Gutierrez Asks For, But Unlikely To Get, Obama's Senate Seat

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Nov 26, 2008 4:40PM

U.S. Congressman from Illinois' 4th District Luis Gutierrez has asked Gov. Blagojevich to be appointed to President-Elect Barack Obama's vacant senate seat. But Gutierrez's request comes with stipulation that will probably take him out of the running: he doesn't want to run for re-election in 2010 even though Blago's preference is for someone more long-term. Gutierrez issued a statement, saying, "Gov. Blagojevich shared with me today that he was very interested in me as a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat, but that his preference is to appoint someone who will run for a full term in 2010." Thanks for sharing with the class, Luis.

Fellow Democrats have expressed concerns that Blago would simply appoint someone who would be a "caretaker" by finishing out Obama's term but not presenting a strong challenge to keep the seat in 2010. Even Gutierrez admitted, "It's basically over -- unless he calls me back." Last night on television, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., who has been heavily campaigning for the seat, said, "Anyone who is not campaigning for this office in one form or another is not taking the process as seriously as it has to be taken." Blago is expected to name the successor by Christmas.

Photo from Rep. Gutierrez's website