The Anti-Democracy Democrats
It appears that Harry Reid prefers an appointed Senator from Illinois rather than an elected one. Gee, one wonders why. Not.
Reid adds that his preference for an appointment by Blagojevich’s successor rather than a special election is driven by his belief that it is “imperative” that a new senator from Illinois be seated as soon as possible. An appointment by Quinn, a Democrat, also avoids the possibility that Democrats could lose the seat in a shortened special election campaign.
Every member of the Senate Democratic caucus has signed Reid’s letter. This one has Harry spooked. He’s trying to head off that election, knowing how badly the rampant Democratic corruption in Illinois politics is playing in Illinois and the country as a whole. The only thing Blagojevich has left at this point is the ability to stymie Reid and stay in office.
What doesn’t help Reid here is that Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn appears to be a) angling for the Governor’s office and b) is reportedly not liked by many in his own party. He’s a self-styled populist, according to this report.
Right now anyone appointed to the Senate out of Illinois will be suspect, regardless of who does the appointment. That is part of the fallout of this kind of flagrant corruption. It is much better right now to allow the people to decide the matter. Which appears to be what the Democrats, led by Reid, are afraid of right now.
Funny how the “every vote should count” Democrats are so very against democracy, isn’t it?
By Thomas Pfau, December 10, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
The good people of Illinois have hardly had someone in that seat for the past year and a half as BO pursued the president’s seat. Funny that all of a sudden Harry thinks it’s all important that someone is in that seat.
By martian, December 11, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
They’re afraid of a fair election where they haven’t had time to rig it in their favor.
By sam, December 11, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
Maybe they could appoint Al Franken. Things don’t seem to be going that well for him up north.