Politics: Blago to name former AG Burris to Senate seat
On one hand, former Illinois comptroller and attorney general Roland Burris seems a decent about person to serve the remainder at Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat.
But why in the world Burris, at or near the end of his career, wants to taint himself with corruption by associating himself with Rod Blagojevich is beyond me.
It’s not like they are going to let him serve. Secretary of State Jesse White isn’t going to certify the appointment. And if he does, the U.S. Senate will refuse to seat him.
Yes, I know. There are Constitutional issues involved in both scenarios.
But by the time those get sorted out, Blago will be out of office thanks to impeachment, and new Governor Pat Quinn will be able to pick someone who wont be tainted by Blago, which is what the Illinois Constitution says should happen.
Feh.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Billy: what is your authority or source for this column on Burris? And if you think blago is bad (and he is), wait until the gadfly Quinn gets his hands on the gavel.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
RomanII: I linked to my source. As to the information about what White and the U.S. Senate will do, it’s all over the media. But If you think I’m alone, check out this post on Capitol Fax:
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2008/12/30/this-just-in-179/
December 30th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
What a shame! It’s, political, suicide for Roland Burris if HE accepts It! Even the news of his selection by Blagojevich is enough to ruin him in Illinois politics, whether or not He accepts it!
December 30th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
They just had the press conference and Blago announced the appointment. Roland Burriss accepted the appointment and then took a few questions. The media was in the biggest frenzy I have ever seen! It was difficult to hear even one reporters question over the fray. Roland Burriss was often tounge tied. One reporter asked him about the fact that his office had contributed over 13K to Blago’s campaign. Burris’ response: “Oh really, I didn’t know that…”.
I feel they will make mince meat of him for sure.
December 30th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Call Roland Burris law office to chastise him for surrendering his reputation to Blago. 312-236-0475
December 30th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
I think he also said (if I heard correctly) the following:
“I didn’t have that much to give him.” – which left me thinking what he was thinking was – “But I would have greased his wheels some more if I could have.”
December 30th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Not being a lawyer, I’m not sure Jesse White has the grounds not to certify Burris. The law states that the Governor has the power to appoint a Senator to fill the vacancy. Blago is still the governor. BTW Bobby Rush came out today and used the magic “lynch” word which is a not so subtle message to Harry Reid. I’m sure glad that we moved into a post racial era in politics with the election of Obama. Of course the good news, is that this controversy will drown out the “Barack the Magic Negro” tape that is at the heart of the race for the new head of the Republican National Committee.
December 30th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
A little counter perspective for a moment. If you were 71 years old and passed by by younger more nimble politicos, but still felt you had a little left in the tank, why not take the shot. Was Roland going to just ride off into the sunset as a footnote in history (first african-american elected statewide in ILLINOIS history), or by staring adversity in the face, does he create a legacy he wouldn’t have had before (and by that I mean a positive one). He will be the center of the political universe for awhile, and have the opportunity to tell his tale of 40 years of public service. What politician wouldn’t like the opportunity with little to lose (again, at 71, if he gets trashed nationally he slinks into oblivion secure in the knowledge that it was beyond hope anyway) and alot (an historic Senator from Illinois who secured the seat despite the odds) to gain. Its a little like Mr. Smith going to washington. Look, I’m not exactly a fan here and I think the right thing to do, as well as the political smart thing for the GOP is to have the special election, but if you are Roland, I can think of worse ways to spend my 71st year of life than fighting in the arena i love for the biggest honor of my lifetime.
December 30th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Um, Matt, I don’t think its up to the Republicans.