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Last Updated on Thursday, 26 February 2009 11:31 Written by rslcpol Thursday, 26 February 2009 11:31
From Chicago Sun Times:
Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued a surprise opinion late Wednesday that could pave the way for state lawmakers to cut Sen. Roland Burris’ term short by setting a special election.
“It is my opinion that the legislature may pass a law allowing the people of Illinois to elect a U.S. senator to fill the seat vacated by President Barack Obama. Such a law would be consistent with the U.S. Constitution,” Madigan said.
In response to inquiries from state lawmakers, the attorney general’s 11-page opinion said the U.S. Constitution’s 17th Amendment gives a “preference” to the General Assembly to set a special election for the position even though Burris has been formally seated and sworn in by the U.S. Senate.