Opinion: Obama’s vacated Senate ‘seat’ for sale on the Mall

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WASHINGTON -- While nearly everyone at the Mall today is anxiously awaiting the swearing-in of Barack Obama, at least one cluster of people driving in a caravan down K Street was remembering President George W. Bush. Walking with great determination, the group carried placards reading: “Arrest Bush.”

Lining their path to the Mall were vendors shelling out a variety of goods, with red, white and blue boas and hot turkey legs on smoky food carts. Traditional souvenirs including buttons and T-shirts were big sellers this morning.

Not so popular, however, was Obama’s vacated Senate seat. The doll-sized armchair came in blue or red, with a certificate allegedly signed by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Conspicuously -– or perhaps pointedly -– missing from the certificate was the signature of the Illinois secretary of State. No need for bidding here. The seat is yours for $5.

--Faye Fiore

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