And finally…

In case you hadn’t heard, President-elect Obama released a statement today announcing his resignation from the US Senate effective Sunday, November 16, 2008;

It has been one of the highest honors and privileges of my life to have served the people of Illinois in the United States Senate. In a state that represents the crossroads of a nation, I have met so many men and women who’ve taken different journeys, but hold common hopes for their children’s future. It is these Illinois families and their stories that will stay with me as I leave the United States Senate and begin the hard task of fulfilling the simple hopes and common dreams of all Americans as our nation’s next President.

· The Senate Office will remain open for a period of time, but no longer than 60 days after the President-elect's resignation from the Senate, in that time, the staff will be archiving the Senate documents for the Presidential library and contacting constituents to inform them as to how any open casework will need to be handled.

So you know the people of Illinois WILL continue to be served as casework will be handled so as to ensure constituents receive the assistance they need, but that hasn’t stopped some people making a fuss about doing him resigning so many days before the inauguration, arguing that he should be staying in the Senate so he can help with the auto industry bailout.
Meh.

The bailout will or will not happen regardless of Obama’s status as Senator… and in resigning now he has the ability to focus on the transition, and due to the myriad of factors facing the nation right now, a smooth transition is VERY important.

Now the onus falls onto Illinois Governor Rod “George Ryan II” Blagojevich to select a replacement for the vacated seat before the end of the year.

Stay tuned.