Even before Sen. Barack Obama won the requisite delegates to become the Democratic presidential nominee and long before a difficult general election contest, Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s office has been discussing a potential successor to the Illinois junior senator if he wins the White House, sources close to Blagojevich said Tuesday.
Though no names have formally surfaced from Blagojevich, sources said a key proviso would be to appoint a successor who would gain Obama’s approval.
Obama will have a huge influence on the choice of his successor if he is elected president. One doesn’t want to upset the president, particularly if one is under federal investigation.
* St. Sabina protests Pfleger’s fate: Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and his advisers said although they were troubled by Pfleger’s remarks, they were saddened by his removal. Obama “just heard that news and obviously events of the last week have been disturbing,” said David Axelrod, Obama’s senior adviser. “I feel sad for him and for the church community. He’s done good work in those neighborhoods. All you have to do is look around to see it.”
* Meet the FOBO’S. Obama takes Chicago pals–and top fund-raisers–on campaign plane Tuesday
* Rahm Chooses: Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel — former Clinton aide and close Obama friend — comes out from under his desk (metaphorically) and endorses Obama.
