Durbin wants special election to replace Obama
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/09/art.durbin.gi.jpg caption="Durbin is calling for a new election to replace Obama."](CNN) - Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin said Tuesday he wants a special election called to fill President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat.
At a press conference with reporters on Capitol Hill, Durbin said he wants the Illinois legislature to act quickly to pass a law setting a special election in light of news Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been charged with seeking financial gain over the appointment.
Currently Blagojevich has the sole authority to select Obama's successor, and is still able to do so unless he resigns or is impeached from office.
"No appointment by this governor under these circumstances could produce a credible replacement," Durbin said.
In the press conference with reporters, Durbin also defended his state, saying the vast majority of politicians in Illinois are honest.
"I believe that the overwhelming majority of politicians in Illinois and outside are honest, hard-working people in both political parties," he said. "There will always be exceptions in both political parties who – when given the opportunity to use power – misuse it."
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Well, since in the wiretap transcripts the Governor repeatedly curses Obama's name for not playing ball with him, I'd say our new Pres comes out of this looking better than ever. As for this slimeball- he's done for. Good riddance.
Obama: " I had no contact with Blagojevich over that seat".
Sounds kinda familiar. "I did not have sex with that woman."
Look out for the fall out on this one. Will he be trying to cut a deal for leniency?
I am not sure I agree with a special election. The Governor should resign. If he does not he should be impeached. This will clear the way for the Lt Governor to make the choice for senator. The people in IL can then choose to ratify or change that choice at the next election in 2010.
Are american laws really screwed up!! Quick, impeach him immediately, he's way to egotistical to resign.
He'll go down as one of those other public/political figures that believed they did nothing wrong.
MAN.... I'm reading the comments and like WOW....
so.. now Durbin is a bad guy because.. (now get this)... Durbin, a Democrat... petitioned Bush for a pardon of the preceding gov. RYAN.... A REPUBLICAN.... (as Ryan is a million years old, and his wife is about to die)...
but the concensus of some paid haters on here is..... screw'em....
For all you right wing conservatives who blame everything on Obama. Reported in Newsweek: Governor Sarah Palin, billed the RNC $110,000 for hair and make-up. Can not wait for the lipstick charge!
A special election would not be needed if the Governor resigns and allows the Lt. Governor to fill his office and make the appointment.
How about a special election to replace Durbin?
Throw Durbin in jail with Blag....that entire state seems to be corrupt. Lincoln is rolling over in his grave at how they have disgraced his state.
Is there anyone in Chicago politics that isn't shady?
I believe the Democrats are afraid of Palin. Don't be concerned with her get your own house cleaned, if that is something that can be done.
Good forbid you say anything about Obama. CNN censors your comments. Yep CNN is in Obama's back pocket.
Does Durbin still want to give amnesty to ex Gov. Ryan? This means the last two Governors of Illinois will have been sent to jail for corruption.
I'm sure you know the "Fool me once....." adage.
Amnesty to Ryan will send the wrong message to these politicians that ripping off the public is OK.
Definitely a special election. Anyone aopointed will be tainted. Let the people choose.
And if you believe that Obama didn't at least have knowledge of these corrupt activities, if not fully involved, then you're a fool. This is Chicago politics at it's finest and it's a team sport.
Between this and Rezko coming up, Obama will be lucky to make it to inaugeration day without being indicted.
Isn't there like a Vice-Governor or something? Someone has to be Governor if this guy is removed from office, right? That person should appoint a replacement for Obama. That's how it works, right?
Even a blind monkey can find a banana occasionally. So even a corrupt and stupid politician can actually have a good idea. Just make sure that there is good judicial oversight about how the election is set up, and who the candidates are. The people of Illinois, I'm afraid, have had a rough ride of it with first a bad apple Republican and now a bad apple Democrat as Governor. Seems to me that your political machines need some serious overhauling!
@Ionnette33..........
Sorry to say you're way off base, I'm in Obama's camp and can only get 1 in 5 comments appear on this blog.
Maybe they have something against Canadians! We should start a revolution...........LOL
And who will pay for it?
Sadly I can only say he's either a few dimes short of a dollar, or he's just an evil, egotistical fool.
the peoples government a special election is fair and tthe only
way for the people to be heard, its not about what Durbin wants
some things we have no power over and the people Illinois
will speak to God be the glory God is telling us something
but some of you just will not listen
I was hoping there would be a special election to replace Obama as President. Oh well.
Well I don't think Obama had any connection to our governer. I live in Springfield Illinois and the governer has always been public enemy number one. He is suppose to live here in gverner;s mansion but no, he has to be taking in money in Chicago. I really hope he is forced to step down and we can finally have someone who we can trust
NJVote08 December 9th, 2008 3:16 PM ET
Jason,
Why do people like you blame everything on Obama? Don't you know that God gave everyone a free will and that they are just exercising it. I don't condone what the Governor did, but YOU PEOPLE need to stop blaming the President Elect! He has been blamed for the economy, the war in Iraq, global warming… whatever is tossed about, it's his fault. Let us stop being a nation divided and work together to make life more enjoyable for everyone.
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Isn't that what people do to bush? the problem is that peoples idea of a nation united is one in which its..."let's unite under my party's ideals, and if you're not with us, then you're just tying to push forth a divided america!" please, hypocrisy much?
A message from reality to the comic book world:
Oh, yeah. Obama's whole reason for campaigning to be president was to leave behind a senate seat for a corrupted governor to use as an illegal barganing chip. Oooooh, the master plot!! And the Hawaii vital statistics and birth certificate department were in on it too!!
Republican credibility is at an all time low. Isn't it time that ya'll take off the tin foil hats?