SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -
The Illinois General Assembly may begin moving forward with plans to remove Senator Roland Burris from his post before his term expires.
The State Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Tuesday that it is constitutional to pass a law to move up the date of the next election for the senate seat. In her opinion, the 17th Amendment shows a "clear preference" for Senators to be chosen by direct popular election.
Illinois voters are scheduled to vote for President Barack Obama's successor in the February 2010 primary and November 2010 general election. The Illinois GOP is seeking a May 26th election, effectively kicking burris out of office if he doesn't win.
Currently, Illinois' governor has the power to fill Senate vacancies. Senator Roland Burris was named to the senate by former Governor Rod Blagojevich on December 30, 2008. He was sworn in on January 15, 2009 by then Vice President Dick Cheney
The State Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Tuesday that it is constitutional to pass a law to move up the date of the next election for the senate seat. In her opinion, the 17th Amendment shows a "clear preference" for Senators to be chosen by direct popular election.
Illinois voters are scheduled to vote for President Barack Obama's successor in the February 2010 primary and November 2010 general election. The Illinois GOP is seeking a May 26th election, effectively kicking burris out of office if he doesn't win.
Currently, Illinois' governor has the power to fill Senate vacancies. Senator Roland Burris was named to the senate by former Governor Rod Blagojevich on December 30, 2008. He was sworn in on January 15, 2009 by then Vice President Dick Cheney
