ABC 7: Obama Favors Jarrett As His Senate Successor
Last night, ABC 7's Ben Bradley reported that, according to unnamed sources, "Obama friend and confidante Valerie Jarrett is the president-elect's preference" as his U.S. Senate replacement. Watch it:
Politico's Ben Smith reported ...
Last night, ABC 7's Ben Bradley reported that, according to unnamed sources, "Obama friend and confidante Valerie Jarrett is the president-elect's preference" as his U.S. Senate replacement. Watch it:
Politico's Ben Smith reported last week that a source close to SEIU said the union is pushing Jarrett for the open seat. But Bradley's report is the first indication I've seen that Obama himself favors the idea.
From what I can discern, Jarrett and outgoing State Senate President Emil Jones are highest on the list of possible replacements. In the second tier, I'd put the interested members of Congress (Reps. Schakowsky, Jackson Jr., and Gutierrez), as well as Tammy Duckworth. Finally, Kwame Raoul and Dan Seals' names are surfacing on some short-lists, but both seem like long-shots.
Comments
Wow. Jarrett and Jones, two SEIU backed pols, are on the Progress Illinois shortlist?
I'm shocked.
Anon. 17:24 -
We're not endorsing either Jones or Jarrett, nor are we trying to influence the governor's choice in any way (it's not as if we could if we tried). So your suggestion that we're somehow doing SEIU's bidding in this post is way off-base.
I picked those two names in response to news reports and informal chatter. There are probably several other names being bandied about in Blagojevich's office right now and I wouldn't be surprised if the individual he ultimately picks is none-of-the-above.
Jackson, Jr is the best choice. I have sources say h is the No. 1 pick right now. He can distance himself from the daddy baggage so he could carry Madison and St. Clair counties.
He is a hard worker and would have no problems with re-election. The state only had 1 senator since Hastert foolishly forced Peter Fitzgerald out of office. A ballot with JJJ would work.
ALISON, MPA
http://philosopheforum.blogspot.com/
"Responsible Leadership Serving the Public Trust"
But what does Blagojevich get out of picking JJJ? The more I think about it, the more it seems there's no way the governor is giving out this position without getting something in return. And I'm not sure what Jr. has to give him, particularly considering they don't particularly like each other.
Post new comment