I'm just wondering what everyone thinks Illinois should do about naming a new Senator to take Obama's seat now that Blagojevich has been arrested for corruption. I get the feeling we may split down party lines, just like the Illinois politicians are, but let's see.
They should pick me. I'll even swallow my pride and move to Chicago. And I'll promise not to run for re-election. Seriously, they should pick their Senator like we all should: Election by State Legislature.
One-time special election to remove the taint, but no reason to take the power away from the Governor going forward.
Yay for less involvement from actual voters! Not. I voted other. Let the Lt. Gov. pick when he ascends but he should pick a placeholder - a solid, credible, CLEAN candidate who doesn't harbor ambitions beyond this term. Let the voters decide in 2010 when Obama's term expires. I'd be all for a special election if it were cheap but it's exorbitantly expensive and also unnecessary.
They are already going to have another election to repalce Rahm Emanuel, so it isn't going to really be expensive for Illinois to couple the election with that one. If Caroline Kennedy gets picked in NY, I'll be against governors getting to choose in any circumstance. There are more qualified candidates.
I think Blago's shown us that putting sole authority for a senator appointment in one person's hands is an invitation for corruption.
