Obama To Announce VP This Week
The waiting game may finally be over. According to the New York Times, Barack Obama "has all but settled on his choice for a running
mate" and could announce the name as early as Wednesday
morning. Four individuals currently constitute the campaign's short list: Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Not to be outdone, Sen. John McCain says he will celebrate his 72nd birthday on Aug. 29 by naming his running mate at a rally in Ohio.
Obama On The Offensive
Rested after his week-long vacation, Obama has returned to
the trail with guns blazing. Taking a more aggressive approach, the
campaign has gone public with detailed opposition research attacks it
was only pushing behind the scenes previously, including McCain's
"woman problem" and his connections to disgraced lobbyist Jack
Abramoff. Obama also suggested that McCain's recent decision to push
for offshore drilling was driven by polls.
Jones Wants Son To Succeed Him
Senate Leader Emil Jones publicly announced his retirement yesterday
and he plans on keeping his seat in the family. While the 35-year
veteran offered no reasons for his departure, he quickly moved to clear
the way for his son Emil Jones III to replace him on the Nov. 4 ballot,
filing paperwork Monday with the State Board of Elections. Sen. James
DeLeo, who considers himself an ally of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, "predicted difficult times ahead for Blagojevich without the Senate Democrats, under Jones' leadership, acting as a backstop for the governor."
Speculation Builds About Next Senate President
Focus has also shifted to Jones' possible successor as Senate
President. According to the AP, downstate Sen. James Clayborne, Chicago
Sen. John Cullerton, and Evanston resident Jeff Schoenberg are among
the favorites. "There's no real consensus. There's no candidate that'll
make everybody happy," said state Sen. Susan Garrett, a Lake Forest Democrat. "Depending on where you are from and where your allegiance has been will help determine that."
Alderman Urged To Forfeit Pay Raise
Hoping city legislators will "lead by example" during the current
recession, the Civic Federation demanded Monday that Chicago aldermen
forfeit their cost-of-living pay raise and last year's $40,000 increase
in the annual aldermanic expense allowance. The city's 50 aldermen earn an annual salary of
$104,101 and are not prohibited from holding second jobs. Ald.
George Cardenas (12th) -- one of 16 aldermen to vote against the pay
raise in 2006 -- said giving it up is a "no-brainer" but was hesitant
to forfeit the expense money.
Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user syedasif.
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