FLOTUS Running for the Senate? NOOOOOO!!!!!

By Kim D.

I know the political move of running for Senate after being FLOTUS was a seemingly natural move for Hillary Clinton, but I'm saying an extra special prayer tonight that a similar political pathway for Michelle Obama is simply a rumor or a bad joke. 

My stomach churned dramatically last night after reading Keith Koffler's opinion piece on just this topic in the Thursday edition of Reuters. 

According to Koffler, speculation about a possible political future for Michelle Obama has naturally centered on the White House. But that’s the wrong place — at least for now.

Illinois has a Republican senator, Mark Kirk, and he is up for reelection in 2016. He’ll be formidable, particularly given his brave recovery from a stroke. But Illinois is a heavily Democratic state, and the race could be close.

No Illinois Democratic candidate would bring the star power and nationwide fundraising capacity that Obama would. She could represent the Democrats’ best chance to pick up a desperately needed — and winnable — seat. A December 2012 Public Policy Polling survey put her ahead of Kirk, 51 percent to 40 percent.

The Senate looks like the perfect place for Obama. She could weigh in on any topic without having the executive responsibilities required of a governor or mayor — management reputedly not being one of her strong suits.

She would quickly become the most recognizable face in the Senate. Her fame and fundraising ability would command deference in a body that normally operates on seniority. Whether the recent elevation of her profile suggests a plan to run is unclear, but she will be well positioned should she jump in.