do it.

Michelle Obama or Sandi (Mrs. Jessie Jackson Jr.) Jackson - with Obama being the only African American in the Senate, there will be enormous pressure to replace him with another African American. Neither can be accused of being lightweights and Blago can score points both with African American and women.

I think Alderman Ed Burke would be the perfect interim appointee.

Ted Lechowicz! What an outstanding public servant!

kirk isn't gonna get the nod. Despite being one of the "more moderate" members of the GOP, he's still goes to bed with the Bush brand a vast majority of the time. horrible idea.

i would actually like to see luis guiterrez. How many latinos represent congress? I can think of only one from the top of my head (FL - salazar). He's also pretty liberal which goes in line with Obama.

the last thing we need is a do nothing, weak kneed Democrat. That type of Democrat (Bean especially) blurs the line between progressive causes and conservative ideology.


ZORN REPLY -- Not necessarily on both counts.

Posted by: Jay | Feb 21, 2008 6:33:44 PM

If Obama wins the nomination and loses to McCain, the 2012 nomination is practically Hillary's for the taking. The "I told you so" whispers will start before the ballots are even done being counted. Obama won't get a second chance; Edwards is the only other Dem who got any traction this time around, but he's had two shots and couldn't do it. Legions of Dems will be ready and eager to pay their penance to HRC by letting her stroll to the nomination next time around.

ZORN REPLY -- If BOB loses the nomination he'll be on the inside track for 2012 if McCain wins the White House. General election losers seldom come back even to be nominated again -- Nixon comes to mind as the exception.

Won't Blago be in prison by January 2009?

Blago would be just arrogant enough to appoint himself and ignorant enough to miss the history of such appointments. Since 1920, six governors have appointed themselves or arranged for their appointments to the U.S. Senate and all six were defeated in the next election. Voters recognize raw ambition when they see it!

The last example of this phenomenon was Minnesota Gov. Wendell Anderson, a very popular Democrat, who stepped down in 1976 with the understanding his replacement, Rudy Perpich, would appoint him to the Senate to fill Walter Mondale's seat. The resulting outrage shot down the entire Democratic Party in the 1978 elections when Anderson lost to plywood king Rudy Boschwitz, Perpich lost to Al Quie, Hubert Humphrey widow Muriel lost her Senate seat to unknown Dave Durenberger and the Republicans took partial control of the Minnesota Legislature.

So if Blago wants to single-handedly revive the Republican Party in Illinois, guess what he could do.

ZORN QUERY-- Where's your source on the six count, etc? Interesting stuff, and I don't doubt it, I'm just wondering.

I don't like the idea of Rahm Emanuel getting consideration for Obama's Senate seat since he has not endorsed Obama. He should take the risk to reap the benefit.

And as another has said, Emanuel's more of a House guy, a Dan Rostenkowski-type.

I like a pick like Forest Claypool, a guy like Danny Davis or someone like Andrea Zopp - Lisa Madigan wants to be governor, jesse jr wants to be mayor.

Jim Edgar

I just don't see Obama losing to McCain. He's got some serious momentum. If he passes HRC (I'm betting he will), the Democratic Party will back him to the White House. America is reeling from these 8 years of a Republican presidency. I don't see them backing McCain. McCain is finally winning over the rest of his party, begrudgingly. I don't see him wooing the whole nation. While Obama is doing just that. And the change a lot of people are looking for is a blue instead of the tired red, among other things. While McCain's serivce to our country and experience may have Americans' respect I don't think it will be enough to win their votes.

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