So when Obama resigns we will once again have no African-American senators

[LynneSin]

Unfortunately things look bleak with Delaware - top of the list are all white males (I think one woman was rumored as a long-shot).

I heard we might have Jesse Jackson Jr. replace Obama although I suspect it might go to Tammy Duckworth (who is a woman, paraplegic, decorated Iraq war veteran and half Thai and btw I met her - she totally rocks).

If Hillary gets SOS, any chance there is someone from New York that could be considered. I'm glad we finally were able to elect an African-American to the White House but it seems we still have no luck with the Senate.

[Muttocracy]

1. Being Senator from NY is such a horrid burden to bear that I doubt we'll find anyone

:cry:

:sarcasm:

[yardwork]

2. It is disgraceful how little our Congress represents our nation.

[LynneSin]

3. Well one day. Senate will be our next project

but for all my bitching we do have several nationalities & religions represented but it just seems no luck for African-Americans.

But then again the history is basically 5:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans_in_the_United_States_Congress#United_States_Senate

[dbmk]

37. Well

When elections are done state by state, chances are slim that it ever will. Two white senators is representative for most states, I reckon. So state by state getting a minority senator are small and that is compounded across all senatorial elections. Like the presidential election, having 40% backing does not translate to 40% chance.

Thats not saying thats a good thing. But as long as we identify ourselves just in the slightest on racial background, it will make it hard to reach a place where the Senate should generally have the "correct" chance of representing the nations mix of racial backgrounds.

[wndycty]

4. when I posted about my desire for Obama to be replaced by an African American

many duers told me they didn't care

[LynneSin]

5. Well it's a 2-sided coin for me

I want him replaced by an African-American but I also want him replaced by someone who is both qualified to do the job and stands a good chance at keeping that seat in 2 years when the special election is held.

But that would be the same qualifications for whomever replaces Biden and could feasilby replace Clinton if she takes SOS.

I have to confess I don't know much about Jesse Jackson Jr. other than who his father is. I do know more about Tammy Duckworth because she was an Emily's List candidate and I saw her speak several times when she ran for office. But from what I've read here at DU, Jesse Jr. is not controversial like his father and would be a solid replacement for Obama.

It would just be nice if we could take these opportunities of open senate seats to help kick-start the movement to get more African-Americans in the Senate. But being from Delaware, honestly I can't think of one that would be qualified and would hold on to the seat in 2010 should someone like Mike Castle decide to make his move to the Senate. (my guess is if Gov. Minner picks a strong candidate like Lt. Gov Carney, Castle will finish his career as a Represenative but if Minner picks someone weak then Castle might make the move.)

[Muttocracy]

6. can we knock out some GOPers in 2010 and improve demographics at the same time?

http://senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/two_column_table/Class_III.htm

Class III - Senators Whose Terms of Service Expire in 2011

Senators in Class III were elected to office in the November 2004 general election. Their terms run from the beginning of the 109th Congress on January 3, 2005 to the end of the 111th Congress in January 2011.

Democrats
Bayh, Evan (D-IN)
Boxer, Barbara (D-CA)
Dodd, Christopher J. (D-CT)
Dorgan, Byron L. (D-ND)
Feingold, Russell D. (D-WI)
Inouye, Daniel K. (D-HI)
Leahy, Patrick J. (D-VT)
Lincoln, Blanche L. (D-AR)
Mikulski, Barbara A. (D-MD)
Murray, Patty (D-WA)
Obama, Barack (D-IL)
Reid, Harry (D-NV)
Salazar, Ken (D-CO)
Schumer, Charles E. (D-NY)
Wyden, Ron (D-OR)

Republicans
Bennett, Robert F. (R-UT)
Bond, Christopher S. (R-MO)
Brownback, Sam (R-KS)
Bunning, Jim (R-KY)
Burr, Richard (R-NC)
Coburn, Tom (R-OK)
Crapo, Mike (R-ID)
DeMint, Jim (R-SC)
Grassley, Chuck (R-IA)
Gregg, Judd (R-NH)
Isakson, Johnny (R-GA)
Martinez, Mel (R-FL)
McCain, John (R-AZ)
Murkowski, Lisa (R-AK)
Shelby, Richard C. (R-AL)
Specter, Arlen (R-PA)
Thune, John (R-SD)
Vitter, David (R-LA)
Voinovich, George V. (R-OH)

[LynneSin]

10. I hate to say it but the states where African-Americans would do best are dem states

Maybe Pennsylvania if Arlen Specter finally retires.

[abumbyanyothername]

14. Add special elections in IL and DE

and probably NY and MA.

Possibly AK.

[LynneSin]

22. Well I think DE will stay witih the standard issue white male

which is ironic because in 2004 we were the only state to give an electorial vote to Al Sharpton.

[TexasObserver]

7. Jesse Jackson, Jr.

[Bonn1997]

9. That makes a lot of sense. It would be a mistake to have zero blacks in the Senate

[TexasObserver]

20. Because he'd be replacing a black senator, it does have a certain logic.

One brother in the senate? Can we have just one?!

Obviously, it has to be someone who is qualified, someone who can be reelected.

[Bonn1997]

31. I'd like them to put as many minorities and women in as possible

[Thrill]

18. I just don't think that is a good pick. Why would you pick him over Jan Schakowsky?

Shes been a leader in the Dem Caucus in the house.

[TexasObserver]

23. They're both qualified, but I think he's the better choice.

[Thrill]

19. Dupe

[Skwmom]

38. I think he would be a great choice.

[skeewee08]

8. Why is he resigning?

[LynneSin]

11. Obama is resigning his senate seat this weekend

Since he is loaded with all this transitional work for presidency. No word on when Biden will retire. We have a new governor but I think regardless of our Governor all signs are pointing towards Carney.

[PermanentRevolution]

12. Um... because he can't be Senator and President at the same time.

[firedupdem]

15. is that supposed to be a joke? n/t

[rvablue]

28. Uhh...my guess would be because he was elected President?? n/t

[alwysdrunk]

13. Post-racial

I used to think about it that way, no black senators now. Jesse Jr. as you mentioned. But lately I've been really thinking we should push forward into a place where race is not a consideration, even if we aren't really there yet, we should act like we are anyway.

[LynneSin]

17. I really wish we could

I mean I'm not talking that we have to replace Barack with another African-American - I would be just as happy if it was Tammy Duckworth. But it's just a shame that in 200+ years there have been exactly FIVE african-american senators, which is not good progress.

What I do hope is that whomever replaces Obama and could replace Hillary would be someone from an Urban area. Our cities are getting battered by this financial crisis and too often it seems like the Bush administration has neglected our cities. It's time for a change.

[sampsonblk]

26. The post-racial view of this nation is a self-delusion, in my opinion

I work for an insurance company. There are still entire towns that black agents dare not visit. At best, they will never be allowed into any homes.

[alwysdrunk]

32. Do you think that will be the same next year

It will still happen, but do you think it will happen less? I do, and I don't even know what town you are talking about.

[sampsonblk]

35. I always hope for improvement

If Obama goes a good job, and I expect that he will, then things will absolutely improve over time.

Does that make this a post-racial America? Not by a long shot.

[superduperfarleft]

36. Let me guess, you're white?

[redstate_democrat]

39. If there had only been 5 women in the entire history of the United States Senate, would you feel

women would have a legitimate gripe or claim to a seat being vacated by the ONLY woman in the Senate, or would you still claim we should be "post gender"?

You have to understand that there have been exactly 5 black senators PERIOD. TWO of these senators served during RECONSTRUCTION. There have only been 3 modern day black senators and 2 of them were from Illinois.

Jessie Jackson Jr or Emil better get that seat.

[WI_DEM]

16. I think the Gov of IL should select an black person to replace Obama.

there are several qualified in IL.

[onenote]

21. because?

Was Obama elected Senator because he was black? That's weird, since he defeated someone who is black.

[LynneSin]

25. He defeated Alan Keyes

Who yes, is Black but that's about it. That's about as smart as voting for McCain/Palin because McCain picked Palin when Obama skipped over selection Hillary Clinton.

[redstate_democrat]

40. First of all, there have only been 5 black senators in the entire history of the U.S. Senate

If women had that kind of track record in the senate and the only woman serving was vacating the position, would you question why people would expect a woman to replace her?

You probably wouldn't.

If a black person isn't appointed to that seat in Illinois, there will be a political price to pay. That is just SMART POLITICS.

[onenote]

41. I think equal consideration should be given to naming an African-American to fill any vacancy

that occurs in the Senate, including Biden's spot and, should a sitting senator be named to the cabinet, that spot. I don't think that Illinois somehow should be viewed as the "black Senate seat."

[ieoeja]

24. Speculating on Obama's replacement in Illinois is a *real* waste of time.

Our governor is a complete nut. He is just as likely to pick his favorite waitress as Duckworth or anyone else.

[KamaAina]

27. Minor quibble: Duckworth is a double amputee, not a paraplegic.

paraplegic = paralyzed below the waist; amputee = limb physically removed.

Did you know? She's (at least) the second Hawai'i person you have met; in fact, I will be passing her alma mater McKinley High on the way home this evening (it's a public high school, not an elite prep school like Obama's Punahou).

If Hillary gets SOS, any chance there is someone from New York that could be considered.

Gov. Paterson himself is African American, as are several members of NYC's House delegation.

edit: How could I forget this choice morsel of Duckworth humor? Definition of Hell: Dick Morris stranded on a desert island -- with Tammy Duckworth. :evilgrin:

[LynneSin]

30. Stand corrected

:blush:

[flvegan]

29. If Hillary gets SOS, I wouldn't mind RFK, Jr taking that seat.

He'd be eligible I believe. I know he isn't African-American, but I'd like him in that spot.

[DU GrovelBot]

33. ## PLEASE DONATE TO DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND! ##

==================
GROVELBOT.EXE v4.1
==================



This week is our fourth quarter 2008 fund drive. Democratic Underground is
a completely independent website. We depend on donations from our members
to cover our costs. Please take a moment to donate! Thank you!

[pnwmom]

34. Having Obama in the Presidency will have a more powerful influence

on people's willingness to vote for an African-American Senator or Congressman than anything else I can think of.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

42. As a black woman, I would like a quality, smart, qualified black woman back in the Senate

Carol Moseley-Braun got a tough deal. However, I'm totally in love with Tammy Duckworth and would be honored to have her serve.