Marathon Pundit: Illinois special election news

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Illinois special election news

Yes, the title is a bit presumptuous, because there has not been a special election called by the Illinois General Assembly to choose a successor to President-elect Barack Obama.

Once news broke that goofball Governor Rod Blagojevich tried to auction off that seat, there were bipartisan calls to take away Blago's power to make the appointment.

But as I've remarked numerous times, Democrats, including Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who I believe was the first to call for for a special election, showed terrible judgement by assuming Blagojevich wouldn't select a senator.

Don't they know this guy is nuts?

Republicans, inside and outside of Illinois, have been unwavering in their support to "stick it" to Blago and give the people of the Land of Lincoln the power to choose our next senator.

The state GOP has been a potent force in leading this charge. (Wow, I can't believe I wrote that!)

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) strongly favors a special election. The same can't be said for his Democratic counterpart, Harry Reid (D-NV).

But for a while today there was a glimmer of hope that we'll get our special election. Democrats in Springfield tabled a special election bill earlier this month. Then House committee was scheduled to meet on it next week.

Hopes have been dashed, as the resurgent Illinois Republican Party announced in a press release:

Background: Crain's reported earlier today that the House Elections and Campaign Reform Committee was slated to hear special election legislation next week in Springfield . Curiously the Committee was abruptly cancelled today.

Statement from Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna on unusual cancellation of next week's House Elections and Campaign Reform Committee which could have considered Special Election legislation:

"Once again Blagojevich Democrats failed the people of Illinois.

"It appears Rod Blagojevich's campaign co-chairman Mike Madigan would rather allow this senate appointment to stand instead of doing what's right and giving the voters what they want.

"Blagojevich Democrats could have solved this problem 15 days ago by passing a special election, instead they refused to strip the Governor of his appointment powers and contributed to yet another constitutional crisis for Illinois."