Jack & Jill Politics

I say Lisa Madigan. She is a great and uncorrupt polititian. And shes not Secretary of State she is Attorney General. Lisa all the way!

Duckworth...all the way!

If Rahm Emanuel has anything to do with it it'll be Duckworth. He worked hard to get her elected and cried when she lost.

Valerie Jarrett would be my choice. Her knowledge of state, city and local government budget issues are what puts her over the top.

She's working on budging some legislators to approve Civil Unions for IL right now. She'd make a great Senator.

He's probably taking Jarrett with him to Washington. Jackson Jr. will always have my respect for telling his dad that HE needs to keep hope alive after that crude hot-mic fiasco.

Co-sign on JJJr. for telling his dad to cut it out.

Torn between Duckworth and Gutierrez.

I hope that Jesse Jackson, Jr gets the seat

Co-signing with djchefron. JJ Jr. is a fine choice. So, though, is Luis Gutierrez. And let's face it; Ken Salazar and Mel Martinez are "Hispanic" in name only.

President Obama would do well to acknowledge the Latino contribution to his most historic victory by recommending Gutierrez. I understand Sepia's point about needing Black representation in the Senate. And while that's true, high profile Latino representation is desparately needed.

There's also Menendez from NJ, but you are correct in that many of these Senators rock the coconut vibe often.

And thanks for pointing out that high profile Latino representation is needed.

Have we ever had a Latino senator?

there are currently three: Mel Martinez, Bob Menendez, and Ken Salazar.

Way to go Soledad! I think that because these Senators aren't as high profile as say McCain, Kennedy, or Dodd, people forget that they exist.

I remember Tammy Duckworth from my Illinois days. The woman is a powerhouse, and passionate. As a progressive, I know we'll never have anyone high profile in office for too long representing my opinions. But she one of the few people that will be able to be centrist and lean progressive, I'm a big fan.

I also say ditto to Gutierrez, I think it is HIGH time Latinos start having representation, and I think it will say a lot on Blagojevich/Obama's part if he is able to be selected. Keep in mind, I think Ms. Duckworth is biracial...don't quote me on that, but I remember hearing that somewhere...

My crystal ball says JJ Jr.

IMHO, for the son of a figure like Rev. Jackson, a vacancy appointment is probably the best shot at raising his statewide profile - and appeal.

I said in the open thread that while Jesse Jackson Jr and Tammy Duckworth are very good choices as a thank you for our Latino Brothers it should be Luis Gutierrez.I know that African Americans will not have a voice in the Senate but now is the time to consolidate a new governing majority so we can move our country into a new direction.

I understand where you're coming from, but I disagree.

I'm elated about this country electing President Obama, but I'm not naive to think that racism has suddenly disappeared and black people should forego our best interests in order to sing Kumbayah with everyone else. We still need a voice in the Senate.

We will have the most powerful voice in the Government with President Obama.Now we have to think long term for a progressive agenda.The demographics of our country is changing and if we can lock up the Latino vote with this pick then we can make this a better country.Make no mistake about it the Latino population is growing and will be the biggest minority group in the coming years.Our interest are mutual and unless we stand together then the republican right wing will win.

I the risk of making a naive "he should just pick the best person" argument, Obama needs to stay away from simple solidarity selections as well. There's too much that needs to be done to just pick somebody to show our love. Leave that for the ambassadorships. And, as a few commentators have pointed out, the Republicans left in Congress are bitter enders--not the moderates. The seat needs to be filled by the person who can come into the Senate and throw the ^%$%!! down.

Preferably they should have some programmatic expertise (or at least access to it) on at least one of Obama's key initiatives. Hopefully they can get on a committee where they can make a difference somewhere along the line. We need fighters as much as anything right now. Phase II of the Republican attack is already underway.

If you want a fighter, then you definitely want Duckworth. As a veteran with a disability, she will also be someone who will not pay lip service for the sake of paying lip service. She actually believes in what she's doing.

I know I sound like a Tammy stan right now. But I don't think I can overemphasize what a good fit she would be. Check out her Wiki page for more details.