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Replacing Barack: Moonies, cronies, craziness and the best fake candidate ever

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* With President-Elect Barack Obama’s resignation from the US Senate yesterday, the elbowing to be chosen as his replacement has kicked up a few notches. Our guy Bill may not be the frontrunner to replace Obama in the US Senate, but he has no skeletons in his closet, unlike some of the other hopefuls…

Congressman Danny Davis says he wants to replace Barack Obama as the junior senator from Illinois. The Democrat’s declaration came at a news conference in Chicago on Sunday. That’s the same day President-elect Obama stepped down from the position with two years left in his term. A coalition of black Illinois politicians endorsed the 67-year-old Davis at the event. Davis is also black.

Danny Davis, eh? You mean the guy who donned white gloves and helped crown Rev. Moon in a federal building? OK…

In 2004, Davis was met with national controversy when he crowned the Rev. Sun Myung Moon in a religious ceremony at the Dirksen Senate Office Building honoring the controversial spiritual leader. Moon declared himself the Messiah at the crowning ceremony, in which Davis appeared on the invitation as a sponsoring co-chair. Davis wore white gloves and carried the crown on a pillow to crown Moon and his wife “the King and Queen of Peace.”

Bill has never helped crown anyone King.

* The interesting thing about a governor with horrificly bad poll numbers is that people have begun asking why he has so much power. Roeper…

Giving the governor of Illinois the absolute authority to select the next U.S. senator from our state is only slightly more logical than granting the mayor of Chicago the power to make the first-round draft selection for the Bears.

In both scenarios, it’s a case of “Why does THAT guy get to make THAT pick?”

* Carol Marin makes a point that I’ve made time and time again…

Whoever gets this job will only serve two years before the next election. Who, in their right mind, thinks bearing the label of Blagojevich’s designated hitter will help them win then?

Marin, with tongue planted in cheek, encourages the choice of retiring Senate President Emil Jones…

So governor, pick your pal Jones.

In order to bring real change to Illinois, the public needs to get a lot angrier than it is. This will really help.

That could be true. But Bill would still be a better choice.

* The NPR interview I told you about the other day is now online with a transcript…

The decision will be solely up to Governor Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat—which, at first, might sound pretty simple.

MILLER: This governor isn’t simple. He’s impossible to predict on pretty much every level.

Ignore all predictions.

Bill may be a long shot, but he has as much of a chance as a lot of those other “contenders.” Join the movement today!

* Related…

* Blagojevich’s Senate choice: That’s entertainment!

* Rep. Danny Davis interested in Obama’s Senate seat

* Ill. politicians reaching for Senate seat

* Obama resigns Senate seat

* Campaigning for Senate Vacancy Stepped-Up

* Obama’s time as senator ends

* Eye on Chicago: Duckworth

* Short list for Sen. Obama’s office

* Choose senator to fill Illinois’ needs, not personal agenda

* Obama, Daley: Chicago powers aligning

* Washington Wins…Everyone Else (except maybe Chicago) Loses

* The Valerie Jarrett Story. Named senior Obama White House advisor

* Washington Wins…Everyone Else (except maybe Chicago) Loses

* Obama and Daley political allies now, but they’re hardly cronies

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 9:54 am

Comments

The Bill for Senate campaign is reminiscent of the Nobody for President campaign a few years back. You know, “Nobody is On Your Side, Nobody Knows What to Do.”

Danny Davis is a nice guy, but a lightweight. That Rev. Moon thing a fews years back was creepy in extremis.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:10 am
Danny K Davis, the K is for Kwazy

Comment by Wumpus Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:15 am
I disagree that being appointed by Blago dooms ones chance of being re-elected. Sure, say Carol Ronen or Jay Hoffman — two people who have a reputation of doing Blago’s bidding, it would hurt them. But I think a Jan Schakowsky or Jesse Jr. could create an image that does not closely tie them into Blago.

Comment by Just Observing Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:17 am
Dang you Rich Miller–I wanted the first Moonie reference!

Comment by archpundit Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:35 am
Everyone has skeletons in the closet. Blago should throw everyone a curve ball and assign a republican to take Obama’s seat. I don’t think that can be done but think about the media buzz that would create. It would be fun.

Comment by Boscobud Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:38 am
JO - Being appointed by Blago doesn’t “doom” a selection, but it doesn’t help, and a Palin-like pick would be rejected by voters, even in the Democratic primary.

I’m surprised Hoffman’s name hasn’t received wider media attention. DC commentators are still tossing Lisa Madigan’s name around. Likelihood: Zero.

Cong. Jackson is only slightly more likely. His vocal p.r. campaign is good indication of just how uphill his climb is. Jackson is not helped by suggesting that if he moves up to the Senate, he wants his wife to move from City Hall to his Congressional seat.

Frankly, Sandi Jackson would be a much smarter pick than Congressman Jackson.

But the best pick of all would be someone with a base outside of Cook County. That includes Tammy Duckworth, who is beloved by veterans across the state, or even Pat Quinn, who I think would be impossible for Republicans to beat.

If Rod picks a shill, both will be mulling over a primary challenge.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:41 am
He could appoint Tom Cross so he wont run for governor-HA HA!!!!!!

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:41 am
I think Blago should ask Vanilla Man to take Obama’s spot.

Comment by Boscobud Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:49 am
==Whoever gets this job will only serve two years before the next election. Who, in their right mind, thinks bearing the label of Blagojevich’s designated hitter will help them win then?==

If you take a look at the election results, you will see that voters can decide between a particular candidate, their party, and the relationship they have had within that party.

If Halvorson can get elected, so can Obama’s replacement.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:51 am
Bill has never helped crowned anyone King? What about his majesty King Rod? Or is he really the Emperor with new clothes?

I’d say helping crown a looney is about the same as crowning a Moonie.

Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:51 am
If I am appointed by Blagojevich to serve as Obama’s replacement, I will accept that offer.

Watching Dick Durbin shape-shift and morph would be hilariously fascinating. It would be kinda like watching Oprah Winfrey go through makeup.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:54 am
Capt Fax:
If you thought Marin’a nomination of Jones was tongue in cheek what do you make of the sad sacks at the St. Louis Post Dispatch who came to the same conclusion on the editorial page?

BTW which candidacy came first Bill or Don Wade?
Hope this doesn’t mean the prestigiuos Capt Fax blog has stooped to whacky DJ stunts to gain attention now that the ConCon con is over.

Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:55 am
…and I would ensure that I spend twenty minutes daily putting my daily diary on Capitol Fax Blog.

Now, who wouldn’t love my commentary from inside the US Senate as a senator?

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:56 am
===stooped to whacky DJ stunts to gain attention ===

The idea is to ridicule the entire process and the players.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 11:00 am
Emil looks more and more likely when you think of the double opening in 2010. Both the governor’s seat (maybe) and the Senate seat will be open. An Emil appointment would result in a two-year Senatorial career. Such a maneuver would allow for a wink-nod agreement between Dan Hynes, Alexi and Lisa M. Moves upward by all three are a real possibility under an Emil appointment.

Comment by Team Sleep Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 11:01 am
Oh man I forgot about that crowing, but I’d rather Davis than Jones. lol

Comment by Levois Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 11:24 am
How about Lovie Smith? He can’t coach a football team but maybe he can take Obama’s seat. Then Blago can take the spot as coach of the Bears and Oprah can be the Governor of Illinois.

Comment by Boscobud Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 11:38 am
Wow - 2Confused, typing on that SureType keyboard getting you all angry?

I would agree that Bill (both his persona and his REAL SELF) would make a better Senate candidate than half the names floated out there.

But, I have to disagree with Rich… NO skeletons in his closet? You sure about that?

How much have you truly vetted this “Bill,” Rich? Did you do a Palin-job?

Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 11:46 am
GoBearsss, fake candidates get fake vetting.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 11:55 am
Oprah the Governor? Are you kidding me! But maybe you are on to something-she has enough money to balance the budget-but would she use her own money to do that? The House and Senate could all be broadcasted live on T.V.-maybe then they’d all be sure to be working harder-with everyone watching them!

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 12:24 pm
As far as I’m concerned, all things being equal (i.e. not counting race, geography etc.), Lisa Madigan and Pat Quinn are the two most qualified. Neither is going to get it.

Comment by Niles Township Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 12:46 pm
What makes Roeper think Mayor Daley would do any worse making Bears draft picks?

Comment by Greg Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 12:46 pm
It won’ be Quinn, if for no reason then Lisa would be next in line to succeed him in the event of a conviction, impeachment or resignation.

P.S. For those who care, the lieutenant governor’s position is the only statewide office that’s important enough to include in the constitution, but not important enough to fill if there’s a vacancy, which makes the elected attorney-general next in the line of succession.

Of course we could all get lucky and events this week elevate Quinn quick enough to let him make the appointment. Then the logic suggests it would likely be Lisa Madigan to get her out of the way in the 2010 primary.

Comment by From the Sidelines Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 12:56 pm
Rich, THANK YOU for reminding us of the stunt where Danny Davis crowned Moon & Mrs. Moon, as Moon proclaimed himself the Messiah while rambling about Hitler, Stalin. Now he wants to Replace Obama in the US Senate? Wake up and GOOGLE people. You can find this info out there if you want actual factual knowledge. Thanks Rich for being awake and on guard. I salute you!

Comment by Say WHAT? Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 1:57 pm
===If Rod picks a shill===
Whaddya mean if and I don’t know if I like all this talk about a “fake” candidate, Miller. You better watch it! There are plenty of others vying for your job. As for my skeletons, GoBearss, you promised not to tell anyone. Besides I know Africa is a continent.
Don Wade is a Bill wannabe.

Comment by Bill Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 2:01 pm
Didn’t Rod recently say that when he is confronted with a problem, he asks himself - what would Lou (Piniella) do? so to become U.S. Senator what Jesse Jr.and the rest need to do is get Piniella’s endorsement.

Comment by anon Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 2:15 pm
Is this really so important? BHO didn’t do much while he had the position. Find a poor person. Maybe it could be a reality show contest and the winner could get the gravy job?!

Comment by IllinoisBelows Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 3:57 pm
Hey Bill, I remember a few months ago when I thought Obama didn’t stand a chance of winning the election, I mentioned you as a replacement and you said you were not interested. You did have a “however if my governor calls, what choice do I have”. I think you are the perfect candidate for this office. You are willing to interrupt your life for only two years and the promise to post your daily diary on this blog is a BIG first for any politician. How could we not vote for you? We all know that you would give Blago all of the glory for his appointing you and you would continue to be a die-hard supporter of Blago. Heck, you might even personally drive him to the Club Fed of assignment. And perhaps that could even earn you a genuine, fairly won, brand new 6 year term.

Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 4:22 pm
It’s interesting to me that none of the pundits are talking about one of the most thoughtful and independent legislators around - Senator Jackie Collins. She’s the chair of the Senate Financial Institutions Committee; she’s the leading champion on such issues as mortgage reform; she’s demonstrated a remarkable ability protect the interests of working families - especially in the face of some pretty strong opposition by bankers and investors; she’s been to Harvard and Northwestern; she comes from a district that knows first-hand what will happen if the feds don’t use the bailout to save homes and neighborhoods.

She’s just filed legislation that would put a moratorium on foreclosures in Illinois - protecting families, by the way, and the neighborhoods that are going to be destroyed by blight if all of these foreclosures go through. Watch how the banks and investors fight her - and watch how she builds the coalition that she needs to win.

What makes this scenario even more interesting is that we’re now learning that the feds don’t plan to buy up (protect) mortgages with all of their bailout money. No, they’re planning to invest in the banks. And you know what this means? It means that the system that was supposed to protect the little guys during the bailout is going to fail them again.

It might seem like hopeless dreaming - that A-Rod would appoint someone who’s not beholden to the banks and the financiers. But A-Rod just might decide to send someone who hasn’t been entangled by special interests. And if he does, don’t be surprised if you hear him talking about Collins.

Comment by Chicago Publius Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 5:35 pm
I agree on Senator Collins.

Would be a great choice.

Comment by GoBearsss Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 6:02 pm
Bill will never let us down.

Bill will never introduce goofy, ineffective legislation like “Divest Sudan” to score cheap political points.

Bill is who we need when we need it.

Bill for Senate-Change you can spend.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 7:54 pm
Methinks Jesse Jackson Jr.’s last stand on Larry King may be the death knell for his campaign to be Senator.

Comment by JohnR Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 10:28 pm
==========================
The House and Senate could all be broadcasted live on T.V.-maybe then they’d all be sure to be working harder-with everyone watching them!
==========================

Anonymous 12:24, you have heard of C-SPAN right?

From Wikipedia:

* C-SPAN features live coverage of the House of Representatives
* C-SPAN2 covers the Senate and airs Book TV on weekends
* C-SPAN3 covers other live events and airs archived historical programming

(I swear I’m going to need an image consultant pretty soon.)

Comment by Ahem...The REAL Anonymous Monday, Nov 17, 08 @ 11:58 pm