It doesn’t matter what you want for the US Senate appointment in Illinois. A lone madman has the power and it’s largely irrelevant what any of us think–in fact, pushing good candidates too hard might hurt them.
The only thing we do know? It’s not going to be Jesse Jackson.
* This looks like another targeted leak designed to bust Jackson’s chops…
The Hill reported Blagojevich had placed calls to Chicago-area Democratic Reps. Danny Davis, Luis Guitierrez and Jan Schakowsky Tuesday and Wednesday. The Washington publication said it wasn’t clear whether the Democratic governor also had talked to Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., another Democrat who has expressed a desire to follow Obama to the Senate.
Jackson couldn’t be reached for comment, The Hill said
While Blagojevich’s office had no comment on the calls, Davis said he had “a great conversation” with the governor Wednesday afternoon. Schakowsky and Gutierrez also reportedly had upbeat talks with Blagojevich this week.
Apparently Durbin doesn’t get called back by the Governor
* The second most powerful United States Senator says he can’t get his calls returned by his own governor…
Democrat Dick Durbin, the state’s other U.S. senator, has said he wants to talk to Blagojevich about who might replace Obama. But spokesman Joe Shoemaker said Durbin’s calls to the governor haven’t been returned.
“He has not been able to talk to him. We’ve tried,” Shoemaker said.
*** UPDATE *** Lucio Guerrero responds…
Just to set the record straight: The Governor’s office reached out to Sen. Durbin’s office on Friday to check the Senator’s availability for a phone call on Monday. We have yet to hear back from them. Although some are trying to make this a big issue, the Governor will of course talk to the Senator about finding a replacement in the Senate. I am sure the two will speak in the near future, it’s just a matter of scheduling.
I’d hate to have the Senior Senator interrupt Blagojevich as he does his daily renditions of “I’m so Pretty!”
I’m breaking my rule above to push for Bill.
Bill is the only reasonable alternative.
What do you mean “alternative”?
There are others?
There may be nearly 13 million Illinoisans… but there is only one Junior Senator among them.
(A propos of zilch, Delaware has its new appointee already…)
I, occasional Archpundit commenter Dr. Squid, would like to nominate myself. I need a new job.
I’m an Illinois resident, over 30, and the Dr. is actually reality. I can also really keep a seat warm.