Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Blue ribbon committee to pick sacrificial lamb

Posted in:

Illinois
Polls
Obama

If Barack Obama wins the White House on Tuesday, Gov. Blagojevich will appoint a search committee to advise him on who he should appoint as his replacement in the United States Senate, I learned Monday.

I’m told that Blagojevich will host a press conference later this week in Chicago in order to discuss the appointment, the criteria and give some insight into the process to replace Obama, elected to the Senate in 2004. […]

Blagojevich will not limit the pool of potential Obama replacements to elected officials.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Whoever takes this appointment could very well be doomed. The whiff of Blagojevich’s stank has so far been the kiss of death in legislative and congressional races this year. I can’t see his popularity getting much better in the run-up to 2010. It may get much, much worse if the feds catch up to him.

Enjoy your two years in the Senate, whoever you may be (if, of course, Obama pulls this out), because that may be all you get.

The only way out of this impending disaster (or, if you’re a Republican or a Democratic primary opponent, a gift from God) is to allow Obama to make the pick. Get this choice as far away from the governor as possible. A blue ribbon panel just won’t do the trick.

* Also, in case you care, Rasmussen Reports has a new poll showing Obama leading John McCain in Illinois 60-38.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 1:32 pm

Comments

Jay Hoffman might finally have a committee he can chair again.

Comment by black ribbon Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 1:38 pm
Any word on the cost of the appointments to the search committee? Will it be the usual, $25,000?

Comment by anon Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 1:43 pm
I’m confused. Now who do I write my $25,000 check to?
Seriously, a two year gig in the United States Senate would probably be worth it to almost anyone except for those that can be expected to actually achieve greater sucess, such as Lisa, Alexi or Dan. And even though you would be tainted it is not 100% that you would not get re-elected. Sign me up.

Comment by Been There Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 1:47 pm
I can drink PBR, count me in….

Perhaps I can bring the bi-partisan to it…

Comment by OneMan Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 1:55 pm
The committee is just a waste of money and to go through the motions. Blago and Durbin made the decision a long time ago: Duckworth. The senate seat is consolation prize for losing IL-06.

Comment by Alison Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 1:56 pm
Rich, the operative word contained in what you heard Sunday is “advise”. I agree 100% about the appointee being doomed because Blago’s going to take all of the credit for this appointment himself.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 1:57 pm
Pick me! I’ll do it for 2 years and then gladly walk away.

Comment by HV in HP Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 1:57 pm
I agree its a done deal for Duckworth. Blago likes her even more now that she has shown her complete agreement with him as far as ethics go. (campaigning in a state vehicle). Emil Jones has an outside shot for being a good soldier and protecting the gov from big bad madigan

Comment by fed up Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:07 pm
Since Obama has been shoved down our throats by the media, let the media choose his replacement.

Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:09 pm
===has been shoved down our throats by the media===

Wow. Such bitterness.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:10 pm
You’d be bitter too if you were a Cub fan.

Comment by Scooby Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:12 pm
No Rich, I’m not bitter, really. Just sayin…….

Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:13 pm
Wow, I agree that Duckie was wrong for using the state vheicl for a campaign stop, but comparing her to Blago. i know they are linked at the hip, but that insult is silly, even to me.

Comment by Wumpus Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:13 pm
I don’t see Obama getting involved in the pick.

Why be in a position to pick sides, unless there is a deal on the full state ticket for 2010. And that’s pretty much impossible unless Blago announces he’s not running, and that will not happen.

Am I the only one thinking that the appointment will go to somebody who will serve two years and then retire?

Look for somebody age 60 or over.

Sen. Emil Jones?

Among people who might seek a full term, let me toss another potential name out there: Pat Quinn. Gets him off Blago’s behind. Blago’s job is bad enough without his own Lt. Gov. ripping him. I could see Blago sending Quinn to D.C.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:13 pm
McCain fan and a Cub fan… I’m not sure I could get out of bed tomorrow…

Comment by black ribbon Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:15 pm
I don’t agree that being Blago’s pick necessarily dooms him or her to a brief, unproductive stint in the Senate. I think folks in Illinois are able to separate Blago from his selection and give that person the chance to prove him or herself. Granted, if he chooses someone known for being his lapdog, that is a different story, but I would not nail the coffin shut simply because Blago has to be the one to make the choice.

Comment by montrose Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:20 pm
Tomorrow’s not going to be so bad for the Republicans. Wednesday, though, is going to be one SOB of a day for them.

Comment by Lefty Lefty Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:20 pm
And in the weeks after the election is tossed in the air because of hanging chads, counties with more votes than citizens, allegations of voter fraud & an election tossed into the courts, maybe Gov B will discuss Cellini and Rezko and Ati at the press conference instead.

Thought the criteria was who shoved the paper bag stuffed with cash inside anyhow….. did it change?

Comment by North of I-80 Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:21 pm
I think Blago appoints himself. In the Senate he would have virtually no responsibility for running anything, can make gradoise proposals (some of which, with a dem Senate, could even get passed.. .) and build himself a record of actually DOING something. Of course, Pat Fitzgerald is already tryinig to build Blago a record. . . but I digress!

Comment by Ivote Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:26 pm
If he wins tomorrow, Obama will have nothing to do with state government–including his replacement. This one will have Blago’s name all over it, so he walks away. Tough choices: replace the only AA senator with another, go for the woman disabled veteran, or –as is always possible– go for a wild card pick. No wonder Blago wants enough people around to share the blame if it goes bad…

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:31 pm
A “sacrificial lamb”? A “doomed kiss-of-death” candidate?

Naw. Not necessary!

Look. Turn the process inside out. Rather than trying to fit the candidate to the circumstances — fit the circumstances to the candidate.

Then it’s not “doomed” at all.

In fact, it’s easy. E-Z.

And I’m hitting the trifecta with this. Trifecta, I tell ya.

He’s (1) a Blagojevich ally; (2) all set to retire in January anyway (and a two-year-and-out US Senate gig would be a magnificent capstone on a long career); and (3) BHO’s mentor.

Emil Jones, Jr., bay-bee.

Obama and Jones. Together again. In Washington.

Go ahead, send me the door prize.

Comment by Dooley Dudright Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:34 pm
I think I should be appointed. I’m prepping my resume now. Now, if I can just round up the 25K…

Seriously, first in line will be any Dem who lost a congressional race this time (and there are a few close ones). After that, it’s anyone’s guess, but I cannot imagine Lisa M, Dan H, Alexi G, Jesse W., or Pat Q. People on the enemies list do not get appointments.

BTW, why hasn’t anyone mentioned Bill? He’s clearly angling…

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:34 pm
I don’t agree that being Blago’s pick necessarily dooms him or her to a brief, unproductive stint in the Senate.

I agree and especially if it’s a pick made in collaboration with Obama.

Comment by Bill Baar Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:37 pm
I hope that Blago takes the angle of sending one of his potential primary opponents to Washington. We could all engage in a little schadenfreude as a series of people turn down appointment to the U.S. Senate, a remarkable thought in its own right.

Comment by Gadfly Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:39 pm
Wednesday morning in Chicago:

Rod: OK, let’s start in on that list for Senator.

staff: Alright, we have a list of the top office holders, with the names of unfriendlies lined out. Donors were sorted first by how much they gave and then modified by including appointments received, family members who gave, likelihood they would talk to Fitz, likelihood they would bolt on us, blah, blah, blah,

Rod: Oh, look, a kitty…

————

Thursday morning Tribune:

Governor Appoints Princess Fluffy Mousehunter to U.S. Senate!!!

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:41 pm
The Blago pick doesn’t even begin to doom the prospective candidate unless the prospective candidate depends heavily on Blago i.e. Duckworth or Emil Jones.

Duckworth is in an awkward spot, however. And Jones at his age and in his position is surely just a benchwarmer.

Comment by Angry Chicagoan Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:42 pm
The smart thing for Illinois should Obama win, is that he resigns the Senate on Wednesday and Blago immediately names someone so they could start banking seniority before new senators are sworn in January. The person should have a reasonable chance to win in 2010…

Look! A dog with a fluffy tail! Come here, fluff…

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:53 pm
And Blago could name himself. He would serve the next two years and he can’t lose that pension from the Senate. (moo)

Comment by Shelbyville Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:57 pm
===* Also, in case you care, Rasmussen Reports has a new poll showing Obama leading John McCain in Illinois 60-38. ===

Too bad Illinois isn’t a coal state…a real BIG coal state, I mean…well, I gues I mean, a big producer of coal…oh, nevermind.

Comment by BandCamp Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:58 pm
no appointment need be made until January 20th or so. Who knows who the governor will be by then.

Comment by Capitol View Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:59 pm
Dark horse: Dan Seals. If Kirk wins, it’s a pretty safe choice for Blago. He’s an African-American Democrat from the Chicago area with support from Obama. No conspicuous ties to the embattled governor. No political baggage prior to his 2006 run.

Perhaps most importantly, and after two failed attempts for acceptance into the junior circuit in Congress, he gets 2 years to show his chops with the bigger kiddies. He aint’ gonna say no.

Comment by The Doc Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:03 pm
Whew! I am soooo glad this campaign season is finally over. I have about 70 phone calls to make to the Pittsburgh area and that’ll be it for me. Anyway, I think that I would be an excellent replacement for President Obama. I have always been a loyal democrat and Rod Blagojevich booster. What else do they want? The 25K would be no problem.I really couldn’t do any worse than a lot of those old guys in the Senate like McCain and that dude from Alaska. I would never run for re-election because it is way too much work. C’mon Rod, do the right thing for once. Pick Bill for US Senate!

Comment by Bill Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:04 pm
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 2:41 pm: Thank you, that was the best laugh I’ve had all day.

Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:18 pm
Bill, if Obama wins on Tuesday, the Bill for US Senate Blogswarm starts first thing Wednesday morning.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:18 pm
As for being doomed, it isn’t just the stink of a Blago appointment. How often does an appointed Senator win in a subsequent election?

Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:18 pm
Sauerberg wins, Durbin loses, Durbin appointed to complete BHO’s term. A win, win, win.

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:24 pm
Whew. I’ll have what AC is having, please. Only just half a glass. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:26 pm
I am just so glad that total Democratic control has obviated the need for actual elections in Illinois.
And gosh the flood of jobs and the budgetary discipline have been great.

Comment by Another Citizen Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:35 pm
Another dark horse possibility is one who worked well with Obama in the Illinois Senate and who was appointed to a cabinet position by Blagojevich. The only problem is that he is a Republican.

Comment by One of the 35 Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:36 pm
AC, another advanatage to this is the “searchers” will only have one county to look at for elligibles.

Comment by shermans ghost Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:41 pm
Ditto on the “blago pick isn’t doomed to only serve two years’ — someone who does a good job and already has some name recognition will be the front-runner in two years. Besides, who is in such a great position that they are confident they would win the election in a cakewalk?

My question: if the person does only serve two years, do they get a pension?

Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:46 pm
Rich, Dry Sack Sherry - just a snifter or two!

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 3:54 pm
Count me as among those who are not persuaded that anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich would be doomed simply because s/he was put there by Blagojevich.

Granted, your theory holds if Blagojevich appoints himself. Or Todd Stroger. But Tammy Duckworth? If she doesn’t do anything seriously bad, she might not even draw a serious primary challenge. Jan Schakowsky? There might be a challenge — but not necessarily because she was appointed by Blagojevich. Same for Jesse Jackson, Jr.

I think Obama might be wise to suggest Emil Jones (on the promise that he’ll just finish out the term) and take a hands-off on the crowded primary that would follow. But who knows what Blagojevich will do?

(Who’s the head of the Boy Rangers in Illinois, anyway?)

Comment by The Curmudgeon Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 4:26 pm
I think the blue ribbon commission may not completely remove the “stench”, but it does go a long way.

I think it will at least ease a lot of people’s minds who are worried that it all up to the Governor with no input.

Comment by pro Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 4:36 pm
The committee could give him cover to pick himself.

Comment by Anon Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 4:37 pm
- Anon -
Then I guess you see the members as mainly Republicans wanting to just get him the heck OUT of Illinois State Gov’t.?

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 4:39 pm
I’m sure it will be chaired by Jim Thompson or God forbid, edgar.

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 4:41 pm
Ditto Curmudgeon. And if 2006-2008 has taught us anything, it’s not to try and game out what the electoral situation will be two years from now. If Blago offers you a Senate seat .. my advice, take it!

Comment by ZC Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 4:41 pm
How much will you be required to contribute to Blago’s campaign, for a seat on this search committee?

Comment by ZC Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 4:43 pm
This has got to be Obama’s pick. The guy is giving up his seat to be President for heaven sake. There is only one governor in this nation who is dumb enough to even think about not deferring to Obama’s judment on this pick and we got him. Obama’s clout is about to eclipse everybody else in this State put together but, of course, that will go unnoticed over in Blalago land.

Comment by C'mon already! Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 4:46 pm
If I were Rod, I would appoint Fitz!

Comment by Nuance Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 4:58 pm
Bill, now wait just a darned minute. A few days ago I suggested you for the replacement and you said “no thank you, I already have a job”. But you did then add “BUT when the Governor calls……..”. Careful Bill, you run the risk of being labeled a flip-flopper, even before you begin your taxpayer paid political career.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 5:25 pm
Don’t forget, the committee’s vote is non-binding…

Comment by Heartless Libertarian Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 6:01 pm
Little e,
Thank you. When supporters like you and Rich appeal to my sense of patriotism I have no choice but to throw my hat into the ring. Our country is in crisis and like our esteemed junior senator I have been convinced that the time for change is now. When I am appointed I will work to change business as usual in DC. I will refuse any contributions from lobbyists and special interest groups. I will get things done for the people. We will change the climate in the Senate and support free alcoholic beverages for political bloggers and retired public servants. We will put a chicken in every pot and have nothing to fear but fear itself. We will introduce legislation to double the income tax on unlicensed plumbers. Everyone who makes less than $250K per year will get free rides on Amtrak and all Americans will have access to free health insurance. Keep hope alive.

Comment by Bill Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 6:25 pm
Do you think Rod’s babysitter could fit it into her busy schedule?

Comment by Ahem Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 6:43 pm
Well, at least it’s a platform.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 6:45 pm
Wordslinger, rather than pull the trigger on Wednesday it would be even smarter for Obama to check with Fitzgerald to see if certain indictments are in the pipeline. What a shame it would be for Obama to resign now instead of in December if Blago’s number is up next. And right up to New Year’s the newbie still has the seniority edge.

Comment by Angry Chicagoan Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 6:51 pm
Bill, glad to see you self promoting, but not for the Senator seat, just your self appointed importance of making calls to Pittsburgh unless of course you are just trying to get Steeler’s tickets. Until the last couple of weeks I would have thought that you were actually Bill C. as you are such an avid Blago supporter, but if that were the case you would have been singing a different tune by now.

Comment by Master of the Oblivious Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 6:53 pm
What I hear from contacts in DVA is that Tammy’s primary concern is promoting programs (that may or may not really exist), and herself, to gather good national press. She is campaigning to move to Washington in some capacity. Another politician focused on the national picture, using events/publicity in Illinois to make that jump.

Comment by In the Sticks Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 7:03 pm
Obama should hold onto his seat until Jan 20 so he has seamless insurance coverage. Until he is able to implement universal health care, it’s the only smart thing to do.

BTW, as Senator, Princess Fluffy Mousehunter pledges not to bother Rod about what he is or is not doing in Illinois.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 7:09 pm
AA’s firmly on board your bandwagon, Bill. The platform sealed it.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Nov 3, 08 @ 11:29 pm
Happy Election Day!

Comment by Speaking At Will Tuesday, Nov 4, 08 @ 6:37 am