Republicans eyeing Senate seat for comeback

With the prospect of a special Senate election as the sitting Democratic governor is accused of a "political corruption crime spree," Illinois Republicans may be seeing light after years out of power.

For the GOP, a special election for President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat could put a powerful post in play that was off the table just days ago. Moreover, the election would fall between terms for the party's Congressional delegation, where most of the GOP's dwindling power remains.

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican, has thrown his hat in the ring as a possible contender should a special election occur.

"I'll look at it," Kirk said Wednesday after calling for lawmakers to approve the special election. "Let the people decide. This is not a seat owned by any party."

Kirk comes off a strong showing in a rematch against Democratic challenger Dan Seals, who was backed by national Democrats in a race that drew considerable money and attention. Kirk will enter his fifth term in office next year.

Kirk has also shown a strong ability to raise campaign cash quickly, having taken in more than $5 million for his last campaign.

Meanwhile, some Democrats who were vying for Blagojevich's blessing to take the seat are sure to make an official run for the office. U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an Evanston Democrat, has publicly said she might run.

At the same time, most potential candidates are waiting to see what sort of ground rules are set for a special election when or if one is pushed by lawmakers.

"It is just not clear at this moment how this process will move forward," said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna.