Senatorial Dominos

The Hill has a report on the impact of Barack Obama's cabinet appointments of Sen. Hillary Clinton and Gov. Janet Napolitano on future races for the U.S. Senate.

The appointment of Gov. Napolitano, who was rumored to be planning a run at John McCain's seat in 2010, probably clears the path for the incumbent's re-election.

On the other hand, the situation in New York is complicated. Gov. David Paterson will appoint a replacement for Ms. Clinton, and there are a large number of candidates jockeying for the position. One popular choice would be Andrew Cuomo, whose appointment would eliminate a potential rival to Mr. Paterson in the next gubernatorial primary. In addition, the fact that the seat is being vacated by Ms. Clinton might increase the likelihood that Rudy Giuliani will make a run in 2010. If so, it would also eliminate him as a potential Republican opponent for Gov. Paterson.

Of course, a replacement for Barack Obama will also be required, but the Illinois Republican Party is in such disarray that it will probably have no impact on their hopes in the next election cycle.