What elections are for.

I have a serious problem with the ability of a state governer to single-handledly chose a senator from their home state. I mean it wouldn't be quite as bad if it had not become such an utter debacle this year, but if ever there was a time where it was obvious this system doesn't work it would be now.

So in Illinois a competent (perhaps even good choice!) was made by a going out impeached governer who was impeached oh-by-the-way for trying to sell that same seat. Honestly, he was reputedly offered 3 million for it (not by the chosen selection); thats a lot of money to turn down; especially as a public servant he's making what 140k? I just think with the amount of money potentially at stake (via the senate) this is a decision to be made by the people. Would that be that hard? It might still be a popularity contest but the fact that after no formal public service Caroline comes out of the woodwork and says "I'd like to be a senator." Everyone jumps and says its hers! What a joke! I'd like to be a senator too! I have just as much experience as she does! (that being ZERO) but I'd have the opinions and the heart to do it. She couldn't even do an interview; her 'people' answered the questions for her. Ok, now I'm super assured that she could do it. I hope that she doesn't get it, but Gov Patterson has me worried. He's already defended the bonuses given on wall street as 'justified' and then lamented the fact that many won't recieve bonuses and as a result less taxes for NY. Whaaaaaat? That's a hell of a justification for (ill?) gotten gains as a precentage of that goes back to the state. So needless to say I won't be surprised if NY sends the most ill-prepared senator to Washington. Sad.