SCHAKOWSKY CALLS ON STATE LEGISLATURE TO SET SPECIAL ELECTION TO REPLACE BURRIS

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement today after Illinois Governor Pat Quinn called on Senator Burris to resign.

"While I agree with Governor Quinn and others that Senator Burris should resign, his resignation is not essential for him to be replaced.  Under the 17th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, governors only have the right to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.  The state legislature can set a special election at its own discretion whether or not Senator Burris resigns."