Monday Morning Musings

There are rumors that IL Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) might want to appoint himself to finish out Barack Obama’s senate term, should he become President. But, he might also be angling for the Vice Presidental post. While perfectly legal – both presidential and vice-presidential candidates can be from the same state, electors in the Electoral College can only vote for one from the same state as themselves. (Snopes)

So – Barack Obama could pick any of several different Illinoisians to be his VP; Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Rahm Emmanuel (D-IL5), Governor Rod Blajojevich (D-IL), Rod’s father-in-law Alderman Dick Mell (D-Chicago), Mayor Daley (D-Chicago), House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-IL), his daughter the Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D-IL),  the Illinois Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorsen (D-IL), Rev. James Meeks (D-IL15), Melissa Bean (D-IL8), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL2), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL9), Bobby Rush (D-IL1), or Luis Gutierrez (D-IL4).

So Illinois’ 21 electoral votes could all go to Barack Obama, they just wouldn’t go to the VP nominee. But that shouldn’t be a problem.