The responsibility for electing a senator to occupy the vacant seat left by president-elect Barack Obama rests with Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Among the many candidates vying for the position are US Rep Danny Davis, Rep Luis Guitierrez, Rep Jan Schakowsky, Lisa Madigan, Rep Jesse Jackson, Jr., Rep Melissa Bean, Tammy Duckworth, State Senate president Emil Jones, Dan Seals, and Valerie Jarrett.
Jarrett was considered to be a top contender, being personally hand-picked by Obama. However, she has stated that she is not interested in filling the vacancy, but would prefer to be one of Obama's cabinet members in the White House. Another leading candidate for the position is Jesse Jackson, Jr. Polls have shown that Jackson received 43% of the popular vote, compared to Tammy Duckworth's 31%. Further, Duckworth is strongly being considered for another position---that of VA Secretary, which would automatically rule out her acceptance of Obama's vacancy.
Jackson's popularity is due in large part to his exceptional congressional record. Careful to avoid wasteful spending, Jackson has consistently supported such important causes as colleges and universities, housing and healthcare programs, and grants to aid policemen and firemen.
Noting the "frosty" relationship between Gov Blagojevich and her father Michael Madigan, Lisa Madigan practically ruled herself out as being the governor's choice. Senator Dick Durbin does not favor the retiring State Senate president Emil Jones, saying that Jones would only be considered "a caretaker". Luis Guitierrez has said he would only be interested in completing Obama's two year term which would end in January, 2011.
Blagojevich has expressed a concern that Obama's replacement should run an additional four years giving him a six year term. This of course rules out Guitierrez who has no desire for a long term commitment.
Several minorities favor Schakowsky saying "she will support their causes".
Both Jackson and Schakowsky campaigned for Obama's presidential nod, and both Jones and Jackson have stated they would be honored if the governor selected them as Obama's replacement. Many African Americans also favor Jackson because like Obama, he is black. But while sentiment runs high in the African American community to elect Jackson, Jackson himself has stated that race should not be a factor in the selection process. Durbin and Guiterrez have also eliminated the impact of race on the governor's selection.
Obama has stated that his choice for replacement would be someone who is qualified, and "passionate about helping Illinois" families and fulfilling their dreams'. Major qualifications include: the person must be at least 30 years old, a US citizen for at least nine years, and an Illinois resident. Ultimately, however, Obama has left the decision up to Blagojevich.
On Thanksgiving Day, Blagojevich and Danny Davis shared a meal together with people at a Chicago homeless shelter. While the governor hinted at Davis as being his choice, he assured the press that he has not yet made a selection. However, the governor did say that Davis was a "good, decent man", and that these were rare qualities in a politician. The governor concluded by saying that Davis was "a strong candidate for the position".
Both Obama and Blagojevich say they want Obama's replacement to be qualified and capable. Additionally, Blagojevich wants someone who's in it for the long haul, not just a "seatwarmer". Blagojevich is expected to make his decision before the end of the year.
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