Fox News: Emil Jones is likely to be Obama's Senate replacement

This is rich. Emil Jones Jr., pictured on the right, a mentor of Barack Obama who has several ethical clouds hanging over his head, is the president-elect's likely successor, according to the Fox News Channel.

Jones is the outgoing Illinois State Senate Majority Leader, and is one of the few politicians in Illinois who is close to Governor Rod Blagojevich.

After winning the Democratic Primary in February, Jones "suddenly" decided to retire. Chicago ward and suburban township committeemen, likely egged on by Jones, chose Emil Jones III to take dad's place on the ballot.

Jones' stepson, John Sterling, has shown a unique "talent" in winning state business for his computer consulting firm.

Blagojevich, who like Jones is a Chicago Democrat, will choose the person who will serve the remaining two years of Obama's Senate term.

In 2003, Blago's administration put a rule in place that the head of the Illinois Department of Health Service's mental health division must be an M.D. That rule was rescinded two years later, so Jones' wife, a psychologist, could run the division.

If Fox News is correct and Jones replaces Obama, he could be just a place-holder until 2010. Because Jones would be a delicious target for Republicans if he chooses to run for a full Senate term.

Related posts:

Ill. GOP proposes bill to ban Emil Jones-style nepotism replacements

Friends of Barack update: Emil Jones brags about his pork barrel prowess

About Obama's state legislature "accomplishments"

The con is on in Obama-land: Emil Jones' son takes dad's place on the ballot

Hillary delegate: Obama mentor called me an Uncle Tom

Obama's state legislative record--he got a lot of help

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