Obama To Resign From The Senate Effective Sunday

by Todd Beeton, Thu Nov 13, 2008 at 11:28:11 AM EST

As of Sunday, the Democratic majority will officially be down to 1 vote. Says Barack Obama of his plans to step down:

"It has been one of the highest honors and privileges of my life to have served the people of Illinois in the United States Senate," Obama said in a statement today.
"In a state that represents the crossroads of a nation, I have met so many men and women who've taken different journeys, but hold common hopes for their children's future," Obama said. "It is these Illinois families and their stories that will stay with me as I leave the United States Senate and begin the hard task of fulfilling the simple hopes and common dreams of all Americans as our nation's next President."

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has said he will appoint a replacement by year's end, although no time frame is mandated by law. Whoever he appoints to the seat will serve out the remaining 2 years of Barack's term. As for who that might be:

Among those who have expressed interest or are being considered for the post are U.S. Reps. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston and Luis Gutierrez and Jesse Jackson Jr. of Chicago; Tammy Duckworth, who heads Blagojevich's department of Veterans' Affairs; and Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan and state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, two potential rivals if the governor seeks a third term.

You have to think Jackson, Jr. is the best bet for the seat, not only because he's been the most aggressive in lobbying for it and had a high profile throughout the campaign as an Obama booster and surrogate, but also because it's difficult to see Blagojevich replacing the only African-American in the Senate with someone who's not.

In the meantime though, the Democratic majority is ever so briefly literally in Senator Lieberman's hands, perhaps one of the reasons Obama has struck a conciliatory note when it's come to Lieberman.

Tags: Barack Obama, Rod Blagojevich, Senate (all tags)

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asdf

Is it really a good idea to appoint someone named "Jesse Jackson" so a Senate seat?

I'm all for not tarring sons with the sins of their fathers, but come on now--that cannot help. The most important criteria for this seat should be "can this seat we defended in 2 years" not "will it make nice symbolism."

by need some wood 2008-11-13 11:55AM | 0 recs

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Is it that much of an issue in Illinois?

Illinois has had only one Republican senator since 1985; Pete Fitzgerald only had one term.

While I'm not really big on legacy candidates of any stripe, Jackson probably wouldn't have much problem getting re-elected.

by Dracomicron 2008-11-13 12:07PM | 0 recs

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Jackson would have great trouble being reelected

According to folks in the Illinois political world. He is not liked at all outside of his own district. They think he is a selfish, self centered politician. The women's community isn't too fond of him. Gov. Blagoevich is said to really dislike him.

No one knows who the Governor would appoint, but my preference is the progressive, and much better liked Rep. Jan Schakowsky.

by debcoop 2008-11-13 03:21PM | 0 recs

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This is why Obama is the boss

In the meantime though, the Democratic majority is ever so briefly literally in Senator Lieberman's hands, perhaps one of the reasons Obama has struck a conciliatory note when it's come to Lieberman.

A nation in dire economic peril with looming energy crises in the wings, global warming, and two wars with related critical foreign policy issues, all requiring Congressional oversight and smooth operation of government during the transition...

...but you know, fuck it. Screw LIEberman/Loserman: we all want revenge for saying mean things during the campaign.

by Dracomicron 2008-11-13 11:59AM | 0 recs

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So why resign?

Why does he need to resign? I don't know why he feels the need to place the Democratic majority in doubt And if a stimulus package is to come to the extra session...why won't we have his vote?

It seems more important to me.

I just don't get it. What is to be gained?

by debcoop 2008-11-13 03:24PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama To Resign From The

I thought the organizing resolution protected democratic control of the senate. Without 60 votes, won't the Democrats remain in power, even if Biden resigns as well?

by who threw da cat 2008-11-13 11:59AM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama To Resign From The

To clarify, without 60 votes in favor of a new organizing resolution that places republicans in control of committees, shouldn't things stay the same?

by who threw da cat 2008-11-13 12:00PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama To Resign From The

Also, how much can the lame duck congress really do? Even if Lieberman tried to switch and give the GOP control through jan 3, it would just cause one big filibuster. I seriously doubt that the American people would not forgive Democrats for blocking last minute changes that Bush tries to do.

Lame Duck sessions have never accomplished much, plus I think that people like Sen Hagel and Sen John Warner would also be opposed to lame duck shenanigans.

by gavoter 2008-11-13 12:06PM | 0 recs

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RCRA Was Passed in a Lame Duck Session

Also known as Superfund, this legislation allowed for the cleanup of toxic waste dumps throughout America. The legislation was passed in 1980 after Reagan was elected president. Reagan would have never signed the legislation had he been president.

by Zzyzzy 2008-11-13 12:14PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama To Resign From The

Auto bailout. Mortgage relief. These two stand out.

by antiHyde 2008-11-13 01:35PM | 0 recs

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Yes

This post at DemConWatch discusses the issue and links to a Washington Post article from Jan, 07.

by msn1 2008-11-13 05:39PM | 0 recs

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I don't think that Jesse Jackson Jr

could win state wide in 2010 which is when he would have to run again thus I don't think he would be the best person to appoint to the senate.

A better person to take over Obama's seat is Tammy Duckworth who went with Obama on Veteran's Day to lay down a wreath.

I think that Tammy Duckworth could win state wide in 2010.

by puma 2008-11-13 12:01PM | 0 recs

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Re: I don't think that Jesse Jackson Jr

with the exception of veteran affairs Duckworth does not hold the sort of policy stances we want in the Senate. I am hoping that Obama will tap her for an admin post. She is good at what she does, but would not be a consistent vote for us in the Senate.

by JDF 2008-11-13 02:25PM | 0 recs

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Re: I don't think that Jesse Jackson Jr

Jackson is disliked by many, many communities.

by debcoop 2008-11-13 03:25PM | 0 recs

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There is one silver lining in regards to Lieberman

Obama has been trending not to strip Lieberman of his positions (that's what it looked like) so is it one vote less for Lieberman?

by rolnitzky 2008-11-13 12:17PM | 0 recs

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Won't be Schakowski

Her husband Bob Creamer went to prison over a kiting scheme. However, I think it will probably be another woman. Jesse Jackson Jr., could be picked but a lot of people will have problems voting for him a general election because of his father.

by Zzyzzy 2008-11-13 12:19PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama To Resign

Gonna be Duckworth. I think Obama's stepping down before the caucus meeting so that his hands will be clean of skewering Lieberman.

by lojasmo 2008-11-13 12:28PM | 0 recs

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Re: Obama To Resign

Is there any legislation that HAS to be passed before Jan 3? Like that would expire b4 then but is necessary. If so Obama needs to stay right where he is until Congress ends session. If we can truely run the government without passing a signle piece of legislation then this would be ok.

by goodleh 2008-11-13 12:50PM | 0 recs

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That last sentence makes no sense

In the meantime though, the Democratic majority is ever so briefly literally in Senator Lieberman's hands, perhaps one of the reasons Obama has struck a conciliatory note when it's come to Lieberman.

Nothing is in Lie-berman's hands. He can bolt now and Reid would still be majority leader.

by FLS 2008-11-13 01:43PM | 0 recs

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Re: That last sentence makes no sense

Exactly - if I remember right - based on the organizing agreement, the leadership positions stay in D hands through the end of the session - even if the Senate turns 49D - 50R (based on Lieberman jumping ship)

by tietack 2008-11-13 02:28PM | 0 recs

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Effective Sunday

Duckworth is an obvious choice. A disabled, Asian-American female Iraq War veteran who would have dramatic statewide appeal.

If Blago wants a third term, he may appoint Lisa Madigan who is largely seen as a strong contender for Governor.

by Vox Populi 2008-11-13 02:26PM | 0 recs

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Re: Stop Making Post Titles Too Long to Re!!

Interestingly enough only 21% of Illinois voters support him. Of course the only one even close to that level is Duckworth with 14% and that might just be name recognition for both.

by MNPundit 2008-11-13 02:45PM | 0 recs