Scandal gives GOP a shot at Senate seat

[Divine Discontent]

BY MARK J. KONKOL Staff Reporter [email protected]

Illinois Republicans are hoping Gov. Blagojevich's arrest on corruption charges will help a Republican vault into President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.

Before Blagojevich's arrest Tuesday, it appeared that Obama's Senate replacement would be a Chicago Democrat. But a push to hold a special election to fill the vacancy leaves the door open for a Republican.

"Certainly, it is our belief that, if we go into a special election, a Republican should have a chance," Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna said Wednesday.

A special election would likely attract a crowded field of Democrats and Republicans since elected officials wouldn't have to give up their current office to run. U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, the North Shore Republican, said he'd consider a special-election run.

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http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1325791,CST-NWS-gop11.article


These designs on dozens of different shirts, button, stickers, mugs & more! http://www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable/1434671

[Hubert Flottz]

1. Merry Fitzmass

And a Crappy New Year!!1!!!!1!!!!11

[Double T]

2. Special thanks to Gov. Blagojevich, William Jefferson, Charlie Rangel ..........

and Chis Dodd for being as corrupt as rethugs and giving the democrats four black eyes. Democratic leaders have a knack for letting opportunity slip away by their own arrogance, corruption and incompetence.

[lapfog_1]

3. Someone needs to convince Blago to resign

and soon. Then the Lt. Governor (ignore all of the "deputy Governors") takes over and appoints someone before the next session starts. If the legislature wants to change the rules for filling out the term of a vacated Senate seat from Illinois, they should do so when they have had to time to think about it for a while.

[HereSince1628]

4. Damn, I'd rather not see Al Keyes in the senate!!!!!!!!

:rofl:

[Chipper Chat]

5. My thoughts exactly.

C'mon Alan -----run!

[madrchsod]

6. i really dred the fact we will have a special election

although the chicago machine will turn out the democrats outside of chicago could be a big problem. it`s not going to be a 70% blow-out.

[KharmaTrain]

8. And Who Could The GOOP run???

I agree, if there's a run-off, it won't be a 70% or more blow-out, but I don't see any credible repugnican in this state who has either the image or organization to make a serious run. Hell, they don't even have an elected statewide office holder. The LaRouchies stand a better chance of fielding a credible candidate.

The problem would be on if there is a crowded field...the more Democrats the more the votes will split...region by region, neighborhood by neighborhood. My hopes are the Democratic party sees that peril and instead of turning a special election into a demolition derby, the party selects on candidate and others are quietly talked out of running.

[madrchsod]

10. they really do`t have anyone ready do they...

maybe they`ll wait for two years then run someone.state senator tim bivins out here in western northern illinois could be a long shot. he`s moved up the political ladder at a fairly young age. fairly conservative but not to far right.i`vie known him since he was in high school...

hey i think the milk nazi is still avaible...

[KharmaTrain]

13. I Heard Capt'n Kirk's Name Floated

He's a sneaky shit...plays the moderate when stumping for votes and when Boner says jump he asks how high. While I'd love to see the Cow Nazi, but I think four times ain't the charm. :rofl:

I'd like to see a primary before a general election...and I know that's expensive...or, like we saw in Georgia...hold the election and if no one clears 50%, have a run off between the top two candidates. I'd hate to see a Kirk slip through because the Democratic vote was split too many directions.

Cheers...

[Orsino]

7. That's what we get for not policing our ranks.

When Blagojevich approaches Republican-level corruption, it's inevitable that the GOP gets a chance.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

9. the one problem that the GOP faces is

the Illinois GOP. Talk about a collection of lunatics, religious, brain-dead, assholes. Seriously, with folks like Al Salvi and Kjellander, Oberwuss, and other dolts, I seriously wonder if the GOP will even field a candidate in a special election.

[DavidDvorkin]

11. If Obama campaigns for the Democrat

That should take care of things, surely.

[Cleita]

12. Well, a Democratic senator calling for a special election will certainly invite

the Republicans in. Why not demand that Gov. Blago resign, swear in the Democratic Lt. Gov. and let him pick a Democrat as is written in the laws? Why do our Democrats take the long road around and then shoot themselves in the foot as well? :shrug: