Politics: We’re stuck with Burris
Via Capitol Fax Blog: The Associated Press is reporting that Senate Democrats plan to accept Roland Burris as Barack Obama’s replacement.
My two cents: Gutless wonders. A month ago, every last one of them vowed to not seat anyone Rod Blagojevich appointed. But they let race baiting tactics scare them into submission.
These same critics will be all over them for letting a corrupt governor appoint a corrupt former Illinois pol.
January 7th, 2009 at 11:09 am
This is what is going on. Basically, the fact that Franken won his battle in Minnesota means that having Burris puts the D’s in better position to fight off a filibuster. Had Franken not won, Burris being seated wouldn’t have made a difference (given the way that Senate rules and rounding up works).
January 7th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Blagojevich proved he will do anything to bring the rest of the world down with him. This makes his impeachment all the more urgent.
Burris made a good legal argument about why he should be seated. The man may have no shame, but I think he ultimately would have won a legal battle over his appointment.
The blame lies with the Democratic leaders in the Legislature, who failed to even take up a bill to change the law to require a special election. They used the excuse of expense and underestimated the governor’s cunning. They also were afraid a Republican might win the seat. What they’ve done is cause a disgust with state Democrats that will almost certainly lead to losses in 2010 — unless the Illinois GOP is completely clueless.
January 7th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
As odd and incomprehensible as it sounds, the Guv. is following the letter of the law here and appointed someone. The Secretary of State will have to sign off on that according to the law and will ultimately do so I bet. The Senate note seating Burris? I dunno. I talked to Brad Carter about this recently and sadly don’t recall his conclusion on the Senate confirmation.
January 7th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
This is a fine mess and stinks to high heaven, but remind me….What did Roland Burris do or become involved in that makes him a corrupt former politician? Not saying if he is or isn’t, I just don’t remember.
January 7th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
“Unless the Illinois GOP is completely clueless.”
Which is quite possible. Never underestimate the ability of the Illinois GOP to fail and fail again.
January 7th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
That the Dems won’t seat a guy who’s completely legit yet are in a rush to seat another guy who’s win is suspect speaks volumes.
Burris is not Barry’s chosen one.
January 8th, 2009 at 3:06 am
Had anyone checked to see under what circumstances an Illinois senator can be recalled? Even though I’ve seen no evidence Burris has done wrong, I’d like to recall him on lesser grounds, if that’s possible.
This seems like something Lisa Madigan should be doing. But, from what I’m hearing, she has wussed out, too.