Illinois’ next U.S. Senator?
by Segen • Dec 7th, 2008 at 11:17 pm • 5 comments
Any predictions about who will take over Obama’s seat in the U.S. Senate?
?
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Any predictions about who will take over Obama’s seat in the U.S. Senate?
?
Comment by Brandon on 8 December 2008 at 7:42 am:
Jesus. The only one who can replace Obama with the same aura. :-D
Comment by Joshua on 8 December 2008 at 7:45 am:
I tend to think he will act in his self interest, because his ego is big enough Blago think he can win again. And he does have some time to bring his numbers up. Consequently, the best strategic move would be appointing a likely primary opponent, in Lisa M or Alexi G. I don’t think it’ll be Jesse Jr., but I like him a lot.
Another strategy for Blago might be picking someone who will only hold office for two years, so the IL young guns have something else to aspire to where they get a 6 year term, get to be called Senator, and don’t have to worry about Blago’s big ass war chest.
If some of the whispers are true, which I highly doubt, and Cullerton could be willing to work w/ Madigan to impeach Blagojevich, then perhaps he should appoint himself to the Senate to get out of their way. Its hard to imagine how he could win re-election, but it would make less of an incentive to get rid of him, and actually, I’m not certain without checking whether or not the IL general assembly can impeach the IL Senator.
I wonder what would happen if he were to do something really off the wall and appoint a republican party statesman who would only be likely to serve 2 years, like Edgar or Jim Thompson…maybe he’s like McCain and thinks radical gambles are the only way he can recover.
Comment by Joshua on 8 December 2008 at 7:59 am:
My choice would be State Sen. Jacqueline Collins, but I think she’s a longshot
Comment by Joshua on 8 December 2008 at 6:18 pm:
The timing issue is also novel. I would hate to name someone like Emil Jones or an outright crony right after NY names Caroline Kennedy. But the sooner he announces someone, he loses any bargaining power he may have had by swapping the appointment for something.
Comment by Buck B. on 9 December 2008 at 9:01 am:
Apparently his “swapping the appointment for something” was a little more explicit than you thought, Josh.