Will we see an immediate appointment to the Senate by the Illinois Governor?

[cali]

I'm guessing we will. Blagovich is in real trouble and could be indicted soon. That might put off an appointment. Obama's resignation takes effect Sunday. Could we see an appointment as early as next week?

[WI_DEM]

1. It may be the reason why Obama is resigning so soon.

[JFN1]

2. Hope so...

Though the Democratic Lt. Governor will make a good selection for the Senate, too...

[Occam Bandage]

3. I think we will, and I think it'll be a safe, non-controversial placeholder

like Emil Jones (73-year-old President of the IL Senate) who can keep the seat warm until 2010, at which point Duckworth, JJJ, and whoever else can battle it out in earnest. I'd frankly be surprised if Blago wanted to get himself in even more hot water by granting any particular IL Dem faction incumbency status at this moment.

[WI_DEM]

5. I disagree. I think they will give it to somebody they think can hold the seat in 2010

and use this early incumbency to their advantage. I think it will come down to Duckworth or Jackson, Jr.

[Occam Bandage]

8. I don't think the seat is in serious jeopardy either way.

The IL Republican party is still on its heels.

[LiberalFighter]

9. Your thought is the more correct. Seniority is VERY important.

To have someone appointed only to have them not run for election or defeated in election does not help Illinois.

Appointing someone just to keep it warm also leaves the impression that that person is not going to put forth the effort needed for the job.

[4themind]

6. It would be the safest thing politically for him

Avoids angering a crucial voting block for him if he runs again in two years, african americans, while passing on the buck on responsibility for re-election(since jones would most likely retire). That may be a good thing for whoever is running at that time also, as they won't have to distance themselves from Blago if his legal woes continue to get worse

[Thrill]

7. No they need to pick someone who can win re-election

Hopefully he appoints their LT Governor or Jan Schakowsky

[4themind]

4. The last thing he said was sometime around christmas I belive

but that was before Obama sent out his notice of resignation. You can track more about the story here
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/05/obamas-replacement-blagoj_n_141561.html>