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Obama Resigns Senate Seat
Just out from President-Elect Barack Obama:
"It has been one of the highest honors and privileges of my life to have served the people of Illinois in the United States Senate. In a state that represents the crossroads of a nation, I have met so many men and women who've taken different journeys, but hold common hopes for their children's future."It is these Illinois families and their stories that will stay with me as I leave the United States Senate and begin the hard task of fulfilling the simple hopes and common dreams of all Americans as our nation's next President."
Obama reportedly wanted to avoid what aides described as the awkward position of returning to the Senate to vote on the economic stimulus legislation being debated in Congress, though he will play a backstage role in moving the measure.
Obama will also not have to vote on Joe Lieberman's fate in the full Dem caucus meeting next week, though he probably would have avoided that in any case, since it's expected to be taken by the 111th Congress.
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Illinois loses a Senator but the United States gains a President!!!
November 13, 2008 3:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
The reasons for not participating in this lame duck session you give are good. Also, he's probably got a couple things on his mind and a bit of work on his plate.
November 13, 2008 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can just see the Fox teasers now:
November 13, 2008 3:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Genius.
November 13, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some musings on his replacement:
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/11/obama-friend-ja.html#more
November 13, 2008 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
"declined to speculate"....what a concept...
November 13, 2008 4:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's Tammy at the Dem Convention.
I like her, alot. She could be a powerful advocate in the Senate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6mvMpB2t9Y
November 13, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Presumably Jones would be a "non-political" pick who would make some sort of pledge not to run in 2010? That would be a "pro"; on the "con" side, as a longtime power center in Springfield chances are he carries some sort of baggage that could at least distract the press for a cycle or two.
News-cycle-wise, Duckworth is an obvious winner, but I really know nothing about her aside from the obvious.
Jones may "decline to speculate," but that doesn't mean we have to! ;-)
November 13, 2008 4:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've seen Schakowsky on Chicago TV news and on the Bill Maher show. She impressed me as someone who can hold her own and unashamedly defend the Dems' perspective on the public stage.
November 13, 2008 4:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ditto. She's outstanding. But there are lots of capable people in the mix so I don't know what her chances really are.
November 13, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
It HAS to be an African American. That might suck to hear but no if ands or buts about that.
November 13, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
You may well be right about that.
November 13, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
This whole system where you get to remain a sitting Senator once you receive your party's nomination for President is irritating. McCain and Obama spent tons of time away from the Senate, missing crucial votes and negotiations on legislation. It's hard to imagine they were as effective advocates for their constituents during that time.
November 13, 2008 4:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
So what are you suggesting? Temporary replacements? Stunt doubles?
Seriously an appointed representative while a nominee runs could be good policy, but could be tricky if the advocate's views on a bill differed from the nominee's.
November 13, 2008 4:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
And so sitting Governors should also relinquish their seats?
November 13, 2008 4:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yah, sure, ya betcha!
November 13, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ok, so he's no longer Senator. So why hasn't he made some real progress on [insert description of pet issue]? He's blowing it!!!!
November 13, 2008 4:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
snarkalicious!
November 13, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Christ. Another person backed by Clinton heads into the Obama Administration. I am disappointed about all these Clintonites. This Presidency is a failure.
November 13, 2008 4:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nice Snark!
November 13, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not clear to whom you are referring when you state than another Clinton backed individual lands in the Obama Administration. As far as I can tell, these Clinton leaning individuals are part of the Transition Team, not the future Administration. I am pleased that Obama is looking towards transition experience to effectively transition to the Presidency.
November 13, 2008 4:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
He was talking about Obama.
November 13, 2008 5:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
TAMMY DUCKWORTH absolutely deserves a shot at this seat!
November 13, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have heard rumblings of her being considered for heading up the Dept. of Veteran's Affairs. Sounds good to me either way.
November 13, 2008 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lisa Madigan is another in absolute deserving of this Senate post - one of those two and IL is in very capable hands Senate-wise!
November 13, 2008 4:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
What do you think of Madigan's chances of running for Governor instead?
How about Jan Schakowsky for the Senate? She's currently in the House, so she has some national experience. Do you think she would be acceptable in 2010 with downstate voters and exurbia? I think she'd be much more acceptable than Jackson Jr.
Then, Tammy Duckworth for head of Veteran's Affairs? I believe Tammy is completing her PhD. I thought she was great at the convention.
There are also going to be seats to fill on Judiciary and Foreign Affairs - both Obama and Biden were on those committees.
November 13, 2008 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are rumors Blagojevich would try to get rid of Madigan, who he apparently considers his principal primary opponent, by appointing her.
We'll see. I moved out of Chicago over 20 years ago, so I'm not all that up on the current players. Most likely still voting in two or three precincts, though...
November 13, 2008 7:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know...a little premature to resign his Senate seat...the Electoral College hasn't voted yet.
On a slightly more serious note, it would give whomever is appointed to replace Obama seniority over the incoming freshmen class of senators.
November 13, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
As long as Hillary stays in the Senate until it is time...
You know, because the Electoral College will NEVER elect him...
November 13, 2008 4:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Senator Obama leaves Senate... No longer needs to vote "Present"
Come get your snark from me baby
November 13, 2008 4:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
I prefer Tammy Duckworth over Jesse Jackson Jr any day.
November 13, 2008 4:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jesse Jackson Jr. is NOT Jesse Jackson Sr. anymore than Bush The Lesser is Bush The Elder. Do you judge Obama based upon HIS father?
November 13, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't see any reference to Jesse Jackson, Sr.
November 13, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I take it that the RETHUGs will now argue that they deserve full control of the Senate now.
November 13, 2008 4:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
"You betcha" they will. I am sure the neander...er, neocons will be foaming at the mouth over this any minute now.
November 13, 2008 5:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
As a proud member of Obama's Illinois constituency and a fan since before his 04 convention speech, I am a little misty-eyed about losing our rock-star senator but am quickly getting over it because he will be my beyond rock-star President! Woot!
November 13, 2008 5:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Dan Seals for IL Senate.
November 13, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tammy Duckworth for Vet Affairs
November 13, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lisa Madigan for IL-05 (Rahm's seat)
November 13, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lisa Madigan for Governor! I like Jan Schakowsky or Tammy Duckworth for Obama's seat. Schakowsky's husband might cause a stir, so Tammy Duckworth might be the best person.
But I really like Dan Seals. I would be thrilled if he was appointed to the Senate.
November 13, 2008 9:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seals just lost for the second time in the 10th Cong Dist to a mediocre repug - Mark Kirk. If he can't win up here I don't think he has much of a chance of winning downstate in the 2010 Senate race, which is when Obama would have run for reelection. His recent loss was a great disappointment - He couldn't even get in on Obama's coattails.
November 14, 2008 7:28 AM | Reply | Permalink