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Potential Obama replacements get their time

by Aaron Blake | Posted: 08/25/08 08:48 PM [ET] - 08/25/08 8:43 PM ET

DENVER — Four Illinois Democrats considered to be at or near the top of the list for a Senate appointment if Barack Obama becomes president had their national auditions Monday evening.

State Senate President Emil Jones and a trio of young statewide office holders — Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Comptroller Dan Hynes and Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias — all took the stage at the Democratic National Convention within minutes of each other to testify to their relationship with Obama.

{mosads}Giannoulias was quick to point out that he and Obama have been “basketball buddies,” and he likened his own story as the son of Greek immigrants to Obama’s biography.

“I stand here today as state treasurer of the great state of Illinois at the age of 32, as the fulfillment of that great promise” of America, said Giannoulias, who is one of Obama’s biggest allies in the state and won his job with the help of Obama’s endorsement.

Hynes noted that he lost a primary to Obama in the 2004 Senate race and claimed to be the first public official in the country to publicly call for Obama to run for president two years ago.

“Two years ago, I said our country needs you; tonight, I say to all Americans who believe in restoring the promise of America, Barack Obama is the change we need,” Hynes said.

Madigan talked about sitting next to Obama when both were state senators. Noting that she was one of only five Democratic women in the chamber, Madigan said she didn’t expect much help with women’s and children’s issues.

“But, as it turned, I found a passionate ally, sitting in the desk right next to me,” she said.

Jones, who at 72 is considered more of a potential placeholder for the seat, also talked glowingly about his state Senate experience alongside Obama. He said a young Obama came up to him and said he liked to work hard.

“I said, 'Go work with the Republicans and get reform of our state ethics laws,' ” Jones said. “They gave Barack a hard time, but he reached out to all sides and really listened. Everyone compromised, and we passed sweeping reforms. That was the beginning.”

If Obama becomes president, Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) will be responsible for appointing his replacement. That person would serve until 2010, when the seat would be up for a full term.

Tags Barack Obama