April 7 election set for Emanuel's seat

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Monday set April 7 for a special election to fill the U.S. House seat Rahm Emanuel gave up to join the Obama administration.

Blagojevich, who is facing federal corruption charges, issued a Writ off Election from his Capitol office in Springfield that also set March 3 as the date for a special primary election, if one is needed.

Three people have emerged as top contenders for the heavily Democratic 5th District seat vacated by Emanuel, who resigned effective last Friday to become President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff. State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley and former Transportation Security Administration official Justin Oberman are viewed as leading a field of candidates that could be crowded with up to 18 contenders, The Hill reported last week.

Blagojevich has been accused of trying to peddle Obama's empty Senate seat for personal gain, among other charges.