Obama's Replacement: Schakowsky Pushing For Seat

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, long rumored to be interested in replacing Barack Obama in the Senate, confirmed her interest to the AP through a spokesman Wednesday.

The confirmation comes the same day progressive activist Ari Rabin-Havt started a petition urging Gov. Blagojevich to appoint Schakowsky to the seat (h/t Progress Illinois):

Thankfully a number of progressive candidates have already tossed their names into the ring. However none would top Jan Schakowsky.

Jan is a rare commodity among Members of Congress. Not only does she know how to build power from the inside as a progressive, she also has a deep understanding of how issue campaigns are fought and won. This presents a unique opportunity - to put it simply:

Jan Schakowsky could be the next Paul Wellstone.

Blagojevich said Wednesday that he is in no rush to name a successor.

Comments

[ChiGuy]

She has done a fine job as my Congressional Rep.
If she's interested, Blago should consider her for the post.

[Mahi Joe]

Yes! She has earned that job. Excellent choice.

[Eric8869]

I love Jan!

[raven2017]

ReesieKitty has it absolutely spot-on. I also fear that Rep. Jackson, popular though he might be in and around Chicago, couldn't get a single voter anywhere south of I-55. Having lived in the 9th District since I was seven, and having followed Rep. Schakowsky since she was elected in '98, I can honestly say she'd be perfect for the job. While Congress has been pretty much a piece of crap for the better part of my life, Schakowsky has done an amazing job filling the seat of the legendary Sid Yates. She'd have my vote for sure.

[karela]

I have been very impressed with Jesse Jackson Jr. He might be able to get elected to the senate at some future time, but I want him there working as soon as possible and this appointment is soon. I'm rooting for him. He has shown strength and a willingness to stand up to ANYONE who does stupid things that are harmful to the well being of the country.

[ReesieKitty]

I've lived in Chicago since I moved here 15 years ago. In Illinois politics is like a sports team. People discuss politics, local and national, more here and tend to be more interested and informed about local issues than in other areas I've been to. I think Blago will hold onto this as long as he possibly can- he basically has NO pull with anyone right now, and this gives him SOMETHING to award to someone, as well as keeping him nominally in the limelight. He'll milk this appointment for all its worth. I'm betting Obama will not be meeting with Blago much, although he may give some input. But Obama managed to stay largely out of the messier part of the game when he was here, and I don't think he will want ( or need to be) seen as 'palin' around' with Blago. The Guvnor had better enjoy this while it lasts- I don't think he will be in office come next election. I think Schakowsky would be an excellent choice. I like Duckworth, but she should stay where she is and do good there. I think Jackson Jr. is a competent legislator who seems free of the divisiveness of his father's party. But I do not believe in political primogeniture ( Bushes, Strogers, etc) even though I like Mayor Daley! I think Jackson Jr. needs to run for Senate the old-fashioned way :) He'll do fine without the aid of a political appointment.

[DuPageDem]

Schakowsky is the real deal -- a winning liberal who isn't tied to the slime in Chicago and Springfield. She'd make a great Senator. BTW, Illinois doesn't need another Wellstone -- we had Paul Simon.

[mjc]

With Blagojevich "mulling" the Senate seat, seems highly unlikely that anyone else would have a chance. Blagojevich was one of a group of Chicago politicians who liked to control who ran for what in Illinois; Barack Obama was a member of that group and probably received certain amount of favors and support. Schakowsky is just too good and she is a woman, a gender not particularly loved by Obama.

[T Pol]

"A gender not particularly loved by Obama"? Pardon me, but WTF?

Obama was raised by a mother he adored, by a grandmother he adored. He treats his wife as a full partner and adoring respect. He has two daughters he'd die for. He's been endorsed by high power women and women voted high for him. He's looking at a cabinet potentials list with women who are strong candidates for the positions.

What planet are you on?

If this is STILL about Hillary, I'm shaking my head. I'm not sure she even wanted to be #2 under him (she said she didn't) and had she been, he would have lost. NOT because she isn't great in many ways and a real sell to many he had to work to win over. But because the Republicans would have CRUCIFIED her as well as him and billed them as "The Scariest Ticket Ever for America." Biden tempered that "scary" image that the Rovians tried to paint, and even then, Barack had to work hard to reassure many that he wasn't "scary." The Republicans were brutalizing Hillary, from the media to the right-wing local blogs long before the primaries were over.

[ChiGuy]

^^^ Pure buffoonery ^^^

[Phillyska]

I'd love to hear the pros and cons of all possible replacements for Obama and Biden.....then again, it *is* up to their states but the rest of us 'fellow travelers' and wonks would love to know who is going to replace these great Senators.

[uheardme]

I hope the governor appoints Major Duckworth.

[GAPeach99]

I'd like to see Duckworth at Veterans Admin Secretary instead.

[raven2017]

I agree, GAPeach. Maj. Duckworth would be a nice choice; I just don't feel she carries the same gravitas as the other front-runners (Schakowsky and Jackson). She should keep working behind the scenes for awhile. Eventually, I could see her rising to a high position in the federal government (National Security Advisor, perhaps?).

[dobbsfox]

As a biased commentor (I've lived in her district for years and always voted for her), I think Jan Schakowsky would be a wonderful choice for Obama's Senate seat. She's a rare species in Washington - a genuine liberal with power.

[abigail1]

that doesn't necessarily make you biased, that makes you informed. it's good to hear from people who know her! Thanks.

[svengalifx]

Al Franken will be the next Paul Wellstone. Can he move to Illinois and serve if the recount does not go his way in Minnesota?

[endtyranny]

I'd love to see Schakowsky in the Senate, but with her Duckworth and Jackson, how can you go wrong?

[dizmo4]

Wow, I had completely forgotten about her.

Should be down to Duckworth or her. I have serious doubts about Jackson Jr's ability to win a state-wide office. If teh republicans run a moderate in 2010, he could lose the seat.

[KarateKid]

Do the Republicans even have an organization? Who, praytell, are they going to run??

Bill Foster just waxed Jim Oberweis, for the second time this year, even worse than the first time.

I think Jesse Jr. can win a statewide election. After all, the Republicans had to import Alan Keyes to run against Obama.

[MNmommy]

I'd much prefer her or Duckworth over Jackson Jr.

[uheardme]

Why???

[GingersPawPaws]

Explain further please.