If Obama wins the presidency, embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will appoint Obama's replacement. Here are the names being mentioned:
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan Despite being the daughter of one of the state's most powerful hacks, Lisa Madigan has proven herself a capable and honest public servant. She's probably the most popular Democrat in Illinois right now. Blago is always at war with her father and she's got a good shot at putting Blagojevich out of the governor's mansion if she decides to run against him in the next election (if he isn't in prison). He might appoint her just to take her out of the running.
Illinois State Comptroller Dan Hynes One of the state's rare, clean politicians and a potential rival in the next governor's race. His appointment would be non-controversial and would get Hynes out of the governor's way. If that's the governor's strategy, Madigan would be a better bet, but Blago's contempt for the Madigans might just move him toward Hynes.
Congressman Rahm Emanuel You all know him. I think he's going to be Blago's choice. Why? It's good to have a friend with real power in the Democratic Party when you want to win the White House. I know it sounds ridiculous, but Blagojevich wants to be president someday. Can you run for president if you're in prison?
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Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. A savvy, smart Illinois politician. Obama owes him and could put pressure on Blago to make it happen.
Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, Tammy Duckworth Duckworth is an Army Guard Major who lost both legs and shattered an arm when the helicopter she was piloting in Iraq was shot down by an insurgent's RPG. In 2006, she lost a close race against Peter Roskam for retiring Congressman Henry Hyde's seat. Roskam ran a filthy campaign in which his operatives accused the immigrant Duckworth of a lax attitude toward the defense of "our borders." Last I checked, Congressman Roskam still has both of his legs and two working arms. Duckworth would be a good choice, but I don't think it will happen because there is nothing in it for Blagojevich.
Former US Senator Carol Moseley-Braun An ineffective Senator who lost her seat because of her poor choice for a boyfriend. I don't see what's in this for Blagojevich, so I don't see much chance of this happening.
Governor Rod Blagojevich The Governor can choose himself and there has been talk that he might. If anyone has the jumbo cojones to make such a move, it's Blagojevich.
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