Illinois lawmaker wants special US Senate election

CHICAGO, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The president of Illinois' state senate said on Tuesday he will call the chamber back 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, a Chicago Democrat, cited political corruption charges brought against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who has the power to select Obama's successor.

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

Obama, whose takes office on Jan. 20, left his Senate seat soon after winning the Nov. 4 presidential election.

A spokesman for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Democrat who has clashed repeatedly with Blagojevich, could not be reached for comment.

(Reporting by Karen Pierog; Editing by Doina Chiacu)