I'm pulling for Schakowsky. OK, she's my congressperson. She's also a solid liberal pretty much across the board. I'm proud to be in her district.

I don't hear much buzz for her, though. Jesse Jr. seems like the easy pick, though he might have reelection problems with the downstate vote. I'd much rather have him than Emil Jones, who is part of the Dem triumvirate that's turned IL state government into a nightmare. He has been a too-close ally of Blagojevich, though, so he could have a chance.

Quinn is a strong reformer and would probably make a good liberal senator, but his poor relations with Blagojevich make him an extremely unlikely pick. He would have good reelection chances, though. I'd be very unhappy to see Madigan get it, simply because her daddy, the House speaker is another member of the gang that's wrecking Illinois. His dynasty dreams need to be squashed.

FDR's response to progressive demands: "I agree. Now go out and make me do it."

interesting timing for this, via reuters:

This means Obama... will not participate in the next week's post-election Senate session. The Democratic-led Senate is hoping during the session pass a possible rescue package for the struggling auto industry and an economic stimulus package.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, will appoint a successor to finish out Obama's term in the Senate.

it also eliminates his need to participate in the caucus vote regarding LIEberman. l wonder what biden's plans are?

npr reports that there's pressure to appoint a minority, and jesse jackson jr has expressed an interest.

l wouldn't rule out tammy duckworth as a serious contender for this seat. she also gave a very good speech at the dnc in aug

from veteran's day
.

ther appointment would send a very positive message, especially to the vets.

bet she's on the short list.

the revolution will not be televised...

I vote for Duckworth or Emil Jones.  Emil Jones walked hand in hand with Obama...directed his rise up the ladder. All two a fitting replacement

Well, "You can't vote for war and disown the results"

Duckworth has no accomplishments, no policy leadership, and a record as a poor campaigner. I'd hate to see a senatorial seat award on the basis of sex and race. That applies to Jackson, too, as far as the race angle. Jackson does have a solid reputation for getting things done in Congress, including "reaching across the aisle" to Henry Hyde. Hard to think of two men more opposite than Jackson and Hyde. Jackson has demonstrated that he can win elections,too.

Madigan has shown that she can win a statewide race. Duckworth has never been elected anything. Likewise Quinn, who has good populist credentials. Should he be held back for being a white male? The Treasury with the impossible to spell Greek name has also won statewide election.

Gutierrez and Schakowsky have won elections in their own districts.

All of these people are preferable to Duckworth, who only has identity and fealty to Rahm Emanuel going for her. That last will probably be the trump card, however. Look for this seat to go Republican in 2010, unless they nominate Oberweis, Keyes, or some other wingnut. Judy Baar Topinka could take this seat from Duckworth like candy from a baby.

"BREAKING NEWS" by Reuters. Don't understand why, since they've picked up the day old chatter -- Wapo's AL Kamen first reported:

Sen. Hillary Clinton under consideration to be Secretary of State in Obama administration: report

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sen. Hillary Clinton, who lost to Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential primary, is being considered to serve as secretary of state in the Obama administration, NBC News reported on Thursday.

I sure hope not for the same reasons I opposed her for the VP slot.

Well, "You can't vote for war and disown the results"

I hope it's Jesse Jackson, Jr. Not only is he qualified, but I'd give him the 2 years to sell himself to downstate Illinois. He's a very solid Progressive, and he'd work his heart out. If he loses in a primary challenge in 2010, then so be it. But, he'd be a damn good candidate.

What I think blows is that he'll be in limbo until Inauguration Day. We have two more months of Dubya to go. Ugh.


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