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Sneed says Rush on way out, Rush’s office flatly denies

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Illinois

* I have no idea who is telling the truth here…

Sneed hears ailing U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, who’s battling cancer, is being urged to resign so a successor would be in place before the November election.

The stunner: Sneed hears rumbles Ald. Sandi Jackson is on the short list and could make history by becoming, along with her husband — U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. — the first couple in Illinois to represent separate districts.

The stats: Sneed also hears those angling for the position (those who have been lobbying Dem committeemen) are Ald. Freddrenna Lyle — and Sneed is told Congressman Rush’s wife, Carolyn, would also be interested in replacing her husband if he had to step down due to health reasons.

* Reaction…

Sharon Jenkins, the director of national media relations for Congressman Rush, says the report is “not based on reality.”

And Jenkins says no one is urging Rush to resign. […]

A statement from Rush’s office, quoting Rush, says, “I am and I remain a candidate for re-election in the November general election and look forward to serving the people of my district.”

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 11:05 am

Comments

Some one tell Sneed Congressional replacements don’t appointed ….they get elected. Anohter chance for GOP to lose an election BEFORE November.

Comment by Wild Bill Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 11:13 am
Sneed is doing her job. Mr. Rush is doing his. As he battles cancer, our best wishes are with him and his family. We know through experience that having a job as important as being a Congressman, helps a patient survive an illness like cancer.

We have seen Mr. Evans battle Parkinsons. We have seen Pennsyvania Senator Spector battle cancer - twice, (his cancer has returned). We see Senators Dole and McCain battle physical wounds. We have seen FRD lead us from a wheelchair as he fought continuous muscle pain.

Let Mr. Rush alone. Isn’t it sad to see how politics turns events such as this into a vulture-fest? It as though strangers are asking him, “so…when are ya gonna die?”, while eyeing his shoes. Even Dr. Frankenstein and Igor waited until the body was cold. We can only wish that politicians and journalists held similar standards.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 11:18 am
Freddrenna Lyle?
Isn’t she the one who wants the City Counsel to pass an Iran war resolution?
Great. She will go to Congress and seek to pass a resolution to rename a street in her old ward.

Comment by Skeeter Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 11:18 am
This items makes no sense on any level.

One, why would a successor have to be in place before November? It’s probably the safest Democratic district in the country.

Two, congressmen get the best free medical care in the country. There’s no way he would resign because of medical reasons.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 11:21 am
Just another power grab ploy by the Jackson’s.

Comment by anon Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 11:25 am
I don’t know why Wild Bill said what he said. The GOP aren’t likely to have one this seat anyway. Even the Republicans know that.

Comment by Levois Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 11:30 am
Of course our prayers go out to Congressman Rush, but I’ve often wondered why is it that congressman continue in a role so important as a congressman with such an illness.

If I was truly doing this for the people, I would graciously step aside and let someone more capable of representing them and working for them, do so.

I guess the biggest factor coming into play is pride over what’s right. I understand you’ve worked hard to get where you are, but wasn’t it (or should it not have been) about the people all along? So, do what’s right for them. Let this be a statement to all politicos everywhere, If you can’t fully perform your jobs to benefit the people back home, you need to have enough boldness to allow someone else the opportunity.

Okay, okay, so you say, “People beat cancer all the time”. You’re absolutely right they do, but the “beating process” is draining and few people can barely do anything else after treatments let alone be a fully functional congressman representing hundreds of thousands of people who count on your voice and representation. So, you beat whatever ailment you have, fine, run again - if you done a good enough job, why wouldn’t the people elect you?

Comment by JI Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 11:55 am
The odds are good that he needs the insurance, not to mention the salary.

Comment by Cal Skinner Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 12:02 pm
“Federal retirees and their surviving spouses retain their eligibility for FEHB health coverage at the same cost as current employees. In order to carry you FEHB coverage into retirement, you must have been continuously enrolled (or covered as a family member) in any FEHB plan(s) for the 5 years of service immediately before the date of your annuity starts, or for the full period(s) of service since your first opportunity to enroll (if less than 5 years).”

Comment by JI Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 12:17 pm
Sneed is showing his utter incompetence and ignorance of the US Constitution when she wrote:

“Please note: A candidate does not have to live in the congressional district when running for election but would have to move into the district after winning to take the seat.”

The only requirement regarding residency is that the person being elected to Congress resides within the state that his or her district. States are not allowed to add any additional requirements. Sandi Jackson, were she inclined to, could have run against John Shimkus in 19th District in Southern Illinois without moving.

It is long past time for the Sun-Times to show Ms. Sneed the door for her continued failure to handle the basic fact-checking that one expects from even a high school journalist.

Comment by fedup dem Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 12:24 pm
He said what he said because he loves to tally GOP defeats….it is a feel good kind of thing

Comment by Wild Bill Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 1:01 pm
How did Sneed get this info? It wasn’t in last week’s NY Post, where she usually reprints what they write. Interesting.

Comment by Will Clark Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 1:06 pm
Fedup Dem is absolutely correct. Sneed is an affront to journalism. The paper NEVER seems to fact check her “journalism”.

Once over a decade ago she mocked Daley for criticizing NAMBLA(National Association of Perverts Who advocate Man/Boy “love”) in a comment or perhaps speech. She suggested no such organization existed and tore into Daley. I never recall ever seeing any kind of correction regarding anything in her column. EVER.

As Royko might say her column is not worthy of lining a litter box.

Comment by irishpirate Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 1:09 pm
Wheew -
I thought for a moment you were saying the Limbaugh was on his way out.

Comment by ImTellenYou Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 2:35 pm
Rich: “I have no idea who is telling the truth here…”

Considering that it’s Rush and Sneed, the answer might be neither: one could be lying and the other could be full of crap. Or vice versa. Or both.

– SCAM
so-called “Austin Mayor”
http://austinmayor.blogspot.com

Comment by so-called "Austin Mayor" Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 4:04 pm
Interesting. This district winds all the way out to Orland Park and is about 35 percent white. (That’s why Obama thought he could win it in 2000.) If more than one or two prominant African-American candidates jump in a race to succede Rush, might a white candidate steal this seat?

Comment by R.A. Thursday, May 15, 08 @ 5:40 pm
Someone tell Wild Bill he’s incorrect.

It’s the Committeeman’s seat (like it or not) if Bobby Rush were to resign now.

Ask Dan Lipinski how it works.

Comment by Inc. Saturday, May 17, 08 @ 3:12 pm