Anything He Wants

As you probably know, Illinois Senate President Emil Jones has said that he will not seek another term (despite the fact that he is currently on the ballot in November). The Chicago Tribune reports:

The move by Jones comes as he prepares for the Democratic National Convention, where his protege and former state Senate colleague, Barack Obama, will accept the Democratic nomination for president.

My own encounters with Emil this year center around Obama's presidential campaign. We were in the same office in both Iowa and Wisconsin, and while I think he traveled with different aides to the two states, it was amazing how they (Emil's aides) pushed the same lines. The one that was the most memorable (and startling, given what I know about Barack) was that, when asked what job Emil would get in an Obama Administration, the answer was always the same: "Anything He Wants."

Setting aside consideration of whether the comment was true, what interested me was how consistent Emil's staff was about trumpeting his relationship with Barack. There's no question that Emil helped state Senator Obama, or even that his support for Barack was essential to his election to the U.S. Senate. We shouldn't forget that the governor had his candidate (Blair Hull) and the Machine had its candidate (Dan Hynes). Emil's early support for Barack's U.S. Senate candidacy was one of Jones' few disagreements with the Machine. And it certainly gave Barack credibility when the whole of Illinois' political establishment thought the 2004 race was between Hynes and Hull.

But Barack's political career has not been confined by the rules of Illinois' (in)famous Machine. In fact, the Clintons weren't the first to complain that Barack hadn't waited "his turn." The political establishment is littered with politicians who underestimated Barack Obama and who've had to come to terms with his meteoric rise. Despite the comments made by Emil's staff, there is no reason to believe that Barack Obama feels like he owes Emil Jones and is obligated to repay that debt. Even if Emil thinks he does. Barack seems to follow his own beat -- perhaps even his own rules.

But the timing seems curious. Many have noted Emil's intent to play a big role in Denver. He wasn't going to do this as a member of Illinois' Democratic delegation, who still remain in the dark about plans for the delegation. Emil's assessment of his Denver role clearly stems from his connection to the Democratic nominee.

Let's be clear. People outside of Illinois are absolutely mesmerized by Emil's stories about the younger Barack and his role in Barack's political development. And, it seemed to me, Emil clearly enjoyed sharing his perspective with people. Regardless of the role Emil plays with convention delegations, I'd expect him to be a hit with the other groups who will assemble in Denver next week. Not only does Emil have a vocal supporter in Dan Shomon but his speeches before voters were quite popular. I'm certain that was noticed.

The Senate President denies interest in Barack's seat:

Mr. Jones said he’s not interested in being appointed to Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat, should Mr. Obama be elected president this fall. “I’m not retiring to go to the (U.S.) Senate,” Mr. Jones said. “I don’t know what I’ll do.”

Despite claims of Emil's good health, the constant travel back and forth between D.C. and one's state is wearing. Blagojevich would certainly "owe" Jones, if he wanted the seat. But that doesn't seem to be where Emil's interests lie. One possibility could have been signaled earlier this month, as Jones' former political aide (Shomon) went to Washington, DC to drum up business for his lobbying firm. That would certainly be the fastest way to make a buck (Jones claimed he deserved a pay raise). And adding Jones to his firm would certainly give Shoman some umph.

Denny Jacobs warns that "Emil has a history of changing his mind." But that's not exactly the history of Machine pols, is it? As the News Sun observes:

In many ways, Jones has kept up the traditions of old-school politicians. During his years in the General Assembly, he has steered state money to a few favored institutions, including some that employ his relatives. Some of his relatives also have gotten state jobs and his wife's government salary got a sizable boost after he became Senate president in 2003.

Jones also has played an important role in blocking ethics legislation in Illinois.

You could argue that Emil's past steps all over Barack's message of Change. But this annoucement seems to be timed more by pressing electoral deadlines than the needs of the Obama campaign:

There is also talk about the timing of Jones’ announcement. It comes just eleven days before state election officials finalize the ballot for the fall election. That leaves the potential for party leaders to swap Jones off the ballot and replace him with a hand-picked candidate. That has fueled talk that Jones may make a move to have his son succeed him in office—a maneuver that has been a favorite of Illinois politicians. Recently, former Congressman Bill Lipinski, former Cook County Board President John Stroger, and former Cook County Board President Bobbie Steele have all been replaced by their children through internal Democratic Party deals.

Jones’ announcement will come as his political mentee Illinois Senator Barack Obama prepares to accept the Democratic presidential nomination next week. Jones and Obama grew extremely close during Obama’s time in the state senate. Any distasteful Chicago-style political dealings connected with Jones’ retirement could become a problem for Obama who has long sought to keep his distance from the city’s reputation for political corruption and sleight-of-hand.

Those who are looking for political (or ideological) purity won't find it from any politician emerging from the Chicago political maelstrom. Reformers (the term progressive isn't particularly relevant in the Illinois political environment) survive by accommodating the Machine when they have to, by learning to choose their battles and when to go along to get along. Barack's credentials as a political reformer are obvious, but the fact that he comes out of Chicago means that he's figured out how to navigate a treacherous political environment (for reformers). It certainly isn't Little Rock.

Regardless of whether Emil goes to Washington -- as I expect him to do -- with Barack or because of Barack, his departure is only the first in a series that will drain Illinois of political talent in a way the state has never experienced. This is only the first in a number of startling departures...