* This is true…
Nearly a dozen Senate Democrats are either talking about or being talked about for the seat of Senate President Emil Jones, who announced Monday he is stepping down when his term expires in January.
* This is humorous, but almost true…
“There are 37 members and the last I counted, there’s probably about 36 of them who’d like to have the position,” said Sen. Donne Trotter (D-Chicago). “That one person who says they don’t want it is probably lying.”
* This is a targeted leak…
Sneed: State Sen. John Cullerton, a popular top Dem who is also thisclose to House Speaker Mike Madigan, is emerging as the leading contender to replace outgoing Senate President Emil Jones.
* This is incomplete…
Five Senate Democrats have been courting support for the Senate president post: Jeff Schoenberg of Evanston, John Cullerton of Chicago, Terry Link of Vernon Hills, James Clayborne of Belleville, and Rickey Hendon of Chicago.
* This is also probably true…
Trotter also predicted there’d be no quick agreement on a president. A formal vote won’t occur until new lawmakers take office in January.
“I dont’ think it’s gong to be anytime soon,” Trotter said.
* True but funny…
State Sen. John Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat also interested in the presidency, walked by reporters and quipped: “It’s kinda hard to campaign with you guys in front of us.”
* Too early to tell…
Many of his colleagues called Senator James Clayborne of downstate Belleville one of the frontrunners.
* Not sure yet how many votes he has, but you can be sure that it isn’t nearly enough…
But North Sider John Cullerton says he’s assembling a coalition of supporters that includes downstaters.
“I have support from all over, not just in Chicago. I think it can bring about a different atmosphere down here,” Cullerton said.
* Keep this in mind…
Others, such as Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, could be suspect because of his Madigan ties. And another leading contender, Sen. James Clayborne, D-East St. Louis, has a history of sponsoring odious anti-consumer legislation on behalf of tobacco companies and telecommunications giants.
* I doubt he’d even have a second for his nomination if the vote was held today…
Sen. Martin Sandoval, a Cicero Democrat exploring his chances at Jones’ post, agreed “the needs of the people” should trump support for Blagojevich. Jones’ unfailing support for the troubled governor has been “an impediment,” he said.
* Good idea…
“There’s some quality people over there that we would hope would become president that would work with us,” Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville. “That’s not the way it’s been. We welcome the change.”
Potential Jones replacements echoed that theme, saying they want to ease hard feelings and make the legislative process work more smoothly.
“I think it’s time that the Senate governs. We need to just focus on that, and try to put some of the personalities behind us. We’ll work together and move forward,” said Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park.
* This may or may not happen…
A president must be chosen before a new Senate is seated in January. Democrats downplayed potential discord with half-a-dozen or more candidates.
“Smarter minds will prevail, and those who don’t have an opportunity will come together for unity in the Senate Democratic party,” said Sen. James Clayborne (D-Belleville).
* Fritchey gets the last word…
“I don’t think Henry Kissinger, let alone a new Senate president, can bring the governor and speaker together,” said Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago.
* Related…
* Tribune editorial: Replacing Emil Jones
* SJ-R editorial: Won’t be missing Senate prez - Jones’ retirement creates opportunity for better leadership in the Legislature - a Downstater, perhaps?