Syverson, Burzynski react in disgust to Dems’ rejection of special U.S. Senate election
December 16th, 2008 at 03:16pm Chuck Sweeny
Illinois Senate Republicans are howlin’ mad over the Democrats’ decision to scrap a special election to fill Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. In the wake of Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s arrest, virtually no one wants the disgraced governor to appoint Obama’s successor.
After Blago’s arrest, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL promoted the idea of a special election. Senate Republicans introduced a measure to hold the special election alongside the April 4 municipal and township elections.
But with disgust at Blago nearly universal,, Democrats fear they’d lose a special election, and the GOP sees a chance to pick up a much needed vote in the U.S. Senate. Popular suburban Republican congressman Mark Kirk has indicated an interest in running for the seat.
The Rockford area’s two state senators, both Republicans, reacted with anger to the Democrats’ refusal to consider a special election:
In a statement, Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, said: “Last week we had strong bipartisan support for a special election to give the people the opportunity to choose their next senator,” Syverson said. “President-elect Obama and Sen. Durbin were both supportive of a special election, and the public continues to be strongly in favor of it. By blocking a special election, President Jones and Speaker Madigan are denying the public a voice, and embarking on the same insider political games we’ve seen these past six years under Gov. Blagojevich.”
Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-Clare, added in his statement:
“Last week we were told we’d be returning to focus our efforts on creating a special election to fill the president-elect’s seat. Instead, Senate Democrats didn’t even debate or touch the issue. It’s clear they are interested in still giving the seat to a political insider rather than letting the citizens of Illinois decide. It’s shameful that despite all that we’ve learned from the U.S. Attorney’s Office about alleged misconduct surrounding Blagojevich and the selling of Obama’s vacant seat that the Illinois Senate Democrats still insist on leaving him with that power. Voters ought to have the right to decide, because it’s become obvious Senate Democrats are only interested in preserving Blagojevich’s power to the bitter end.”
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6 Comments Add your own
1. Joe Powell | December 16th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Can the Republican Senators, so called “fiscal conservatives” explain how we would pay for an this costly special election?
2. dave | December 16th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Chicago is corrupt. This Senator Obama, was supposed to represent the whole state. That was in doubt because most that come from Chicago represent the same old hacks.
It needs to be a state wide election, who cares if a democrat or republican gets the seat. The important thing is the person that is sent to Washington, represents Illinios as a whole.
Most of us in Illinois, fear the same old corruption. Most know without Obama running for president in this election, lots of those that voted for him won’t bother to vote.
The person that is put in this postion needs to be elected by the state to represent the state.
I for one, can’t wait for a time to move from Rockford and someplace like Tenn and get out of Illinois. I am so tired of corruption, and Chicago running this city and state.
3. bannernews | December 16th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Hopefully the Syverson/ Illinois Republican brain trust can come up with someone other than Allan Keyes this time. Give me a break. Its because of these morons Obama is PTOS.
As for political insider dealings everyone in Boone and Winnebago Counties knows that Syverson has his nose stuck in everything around here pulling insider strings.
Let have some real Republican leadership
4. hokumboy | December 16th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Aw, c’mon,
Darling Dave earns his pay. He gave us Cheap Trick Day and…….
Oh, never mind.
5. Joe Powell | December 16th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Keep in mind that for the last 2 years, Illinois has only had one functional Senator anyhow. We have coasted with one Senator (Durbin) ever since Obama decided to renege on his pledge to serve out his full term. So if there is a vacancy… what’s new?
6. railrider | December 26th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
It is critical that we have a special election to give confidence back to the citizens of this state. Anyone appointed by the governor, or the new governor will be tainted. It is also time to return Republicans to power in Springfield. There are great reformers out there who can do a much better job. The one party control of state government by the democrats is truly destroying our state. We certainly dont need one family control (Madigans). Let the movement begin to sweep republicans into the Governors office, Secretary of State, Attorney General, etc, in the next election.
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