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Race to Replace Burris Already Under Way

Illinois gov threatens special election before senator can run in 2010

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 2, 2009 12:18 PM CST

(Newser) – The jockeying has begun to replace Roland Burris in the Senate, the New York Times reports, though nobody’s certain when an election will be. Burris seems set on serving the remaining 2 years of Barack Obama’s term, but pressure is building for special elections. “The landscape on this all seems to change about every 56 hours,” said one Republican considering a run.

It seems unlikely Burris will comply with threats from Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn—he’s already launched his official re-election campaign website, Politico reports. If Burris does run in 2010, he’ll face at least a half-dozen challengers already positioning themselves for a run, including William Daley, brother of Chicago’s mayor, and Alexi Giannoulias, state treasurer and Obama basketball buddy.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (3)]

Roland Burris speaks at the City Club of Chicago, Public Policy Forum in Chicago. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

Blagojevich's trial could complicate the Senate race. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

Then-Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn speaks in this Jan. 22, 2009, in Chicago. Quinn, now the governor, says he will urge legislators to consider holding a special election to replace Burris. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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At this point, the political landscape in Illinois is a lot like the Chicago weather. If you don’t like what you see, wait a bit. - Steven Kirk, a Republican considering running for the seat

We’re exasperated and exhausted from what’s gone on in the last three months. Most everybody has this attitude that we better just do these jobs, and the politics can wait. - Daniel W. Hynes, Illinois comptroller and former Senate candidate

Don’t forget: there’s a good chance that the former governor is going to go to trial next summer or next fall, and the odds are that’s not too good for the Democrats - Tom Cross, Republican leader in the House, and possible Senate candidate

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Race to Replace Burris Already Under Way