AG Lisa Madigan has issued an opinion that the General Assembly has the right to provide for a special election to replace Sen. Roland Burris.

The General Assembly has the right to cut short Burris' term by scheduling a special election and Madigan sees no Consitutional inconsistency in such a legislative action.  In her own words:

"It is my opinion that the legislature may pass a law allowing the people of Illinois to elect a U.S. senator to fill the seat vacated by President Barack Obama. Such a law would be consistent with the U.S. Constitution. The 17th Amendment expresses a clear preference for having the people of a state elect their U.S. senators. In keeping with the purpose of this amendment, the legislature may constitutionally change the current law to set an earlier date for the election to this U.S. senate seat. I am providing this opinion to offer guidance to the legislature as they consider this issue."

The sooner we rid ourselves of the disgraced Senator, the better.