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PDA Illinois Requests Fair Process in Appointment of Obama's Replacement

November 14, 2008, Springfield, IL

The election of Barack Obama created a vacancy in the Senate, which the Governor of Illinois will fill by appointment. The following letter was sent by PDA Illinois to Governor Rod Blagojevich:

November 12, 2008

Honorable Governor Rod Blagojevich
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph St. , Ste. 16-100
Chicago, IL 60601

Dear Governor Blagojevich,

As we celebrate President-elect Barack Obama's electoral victory, and glory in the democratic process that sends him to the White House, we must also be mindful of the very undemocratic process likely to unfold for selecting his successor in the U.S. Senate.

Because this seat will be up for election in less than 2 years, the Illinois Constitution calls for you as Governor to appoint the replacement for Senator Obama. At the same time we will see special elections to replace our representatives in the House, like Rahm Emmanuel.  This is a throwback to the time when State Legislatures chose the Senator and only the House was by popular vote.  The times have changed and we strongly feel that it is critical that you allow some form of democratic feedback to the process.

The new Senator will serve out President-elect Obama's term till 2010, and then run in a state-wide election.  By then, the "named person" will enjoy the incumbent's advantage and likely remain in the Senate for years to come.  So, now is the time for you, our governor--though not legally bound to do so--to open this process to allow for real input from the people of Illinois and do so in part to honor the wonderful example of faith in the electorate set by our next President, Barack Obama.

We call on you, Governor Blagojevich to devise a more democratic process that seeks input from communities around the state, by holding open forums to allow the people of Illinois to weigh in on this most important position. Please take into account the consensus of the people as you move forward.  Just as the people of Illinois selected Barack Obama and you, Governor to be their leaders, so should they have appropriate input in choosing our next United States Senator.  

Respectfully,

Progressive Democrats of America -- Illinois