A Special Election?

The Illinois General Assembly is getting ready to strip Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-IL) (Happy 52nd Birthday Rod!) of his power to appoint a replacement for President Elect Obama (D-IL) in the US Senate.

The state’s top two legislative leaders Tuesday said they will move fast to seize control of the process of selecting a replacement for

In separate statements, House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones said they will call a special legislative session next week to repeal the state law that now gives the governor the power to fill Mr. Obama’s seat. Both said they will press instead for a special election to fill the remaining two years of Mr. Obama’s term.

“I am prepared to convene the House next Monday to change state law to provide for a special election for the U.S. Senate replacement,” Mr. Madigan said. “I would urge U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin to take note of this action.”

This would be great! A special election will work even if Blagojevich does resign his seat as we called for yesterday and will at least give Illinoisans  a chance to seat a Republican as the Junior Senator from Illinois.

Let’s have that special election!