Obama Vacates Senate Seat, Effective Sunday

President-elect Obama will resign from the Senate effective Sunday, the Chicago Tribune reports. Illinois state law makes Gov. Rod Blagojevich responsible for choosing Obama’s successor, but states no deadline on the appointment. That could be problematic, with a vote possible during Congress’ lame-duck session on pressing economic issues; the Senate is currently divided 49-49 between Republicans and Democrats.

Democrats want another stimulus package and an auto-industry bailout, but will be attempting to do so during next week’s session without the votes of either Obama or fellow senator and vice-president-elect Joe Biden. Whether or not a replacement is named for either, it’s highly unlikely he or she would be sworn in in time for the session, the New York Times adds.
(More Rod Blagojevich stories.)