Bye bye, Senate

[maestrowork]

Obama officially resigned from the Senate today:

Today, I am ending one journey to begin another. After serving the people of Illinois in the United States Senate — one of the highest honors and privileges of my life — I am stepping down as senator to prepare for the responsibilities I will assume as our nation’s next president. But I will never forget, and will forever be grateful, to the men and women of this great state who made my life in public service possible.


Full text here (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/16/obama-offers-very-affectionate-thanks-to-illinois-residents/#more-30507).

[Ken]

...will his vacated seat be up for grabs, then, by democrats, and also republicans?
Same question about Hilary, if she takes the secretary of state posistion, if offered.

[Robert Toy]

...will his vacated seat be up for grabs, then, by democrats, and also republicans?
Same question about Hilary, if she takes the secretary of state posistion, if offered.
The governor gets to select his replacement – Jessie Jackson Jr. is a prime candidate, but Obama has made it know he would like to see Valerie Jarrett fill the seat. Although he repeated it is not his decision, but the governor.

ETA: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/09/source-obama-wants-valerie-jarrett-to-replace-him-in-senate/

[MattW]

How many recently elected positions will now be vacated?

[Ken]

wow, never knew that.
Patterson is governor of NY.
Wonder who he'd choose in place of Hillary?
Guess a demo as he is one, himself.

[blacbird]

The rules for replacing legislators who leave office in the middle of a term vary by state. In some states, governors have appointment power. Others require special elections. I don't know what the rules of NY are.

caw

[Christine N.]

Joe Biden hasn't yet resigned his seat, I don't think. So either the current governor or the governor-elect will choose his replacement. Joe's son seems to be up for the seat.