Illinois Senate Replacements: Part 2

Previously we looked at the initial front runners for the appointment to President-elect Obama’s senate seat. We focused on Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.

Today, we’ll look at two other front runners who are getting a lot of buzz lately:

1. State Senate President Emil Jones, 73, Chicago

Senator Jones is a legend in Illinois politics and was a strong mentor to Barack Obama in his days as a community organizer on the south side of Chicago and later as a fellow state senator. Senator Jones is also very close to Governor Rod Blagojevich, making him an instant front runner. Considering his age, Senator Jones may figure to be a “placeholder” selection. In other words, Jones would get the honor of a lifetime, a two-year appointment as only the fourth African American United States Senator post-Reconstruction (the third to come from the state of Illinois), but would not be expected to seek reelection in 2010. This would leave the long-term replacement in the hands of Illinois voters in 2010. This makes a lot of sense and is the most democratic option. Appointing anyone else would not only allow him or her to serve the next two years, but also give them a big advantage as the incumbent candidate in 2010. Having a truly open primary in 2010 would allow someone like Barack Obama (who emerged out of nowhere in the 2004 primary) a chance. The more I think about it, the more I favor this option. It would likely set up an epic primary battle between the likes of Jackson, Schakowsky, Gutierrez, etc. In addition, Jones would serve very capably for the next two years and be an aide to his former mentee who will reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

2. Congressman Luis Gutiérrez, 54, Chicago

Congressman Gutiérrez is actively seeking this appointment. Congressman Gutiérrez, the only Latino representative in the entire Midwest, is a well-known national voice for immigration reform and a very influential representative. Gutiérrez also comes very humble roots. Prior to serving in Congress, not only was he a city councilman and social worker, but also a cab driver. If appointed, Gutiérrez would become the first Puerto Rican Senator in United States history. Gutiérrez has flirted with retirement before and is rumored to have his eye on the Chicago mayor’s office. However, with an Olympic bid brewing, I doubt the current Mayor Daley is retiring anytime soon (he’s been mayor since 1989).  Although I don’t see Gutiérrez as being Blagojevich’s number one choice at the moment, there seems to be good evidence that he is definitely on the short list.