With more than a dozen south suburban leaders behind him, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s bid for President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat may have gained some momentum.
A group of mayors and village presidents has urged Gov. Rod Blagojevich to appoint Jackson to the position. Leaders from South Holland, Richton Park, University Park, Lynwood, East Hazel Crest, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Phoenix, Markham, Dixmoor, Matteson, Robbins, South Chicago Heights, Olympia Fields and Rich Township signed on a letter recommending Jackson. It was mailed Monday.
"As mayors, we have worked closely with Congressman Jackson on many regional initiatives," the letter stated. "He has been a model legislator and tireless champion for his diverse district. His support of regional initiatives such as the third airport and the Southeast Metra line will benefit not only his constituents but all of Illinois. We believe Congressman Jackson is a true visionary. For 13 years, he has led efforts for new infrastructure, more jobs, clean water and health care for all."
In their letter, they also noted that Obama, who officially resigned from the Senate on Sunday, was the only African-American U.S. senator.
"Congressman Jackson, born in the midst of the American civil rights struggles of the '60s, would be a strong symbolic choice who also has the youth, energy and experience necessary to focus on the large issues facing our country in the near and long term," they wrote.
Many of the mayors and village presidents gathered Saturday to sign the document.
Lansing Village President Dan Podgorski wasn't able to attend but said he is in full support of Jackson.
"He certainly has shown an ability to work on projects that are large in scope and is a very good communicator and dedicated, tireless worker, and I think he'd be a fine choice to serve out the remaining term in the U.S. Senate."
But this is race is unique in that it isn't a matter of swaying public opinion and garnering votes, Podgorski said. "One person makes the decision, whether the field is competitive or not," he said in reference to the governor.
South Holland Village President Don De Graff said the group wanted to extend its support because Jackson has done an excellent job supporting their communities. He didn't know whether the governor would weigh them as a factor, he said.
"I don't know what all the criteria is the governor will use, but I know from our perspective he couldn't pick a finer person to be the next senator for Illinois."
U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Jan Schakowsky also are considered contenders, as well as Illinois Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth. Some have suggested Obama's mentor in Chicago and Statehouse politics, Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. Any number of statewide elected officials also could get the nod, ranging from Blagojevich, who is able to choose himself, to Comptroller Dan Hynes or Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
Madigan on Tuesday said the chance is "less than zero" that she would be offered Obama's seat, and she's thinking instead about a possible run for Blagojevich's job.
The governor has said he wants to name Obama's replacement by Christmas.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
