Results tagged “senate”

The ballot positions for several races in this February's primaries, including Governor and U.S. Senate, were set yesterday via lottery by the Illinois State Board of Election. For Governor, Andy McKenna drew the top spot for Republicans and William "Dock" Walls III, the subject of a controversial petition challenge, drew the top Democrat spot. On the U.S. Senate ballot, Don Lowery will be at the top for Republicans and Robert Marshall will be in the first slot for Democrats. You can check out all the candidates, including ballot positioning, here.

David Hoffman, the city's Inspector General who has tussled with Mayor Daley many times in the past, is stepping down from his position to make a run at the U.S. Senate. The Sun-Times has a list of some of Hoffman's biggest battles with Daley, the most recent being the parking meter deal that Hoffman claims cost the city almost a billion dollars.

It's exciting times in Illinois politics - and almost impossible to keep track of the players. The 2010 election, about eight months out at this point features three key races - and enough plot twists to keep even the most well-informed political junkie interested.

2010 is shaping up to be a free-for-all for the U.S. Senate seat that Roland Burris is currently keeping warm in Washington. But, finally, a politician has come out and said she will not run for the U.S. Senate: U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (who had way better seats at the Inauguration than we did). Instead, Schakowsky plans to run to keep her current U.S. House seat. She released a statement that said, in part, "I think the next two years present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make progressive change. I want to devote my energy to help make these things a reality, and decided that I simply couldn't do it if I mounted a campaign for Senate."

Illinois casino industry is a step closer to expansion after a 30-28 Senate vote Saturday evening, the Chicago Tribune reports. It is now being sent to the House where reception to the measure has been lukewarm. Speaker of the House Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) was weary of approving the expansion, according to the Tribune.

A Kennedy - yes, one of those Kennedys - is probably going to run for the U.S. Senate seat next year, as we discussed this morning. But what does the head of the other dynasty in town have to say about it? When asked about Kennedy's name helping his cause, Mayor Daley responded, "Sure it does. Yes it does. You better believe it. Yes, it does. And same thing Barack Obama's name. Yes. Those two names, you better believe it. Yes, they do." That's four yeses. He feels very strongly about it then.

Never one to make a fuss about anything, impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich will today make his first appearance at the State Capitol since his arrest on December 9. Blago is on hand to preside over the swearing in of newly elected state senators, something he is required to do by law. Still, we're expecting him to receive a chilly reception at the high noon ceremony. Also occurring at noon will be the swearing in of new House members by Secretary of State Jesse White; the House will then re-vote on the impeachment of Blago, a technicality because of the newly sworn-in members. After the new senators are sworn in, Blago will then preside over the roll call vote for the Senate President, who we already know will be Chicago's John Cullerton. Cullerton will then address the senate and it's expected Blago will exit stage left, though without the traditional escort of senators.

Cartoon for Chicagoist by Tim Daly

U.S. Senate lawyers relented this afternoon and declared that Roland Burris's credentials met the chamber's rules and could be seated as the junior senator from Illinois. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin issued a joint statement, saying: "Barring objections from Senate Republicans, we expect Senator-designee Burris to be sworn in and formally seated later this week...We have spoken to Mr. Burris to let him know that he is now the Senator-designate from Illinois and as such, will be accorded all the rights and privileges of a Senator-elect."

Yesterday, Mick Dumke at the Reader explored the possible identities of candidates named in the Blagojevich complaint, including Jesse Jackson, Jr.

Senate Candidate 5:

Continue reading "ABC News: Jesse Jackson Jr. Is Candidate 5"

AP Photo/Verna Sadock