Durbin suggestion for a special election to fill Senate seat is solid

Common Cause commends Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) for calling for the Illinois Legislature to immediately pass legislation that would require President-elect Barack Obama’s Senate successor to be chosen by voters in a special election, instead of through a gubernatorial appointment.

“A special election would put this important Senate appointment in the hands of Illinois voters and away from the taint of this outrageous scandal,” said Bob Edgar, president of Common Cause.

Durbin’s suggestion came after Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) was arrested Tuesday morning on federal corruption charges that include allegations that he was looking for money in exchange for an appointment to Obama’s Senate seat.

“It is always disheartening to see elected officials appear to veer off the path of the public interest that they pledged to serve,” Edgar said.

Common Cause also calls on the Illinois Legislature to move quickly to pass legislation to hold a special election so the state can have full representation in the Senate as Congress deals with exceptionally difficult issues around the economy.