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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I think that is a right call at the right time. The corrupt bigots should have no authority whatsoever to select a substitute for Obama.
And all of this from the state that borught us our next chief executive.
So much for 'change'.
I agree 100%, the people should choose
I'm from Illinois and I like this idea. As NBC's Chris Todd said, no Illinois politician wants the Senate seat under the current conditions. They'd forever be tainted. Let the people decide.
A personal rare event for me; I agree with Senator Durbin on this one.
I have to admit I was slightly optimistic when I read this headline that Durbin meant replace Obama as President. (only half-joking)
Ah yes, there's more of that wonderful "change we can believe in" I keep hearing about.... and to think all of this wonderful "change" is being peddled by sleazy Chicago politicians. Niiiiice...
This is the just the beginning folks... the Obama administration will have all the integrity of Clinton and all the competency of Carter. Expect a BIG conservative win in 2010.
While it will be an expensive endeavor for a two year term, an election would avoid any further hints of corruption.
Oprah should run for the seat.
New York, New Jersey, Illinois, will the last ethical Democrat Gov. please turn out the lights.
Sen. Durbin– this would be a good move. Let's see how it goes.
NO WAY! IL Governor Arrested should nominate the next senator. The seating governor should resign
Durbin is just as crooked... any idea coming out of his mouth better be examined carefully before being discarded.
As an Illinois resident I wholeheartedly agree with this recommendation. The decision needs to rest back with the people.
Way to go Dick Durbin, i wouldn't want that sit i was appointed by that Governor
I agree with Senator Durbin. I live in Chicago and I'm so sick of the corruption rampant in my city and state. If Gov.Blago picks the replacement for the senate, then that person may be tainted unfairly because of it. An election is the only way to make the process fair.
I dont think that ANYONE will disagree with the special Election especially in light of what this scumbag was attempting to do. I have seen people try to cash in on the success of President Elect Obama..but wow!
Why not allow Obama to make the appointment?
Seems fair, especailly if a Governer/Senator are from different parties.
I'm amazed at myself that I actually agree with Sen.Durbin! Excellent idea. I would carry it one step further, though..... no Chicago Machine politicians need apply.
Let the media do the picking, they are getting good at it.
It's like seriously? Should this honestly be a problem? How is it that these people get into office? Money corrupts.
Even an election can be bought with money. Obama bought the White House for $668 million, most of which come from questionable sources. Power corrupts, so what is new, it is only the beginning? Bush has the last laugh, as no one is perfect, and Obama is no angel either.
How about a new Federal Law which states that if any politician runs for President he/she has to automatically give up whatever position they hold.
None of the Republicans or Democrats who ran in the primaries served their state these past two years – not Obama, not Hillary, not McCain, not Richardson. And once nominated the nominees for President and Vice President should have to give up whatever position they hold.
Illinois must have a special election. There is no way anyone can be appointed to fill Obama's vacant senate seat and not have the appearance of corruption.
Illinois having problems with their political system? Isn't that the state where Barrack Obama got his start in politics by having his opponants names removed from the ballots because of a "legal technicality" thus making him the only name on the ballot to vote for? Shucks, even Fidel Castro could win an election like that.