Durbin Calls for Special Election
WASHINGTON: Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois says the state’s legislature should order a special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat rather than allow Gov. Rod Blagojevich to pick a new senator.
Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday in connection with allegations he sought favors to influence his choice for Obama’s replacement.
Durbin told reporters in Washington, “No appointment by this governor, under these circumstances, could produce a credible replacement.”
He urged the Illinois legislature to quickly set up a special election.
Just impeach him and then let Quinn choose. Quinn has his issues, but he’s honest.
December 9th, 2008 at
I think Sen. Durbin’s idea is a superb one. While I certainly believe that impeachment should begin at once, and that Mr. Quinn would make a god choice, the only way to free this selection from the taint of corruption is to have the voters decide.
December 9th, 2008 at
Is a special election legal, constitutional or otherwise allowed (even with legislation)?
December 9th, 2008 at
The law is that only the governor can bring the Lege back for a special session, which isn’t likely if the special session is to impeach said governor.
Which brings up the question: Can Pat Quinn call a special session while Blagorgeous is being processed?
December 9th, 2008 at
Actually, the law says the leaders of both houses can call a special session if they work together. And while we’re at it, there’s also a provision that lets the state supreme court declare that the gov can’t fulfill his duties, making the LtG the acting gov. Plenty of options here.
December 9th, 2008 at
TG–you could pass a special election law very quickly. The problem comes if Blagojevich is still in power, he can veto–not a big deal, but he can draw it out inbetween when he gets the bill and vetoes it. Much easier to impeach and get him out of the way
December 9th, 2008 at
I guess I was curious whether a special election was even constitutional given the old power of the state legislatures to select Senators. But I found all the answers I ever wanted here: http://senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/Vacancies.pdf