Looking at Roland's Senate Seat
Thursday, Jul 30, 2009 | Updated 1:44 PM CST
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Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan pictured with the Urban League's Cheryle Jackson. Crain's says Jackson is thinking about running for the U.S. Senate.
As speculation continues to swirl around the future of junior Sen. Roland Burris, word comes from the blogasphere that one of Chicago's prominent black leaders wants his spot.
A Crain's blog from Greg Hinz states that "Cheryle Jackson, the president and chief executive officer of Chicago Urban League, says "I am considering a race" for the Senate seat now held by Mr. Burris."
"Given the economic crisis, I have to consider what I can bring to the table," Jackson said in an interview with Crain's Wednesday. W
Hinz said that the decision will be based on "where she concludes she can best pursue 'my passion' of spurring economic development."
If she does opt to go for the Senate, her candidacy would answer several of the recommended factors to be considered in filling the seat formerly held by Barack Obama.
Pundits insist that the seat be filled with a black person, as Burris is currently the only African American in the U.S. Senate. Jackson fits that order, and is qualified on many other levels.
She served in Rod Blagojevich's administration as his chief of staff of communications, communications director and chief press secretary.
Regardless of what she chooses to do, Hinz says her comments on the subject "are only the latest sign that Mr. Burris' political backing is crumbling, even among his home community."
Copyright Crain's / NBC Chicago
Posted Thursday, Jul 30, 2009 - 1:44 PM CST
