Blagojevich to name Burris to Senate

[RamboLiberal]

Source: Chicago Tribune

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected today to name former Illinois Atty. Gen. Roland Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.

The action comes despite warnings by Democratic Senate leaders that they would not seat anyone appointed by the disgraced governor who faces criminal charges of trying to sell the post, sources familiar with the decision said.

Shortly after Obama's Nov. 4 victory, Burris made known his interest in an appointment to the Senate but was never seriously considered, according to Blagojevich insiders. But in the days following Blagojevich's arrest, and despite questions over the taint of a Senate appointment, Burris stepped up his efforts to win the governor's support.

Though he is 71, Burris has said that Obama's replacement should be able to win re-election and he has noted that despite a string of primary losses in races ranging from Chicago mayor to governor and U.S. senator, he's never lost to a Republican.


Read more: http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/blagojevich-...

---

Roland Burris in April 2007

[MaineDem]

1. Ahh, I wonder how this will go over? n/t

[derby378]

2. And the winning bid is??

I mean, the dollar amount should be a matter of public record, right? What's the going rate for one junior United States Senate seat from Illinois, gently used, previous occupant now POTUS-elect?

[Critters2]

27. Burris is a good choice. It's a shame that being Blago's choice

automatically taints him. He'll be a good Senator, if the Senate seats him.

[IsItJustMe]

54. Yes he is. And the Senate in their sanctimonious self righteousness would be damn fools to reject

him.

[Pastiche423]

83. A man that put an innocent man on Death Row for eleven years

is a good choice?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Not in my book.

[davefromqueens]

3. could be a caretaker

then let them all battle it out in the primary.

I never heard of this man until today.

[Critters2]

45. Well, he's well-known in Illinois. And well respected.

He's been both state comptroller and state Attorney General. He lost in the gubernatorial primary to Blago in 2002. I wasn't living in Illinois at the time, and would still like Illinois Dems to explain what the fuck they were thinking when they chose Blago over Burris! Burris is a native downstater, a graduate of Southern Illinois University, and has never been a part of the Chicago machine--which is probably why he's lost so many primaries.

He's a surprisingly good choice. Too bad he's got Blago's smell attached to him, now.

[Freddie Stubbs]

4. The Senate may be on shakey legal grounds if they try to refuse to seat him

[John Q. Citizen]

15. And then again, they may not be on shakey legal grounds.

[Freddie Stubbs]

17. Nowhere in the Constitution does it state that they may refuse to seat Senators who were appointed

[John Q. Citizen]

49. I bet they could postpone it for quite a while. I was more making a joke on the

structure of your post that says they may be on shaky ground, which also seems to suggest by it's very construction that they may not be on shaky ground. I understand that your point was to assert though not to forcefully

However, I'm not taking a firm position either way, even though your arguments are good ones and they are fairly convincing.

My guess is it will have more to do with the powers that be within the Senate than with the law. We seem to have become a nation with so many laws that we just pick and choose as fashion dictates. So the question is does some powerful person in the senate have the stomach to make a big deal out of it?

What does the law say about swearing in vis a vis appointment? Who schedules it? Who conducts it?

The Guv was smart to officially make an appointment, IMHO. One would guess that the job recipient probably isn't on tape offering renumeration for the post. They can tell the jury, the FEDS say he wanted to sell it, but he didn't sell it he choose a qualified replacement, just like he's supposed to.

[NYC Liberal]

18. The only action the Senate can take is after they have been sworn in

and then the course of action would be expulsion, by a 2/3 vote. See Powell v. McCormack.

Article 1:
"Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members"

A person isn't a "member" until they have been sworn in. Not only that, qualifications refers to the Constitutional qualifications, nothing else. As long as he is 30 years old, a citizen for 9 years and lives in the state he's serving from.

[Tempest]

33. Doesn't the Senate have to confirm the appointment?

They can easily refuse to seat him by not confirming the appointment.

[Freddie Stubbs]

34. No, they do not

[Bacchus39]

38. see post #18, it would seem they would have to accept him

however, they could also expel him with a 2/3 vote. or the Illinois legislature could strip Blago of his appointment power since its the states who decide how legislators are selected.

[customerserviceguy]

61. They might be able to strip Blago of power

but they cannot make any law that retroactively changes his powers. And they had better have a veto-proof majority if they even want to do it on a going-forward basis.

[Bacchus39]

72. perhaps change the Illinois Constitution and appoint their own replacement.

I don't know, but its a mess. the US Senate though is in a bind at the moment.

[customerserviceguy]

75. Again, the problem is the "after the fact"

aspect of it. The Illinois Legislature can change the state constitution, and even assuming they could get the necessary voter approval for it relatively quickly, it would not affect the appointment that has already been made.

The only shot they had was to shame Blago into resigning. That's impossible with the shameless.

[MineralMan]

5. Interesting. Blagojevich is the sitting Governor.

He may get impeached, but the selection may well be valid. If he's not impeached, it will definitely be valid.

Do we know anything at all about this A.G.? What are his political views? Maybe he's a fine choice.

As for the Senate, they might or might not choose to seat this person, but I'm thinking that they probably shouldn't make it too much of an issue, particularly if a special election is in the works.

Again, who is this guy and what is his position on important issues?

[Wizard777]

56. He can make a recess appointment. Otherwise it must be approved by the state legislature.

If he makes the recess appointment the Senate must accept him. But they could initiate procedures to expel him. Which amounts to an internal impeachment hearing. After turning a blind eye to the rampant Bush & Cheney crime spree to impeach someone who has done NOTHING WRONG. Barack is going to have to court the republican right BIG TIME. Because the democrats will be at each others throats over this Travesty. Lets start with that old boys network still being alive and well. You got to know the right people to get in the door. DC is not about what you do. It's all about who you know. Burris only crime is not knowing the right people. If old hats like Cheney and Rumsfeld. You can literally get away with mass murder bordering Genocide. But only if you know the right people.

I also think the Dem's are trying to preserve some flimsy conspiracy charges that could be lost to the reality of a graft free appointment. Leaving Fitz sputtering, But but but he was gonna....... with a judge saying, never mind that. This is what he actually did. Would you like a tinfoil hat to put your conspiracy theory in?

[OwnedByFerrets]

6. Roland Burris

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Burris

From 1979 to 1991, Burris was elected to the office of Comptroller of Illinois. He was the first African American to be elected to a statewide office in the state of Illinois. Burris was an unsuccessful candidate for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 1984, losing to Paul Simon who went on to defeat incumbent Senator Charles Percy.

From 1991 to 1995, he was Attorney General for the State of Illinois, where he headed over 500 lawyers. There, he was the second African American elected to the office of Attorney General in the United States.

In 1994, he was an unsuccessful candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Illinois. While Burris had been favored for much of the primary campaign, he and Cook County Board President Richard Phelan were both defeated by State Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch, who had a strong late showing in the final weeks of the campaign despite being seen as the underdog. Netsch would go on to defeat the following November against incumbent Republican Governor Jim Edgar in an election where Democrats lost every single race for statewide office.

In 1995, he ran for mayor of Chicago, losing to incumbent Richard M. Daley. In 1998 and 2002, he again unsuccessfully sought the Democratic Party nomination for Governor of Illinois.

Recognitions and Awards

* 100 Most Influential Black Americans, Ebony Magazine (1979-1995)
* Ten Most Distinguished Alumni in the History of the University - Wall of Fame, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1997)
* Distinguished Accomplishments in the Field of Law, National Bar Association (1993)
* One of the Top Three Government Financial Officers in the Nation, City and State Magazine (1989)
* Mackey Award, National Football League Players Association (1989)
* Hall of Fame, Centralia, Illinois

[Daemonaquila]

9. Interesting. Unfortunately, nothing about his politics...

I wonder whether his campaigning after the scandal broke means he's crazy like a fox, or whether we ought to worry. As long as he does a good job, has good politics, and keeps his nose clean, I'm not sure it's a bad thing.

[Critters2]

26. He's a good man. Above reproach ethically, with roots downstate.

The best man for the job, imo, but being named by Blago automatically taints him. That's a shame. I'd vote for Burris in a special election.

[Tarc]

7. I don't think this appointment should be honored

Nothing against Burris, but Blago is poison right now.

[zbdent]

8. with the "liberal media" behind any picks by B.,

Plexico would have as much of a chance getting the nod ...

[asksam]

10. Why would anyone...

... want to be appointed under these circumstances? Even if he were squeaky clean, completely competent and qualified, he'd still have the stench of corruption about him.

[customerserviceguy]

62. Wrong

Since the cat is out of the bag as far as Blago's concerned, ONLY a squeaky-clean person would accept such an appointment. Besides, if you weren't on Rahm Emmanuel's short list of 'acceptable' nominees, how better to get a shot at earning that seat on your own?

[maddogesq]

11. Paper: Blagojevich to fill Obama's Senate seat

Source: MSNBC

Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected to name former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to President-elect Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28435846 /

---

Looks like this Burris dude is old-school Chicago politics. I smell a showdown with the Senate Dem leadersip. Blago refuses to go quietly, IMHO.

[asksam]

12. Why would anyone

want to be named under these circumstances. He'd have the stench of corruption on him, even if he was perfectly qualified, competent and clean.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

13. Burris is originally from Southern Illinois

He ran as comptroller and then AG, winning both seats. No scandal was ever around him when I lived in Illinois in the 70s and 80s, and he was well liked.

[Critters2]

He's the best choice. I'm surprised Blago would do something this wise.

Now, will the Senate seat him?

[Seen the light]

14. I really hate Blago

I hate hate hate hate hate hate him.

[dbackjon]

19. Ho w do you get old school Chicago from this?

Burris is far from it.


Brilliant pick by Blago.

[sueh]

24. See my post # 20. eom

[Critters2]

30. You don't know what the fuck you're talking about.

Burris is a downstater, born and raised in Centralia, undergrad at Southern, Howard University for law school. He's respected throughout the state, and there've never been ethical questions about him. I'm shocked that Blago would actually make a good choice. Now the question becomes whether the Senate will seat him.

Now, why do you run along and worry about your own states ethical issues?

[mikelgb]

16. you go Blago! fuck em all!

have to admire his gall

[sueh]

20. More about Burris and his lobbying firm Burris & Lebed Consulting...

Looks like Roland and Blago are *good friends*.

http://www.burrislebed.com/partners.html

From the Partners page of his website:
Roland Burris:

Served as Illinois' State Comptroller for three unprecendented terms
Served as Illinois' Attorney General for one term
Served in Governor's Cabinet as Director of the Illinois Deparment of Central Management Services
Currently Of-Counsel to the Burris, Wright, Slaughter, and Tom Law firm, LLC.
Former Managing Partner of Jones, Ware & Grenard Law firm
Former Of-Counsel to the Bufford & Peters Law Firm, LLC.
Former President of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers
Former Executive Board Member of Government Finance Officers
Former Chair of the Civil Rights Committee of the National Association of Attorneys Generals
Former Trustee of the Financial Accounting Foundation Board
Former Board Director of the Illinois CPA Society
Served as Vice Chair of Governor Blagojevich Transition Team


Roland W. Burris can be reached at [e-mail]

And his partner, Fred Lebed:


*Served as Co-Chair of the "Re-Engineering Government" Sub-Committee of Governor Blagojevich's Transition Team
*Former Assistant to Illinois State Comptroller
*Former Assistant to Illinois Attorney General
*Served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
*Served as Cook County Liquor Control Commissioner
*Served as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee in 1985
Managed more than a dozen Illinois campaigns
*Former Delegate to five Democratic National Conventions
*In 1996, served as Executive Director of Cook County Democratic Party.
*Served as President's liason to Board of Commissioners.


Fred G. Lebed can be reached at [e-mail]

I hope my Illinois legislature will not seat Burris.

[aquart]

35. Ah. I see Reid's point now.

[Critters2]

36. I don't see the problem. Burris has never been a part of the Chicago machine.

He's the best possible choice. I hope the Senate accepts this choice.

Oh, and the Illinois legislature has no say in this. The Governor has the right to name the Senator. The only question is whether the US Senate will seat him. This has nothing to do with the General Assembly.

[orbitalman]

52. You don't get it !

This isn't about Burris. It's about Blago. It's not about innocent until proven guilty, it's about taint & Illinois machine politics and impropriety. Obama doesn't need any MORE problems.

[Critters2]

65. This is the best choice Blago could've made.

I get that it's about the taint of Blago. The Illinois Democratic organization created this problem for Obama by supporting Blago's bid for governor in the last general. Lots of Illinois Dems saw the problems, which is why the Greens did so well. Yet, the party leadership endorsed this cretin. Now, whether you like it or not, he's the governor. And he has the power to name a Senator. Surprisingly, he's named a good choice. The US Senate should seat him. And we should be grateful for Blago's momentary venture into sanity.

[unblock]

21. thus ensuring that burris will never become a senator.

[alcibiades_mystery]

22. ROFL

What balls.

I kinda dig the way Blago is fuck-you-ing everybody. You have to admire world-class chutzpah, after all.

[NashVegas]

31. I F-in LOVE That Blago Is Doing This

I wish Spitzer had stones like this.

[alcibiades_mystery]

40. Me too

Chicago is all about the gut shot.

Now all the whiners whining about "Chicago politics" get to see how the big kids play hardball. Chris Matthews doesn't know shit about Hardball.

[earcandle]

23. I'm thrilled by Gov. Blagojevich's new action!

I am checking out and digging the actions of Gov Blagojevich!

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/blagojevich-to-name-burris-to-senate.html

This guy will test the law for us right in front of us, and
the politicians who have a hold on this they've made a
monster of America will be exposed and then we will be able
to proceed once again as an honorable country... something we
have been without for about 60 years.

Sick of this dynasty yet?

This new Atty Gen. Burris looks good to me!

Go Obama!

Go Chigaco!

[sueh]

25. See my post # 20...

Burris is tied to Blago.

[earcandle]

32. Removing the word "lobbying" and both the 2nd and last sentence, its a great reference.

20. More about Burris and his firm Burris & Lebed Consulting...

http://www.burrislebed.com/partners.html

From the Partners page of his website:
Roland Burris:

Served as Illinois' State Comptroller for three unprecendented terms
Served as Illinois' Attorney General for one term
Served in Governor's Cabinet as Director of the Illinois Deparment of Central Management Services
Currently Of-Counsel to the Burris, Wright, Slaughter, and Tom Law firm, LLC.
Former Managing Partner of Jones, Ware & Grenard Law firm
Former Of-Counsel to the Bufford & Peters Law Firm, LLC.
Former President of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers
Former Executive Board Member of Government Finance Officers
Former Chair of the Civil Rights Committee of the National Association of Attorneys Generals
Former Trustee of the Financial Accounting Foundation Board
Former Board Director of the Illinois CPA Society
Served as Vice Chair of Governor Blagojevich Transition Team


Roland W. Burris can be reached at [e-mail]

And his partner, Fred Lebed:


*Served as Co-Chair of the "Re-Engineering Government" Sub-Committee of Governor Blagojevich's Transition Team
*Former Assistant to Illinois State Comptroller
*Former Assistant to Illinois Attorney General
*Served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
*Served as Cook County Liquor Control Commissioner
*Served as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee in 1985
Managed more than a dozen Illinois campaigns
*Former Delegate to five Democratic National Conventions
*In 1996, served as Executive Director of Cook County Democratic Party.
*Served as President's liason to Board of Commissioners.


Fred G. Lebed can be reached at [e-mail]

(See what I mean. The guy sounds impeccable!)

Good move, GovB.

[Critters2]

39. Yep. Burris' reputation is impeccable. The only surprise is that Blago

would even consider someone with such a good history. Why has Burris lost so many primaries? Because he wouldn't play ball with the Chicago machine.

[orbitalman]

53. Seeee message #20

But he is NOW USING his connections based on his unstained record to play ball,

[Critters2]

64. Bullshit. He's never been a part of the Chicago machine,

which is why he's lost so many primaries. I know this personally. My uncle had a private law practice which included lobbying activities in Springfield. He never ran for public office, but knew lots of pols (Jim Thompson and Paul Simon attended his funeral, among others). He was still a model of ethical behavior. There's no reason to think the same isn't true of Burris.

There have never been any questions raised about Burris' ethics.

[Baltimore]

73. Blagojevich enthusiasm

Watch it, EC! I joined DU when the only thing I knew about Blagojevich was his executive order requiring anti-choice pharmacists to provide emergency contraception for rape victims--I had my sig line "I'm proud of my Governor Rod Blagojevich." I got practically torn to pieces. I knew nothing of his misdeeds (he has both misdeeds and good deeds). You seem to have more support on this thread, though.

[Critters2]

78. Three of my parishioners lost their jobs because of this asshat--

two at Pontiac, one at Illini State Park. Another got moved from Illini to Buffalo Rock State Park. Not sure why he chose not to close Buffalo Rock, since I doubt he can find it on a map, either.

Impeach him? Fuck, I don't understand why anyone voted for him in the first place.

[Tempest]

28. Reid calls Burris "unacceptable"

The Senate will not seat Roland Burris if Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich attempts to appoint him, a Democratic leadership aide said.

Majority Leader Harry Reid views Burris as "unacceptable," the aide said.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Senate_Lead...

[alcibiades_mystery]

41. The Senate will have to do what's legal

This appointment will be legal, so they will fucking seat Burris and like it.

[mvd]

50. While I'm no Blago fan, he has every right to stay on as gov., and..

make this appointment. I hate when both sides have the conviction before the trial.

[DogPoundPup]

29. Senate Leadership: Burris 'unacceptable'

The Senate will not seat Roland Burris if Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich attempts to appoint him, a Democratic leadership aide said.

Majority Leader Harry Reid views Burris as "unacceptable," the aide said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20081230/pl_politico/2...

[marshall]

37. It's going to be a slugfest

I don't much care for the governor, but it is refreshing to see somebody stick to their plan full throttle and basically say 'Suck it!" to the naysayers.

But I can't imagine why Burris agreed to be the rope in this tug of war. Maybe at his age he has no more ambitions so he's got nothing to lose and everything to win.

[Jackpine Radical]

44. This would likely be his one and only chance for the Senate.

What's he got to lose, at his age?

[Wizard777]

57. If they are going to enact guilt by association. Burris isn't corrupt enough to serve in that Senate

That's the ONLY problem.

[earcandle]

70. why?

because he is a working class hero for standing up for the
workers against B of A?

Come one, everyone observe how the machiavellian
disinformation teams work to smear without  cause.  Cause is
the rule of law in America, and it is subject to a jury and
witnesses and evidence provided in the formalities within our
court of law.  A man or woman should not be judged until
publicly found guilty.  

What do we observe here in this example?

Hello... what happened to innocent until proven guilty?  

Let the man do his legal job.  I don't see people protesting
in the streets or a big mail campaign to put him out.  Just
some gatekeepers trying to do their jobs, but looking like
fools, including Obama. But the guy is for Main Street, not
Wall Street.  He is America's response to the shoe thrower.  

Come on guys, remember Tocqueville's "Democracy In
America"? 
Is Freedom now locked up in France?  

[ronnykmarshall]

42. Sorry for Burris

but the senate won't seat him.

Blogo is a skum.

[Critters2]

43. It's a shame, too. Burris is a good man. Would've been a great choice,

if named by a sane governor.

[SoCalDem]

55. I see a Final Jeopardy answer in this choice..

[robinlynne]

46. Maybe Blago did this to help him win against the corruption charges. as in:

Se I picked a great Senator who did not bribe me....
This whole story really meant nothing. I was only kidding (which has been his defence so far.He was only talking,joking, never planning to act on it.)

[Duer 157099]

59. That's sort of my take on it too

I think Blago did the only thing he could do. The fact that he was able to do this was a result of weakness shown by other dems, I hope they take notes and learn.

The fact is that by making such an appointment he not only make a solid pick but he deflects some of the taint off of himself.

I applaud this move in all respects, it's a win-win I think. Well, except for the weak-kneed dems who will pay the price for their weakness, which imho is a good thing. We need STRONG dems!

[Wizard777]

60. Not only that he's the top law enforcement official of the State.

He's also the only one in a position to effectively conduct a sting on people trying to buy the appointment. It would be the first time the fed screwed up a state operation. When that happens the fed is usually trying to cover for someone. How are they gonna end the corruption if even the Governor cannot conduct a simple sting?

Sure Fitz tossed us bone with Libby. But it's the Dirty Dog we wanted. If we're gonna insist upon proceeding with guilt by association. Then Fitz is nothing more than an ever corrupt republican and part of the Bush regime. Which is why we got the bone instead of the Damned Dirty Dog. So do we now find a true blue Democrat to proceed with conspiracy and corruption charges against Fitz for taking a dive on the Plamegate investigation? Conspiracy theories are a dime a dozen. Everybody has at least one.

[Critters2]

66. What are you talking about? Who are you referring to as "top law enforcement official of the State"

Burris holds no public office. Lisa Madigan is Attorney General, and a Blago enemy if ever there were one.

Maybe you should let Illinoisans deal with this.

[Wizard777]

77. The Governor is the top law enforcement official of the state.

Just as the President is the top law enforcement official of the Nation.

[rocktivity]

47. Clever, isn't he?

That puts B-rod in perfect position he's in a perfect position to scream "Racism!" if Burris rejected.

For a Democrat,he is sure a Republican.


rocknation

[KamaAina]

67. Don't you mean "Pay-Rod"?

That puts B-rod in perfect position

Slate had a contest to "Name That Scandal". "Pay-Rod" lost out only because it's a name foir him, not the scandal itself.

[jzodda]

48. Stunning

Blagojevich is extremely clever. Chicago politics has always been fun to watch from the sidelines. Not that NY politics is always clean, but Chicago politics makes us look like Nuns here.

[saluki00]

51. Before the arrest

I liked Burris the best of all the “contenders”. I just can’t believe he would accept under these circumstances. I guess we’ll now get to see who has the biggest stones.

[robcon]

58. The Senate sets the rules for seating Senators.

Reid has signatures of 50 Senators that any appointment by Blogojevich will be denied a seat in the Senate.

This is not a battle of wills. The appointment is DOA.

[customerserviceguy]

63. A signature is not a vote

and you can watch the pressure mount on a whole host of Senators to back away from Burris. Blago's played this well.

[RamboLiberal]

68. President-elect Barack Obama criticizes Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s decision

President-elect Barack Obama criticizes Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s decision to pick a Senate successor for Obama.

CNN has as a Developing Story.

http://www.cnn.com/

[dbackjon]

69. From article

But Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Illinois, who appeared at the afternoon news conference, warned senators about blocking Burris from being seated.

"There are no African-Americans in the U.S. Senate. And I don't think any U.S. senator who's sitting in the Senate right now wants to go on record to deny one African-American from being seated in the U.S. Senate," he said.

"I would ask you to not hang or lynch the appointee as you try to castigate the appointer and separate the appointee from the appointer," Rush said. "Roland Burris is worthy." Watch Rush comment on the appointment »

Rush said he will take that argument to the Congressional Black Caucus as well as U.S. senators -- including Dick Durban, a Democrat and Illinois' senior senator.

[marshall]

71. The governor has created the perfect storm

I'm sure he's hoping it will provide him enough cover to get himself out of this mess.

[unkachuck]

74. I love it!

....Reid, Durbin and the rest of the corporate Dem crowd have finally met an old-time, poker-playing, Fighting-Dem with balls, who just up the ante....Blago should be President!

....Burris is a good man, he'll make a fine Senator....

[JFKfanforever]

76. Burris on NBC

Burris made a good impression during his NBC interview... 

Why was Obama so hasty in siding with Harry Reid and the
Congressional senate caucus and saying that Burris should not
be seated? The man has the qualifications and background and
was duly selected.  Forget Blagojevich.  Can't they give
Burris a chance? Like is it really that important to the
President Elect and to Rahm Emanuel that Valerie Jarrett be
given the Illinois senate seat?  If so, why?  

[unkachuck]

82. exactly....

....and Welcome to DU!

....this smells like rahmbone 'taking-charge' of the Democratic Party to me....except rahmbone doesn't strike the same fear and terror in Dems that delay and bush struck in repugs....

....rahmbone needs more practice, he fucked this one up....

[Critters2]

79. Blagojevich has done such harm to this state. I wish people who only know

about events since his arrest would STFU. We in Illinois have to deal with the damage he's done every day. Or, I wish he could be president, so his DU fan club could get a real taste of their idiot hero.

[unkachuck]

81. don't worry....

....they'll probably impeach Blago and Quinn will agree to appoint Burris....then you will have your dream of having Blago's head on a stick fulfilled....something about a strong Dem frightens you?

[GinaMaria]

80. does Burris even want this?

He's in his 70s and I'm assuming retired. He's a decent guy and appeals to a lot of different people in this state who have different opinions. He's a very neutral and competent choice. He could potentially heal this thing with the Illinois electorate. We could use some healing. I just hope that Blag's naming him doesn't end up hurting a decent person (Burris), sort of a guilt by nomination

I would like to see Burris seated in PE Obama's senate seat. That would be a quick resolution to a horrible set of circumstances with the Gov. The people of Illinois need a painless transition without doubt about the person in the seat.

[ohio2007]

84. he probably didn't even take one thin dime in making the decision