Why did Obama resign his Senate seat when his vote may be needed in this lame duck session?

[Bozita]

I was asked this. I had no answer.

Help, please.

[deadmessengers]

1. putting himself above the fray.

It's a bad idea for the incoming President to get involved in what's likely to turn into a partisan pissing contest. By resigning this week, he puts himself above that, as he'll need to be able to work with both sides come January 20th.

[Pab Sungenis]

2. With all the work on the transition

he doesn't have time for his Senate duties. Gov. Blagojevich can appoint his replacement at any time, so it's not like either the state or the party will have less of a voice, if the Governor will just make up his mind.

[Bozita]

4. If Blagojevich selected someone today, would this person be sworn in tomorrow?

[Pab Sungenis]

8. Yes.

He just sends the replacement to the Senate with the appropriate paperwork, and BAM.

[LynneSin]

3. Because his seat will be replaced by someone like minded

and the guy has got alot of stuff on his plate.

[n32571]

5. I also heard

that it would give his replacement a couple of months seniority over the newly elected senators. Don't know if that is true or not, but it sounds reasonable.

[OregonBlue]

6. To avoid the vote on Lieberman!!

[dsc]

7. because if Blagovich appoints someone before January 3

that person will have senority over all the newly elected Senators from 2008 (Hagan, Warner, etc.)