State Democrats' succession battles likely to intensify in Mile High City

DENVER -- The state's dysfunctional Democrats converge here this weekend to begin the coronation of Barack Obama, but there are dramatic subplots that figure to profoundly reshape Illinois' political landscape for years to come.

That's because three of the state's biggest political plums -- governor, state Senate president, and possibly U.S. senator -- all could be up for grabs, perhaps signaling one of the biggest power shakeups in years.

All the key players will be in the Mile High City maneuvering to replace Emil Jones as Senate leader in January, Gov. Blagojevich in 2010 and Obama when, God willing from the delegation's view, he is sworn in as president.

There are 200 or so delegates arriving in Denver, and they're all activists whose endorsements could be crucial in getting a leg up for any one of those rarely available openings.

Three Illinois Democrats have been staking a claim to Obama's U.S. Senate seat -- U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Illinois Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. The governor would fill the vacancy, and all three contenders have strong ties to him and have stood by him as his popularity hit rock bottom because of the scandals surrounding his administration.

Lurching out of the gate first, Jackson circulated an e-mail Friday to supporters noting that if Obama wins the White House, his U.S. Senate seat will be open. In almost the same breath, the south suburban congressman appeared to emphasize his own credentials for the job and underscored that "people are taking notice of the change we've created right here in the 2nd Congressional District."

At the convention, Jackson, Schakowsky and Duckworth all have coveted speaking spots. But Blagojevich appears intent on giving a boost to Duckworth by hosting a reception for her Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Blagojevich himself has a bull's-eye on his back, and a trio of potential 2010 challengers landed speaking roles at the convention: Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Comptroller Dan Hynes. The governor himself, however, was snubbed by convention organizers, likely in recognition of his deep political problems.

Mayor Daley's brother, William Daley, a top adviser to Obama, also is mulling a gubernatorial run and is expected to be in Denver.

The last bit of intrigue is over who will take over for Jones as state Senate president when he steps down in early January. The list of Democratic state senators mounting serious runs for his gavel include John Cullerton of Chicago, Terry Link of Vernon Hills, Jeff Schoenberg of Evanston, James Clayborne of Downstate Belleville and Rickey Hendon of Chicago.

All are expected in Denver and are sure to press the flesh with colleagues at a Senate Democratic reception Wednesday night on the eve of Obama's Thursday acceptance speech.