Rep. Danny Davis interested in Obama's Senate seat

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis said Sunday that he wants to replace Barack Obama as the junior senator from Illinois.

The Illinois Democrat's declaration came the same day President-elect Obama stepped down from the position with two years left in his term.

"This is a day for which I have been preparing all of my life," Davis said in a statement. "In every legislative body in which I have served, I have sponsored and passed meaningful public policy initiatives."

At a Sunday news conference, Westside Black Elected Officials, a coalition of black Illinois politicians endorsed the 67-year-old Davis, who is also black.

Davis, who was first elected to the House in 1996, cited his experience as a former Chicago Public Schools teacher, community organizer, Chicago alderman and member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich will chose Obama's replacement. The governor has said he plans to make the decision by the end of the year.

A Blagojevich spokesman did not immediately return messages Sunday about the interest Davis is showing in the seat.

Davis is among many Democratic politicians mentioned as possible replacements for Obama in the Senate. Other potential candidates include Illinois' Veterans Affairs director Tammy Duckworth, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Illinois Senate President Emil Jones and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.