Who would fill Obama's Senate seat if he wins?
After the debate (and watching McCain fall further on Intrade), I started wondering. Chicago Magazine lists the likely prospects:
In terms of local politics, a presidential win by Obama would have an immediate impact: His U.S. Senate seat would become vacant, and under Illinois law Governor Rod Blagojevich holds the power to name someone to serve the remaining term. Again, Valerie Jarrett's name comes up. Among the other potential appointees being widely mentioned are U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Illinois treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (a friend of Obama), and Tammy Duckworth, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. There's even speculation Blagojevich could appoint himself.
Duckworth would be a pretty amazing pick. She was the Illinois National Guard vet who lost both of her legs in Iraq and then ran for a House seat (losing narrowly) in 2006. She addressed the Democratic convention this year, but I missed it.
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