Governor Rod Blagojevich has the responsibility to appoint the next senator from the State of Illinois. That person will fulfill Barack Obama's term for the next two years. Many names have been suggested and the announcement could come any day.
Jesse Jackson Jr. is the best candidate for the seat. He has served in Congress for 13 years and has become a seasoned, accomplished legislator. He has experience on the House Appropriations Committee, which funds virtually all domestic and international programs. Jackson has significant insight into world affairs. Voting is important to Congressman Jackson and he has one of the best voting records in Congress. In 13 years, he has missed voting only twice.
President-elect Obama could use Jackson's Washington talents. He is a coalition builder with a broad base of support including Democrats and Republicans, blue and white collar laborers, blacks, whites and Hispanics and the young and old. He is the co-author of the book, A More Perfect Union: Advancing New American Rights, that defines his political doctrine and he served on Obama's executive campaign team.
Should Jackson be appointed, he would be the youngest member of the Senate. He is a progressive leader and has received cheers from environmentalists, human rights groups, educators, health care providers, anti-war activists and women's groups. His mindset is right. His background is ripe for the time. He is a part of the changing of the generational guard and is in line with Obama's message of change.
He is a popular congressman ready for the Senate at this important time in history. If appointed, Jackson would be the only black in the United States Senate, as were Carol Moseley Braun and Barack Obama. It is important that the seat remain occupied by an African-American.
Another person being widely discussed for the post is the newly retired president of the Illinois Senate, Emil Jones, who has had an illustrious career in Illinois politics. He is often referenced as "The Godfather" to Barack Obama, for his advocacy of Obama's State Senate candidacy, which ultimately gave rise to his presidency. If Jones wants the seat, he will probably get it. It would be next to impossible for the governor to say "no" and for Obama not to give the nod. But it would be wonderful if President Obama appointed Jones to an ambassadorship instead.
The Chicago Sun Times suggested Frank Clark of ComEd. Clark is one of the best corporate executives in Chicago and he should remain at the helm of the corporation and as an energy advisor to the president.
Many stand the opportunity to join their fellow Illinoisans in Washington at the federal level. Obama's giant step has the potential to open many doors. Congressman Danny K. Davis has shown interest in Obama's Senate seat, but he could also serve in the area of Human Services. Arne Duncan could be the Secretary of Education and doctors Eric Whitaker, Terry Mason or David Schneider would be excellent choices for Surgeon General. State Senators Donne E. Trotter and James Meeks and Aldermen Sandi Jackson, Leslie Hairston and Willie Cochran would all make great congressmen. Tammy Duckworth would be an excellent replacement for Congressman Rahm Emanuel, who is leaving his congressional seat to become the chief of staff in the Obama Administration. As would Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool, though he's said he will not run.
The election of President Obama will bring many into the ranks of public service, just as it was under President Kennedy. It is a brand new day with brand new faces in roles, seats and positions that were dreams only yesterday.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hermene-hartman/jesse-jackson-jr-for-sena_b_145488.html
Friday, November 21, 2008
Jesse Jackson Jr for Senate
By Bill Fletcher, Jr.
BlackCommentator.com Executive Editor
With the election of Barack Obama to the U.S. Presidency, his former Senate seat is now open. A series of discussions are unfolding as to who Illinois Governor Blagojevich should appoint. One of the more interesting names is Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.
There are three main reasons that I am interested in seeing his appointment:
1 - his consistent stand on the need for a constitutional amendment guaranteeing equal, quality education for all;
2 - an amendment guaranteeing the individual right to vote;
3 - an amendment guaranteeing equal, quality healthcare.
Congressman Jackson has correctly summed up that in the absence of a federal constitutional amendment and a continued reliance of the state system, we will be nearly guaranteed that certain basic human rights will be denied large segments of society. I was particularly intrigued when I participated in a discussion with him about the matter of education.
Education, as a system, is run by each state and largely funded through property taxes. Thus, from the outset the system is almost guaranteed to be unequal on the basis of both race and class. If the tax base of a particular region is low, for instance, it is more than likely that the quality of the education will also suffer. The exact opposite occurs, of course, when the tax base is high.
Racial segregation of education was correctly challenged in the 1950s and 1960s. It was understood, contrary to the sophistry of Justice Clarence Thomas, that racial segregation is more (and worse) than a simple matter of separating people based on racial classifications. Racial segregation is a form of oppression and this played itself out in the school system with generally inferior education for students of color.
The response to school segregation tended to be school desegregation, and specifically the busing of students. Yet, as with many reforms in the capitalist USA, it was anemic. Since busing, narrowed as it was to racial classifications, could not truly address economic differentials, there tended to be a busing of students between bad schools. White suburbanites were, due to borders, largely immune to desegregation efforts. While even among poorer schools there was some value to desegregation, it never fully addressed the question of quality education and the impact of racial segregation.
Congressman Jackson's suggestion is worth far more attention than it has received. He is proposing that public education must be enshrined in the US Constitution as a basic right just as the freedom of speech is a right to which all citizens are entitled. Moving a constitutional amendment would alter the entire discussion regarding public education including but not limited to, funding, school resources, class size, and the overall quality of the experience for our youth.
If anything I am critical of Congressman Jackson for not gathering a core of supporters who are interested in moving this amendment as a national campaign. Perhaps, if he is selected to fill the seat vacated by President-elect Obama, he will have that chance and be better situated to bring national attention to the simmering crisis of public education.
We need someone in the Senate who is prepared to change the terms of the discussion about matter such as public education, healthcare and voting. Step #1 can start with the appointment of Jackson as the junior Senator from the great state of Illinois. Step #2, however, is his helping to build a movement. Even with great ideas, he is not a savior and we should not be waiting for one.
Source: http://blackcommentator.com/300/300_cover_aw_jackson_senate_printer_friendly.html
BlackCommentator.com Executive Editor
With the election of Barack Obama to the U.S. Presidency, his former Senate seat is now open. A series of discussions are unfolding as to who Illinois Governor Blagojevich should appoint. One of the more interesting names is Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.
There are three main reasons that I am interested in seeing his appointment:
1 - his consistent stand on the need for a constitutional amendment guaranteeing equal, quality education for all;
2 - an amendment guaranteeing the individual right to vote;
3 - an amendment guaranteeing equal, quality healthcare.
Congressman Jackson has correctly summed up that in the absence of a federal constitutional amendment and a continued reliance of the state system, we will be nearly guaranteed that certain basic human rights will be denied large segments of society. I was particularly intrigued when I participated in a discussion with him about the matter of education.
Education, as a system, is run by each state and largely funded through property taxes. Thus, from the outset the system is almost guaranteed to be unequal on the basis of both race and class. If the tax base of a particular region is low, for instance, it is more than likely that the quality of the education will also suffer. The exact opposite occurs, of course, when the tax base is high.
Racial segregation of education was correctly challenged in the 1950s and 1960s. It was understood, contrary to the sophistry of Justice Clarence Thomas, that racial segregation is more (and worse) than a simple matter of separating people based on racial classifications. Racial segregation is a form of oppression and this played itself out in the school system with generally inferior education for students of color.
The response to school segregation tended to be school desegregation, and specifically the busing of students. Yet, as with many reforms in the capitalist USA, it was anemic. Since busing, narrowed as it was to racial classifications, could not truly address economic differentials, there tended to be a busing of students between bad schools. White suburbanites were, due to borders, largely immune to desegregation efforts. While even among poorer schools there was some value to desegregation, it never fully addressed the question of quality education and the impact of racial segregation.
Congressman Jackson's suggestion is worth far more attention than it has received. He is proposing that public education must be enshrined in the US Constitution as a basic right just as the freedom of speech is a right to which all citizens are entitled. Moving a constitutional amendment would alter the entire discussion regarding public education including but not limited to, funding, school resources, class size, and the overall quality of the experience for our youth.
If anything I am critical of Congressman Jackson for not gathering a core of supporters who are interested in moving this amendment as a national campaign. Perhaps, if he is selected to fill the seat vacated by President-elect Obama, he will have that chance and be better situated to bring national attention to the simmering crisis of public education.
We need someone in the Senate who is prepared to change the terms of the discussion about matter such as public education, healthcare and voting. Step #1 can start with the appointment of Jackson as the junior Senator from the great state of Illinois. Step #2, however, is his helping to build a movement. Even with great ideas, he is not a savior and we should not be waiting for one.
Source: http://blackcommentator.com/300/300_cover_aw_jackson_senate_printer_friendly.html
Ransom Notes: Jackson for U.S. Senate
Illinois needs a new U.S. Senator. President-elect Barack Obama has resigned from his seat, getting ready to move to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., and that means someone will have to join the 99 other members of the U.S. Senate.
There has been feverish lobbying and politicking over Obama’s replacement, which will be chosen by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Already, there is healthy contention in the Black community over the replacement for Obama. There are factions that favor Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Rep. Danny Davis and retiring state Senate President Emil Jones. Some folks have mentioned former U.S. Senator Carol Mosley Braun, state Sen. Rev. James Meeks, Secretary of State Jesse White and former State Comptroller Roland Burris.
Blagojevich, who is currently suffering from abysmal approval ratings, (even lower than George Bush’s) has not hinted about any choice. He is certainly close to Jones, and he is supposedly friendly with Danny Davis. Certainly, Blagojevich has his own criteria, and I won’t suggest I know his mind.
But the Black community should not allow Blagojevich an option. He should choose a Black candidate to replace Obama, who was the only Black member of the Senate. That means that Black people should decide on a nominee and not allow Blagojevich the weasel room to say he wanted to choose a Black person but there was no consensus candidate so he had to choose someone else.
Now, I don’t speak for anyone but me, and my opinion, plus 25 cents, will leave you 25 cents short of the price of this newspaper. But I think Blagojevich should choose Jesse Jackson Jr.
Before West Side folks put the scream on me and tout Danny Davis, let me say up front that I have the utmost respect for Davis. He is a man of the community and his tenure on the City Council, county board and in Congress makes him a formidable talent. He even sounds like what a senator should sound like. But all of that experience probably is the best argument to keep him in Congress, where his seniority will mean he can be a great asset to President Obama.
If I were a West Side resident, (I’m not, but I am in Davis’ district) I’d want to keep Davis right where he is, so he can continue to provide the kind of leadership to the district. It is not something we can afford to lose.
Related Content:
Maywood to honor Marshall high school’s Dorothy GatersCong. Danny Davis doubted Obama win–at firstIll. Senate Democrats pick Cullerton as new leaderWest Side, south suburbs pols divided on Obama successorSen. Durbin says new senator must serve whole stateIf Obama wins, Jackson Jr. should take Senate seatRelated to:
Illinois senatorObama senatorBlagojevich senatorJesse Jackson JrCongressman Danny DavisDanny DavisJones is retiring at the end of this year, and appointing him to the spot will certainly cap a stellar legislative career. But this is not a ceremonial post. This is a person who will be senator for the entire state of Illinois, not a personal plum for Obama's political godfather.
Now, I don’t know Jesse Jr. very well. I’ve spoken to him a few times, seen him in passing at a few events, read some of the op-eds and letters he’s sent to my desk. I’ve heard him speak, and I’ve researched his stands on issues. He is actually fairly close to Barack Obama’s stands on many issues, which is probably why he was co-chair of Obama's national campaign.
And let’s just get it out in the open. We really do have to start looking at bringing some youth into our politics. Obama was Jesse Jr.'s age when he joined the Senate. Obviously, youth is a factor. That would argue against Jones, who just celebrated his 73rd birthday, and, to a lesser extent, Davis, who is 67.
And let’s remember, whomever is chosen will have to run in 2010. Would Davis be a more viable statewide candidate than Jesse Jr., who already has a recognizable name? Despite his considerable achievements, would Emil Jones be able to carry his campaign downstate? Who retires to the U.S. Senate?
Yes, they say that Jesse Jr. is ambitious, and if so, it is a grievous fault. But I seem to remember that local politicians talked negatively about the ambition of a certain young state senator and the audacity he had to run for U.S. Senator and then U.S. President, after only two years as a senator.
What we certainly do not need is a South Side/West Side rift regarding the U.S. Senate seat (so much for unity in the community). While the West Side Black Elected Officials are steadfast in their support for Davis, and a Zogby poll showed Jackson the leading candidate, the key should be to present a qualified, consensus candidate that Blagojevich can ignore at his own risk.
That person is Jesse Jackson Jr.
Lou Ransom is Executive Editor of the Chicago Defender. He can be reached via email at lransom@chicagodefender.com.
Source: http://www.chicagodefender.com/article-2512-ransom-notes-jackson.html
______
There has been feverish lobbying and politicking over Obama’s replacement, which will be chosen by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Already, there is healthy contention in the Black community over the replacement for Obama. There are factions that favor Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Rep. Danny Davis and retiring state Senate President Emil Jones. Some folks have mentioned former U.S. Senator Carol Mosley Braun, state Sen. Rev. James Meeks, Secretary of State Jesse White and former State Comptroller Roland Burris.
Blagojevich, who is currently suffering from abysmal approval ratings, (even lower than George Bush’s) has not hinted about any choice. He is certainly close to Jones, and he is supposedly friendly with Danny Davis. Certainly, Blagojevich has his own criteria, and I won’t suggest I know his mind.
But the Black community should not allow Blagojevich an option. He should choose a Black candidate to replace Obama, who was the only Black member of the Senate. That means that Black people should decide on a nominee and not allow Blagojevich the weasel room to say he wanted to choose a Black person but there was no consensus candidate so he had to choose someone else.
Now, I don’t speak for anyone but me, and my opinion, plus 25 cents, will leave you 25 cents short of the price of this newspaper. But I think Blagojevich should choose Jesse Jackson Jr.
Before West Side folks put the scream on me and tout Danny Davis, let me say up front that I have the utmost respect for Davis. He is a man of the community and his tenure on the City Council, county board and in Congress makes him a formidable talent. He even sounds like what a senator should sound like. But all of that experience probably is the best argument to keep him in Congress, where his seniority will mean he can be a great asset to President Obama.
If I were a West Side resident, (I’m not, but I am in Davis’ district) I’d want to keep Davis right where he is, so he can continue to provide the kind of leadership to the district. It is not something we can afford to lose.
Related Content:
Maywood to honor Marshall high school’s Dorothy GatersCong. Danny Davis doubted Obama win–at firstIll. Senate Democrats pick Cullerton as new leaderWest Side, south suburbs pols divided on Obama successorSen. Durbin says new senator must serve whole stateIf Obama wins, Jackson Jr. should take Senate seatRelated to:
Illinois senatorObama senatorBlagojevich senatorJesse Jackson JrCongressman Danny DavisDanny DavisJones is retiring at the end of this year, and appointing him to the spot will certainly cap a stellar legislative career. But this is not a ceremonial post. This is a person who will be senator for the entire state of Illinois, not a personal plum for Obama's political godfather.
Now, I don’t know Jesse Jr. very well. I’ve spoken to him a few times, seen him in passing at a few events, read some of the op-eds and letters he’s sent to my desk. I’ve heard him speak, and I’ve researched his stands on issues. He is actually fairly close to Barack Obama’s stands on many issues, which is probably why he was co-chair of Obama's national campaign.
And let’s just get it out in the open. We really do have to start looking at bringing some youth into our politics. Obama was Jesse Jr.'s age when he joined the Senate. Obviously, youth is a factor. That would argue against Jones, who just celebrated his 73rd birthday, and, to a lesser extent, Davis, who is 67.
And let’s remember, whomever is chosen will have to run in 2010. Would Davis be a more viable statewide candidate than Jesse Jr., who already has a recognizable name? Despite his considerable achievements, would Emil Jones be able to carry his campaign downstate? Who retires to the U.S. Senate?
Yes, they say that Jesse Jr. is ambitious, and if so, it is a grievous fault. But I seem to remember that local politicians talked negatively about the ambition of a certain young state senator and the audacity he had to run for U.S. Senator and then U.S. President, after only two years as a senator.
What we certainly do not need is a South Side/West Side rift regarding the U.S. Senate seat (so much for unity in the community). While the West Side Black Elected Officials are steadfast in their support for Davis, and a Zogby poll showed Jackson the leading candidate, the key should be to present a qualified, consensus candidate that Blagojevich can ignore at his own risk.
That person is Jesse Jackson Jr.
Lou Ransom is Executive Editor of the Chicago Defender. He can be reached via email at lransom@chicagodefender.com.
Source: http://www.chicagodefender.com/article-2512-ransom-notes-jackson.html
______
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Young Illinois Obama Supporters Continue Demanding for Change
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Young Illinois Obama Supporters Continue Demanding for Change
New group urges governor to appoint Jackson Jr. to seat once held by Obama
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – A new generation of Illinois leaders has made their decision about the future of President-Elect Obama's Senate seat and it is overwhelmingly clear that their answer is Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.
"Illinois Leads," a group consisting of offspring of the Obama movement formed recently to commit efforts towards persuading Governor Rod Blagojevich to appoint Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. to President-Elect Obama's U.S. Senate Seat.
A favorite amongst young people interested in politics, Jackson Jr. will bring a strong, articulate and experienced voice to the vacant seat as well as the ability to help Obama provide change in Washington.
President-Elect Barack Obama stated that he would like to see a replacement for him "who is capable, and has a passion towards helping middle class families in Illinois meet their dreams." "In that light, Jackson Jr. has demonstrated that he is capable and has a passion to help middle class families in Illinois meet their dreams because he has been fighting for them as a member of the legislature for a number of years" said a spokesperson for the group.
The successor to the seat, which was vacated on Sunday, will be appointed by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich; however, "Illinois Leads" aims to make sure that the appointment is one of consensus with those who helped propel Obama to the White House.
"The Obama candidacy has taught us that change doesn't happen from the top-down, it happens from the bottom-up" an "Illinois Leads" ;spokesperson said. "Today we commit our resources towards ensuring that the Governor hears the public outcry of Illinoisans as he makes this landmark decision which will change the face of Illinois politics."
For more information on this group and its efforts visit http://illinoisleads.blogspot.com/or email them at IllinoisLeads@gmail.com.
Young Illinois Obama Supporters Continue Demanding for Change
New group urges governor to appoint Jackson Jr. to seat once held by Obama
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – A new generation of Illinois leaders has made their decision about the future of President-Elect Obama's Senate seat and it is overwhelmingly clear that their answer is Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.
"Illinois Leads," a group consisting of offspring of the Obama movement formed recently to commit efforts towards persuading Governor Rod Blagojevich to appoint Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. to President-Elect Obama's U.S. Senate Seat.
A favorite amongst young people interested in politics, Jackson Jr. will bring a strong, articulate and experienced voice to the vacant seat as well as the ability to help Obama provide change in Washington.
President-Elect Barack Obama stated that he would like to see a replacement for him "who is capable, and has a passion towards helping middle class families in Illinois meet their dreams." "In that light, Jackson Jr. has demonstrated that he is capable and has a passion to help middle class families in Illinois meet their dreams because he has been fighting for them as a member of the legislature for a number of years" said a spokesperson for the group.
The successor to the seat, which was vacated on Sunday, will be appointed by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich; however, "Illinois Leads" aims to make sure that the appointment is one of consensus with those who helped propel Obama to the White House.
"The Obama candidacy has taught us that change doesn't happen from the top-down, it happens from the bottom-up" an "Illinois Leads" ;spokesperson said. "Today we commit our resources towards ensuring that the Governor hears the public outcry of Illinoisans as he makes this landmark decision which will change the face of Illinois politics."
For more information on this group and its efforts visit http://illinoisleads.blogspot.com/or email them at IllinoisLeads@gmail.com.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Twenty-one south suburban mayors gathered to voice their support for Congressman
Twenty-one south suburban mayors gathered to voice their support for Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Saturday.
They said Jackson, the man who represents their communities in the U.S. House of Representatives, should represent the entire state in the U.S. Senate.
President-elect Barack Obama will resign officially Sunday as an Illinois senator so that he can focus on his transition process to the White House.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will choose Obama's successor in the Senate. There has been no indication yet of when he will make that decision.
Source: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6508037
They said Jackson, the man who represents their communities in the U.S. House of Representatives, should represent the entire state in the U.S. Senate.
President-elect Barack Obama will resign officially Sunday as an Illinois senator so that he can focus on his transition process to the White House.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will choose Obama's successor in the Senate. There has been no indication yet of when he will make that decision.
Source: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6508037
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Endorsement: Congressman Jackson for Obama's seat
Congressman Jackson for Obama's seat
The SouthtownStar
Editorial
November 10, 2008
THE ISSUE: Barack Obama's soon-to-be open U.S. Senate seat is creating a stampede of, "Me, me, me!"
WE SAY: No one is better suited to fill the seat than U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
The SouthtownStar newspaper office sits at 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park. We hold a unique vantage point straddled between Cook and Will counties, between the gated communities of Homer Glen and the abandoned bungalows of Harvey. Our readers include Chicago city workers, Homewood teachers and the union households of Oak Lawn, Orland Park and Country Club Hills.
We know the farmers of Elwood. The stay-at-home moms of Mokena.
We know the members of the mosques, the Catholic churches, the Baptist congregations.
Our perch in the Southland gives us an authoritative voice and a rounded view of Illinois. We've got it all, right here.
And so, with that perspective, we offer our strong recommendation of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd), of Chicago, to fill the vacancy of President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat.
Here's why:
For 13 years, we've watched Jackson up close. He is one of Congress' most reliable advocates for the middle class while supporting economic development for large and small businesses alike. Of the $600 million in federal appropriations he has secured for the 2nd District, nearly every cent has gone toward infrastructure projects, colleges and universities, housing and health care programs, and police and firefighter grants.
There are no bridges to nowhere. There are no statues, no stained-glass windows. He uses his position on the House Appropriations Committee to fund programs in his district that help working families. He is not afraid to call out wasteful spending when he sees it.
He has been a lonely voice - a fearless voice - on corruption, from abuses in Chicago's minority set-aside program to the Hired Truck scandal to voting rights violations nationwide and an inept police department in Harvey.
He endorses and supports candidates for office regardless of color or political expediency. He has backed reformers such as Forrest Claypool on the Cook County Board and clashed with the entrenched interests of former Chicago Ald. William Beavers and Dolton Mayor Bill Shaw, two Southland officials stuck in the model of old-school, unresponsive, patronage-laden government.
These are issues that impact us all.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich said championing health care will be a prerequisite for any candidate he considers - not just talking the talk, but walking the walk, as Blagojevich has done.
Jackson fits the bill. He has been a consistent voice on Capitol Hill for health care accessibility, backing a more progressive agenda, in fact, than Obama himself. Jackson supports a constitutional amendment to guarantee health care for all Americans and was a critical resource to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies when it conducted its groundbreaking 500-page report, "Unequal Treatment," in 2003, which outlined racial disparities in health care delivery.
Jackson voted twice last fall to extend the State Children's Health Insurance Program - a program for which Blagojevich's administration pushed hard. He would be a key ally for Obama in the U.S. Senate.
Democrats want Blagojevich to choose someone who can be elected statewide in 2010. Although downstate voters aren't shy about their distrust of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jackson Jr. is not his father's cutout.
Obama's successful U.S. Senate strategy in 2004 was to get in front of as many groups as possible so voters could see and hear him. He spent weeks living out of his Jeep Cherokee, shaking hands at Lincoln dinners and block parties. The same strategy could work for Jackson - although we welcome a hearty challenge from the Republicans as well.
Finally, we are not so naive as to discount the tension that has bubbled between Blagojevich and Jackson; Jackson and former Senate President Emil Jones; Jackson and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley; and Jackson and newly elected U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-11th). Jackson has demonstrated a propensity to flare up and lash out.
However, we hope Blagojevich will see beyond the narrow disagreements of Illinois' diverse Democratic Party.
We hope, Governor, that you will take a wide, holistic view of the contributions Jackson could make to the state of Illinois, and to the country, in making this selection.
The SouthtownStar
Editorial
November 10, 2008
THE ISSUE: Barack Obama's soon-to-be open U.S. Senate seat is creating a stampede of, "Me, me, me!"
WE SAY: No one is better suited to fill the seat than U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
The SouthtownStar newspaper office sits at 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park. We hold a unique vantage point straddled between Cook and Will counties, between the gated communities of Homer Glen and the abandoned bungalows of Harvey. Our readers include Chicago city workers, Homewood teachers and the union households of Oak Lawn, Orland Park and Country Club Hills.
We know the farmers of Elwood. The stay-at-home moms of Mokena.
We know the members of the mosques, the Catholic churches, the Baptist congregations.
Our perch in the Southland gives us an authoritative voice and a rounded view of Illinois. We've got it all, right here.
And so, with that perspective, we offer our strong recommendation of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd), of Chicago, to fill the vacancy of President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat.
Here's why:
For 13 years, we've watched Jackson up close. He is one of Congress' most reliable advocates for the middle class while supporting economic development for large and small businesses alike. Of the $600 million in federal appropriations he has secured for the 2nd District, nearly every cent has gone toward infrastructure projects, colleges and universities, housing and health care programs, and police and firefighter grants.
There are no bridges to nowhere. There are no statues, no stained-glass windows. He uses his position on the House Appropriations Committee to fund programs in his district that help working families. He is not afraid to call out wasteful spending when he sees it.
He has been a lonely voice - a fearless voice - on corruption, from abuses in Chicago's minority set-aside program to the Hired Truck scandal to voting rights violations nationwide and an inept police department in Harvey.
He endorses and supports candidates for office regardless of color or political expediency. He has backed reformers such as Forrest Claypool on the Cook County Board and clashed with the entrenched interests of former Chicago Ald. William Beavers and Dolton Mayor Bill Shaw, two Southland officials stuck in the model of old-school, unresponsive, patronage-laden government.
These are issues that impact us all.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich said championing health care will be a prerequisite for any candidate he considers - not just talking the talk, but walking the walk, as Blagojevich has done.
Jackson fits the bill. He has been a consistent voice on Capitol Hill for health care accessibility, backing a more progressive agenda, in fact, than Obama himself. Jackson supports a constitutional amendment to guarantee health care for all Americans and was a critical resource to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies when it conducted its groundbreaking 500-page report, "Unequal Treatment," in 2003, which outlined racial disparities in health care delivery.
Jackson voted twice last fall to extend the State Children's Health Insurance Program - a program for which Blagojevich's administration pushed hard. He would be a key ally for Obama in the U.S. Senate.
Democrats want Blagojevich to choose someone who can be elected statewide in 2010. Although downstate voters aren't shy about their distrust of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jackson Jr. is not his father's cutout.
Obama's successful U.S. Senate strategy in 2004 was to get in front of as many groups as possible so voters could see and hear him. He spent weeks living out of his Jeep Cherokee, shaking hands at Lincoln dinners and block parties. The same strategy could work for Jackson - although we welcome a hearty challenge from the Republicans as well.
Finally, we are not so naive as to discount the tension that has bubbled between Blagojevich and Jackson; Jackson and former Senate President Emil Jones; Jackson and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley; and Jackson and newly elected U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-11th). Jackson has demonstrated a propensity to flare up and lash out.
However, we hope Blagojevich will see beyond the narrow disagreements of Illinois' diverse Democratic Party.
We hope, Governor, that you will take a wide, holistic view of the contributions Jackson could make to the state of Illinois, and to the country, in making this selection.
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