As an Illinoisian and an African American I really want Obama's replacement to be African American

[wndycty]

I know this will offend some, but just think about this. If Hillary was elected there would be still be other women in the Senate, there are Hispanics in the Senate and Asians in the Senate, now that Obama is leaving unless his or Biden's replacement is not African American there will be NO AFRICAN AMERICANS in the Senate and given the fact there are MANY QUALIFIED African Americans in Illinois that finding one to replace Obama shouldn't be hard, figuring out which one to choose is another question.

I love Tammy Duckworth and I know that she would make a great Senator, but she would also make a hell of cabinet member.

I'm partial to Jesse Jr. but I'm leaning towards Danny Davis or Roland Burris for the simple reason that both gentlemen are older and would most likely serve out Obama's term and not run again and we would have an open primary in 2010.

[midnight]

1. How many women are their in the Illinois Senate?

[wndycty]

5. Quite a few, on both sides of the aisle and all races, why?

:kick:

[pnwmom]

24. Women are greatly underrepresented in the Senate. I'm uncomfortable

with the idea of supporting an African American just to have an African American. Barack Obama won because he was the best candidate. The best candidate, male or female, of any race, should be who replaces him as the Senator from Illinois.

[wndycty]

26. I would agree women are under represented in the senate but

African Americans would be represented at all.

[pnwmom]

29. And how many female Senators have come from the State of Illinois?

Only one, Carol Mosely Braun, for 6 years -- even though women represent more than 50% of the population.

[political_Dem]

30. Carol Moseley Braun: the first Black woman Senator from Illinois.

You can read about her http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Moseley_Braun">here.

[pnwmom]

31. Right. I'd just corrected my post to include her.

So Illinois women have been represented in the Senate by one woman for a single term, over the course of U.S. history.

We shouldn't be trying to debate whether women or African Americans have the better case to make -- both have been underrepresented (although there have been two black Senators, Mosely Braun and Obama, and only one woman.)

[wndycty]

36. Its funny women are in the US Senate yet you feel comfortable demanding Obama be replace by one. . .

. . .but aren't all concerned that there will be NO AFRICAN AMERICANS. I shouldn't have expected differently.

[political_Dem]

41. Not me. I wrote of my preference for Jesse Jackson Jr. further down in the thread.

[pnwmom]

57. Where did I demand that Obama be replaced by a woman? Show me.

I said that gender or race should be immaterial to the decision -- that both sides have a case to make -- and that the best candidate should be chosen, regardless of sex or race.

[Renegade08]

62. Pnwmom - do you understand that there are ZERO African Americans in the Senate?

So, your point makes no sense - between women and African Americans, African Americans have been and are still much more underrepresented in the Senate than women.

This is how bad it's been for African Americans - you can count the number of African American senators throughout American history in the 20th and 21st century on ONE HAND - Barack Obama, Carol Mosely Braun, and Edward Brooke.

As for female senators, there were SIXTEEN as of November 4, 2008 - Hillary Clinton, Claire McCaskill, Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein, Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Mary Landrieu, Liddy Dole, etc.

Yes, it would be great to have more women in the senate. But, the fact that there may be no AA senator after Obama becomes president is a stark reminder that this nation still has a long way to go in its quest for racial equality.

[pnwmom]

64. And when have we ever had a woman as President?

Using your logic, I could point out that Hillary's loss "is a stark reminder that this nation still has a long way to go in its quest" for GENDER EQUALITY.

Which is a more significant gain? African-Americans have had only three Senators in history, but they are about to have their first President.
Women -- who comprise a much greater segment of the population than black people -- have had significantly more Senators, but they have yet to have their first President. Or even V.P.

This is why I say that we should stop pitting supporters of African-Americans and women against each other, by acting as if one or the other is more entitled to increased representation. They have both been under-represented. The election of either one would represent a gain.

EDIT TO ADD:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_the_United_States_Senate

There have been 35 women in the United States Senate since the establishment of that body in 1789, meaning that out of the 1,897 Americans who have served in the United States Senate since that time, 1.85 percent have been female.

[wndycty]

69. Well I would say that had Hillary won it would have been absolutely APPROPRIATE to appoint a...

. . .a woman to replace her.

Appointing a replacement for ANYONE is unique because its all about strategy and you have the OPPORTUNITY to replace someone who belongs to an UNDER REPRESENTED identity group I do think it is very important to try and an appoint a QUALIFIED individual from that identity group.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Roland Burris

has been around a long time, I remember when he was State Comptroller. Believe one of his mottos was "continue the excellence". Wouldn't mind if he did.

[H2O Man]

3. Jesse Jackson, Jr.,

would be my choice.

[goclark]

21. Mine too

[rvablue]

61. Amen, he was close to Barack-awesomeness on DL Hughley's show this weekend on CNN. n/t

[PBS Poll-435]

4. Keyes?

;-)

[Crooked Moon]

6. if they are the most qualified

to do good work on behalf of their constituency, i'm all for it. but that, and not race, should be the fundamental motivating factor.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

7. Doesn't offend me. He was going to put Jarret in that position, no? nt

[wndycty]

9. Love her, wouldn't want her because she would have a hard time in 2010. . .

. . .now if she ran as a challenger in 2010 I could see it. But one consideration is what type of candidate would this person be in 2010?

Whoever gets the nod will have a target on his or her back the minute they are appointed, that is why the idea of a placeholder might make sense.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

12. Placeholder is a good idea. And yes, Jarret is a great lady nt

[book_worm]

8. I wonder how much influence Obama will have in his selection

it could have been a powerful hint having Tammy Duckworth appear with him today.

[wndycty]

10. It was also a powerful nod on his choice for Veterans Affairs. . .

. . .Obama should have considerable say so in this decision however given our Governor (who I used to work for) its not a done deal.

Also, the belief in Chicago is that even though he has not said so publicly Obama wants an African American to replace him.

[KharmaTrain]

11. Here, Here, Neighbor

I firmly agree...Illinois voters, twice have elected African-Americans to the Senate and I find it with a particular pride that we're the only state has ever done this.

That said...I have a few names on my list (as if Blago really cares). Jesse III (remember, dad is Jesse Jr.) is on the top...I've always liked him and he'd be a solid progressive. The only concern here is the name being "box office poison" downstate and that he's never run statewide. I also like your mention of Burris. He's old but very solid.

Another name that's popped up is my good friend Dan Seals. We joke that if Obama wanted to clone himself, Dan's the man. His problem is having lost twice in what was considered a strong Democratic area, would he be able to do well downstate? Of course this is predicated on there being a viable repugnican challenger...and we haven't seen one in these parts for nearly 15 years.

I see Duckworth's ticket punched to run Veterans Affairs. Here's my wildcard...while not black, I'd love to see Luis Guiterrez get the seat. Just a whim, but I think he'd be lots of fun to campaign for.

Cheers...

[wndycty]

14. I love Seals but fear he will be a placeholder. . .I'm hoping Dan gets some sort of appointment. . .

. . .to the Obama administration.

I'm pulling hard for the placeholder, I like Davis and Burris, however Emil has to be considered if that is the case but I can't stomach the thought.

How about Carol Mosely Braun as the placeholder that would be AWESOME!

[KharmaTrain]

27. If We're Talking Placeholders...

...Carole would be a very good choice. Another name to throw in here would be Jesse White. I had Jan Schakowsky on my list, but with Emanuel out of the House leadership I see her now moving up.

The one person, I'm sure, who will have a lot of say in the matter is Dick Durbin and he's been mourning the passing of his daughter.

Cheers...

[mucifer]

17. I agree with Wndy but I don't think Seals would be a good choice he LOST 2 elections for congress

already. I think Seals would be seen as disrespectful for the voters for that reason. I do wish he beat mark kirk. Anyway, Jesse Jr., Burris, Davis or Jarrett would be better choices. But, I wouldn't put it past Blago to just put in whoever he wants and surprise everyone. That seems more his style and part of the reason he is so unpopular.

[KharmaTrain]

25. I Just Threw Seals Name In There...

I agree with you both that he's not either ready or deserving over many others in the state. I joke that if Blago had his way, he's nominate the corpse of Dick Mel to the position.

I've always been impressed with Jesse III...few people have ever seen him or heard him speak and he'd be a great Senator.

But then knowing Blago, he'll probably screw us all over and nominate Todd Stroger. On second thought, as a resident of Cook County, that might not be a bad thing.

Cheers...

[Thrill]

13. I understand your point. But no one deserves that seat more than Jan Schakowsky

We also want to have someone who can actually win re-election.

Jesse Jr. can't. And Seals and Duckworth couldn't win House seats.

[wndycty]

15. I don't think any of them can win re-election. . .

. . .the GOP will drag Jan's husband into it. I love Jan and she would be good, but she is in a safe district and the GOP will make Bob Creamer an issue in her re-election campaign.

[WeDidIt]

16. Obama has no say in it.

This is all about Blagojevich.

[wndycty]

18. I agree, Barack should have a say but Rod will act in his own self interest

:kick:

[mucifer]

19. Blago has one scary ego.

[WeDidIt]

20. I can't believe I voted for that fuck,...

twice.

I only voted for him in '06 because I wanted a Democrat to replace Barack.

I was that certain Barack would run and win.

[Thrill]

22. I thought IL had a popular LT Governor? If not Jan Schakowsky, he should be the pick

I think its important we have someone who can win RE-Election

[Bucky]

23. Naming the person who is THE "most qualified" is a shibbolith (if I'm using the term correctly)

Maybe the concept of more of a chimera. Or a mirage. Whatever. It's baloney. There's no such thing as being a person who is "the" most qualified to any one office--and that's been true since 1797 when George Washington retired. So racial inclusion is certainly a legitimate consideration when the governor picks someone to replace President Obama.

But that said, I think appointing a viable candidate for 2010 is the most important consideration, after "ability to do the job" and "respected by her/his peers," of course. Tokenism for tokenism's sake makes me cringe a bit, but I know you're not suggesting that.

[political_Dem]

28. Jesse Jackson Jr. would be very nice.

Question for you Illinois folks, though: what ever happened to Carol Moseley Braun? How is she faring?

[ecstatic]

34. That's what I've wondered too. She has been MIA!!! nt

[political_Dem]

37. It seems she's kept a low profile since the Clinton years.

So, I've wondered where she was. I also wondered what her thoughts were about Mr. Obama becoming the 44th President of the United States.

[wndycty]

38. Low profile? You do realize she ran for president in 2004. . .

. . .I wouldn't call that low profile.

[political_Dem]

44. Yes, but since then. Not a peep.

[mucifer]

43. she was in the news a few months ago she got mugged near her home in Hyde Park

Thank goodness she's ok. A few University of Chicago students helped her. I found a linky:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-04-28-braun-mugging_N.htm

[political_Dem]

45. That is very horrible to hear. I'm glad that she was helped. It could have a lot worse.

Thanks for the link. I'm saddened that happened to her. I hope she is doing fine now.

[avaistheone1]

32. It should be the best qualified person for the job regardless of color or sex..

[wndycty]

35. Appoints are all about strategy not qualifications. . .

Sorry but that is just the way it is.

[avaistheone1]

46. That kind of strategy gave us the Bush cronies and all their failures.

[DU GrovelBot]

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[Rowdyboy]

39. What about Valerie Jarrett? I've read she's under consideration....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerie_Jarrett

[wndycty]

42. Valerie is a good candidate in 2010, not a good replacement. . .

. . .I really feel strongly that it be a placeholder because whomever is selected will have a target on his or her back.

[Rowdyboy]

55. Well, as a placeholder wouldn't Emil Jones be about perfect?

Is there really that much danger of losing the seat in 2010? I would think most of the potential Democratic candidates could hold it easily-though Jackson would have a harder time.

[Tatiana]

40. I really like Dan Seals. He is a good guy. But I'd probably go with Jr.

Yeah, I know what they say about his dad, but he is not his father.

Cook County can deliver enough votes to overwhelm downstate sentiment against him.

[adoraz]

47. No. Whoever is most qualified for the job.

If it happens to be an African American, then great, but otherwise I don't want gender/race to determine things like this.

[Ozma]

51. Have to agree, but wonder what criteria will be used by

the Gov of ILL?

[Ozma]

48. You may get your wish with JJ Jr.

Or you may not. No reason to give up on believing in the dream.

Can you give us any indication, as an insider in Ill politics, as to how your Governor thinks?

[Occam Bandage]

49. There are currently no Female Asian-American Iraq War Veteran Amputees in the Senate.

Tammy Duckworth could change that.

[Ozma]

50. I think all the major people who are being considered have the chops to

be a good Senator.

Male, Female, minority, whatever, Illinois is lucky to have good choice.

[mucifer]

52. Yeah whoever it will be they will know that they go there with Durbin.

That's gotta feel good.

[rebel with a cause]

53. Wow, no mention of Lisa Madigan?

There have been some to say that it would be a smart move on Blagojevich's part to appoint her to the position. ;)

[mucifer]

80. Lisa M doesn't want to go to D.C. I hope she becomes governor.

[wndycty]

81. I can only support her if her father steps down otherwise I'm in Alexi's corner

:kick:

[True_Blue]

54. I hope Jesse Jackson Jr get's it

[Eryemil]

56. I'd much rather people be chosen for their qualificiations,

That might seem like a novel idea to some but hey, I'm such a radical.

[Lewiskw]

60. Yes

but race might have to play a role because then there would be no Afro-Americans in the Senate and that can't happen.

[Catherine Vincent]

58. How about Patrick J. Fitzgerald?

:)

[AtomicKitten]

59. I've heard two names tossed about: Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Tammy Duckworth.

[TheDonkey]

63. I've seen Jesse Jackson Jr on the TV since the election and I've been impressed

he seems very sharp. I will be rooting for him.

[pecwae]

65. Why can't it just be

the best qualified, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc?

[cali]

66. I'd like to see Jesse replace Obama just because I really like him

but I do want to point out that as far as I know, there's only one Asian-American in the Senate and that's Inouye. Is there someone else?

I also want to say that I'm really uncomfortable with the kind of thinking represented in your OP. There are 6 or 7 Jews in the Senate, yet Jews represent only 2% of the population. Are there too many Jews in that body? Should women be 50% of the Senate? Parsing these things by ethnicity seems problematic.

[wndycty]

67. That is one more Asian American than there are African Americans. . .

. . .its not about there being too many of anything (Jews, women, Asian, Hispanics) its about there being no African Americans.

Do you remember 2000 when Jesse Jr. and other members of the Black Caucus went into the well of the Senate to demand someone object to the Florida results and no one did? It wasn't lost on me that there were no African Americans in the Senate.

[cali]

70. Not to further parse, but Obama is still a member of the Senate

As I said, I'd like to see Jesse get the seat. I'd also like to see the Congress be diverse ethnically, but race or gender shouldn't be the determinative factor in appointing someone to the Senate, although it should be one of the factors. Just my opinion.

[wndycty]

71. This is about an appointing someone to serve the remainder of a term. . .

. . .I feel strongly that Obama be replaced by an African American, as I would feel strongly that Hillary would have been replaced by a woman.

This may shock you but I don't feel strongly that whoever wins this very same seat in 2010 be an African American.

Its all about appointing replacements to members of under represented identity groups. This is unique.

[cali]

72. Well, we just differ on this, because I wouldn't particularly care if Hillary

was replaced by a woman. And no, your feeling about the 2010 election doesn't shock me at all. I think Jesse should be appointed to the Senate because I think he's the best candidate to replace Obama. That he's African-American is also a plus.

[wndycty]

75. LOL I actually want Jesse to be Senator BUT I don't want him appointed. . .

. . .I feel WHOMEVER is appointed is at a serious disadvantage for 2010 because the GOP will target that person the minute they are appointed and that person will be on the defensive for two years and because the person is appointed Democrats might not necessarily rally around that person, especially given the unpopularity of the current Governor.

I prefer that an obvious "placeholder" who will not run in 2010 be appointed.

[cali]

77. I can see the strategic points in your argument

but any incumbent has a real advantage. That's one reason I'd like to see Jesse appointed. And 2010 is another bad year for Senate repukes.

[wndycty]

79. Given Illinois politics and our Governor I disagree with you about the advantage in 2010

We have two Democratic Senators, we hold EVERY statewide seat: Governor, Lt. Gov. Treasurer, Sec. of State, AG, Comptroller and control both the State House and State Senate. The GOP will throw everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink at whomever is appointed. Given that Obama's replacement will be appointed by a very unpopular governor facing several federal investigations I think that the individual won't enjoy the normal advantages an incumbent should enjoy.

[BumRushDaShow]

85. Don't forget Senator Daniel Akaka from Hawai'i too

who is Chinese-American (Inouye is Japanese-American).

[treestar]

68. No that should be based on who would make the best Senator

If that person is AA, fine. If not, some other AA Senators will be elected in the future.

It is not absolutely necessary that the 100 member Senate be always proportional. That's not enough people to demand that it be representative.

[genna]

88. Not proportional but representational? How does that work?

I want to know as our culture becomes more diverse how anyone can say its okay for the government to be less proportionate but maintain its representational integrity.


I understand that race and representation is a sensitive area, but the biggest problem about that statement is that the non proportional interests will be represented somehow. An earlier poster said that no AA in the Senate hurt us in 2000 when the vote in Florida did not represent AA sentiment. My concern is more direct to point to the racial politics Republicans have played since AAs were able to start voting without fear of reprisal: we want your vote but we will not accept/own/push any policy which works to your benefit. There is a problem with politicians including black politicians who get our vote on election day but think our concerns don't merit attention when it matters.


Some AAs can go too far in expecting someone elected to do what is in our interests once elected like bringing charges against police officers when they violate citizen's civil rights (ie. Diallo), requiring offensive symbols not to be hung in minority districts (Confederate flags) or placed around minority homes (flaming crosses), or demanding that organs of government allocate dollars across their jurisdictions without regard to class, color, or tax base (funding public schools equally, picking up liter/having street signs/crosswalk guards in all communities, or having an adequate number of poll machines in every area). I think it is not too much in our democracy to welcome all groups with all their inherent issues by providing them an actual proportionate representative in their houses of government.


I doubt seriously if every town, hamlet, or city in this nation had a least a coalition containing at least one new immigrant citizen, one GBLT council person, native American or Appalachian member, or military...education reform advocate in office negotiating the issues of the day. I think it is hard to justify this ban on gay marriage when you have openly married gays serving next to you. Although the military was forced to accept racial diversity in the 1950s, it did not end racism but it did force people to cope with differences which were not a threat to the institution itself. The transition itself is not always smooth but pressing ahead is necessary to change the next generation of venerable institution.


My question is always: why can't we have the best government that reflects ALL of American diversity?


Since I got on my pedestal and said all that: why can't convicted felons who have served their time for wrong doing vote anymore? Did they stop being citizens worthy of the promise of the nation because they've fallen off the charts of morality and/or decency?

[1corona4u]

73. I understand, but it seems a bit racist to appoint someone based on race...

put the shoe on the other foot for a second.

I think the most qualified person should be chosen, regardless of color.

[wndycty]

74. Other foot? When need to be honest about UNDER REPRESENTED IDENTITY GROUPS. . .

. . .who lose a voice when a member of the identity group leaves a legislative body prematurely because they were elected to another office or received an appointment.

If any woman, Hispanic or Asian American had been elected president from the Senate I would expect that STRONG CONSIDERATION be given to replacing them with a QUALIFIED member of the same identity group. And lets not FOR ONE MINUTE act like there are a ton of QUALIFIED folks from each identity group.

[1corona4u]

76. Ok, let me ask you this...

how many qualified blacks have run for the senate in recent years? Recent being the key here.

[wndycty]

78. Well qualified is subjective isn't it?

Unfortunately there is not a database for African Americans running for senate but off the top of my head:

Michael Steele in Maryland (Hey I wouldn't vote for him, but he ran)
Erik Fleming in Mississippi
Harold Ford in Tennessee

Keep in mind this were party nominees but this list could grow if add in folks who may have run in primaries.

What is the point you are trying to make? That there are no qualified Blacks?

[1corona4u]

82. No, the point I'm trying to make, is

in order for there to be blacks in the senate, they have to run. The only reason I used the word qualified, is because you did. I just don't remember that many blacks running. I know they do for the house, and they do win, but for the senate, I couldn't remember any.

[wndycty]

84. Well I'm sure there are ton who have run in primaries but didn't become the nominee. . .

. . .again your logic is lost on me. Do you really think there aren't more African Americans in the Senate because we don't want the job and don't run?

[1corona4u]

87. You know what...there's nothing wrong with my logic...

you just want to argue, and I don't. You keep trying to put words in my mouth, by assuming what I meant. Stop looking for a 'hidden meaning'. There is none. I simply mean if more blacks ran, they might be elected to the senate. That's all. Nothing more.

You don't want to have a conversation about this, you have tried to pick everything apart that I said, while overlooking my first post, in which I said; the most qualified person for the job should be appointed regardless of color, and I am not the ONLY one in this thread to say that, yet, you keep hammering away at me.


I'm done.

[wndycty]

89. So you are saying the reason there aren't more African Americans in the Senate because. . .

. . .not enough have run? Is that a yes or no?

[mucifer]

83. With Obama getting a big promotion, I'm really hoping more African Americans

run for Senate in the next election. It's just sad that even if Blago puts in an African American in the open seat, that still is 1% of the seats.

[wndycty]

86. Thanks and I believe this to be a unique situation

I'm less concerned about appointing and African American to replace an African American US Representative because there are others. But I feel the senate has so few African Americans, women, Hispanics and Asians it is important that when given the chance to appoint a replacement for someone STRONG consideration must be given to replacing them with a member of the same identity group.

[olkaz]

90. Can't trust Blagojevich to do anything right.

I want Duckworth.

[Honeycombe8]

91. I'm not in favor of discriminating against qualified people based on skin color.

Even if the skin color is white.

Having said that, it looks like it's gonna be Jackson Jr. So you can rest at ease.

[wndycty]

92. You are fucked in the head if you think selecting an African American is discrimination. . .

. . .would you like to go on the record right now and call Affirmative Action discrimination?

[Honeycombe8]

93. Not selecting the most qualified person because of skin color is discrimination. nt

[wndycty]

94. Is there only one "most qualified?" And no one is being discriminating against. . .

. . .there is no job in this world that only one person is qualified for.

[Honeycombe8]

95. I'm familiar with that argument. Used for years to exclude blacks and minorities.

Picking someone based on skin color is discrimination. What exactly don't you understand about that?

Picking someone for a job because he is white is discrimination.
Picking someone for a job because he is black is discrmination.
Picking someone for a job because he is hispanic is discrimination.

Unless there's something about a job that requires a particular race or ethnicity, it is discrimination to select someone for a job based on race or ethnicity. That, also, is not affirmative action.

Affirmative action does not apply to elected offices or appointed offices. Aff. action is a narrow federal law that applies to certain companies or organizations that are either very large or get federal money in some way...and all it is is a requirement that the org. show that it was NOT discriminatory when hiring or promoting a white over another race or minority (or male over female, or young person over old person).