Illinois lawmakers want special Senate election

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The heads of the Illinois state legislature said on Tuesday they will call the General Assembly into session to pass legislation on a special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

Senate President Emil Jones and House Speaker Michael Madigan, both Chicago Democrats, cited federal political corruption charges against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who has the power to select Obama's successor.

Madigan, who has repeatedly clashed with fellow-Democrat Blagojevich, said his chamber will meet on Monday.

"Today's events are shocking and disappointing," Madigan said in a statement. "It represents a new low for conduct by public officials. I believe in the rights of individuals to due process, but I also believe action must be taken to avoid certain functions of state government from being irrevocably tarnished by Gov. Blagojevich's continued exercise of power."

Jones said a special election would "help restore the confidence of the people of Illinois during this difficult time."

Obama, whose takes office on January 20, left his Senate seat soon after winning the November 4 presidential election. Blagojevich was expected to name another Democrat to fill out the remaining two years of Obama's term.

A special election would open up the field to candidates from either party, a spokesman for Madigan said.

(Reporting by Karen Pierog; Editing by Doina Chiacu)