The election is finally over, but there’s some unfinished business in Illinois, Delaware and New York state. It’s the unfilled U.S. Senate seats where Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton served. And according to state constitutions, the governor has the power to appoint a replacement as soon as the current senator steps down.

In fact, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been making headlines for corruption charges the past few days on this exact decision, and it’s behavior like his that makes us uneasy supporting power like this.

If you’re unaware of Gov. Blagojevich’s actions, he’s been charged with corruption on putting a “for sale” sign on the Senate spot and looking for financial compensation to appoint a new senator.

The power of one person being able to select a senator is as immense as it is unacceptable. Especially in a country that prides itself in its right to choose.

There have been instances in the past where governors have even appointed family members to the seat, the most recent in 2002 when Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski (a senator at the time of his win) appointed his daughter to his vacant seat.

What kind of message are state governments sending to the constituents of these vacant senate positions? Simply put, a message that whom the people want to represent them doesn’t matter. All that matters is who the governor thinks could do a good job, or in one case, who could pay the most.

We want this power out of the hands of one and back into the hands of the people. We want to see states requiring special elections for these seats and not granting special favors for their friends.

Sure, this might be a more expensive route to fill a vacancy, but it’s the right thing to do. Ultimately, some things are better to be bought and paid for, but one of those isn’t a seat in the U.S. Senate. Get rid of these laws and restore our right to choose.