Obama Allies Eye Burris Seat

Two months into Roland Burris’ term as Illinois senator, Democrats are circling his seat like vultures waiting for a wounded antelope to drop. Burris, appointed to his seat by the ousted Rod Blagojevich, has been plagued by allegations he pledged help to Blago in exchange for the seat. While the 71-year-old freshman senator has not officially announced whether he’ll run in 2010, he’s already created a campaign website to seek contributions. If he does run, he may be up against William Daley, brother of the mayor of Chicago and co-chairman of the Obama transition team, as well as Obama buddy and Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. Cheryle Jackson, Blagojevich’s first press secretary and current head of the Chicago Urban League, also has said she’s interested in running, as has Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois.