Special election would be legal

Ill. GOP special election position backed by AG

By Kari Andren Post-Dispatch Springfield Bureau  02/26/2009

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Republicans renewed their call for a special election that would replace Sen. Roland Burris Thursday after the state Attorney General released an opinion supporting the proposal.

Democratic Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan, daughter of state House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, confirmed the GOP position that Burris’ appointment was temporary until an election for the seat is held.

Currently the seat would appear on the November 2010 ballot, but Madigan’s opinion stated a special election held sooner than that would be legal.  Burris could run for the seat if a special election is held.

“Indeed a law providing the people of Illinois with the opportunity to elect a U.S. Senator would be entirely consistent…with the 17th amendment,” Madigan said.

Republican lawmakers pushed the idea last week, but the backing of the state’s chief lawyer lends credibility to propelling the measure into law.

Burris was appointed by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich Dec. 30, after Blagojevich was arrested on federal corruption charges, including trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.

“It’s important we move forward…to move beyond the mess we’ve been stagnating in,” said state Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont.

If the GOP proposal becomes law, a primary election would be held April 7 and a general election held May 26.

Several proposals for a special election are expected to be heard in committees today.  We’ll be following those efforts throughout the day.