Special Senate Election To Get Hearing Next Week

By Sean Stillmaker in News on Jul 24, 2010 2:45PM

The controversy over the U.S. Senate seat once filled by Barack Obama continues. We explored the possibility that we'd have two elections for Senate on November 2 - one to select a temporary Senator since that procedure was bypassed by Blago when he appointed Burris, and the already-scheduled election. It looks like we're one step closer to that being the case. On Thursday the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an appeal from state officials who saw no need for the special election. The procedural outcome will be announced at a July 28 hearing by Judge John Grady, the Tribune reported. The candidates for the six year term are Republican Mark Kirk, Democrat Alexi Giannoulias and Green Party candidate LeAlan Jones. Officials are hoping to avoid a costly special primary for the short-term Senate spot. They’re hoping the political parties can nominate the candidates or the easier solution that the current slate of nominees double for the special election.