Obama administration could open doors for Illinoisans
On more than a few occasions, Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. has joked that if his friend Barack Obama became president, he'd like to be ambassador to Ireland.
At least we think he was joking.
Regardless, Obama's coming residency in the White House is likely to result in numerous job possibilities for Illinoisans within his administration.
Even before he'd won there were reports of Obama offering Chicago Congressman Rahm Emanuel the job of White House chief of staff, though no announcement was made Wednesday. Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool is said to be in the running for an administration job. And when Obama gave Tammy Duckworth a key speaking slot at the Democratic convention, it sparked talk of the state veterans affairs director being a possible candidate for the equivalent federal post.
Valerie Jarrett, considered one of the most influential women in Chicago and one of Obama's closest advisers this campaign, is co-chairing his transition team and is likely to continue as an administration confidante.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley recently told reporters he hoped to hold onto city schools chief Arne Duncan for fear of Obama snatching him away for an education department post.
"I imagine it will be an good opportunity for a lot of Illinois people in the federal government," said Steve Brown, spokesman for Illinois House Speaker and Democratic Party Chairman Michael Madigan.
This isn't just because of Obama. Chicago is an international economic hub and presidents have long tapped the region's talent pool. Barrington Hills' Henry Paulson is secretary of the U.S. Treasury. Former Allstate CEO Edward Liddy was recently picked by the government to run embattled AIG. Don Rumsfeld represented this area in Congress before serving in several administrations, as White House chief of staff for President Gerald Ford and two stints as defense secretary, most recently for President George W. Bush.
Emmanuel previously served in President Bill Clinton's administration and Mayor Daley's brother William was Clinton's commerce secretary and was named a co-chair for Obama's transition team.
At the same time, the current state of political affairs in Illinois is likely to have Obama and his talent scouts proceed with caution.
Federal authorities are investigating Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration for its hiring and contracting practices.
Yet, Obama has been quick to put Blagojevich people on his campaign payroll. Becky Carroll served as spokeswoman for the Blagojevich budget office until she left to oversee Obama's outreach effort with women voters. Justin DeJong, Carroll's replacement in the state post, ultimately ended up as Obama's Illinois campaign spokesman.