Hoffa May Appoint Chatskovy, Blaine To Senate Vacancy

Governor-elect has narrowed selection down to two candidates, sources say

GRASSADELLA CITY, DMG--With federal Sen. Brian Altamont (NAT) expected to step down next week to accept a cabinet position offered by President-elect Brenton Menuhaeo, incoming Gov. Sid Hoffa's first task will be filling Altamont's vacancy. Mr. Hoffa has narrowed down the candidate field in Damoign's expected senate vacancy, sources close to the process say. The incoming governor is reportedly considering two Grassadella City area representatives: Roman Chatskovy (C-Libney) and Jessica Blaine (DR-Lacarthy).

Chatskovy, 31, is a former rival of Hoffa. The two ran against each other in the CNS primary for the open senate seat vacated by out-going Sen. Kory Brown (NAT). Chatskovy ultimately won the party's nomination, but lost in the general election to Vicksburg Congresswoman Jean Chaveau (NAT). A moderate Conservative, Chatskovy is one of the youngest members of the National Assembly, and is considered a rising star in the CNS party. He currently represents southwest Grassadella City.

Blaine, 34, has represented Lacarthy in the National Assembly for four years. Unlike many of her fellow Democratic-Reformists in Damoign, she has taken a tough stance on national security and war-on-terror-related issues. She is somewhat of a foreign policy hawk, and has sided with Conservatives on almost every economic issue as well. During the 2008 campaign for governor, Blaine was the only Democratic-Reformist representative to cross party lines and endorse Hoffa instead of DR candidate Isaac Hjelms. She also campaigned for Mr. Hoffa, citing his stance on national security and the economy as her main reasons for endorsing him.

Mr. Hoffa is in somewhat of a dilemma, Devlyn University professor Richard Branon says, because if he appoints Chatskovy, the young congressman could face a tough confirmation in the state legislature, which must approve the governor's nominee.

"Mr. Chatskovy is a Conservative, and both houses of the state legislature are dominated by Nationalists. So that could be a rocky road," Branon says. "Ms. Blaine, however, would have a better chance of receiving confirmation simply because she's from a different party than the governor and so it will seem more of a bi-partisan effort than just a Conservative governor trying to help his party gain a seat."

On the other hand, if Hoffa appoints Ms. Blaine, it could give the appearance of an inside deal.

"If he appoints Jessica Blaine, a lot of people, rightly or wrongly, are going to suspect that he is rewarding her, in a sense, because she endorsed him and campaigned for him during the race," Branon says.

Aids to the governor say he is still deliberating his appointment.

"I think he's struggling internally to decide which candidate to select," said one aid, who asked not to be identified because members of the administration are not permitted to speak to the press. "The fact is both Roman Chatskovy and Jessica Blaine are good people, and they would both make fine senators. It's just a question of logistics. Who can make their way through the confirmation process and who's going to cause more political fall-out."

As of yet, Sen. Altamont has not officially been nominated for a cabinet position, nor has he resigned. The senator's office would not comment when GNN asked about the matter. Congressman Chatskovy and Congresswoman Blaine likewise declined to talk about the pending appointment.