Obama Announces Resignation

President-elect Barack Obama's press office has just released the following (via email):

"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," said President-elect Barack Obama.

Lucky for him, he's already got another gig lined up. When I was a teenager, I made the mistake of quitting my job at a deli before I had another, and I spent that summer begging for rides everywhere.

Obama's successor in the Senate will be picked by Democratic Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, retaining the balance of power in the Dems' favor.

The shortlist for Obama's seat, which is good until 2010, includes House members Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Jan Shakowsky, and Iraq War vet Tammy Duckworth, who made an unsuccessful run for the House in 2006.

Valerie Jarrett, the Obama adviser who said he's "ready to rule on day 1," had been at the top of the list, but has said she doesn't want the seat.

Tommy Christopher co-hosts "Unusable Signal" , on BlogTalkRadio Tues - Thur at 10pm, and Fri, & Sat at 11pm. Click here for the Unusable Signal homepage.