Obama says leave Senate seat choice to state

[December 17, 2008]  CHICAGO (AP) -- President-elect Barack Obama says he'll let the Illinois Legislature decide whether a special election should be held to choose his successor.

Obama also told a news conference on Wednesday that he thinks it would be inappropriate for him to comment in detail on the investigation of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

He was asked whether he intended to make a recommendation to the state about how to handle the controversy surrounding the Senate seat he vacated shortly after being elected president.

Obama reiterated that an internal report by his staff on any connections between his staff and the governor's office will be released next week.

Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell or trade Obama's now-vacant Senate seat.

[Associated Press]

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