In Illinois, word on the street is that Tammy Duckworth, assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is Governor Pat Quinn's personal pick as lieutenant governor nominee -- replacing the scandal-ridden Scott Lee Cohen: Democrats prepare to pick new lieutenant governor.

Duckworth lost both of her legs while serving in the Illinois National Guard in Iraq 2004. She unsuccessfully ran for Congress in the western suburbs in 2006, before being appointed assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs last year.

Although Duckworth is at the top of Governor Quinn's wish list for the nomination, he'll defer the choice to the Democratic State Central Committee, led by state party chief Michael Madigan. A bona fide war hero, she's definitely a well-respected name in Illinois politics, and would be a solid choice.

Veterans groups are apparently already petitioning Quinn for her to fill the role. But would Duckworth even consider leaving her job to move back to Illinois? More here: Tammy Duckworth To Replace Cohen? Quinn Wants It That Way, Source Says. And here: Gov. Pat Quinn wants Tammy Duckworth as Illinois lieutenant governor candidate.