Editorial: Senator quits days after swearing-in. Cue the party insiders and clout – Chicago Tribune*

"Instead of holding new elections to fill legislative vacancies, as 25 states do, Illinois assigns the task to local party committees. The departing lawmaker often gets a say in who it will be...This is not healthy for democracy. It encourages cynicism among voters — rightfully so — that is already in high supply. It feeds distrust in government that carries serious consequences of frustration, numbness and disengagement."