Politico is reporting this morning that Rep. Jan Schakowsky is “open to running” for the Senate in 2010:
Schakowsky, leaving the Burris swearing-in ceremony Thursday, told Politico that “time will tell” whether she’d run or not. Asked whether she was ruling a run in or out, she said, “No.
In order to challenge Burris, Schakowsky would almost certainly have to give up her congressional seat. Speaking of which, this week she was named co-chair of the influential Congressional Caucus on Women’s Issues. In a press release, Schakowsky hinted at how she plans to help lead the 78 member, bi-partisan group:
“[W]ith the challenges that lie ahead it will be the women in this room that will be the voices of the millions of women struggling to make ends meet and provide for their families in this economy.
“We will be the ones to raise the issue of encouraging leadership in our young daughters and granddaughters. We will be ones to champion the contributions of women veterans and military service members.”
Last year the women’s caucus went to bat for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (which passed the House last week, and is now being considered by the Senate), and also took on domestic and sexual violence, health insurance discrimination, and improved military family benefits. This year they plan to build on those issues.
Comments
UMRBlog (not verified) on Sat, 01/17/2009 - 16:43
This would be the same strong, decisive leader who immediately called for a special election, which would have, of course, opened the door to a Republican in that important office. Sure, Jan, we've already seen your decision-making and judgment under pressure. Good luck with that campaign.
Rick Spratley (not verified) on Mon, 01/19/2009 - 12:04
I think Jan would make an excellent US Senator. As far as calling for a Special Election to fill the Obama vacancy, that would be the best solution by allowing the citizens of Illinois to choose. Democracy should be above party politics. Run Jan Run!
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