Emil Jones will probably get Obama's Senate Seat

[redstate_democrat]

Emil Jones is a close ally in the State Senate to Blagojevich. They are pretty tight. Emil is also responsible for giving Obama a lot of responsibility in the State Senate and also served as a mentor to him. Emil Jones is also retiring from the State Senate at the end of this year. He could serve in Obama's seat until the special election and decide what to do from there. He most likely would not run for election and someone else could step in and run. Jessie Jackson Jr. would probably run then.

I'm betting Emil would take over Obama's seat. It would be not only historic, but also very symbolic.

[saracat]

1. And somewhat creepy if so, considering some of Jones remarks regarding that seat.

[4themind]

2. Pretty sure BLago is running again

and he'll NEED to keep good ties within the many parts of the african american community political class that want an african american to succeed Obama(especially in his political base in chicago). At the same time he doesn't want to piss off other constituencies. So IMo the best "compromise" for him politically is to put a well known african american "emil" to be a placeholder untill the 2010 primaries, where everyone else will have an equal chance to duke it out. It may be better this way because whoever is running at the time (while incumbancy is nice) may not want the blago-appointment-anchor tied to their necks if his legal woes continue.

[redstate_democrat]

3. Exactly

African Americans in Illinois are some of Blagojevich's strongest supporters. I can't see him NOT selecting Emil to replace Obama. Then let all those who want to compete in the special duke it out.

[LiberalCommiePinko]

7. I don't think

there will be a special election for that seat. It's up in 2010 anyway, so whoever gets appointed will fill out the remainder of that term.

[redstate_democrat]

8. Yes, meant to say when the seat is up. In 2010, they can all duke it out.

But that seat will go to Emil Jones right now.

[sandnsea]

4. No he won't, JJ, Jr. will probably get it now n/t

[redstate_democrat]

5. On what basis?

I've actually heard more about Emil getting it than Jessie Jackson Jr. Jessie Jackson Jr. and Blagojevich can't stand each other.

[sandnsea]

9. Call it gut instinct

Whatever. I just don't think Emil will get it. I think the Jackson family has more pull.

[City Lights]

6. I read earlier that the current front runners are Jones, Gutierrez and Madigan. nt

http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1279294,CST-NWS-obama14.article