It's Official: Illinois Legislature Pushing Blago Aside, Will Pass Bill For Special Election

[babylonsister]

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/illinois_legislature_pushing_b.php

Illinois Legislature Pushing Blago Aside, Will Pass Bill For Special Election
By Eric Kleefeld - December 9, 2008, 4:53PM


It's official: The Illinois legislature is now on track to pass emergency legislation to fill Barack Obama's former Senate seat by special election, rather than allow Gov. Rod Blagojevich to make an appointment under these circumstances. Here's the statement from state Senate President Emil Jones:

"The events this morning are shocking. The faith of the citizens of Illinois has once again been shaken. I will call the Senate back in to session to pass legislation that would create a special election for the U. S. Senate seat to help restore the confidence of the people of Illinois during this difficult time."

At his press conference earlier today, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn estimated that it could take at least three days to get a bill fully written and passed. But expect one to get passed as soon as they can do it, and possibly even on a unanimous vote in both houses.

[Occam Bandage]

1. Welp, here's hoping we don't lose a seat. Hopefully they'll run Oberweis or something. nt

[terrya]

4. I can see only one Republican in this state winning that election.

Former Governor Jim Edgar.

And I don't think he's interested in ever returning to public life.

[terrya]

2. That's the only thing they can do.

Any appointment by Blagojevich at this point is automatically tainted.

Let the people of this state vote for their Senator.

[saracat]

3. "cough" but Emil Jones isn't that much more credible than Blago

and he allegedly is also in the running for the Senate seat. Wonders never cease.

[SoCalDem]

5. Why not just take the names of the most spoken of "would be candidates"

and vote on them via secret ballot in the legislature..plurality wins.. Why spend the money on a special election? The person who "wins" will immediately have to start running again for the '10 full-time position..

Unless a 6-yr term goes with the special election, it's silly to spend all the money it takes to hold an election for a 1 yr appointment..and I don't see how they could even pull it off before inauguration.. we need all hands on deck, on day one:)

[Robbien]

6. Appears they have no faith in Blago stepping aside

Good move

[RiverStone]

7. I may be missing the obvious here - but why is Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn not taking the spot?

Are folks waiting for him to resign? I assume the Gov. is both ethically (and legally?) now unable to fulfil his duties, would not the 2nd in command just assume the helm?

[babylonsister]

8. I think he has to either resign or be impeached.

They're thinking he won't resign, impeachment takes time, and these seats need to be filled asap, preferably before 20 Jan. I don't know if that is possible, but we'll see.

[RiverStone]

9. If he is even guilty of 1/10 of what is charged against him...

He could choose to earn a little good karma back and do the right thing for his constituency --- i.e. resign ASAP.

If he is an immoral crook who does not give a damn about anyone other than his own $$$ and ambitions, than certainly he will fight to hang on to power as long as possible.

Sometimes, bad guys can do good --- but not often.