Nov 15, 2008 6:44 pm US/Central
Senate Seat Appointment Could Come Soon
Several Names In the Mix For President-Elect Barack Obama's Senate Seat
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Call it a very unusual election – with only one voter, Rod Blagojevich.
The governor has to appoint someone soon to the president-elect's Senate seat. The governor has said he wants to make the announcement by the new year. But with the seat being vacant Sunday, that could come sooner, as CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports.
Sources say Congressman Luis Gutierrez is among the top three names on Gov. Rod Blagojevich's short list for the upcoming Senate seat vacancy. When asked if he wants the seat, Gutierrez gave a diplomatic response, saying he's honored his name is in the mix. The Congressman says he plans to speak to the governor Monday.
"We talk frequently…we're friends," Gutierrez said. "I look forward to talking to him – to see just what it is, he expects of the next senator from Illinois. So I look forward to talking with him. I'm humbled to be considered."
When asked if it's something he really wants, Gutierrez said: "I'm humbled to be considered for the post – obviously, it's the governor's decision."
The other two people being considered are Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth and State Senate President Emil Jones. Skeptics recall the governor loves surprises. They suggest Democrat Dan Seals among others as a candidate. Gutierrez says no matter who is chosen, race, or gender should not be part of the equation.
Sources also say early front runner, congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is no longer at the top of the governor's list, even though the Congressman was actively seeking the senate seat.
That didn't matter to Jackson supporters in Country Club Hills.
"We're here today to endorse the candidacy of Congressman Jesse Jackson, for the U.S. Senate of the State of Illinois,' said Country Club Hills mayor Dwight Welch.
"Congressman Jackson has served over seven terms in the House – during that period he has an impeccable voting record,' said Village of Richton Park mayor Rick Reinbolt. "In that time frame, he has only missed two votes in the entire 14 years. He will serve the Southland very well."
"the most important aspect of my endorsement is he will support the agenda of our new President," said University Park mayor Al McCowan.
The push for another member of Congress to take the president-elect's Senate seat continues Sunday.
That's when several alderman, along with state senators and representatives will come together, to announce their support for Congressman Danny Davis.
With the lame duck session beginning Monday, Democratic leaders want the governor to fill the seat within the next few days, not weeks.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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