Illinois governor makes calls to hopefuls for Obama’s Senate seat

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) placed calls on Tuesday and Wednesday to a number of Houses Democrats from his state who hope to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate.

Reps. Danny Davis, Luis Gutierrez and Jan Schakowsky — all Chicago-area Democrats — received calls from Blagojevich on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss a possible appointment to the Senate. All three have expressed their interest in getting the appointment, which was officially created by Obama’s resignation on Sunday.

{mosads}It is unclear whether Blagojevich talked to a fourth Illinois Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who has been the most vocal in expressing interest in Obama’s seat. Jackson could not be reached for comment, and his office was not aware if he had spoken to the governor “recently.”

The governor’s press office had no comment on the calls.

Two of the lawmakers said they were told they were on the governor’s “list” and reported having positive conversations with Blagojevich. Both Davis and Schakowsky also said they took the opportunity to reaffirm their interest and once again make their pitch.

Davis and Schakowsky said Blagojevich reiterated his desire to make his selection sometime between mid-December and the end of the year.

Davis said he spoke with Blagojevich Wednesday afternoon and they had a “great conversation.”

“It was a reaffirmation, really, and letting him know that I am very serious,” the lawmaker said.

Schakowsky said she and Blagojevich discussed their mutual passion for healthcare, and she said she expressed that she is “very confident” that she could hold on to the seat in the 2010 election.

“I love to campaign. And I would love to campaign statewide,” Schakowsky said Wednesday night.

Democratic officials confirmed that Gutierrez is also on Blagojevich’s list, and that the two spoke on Tuesday about the position.

“My priority isn’t being in the House or being in the Senate,” Gutierrez said in a statement. “My priority is immigration reform. Wherever I feel I can be most effective is where I want to be.”