Roland Burris Caught On FBI Wiretap

Burris: "I might be able to do this in the name of Tim Wright"

Roland Burris- who told Illinois lawmakers under oath that he had no discussions with anyone in the Blago camp about Obama's Senate seat or about providing favors for the seat...and that there was no talk of transferring money- was apparently caught on FBI phone taps wheeling and dealing with Rob Blagojevich, the brother of then Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich.

Yes... Burris was in a dilemma, as indicated by the conversation, but it was not because he genuinely wanted to avoid a conflict of interest. Clearly his concern was simply not getting caught. Why discuss providing money in someone else's name? Apparently Burris' business partner, Fred Lebed, may have also been involved in discussing the seat on Burris' behalf. Emptywheel from Firedoglake has an interesting take on the roles that surrogates might have played. See more here.

I knew how dirty and corrupt politics could be, but Chicago has taken corruption to new heights. Federal Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald had never seen anything like it.
It reinforces my cynicism about politics.

Hopefully Burris will be forced to finally step down. But he is so narcissistic and hungry for power that he isn't likely to step aside. It will probably take an indictment to get the Democrats to take any action. Blacks of course will cry foul. Black people, for the most part, are o.k. with having a tainted, corrupt Black Senator in office - because he's Black. Blacks seem much more tolerant and open to the idea of being represented by corrupt politicians. This is why Black support is so often associated with crooked and unaccountable Mayors in cities across the Country. Blacks elect the same kinds of Mayors over and over again...and then wonder why their cities are a mess. Blacks always seems to support these folks & always will (because they are Black...and by golly...we need Blacks in these positions).

Hear Full Audio of conversation between Burris and Rob Blagojevich (Blago's brother) back in the Fall of 2008.

More on Roland Burris - Yet Another Revelation

Not only did Burris fail to mention that he was approached for a bribe by someone in the Blago camp.... but it now looks like he failed to mention an even more explosive fact - That he actually tried to pay the bribe.

Lord Please Have Mercy!!!!

This is why I was so skeptical and cautious about Burris... this is why I am cautious when Black folks are screaming about the need for a Black person to be in a certain position just because they are Black (I really hate that nonsense) ignoring all context - ignoring everything else about the individual or the circumstances surrounding the appointment. This kind of blind race allegiance can lead down a rat hole so easily and leave Black folks worse off in the end. I wish more Black people would stop with this mentality... and realize that they should judge individuals on the merits.... not based on Race. I believe that race can be a factor sometimes.... but not most of the time and it certainly shouldn't be the only factor or even factor number one. An occasional factor under certain circumstances-- yes. Blind allegiance for a Black person at all costs...because they are Black-- absolutely not. This is one of the reasons why Black folks are in the condition that they are in today. The racial litmus test has not been good for them (although many are so brain screwed that they are convinced that it has been great for them). Just look at America's chocolate cities where Blacks have been running the show for years. And yes, I still believe that Tammy Duckworth (a white woman...an extraordinary woman) would have been a kick ass Senator...probably one of the greatest to ever serve. But Negroes are too worried about skin color (as if they have a claim on a Senate seat based on some legally established race quota... it's sickening and embarrassing).

Now exactly what I stated would happen...is probably going to happen after this. Burris has made the road tougher for decent, qualified Blacks who may seek a Senate seat in the future. Future Black Senate candidates will have to be burdened by this Bull----. We know that's true. Blacks are so often judged by the wider society by what some other fool has done before...even when we have nothing to do with that person. It happens in the workplace all the time (I can tell you some stories that involved me in the workplace...but i'll spare you). This is especially true when Blacks are just breaking ground in a new area.... just like the U.S. Senate...an institution where Blacks are so much of a minority and where they are slowly trying to gain footing. This will make it especially difficult for those Black candidates who may come behind Burris. The damage is incalculable.

Harry Reid should be removed from his position immediately.... There are plenty of Democratic Senators who could provide real leadership. Reid is a disgrace. Not only did Reid cave and embarrass himself and his Party... but he helped to facilitate and enable Burris and Blago. Nice going.

Oh.. by the way... Burris is now under criminal investigation in Illinois for all of this. (See additional report from the New York Times). Hopefully he will be indicted and removed from office (only a remote possibility at this point, but it's the most hopeful sign in months that something might finally be done).

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Related Post

Politico - Burris Admits to Fundraising Effort

Roland Burris: Oh Yeah... There's One Little Thing I Forgot to Tell You Guys....

You guys aren't going to believe this... but I just remembered that Blago did try to bribe me for the Senate seat. I might have remembered to tell you earlier but.... you didn't ask me. Sorry about that.

And oh.. by the way, thanks for letting me into the Senate...(suckers). I just love my new office space and DC is just so nice. Everyone has been so wonderful. I especially want to thank my new girlfriend my new friend Harry Reid. He's been so accommodating.

And so the Blago saga continues. They couldn't write Soap Operas with this much drama.

Of course Burris is lying his ass off. And yes... he should resign. Of course he won't... because he's the type who will only do something if he's forced to...just like his buddy Blago. And with someone as pathetic as Harry Reid running the Senate... Burris knows that he has nothing to worry about...his seat is safe. Safe at least until 2010. This revelation makes this seat even more vulnerable. Burris was already considered a weak potential candidate... now he'll be even weaker.

And the blame should rest with Harry Reid, Barack Obama, Dick Durbin and other Democrats for not standing their ground. Like I have mentioned before... if there's one thing impressive about the Republicans... it is the fact that they rarely cave. They may be wrong on most everything...but at least they stick together and stand their ground to defend what they believe in. Sometimes you just have to stand for something...come what may.

_________________

Articles

From the Chicago Sun Times - Burris Lied and Liars Get Fired

Burris Under Ethical Cloud

Burris Should Step Down

Roland Burris to be Seated in the United States Senate

From CNN.com:

Burris says he's honored to be seated in the Senate
From Evan Glass and Dana Bash
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Illinois Senate-designate Roland Burris said Monday afternoon that he is "truly humbled and honored" to learn he will be seated in the Senate later this week.

Earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Illinois senior senator and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin said the Senate would accept Burris' credentials.

"The Secretary of the Senate has determined that the new credentials presented today on behalf of Mr. Burris now satisfy Senate Rules and validate his appointment to the vacant Illinois Senate seat. In addition, as we requested, Mr. Burris has provided sworn testimony before the Illinois House Committee on Impeachment regarding the circumstances of his appointment," the two said in a statement.

At a news conference around 5:30 p.m. ET, Burris publicly thanked Reid and Durbin.

"It will be my honor to both serve with them and learn from them," he said. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve, and I ask for your support and prayers."

Burris also took time to praise Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who opposed seating Burris, and did not sign his appointment certificate, although his office stamped it Friday to show it had been received.

"He [White] is owed a debt of gratitude. He also happened to be someone's whose autograph I cherish," Burris said. "[He's] an honorable man."

Rest of article at link above.

Glad to see this over.

For me this was always about the rule of law. And either we are a country of laws again after 8 years or we are not.

If you don't like him, pick a Primary Challenger in 2010 and work your heart out for him/her.

And a word to politicos out there everywhere:
1. When you're trying to be SLICK (avoiding a Special Election, which would have been the democratic (small d) thing to do), like Harry Reid and Speaker of the Illinois House Michael Madigan, you best make sure that ALLL your ducks are in a row.
2. Know your opponent. If your opponent is a STREET FIGHTER, what would make you think that he or she would even KNOW how to spell shame, let alone feel it?

Latest Chapter In 'As The Senate Seat Turns'

Thanks to Icebergslim for the updates on the Illinois Senate Seat Saga.

From TPM:

Durbin: We Still Won't Seat Burris
By Eric Kleefeld - January 9, 2009, 5:25PM
Dick Durbin just made a very bold announcement, in the wake of the Illinois Supreme Court decision that Roland Burris does not need the Secretary of State's signature on his certificate: As far as the Senate is concerned, Burris still needs that signature for his appointment to be legal and valid, and the seat will just have to stay vacant.

"At this point we've clearly reached an impasse," Durbin told reporters in Chicago.

Most legal scholars at this point believe the Burris appointment to be legal, and that an attempt to keep Burris out can be successfully challenged in court. But it's become obvious by now what Durbin's and the whole Democratic leadership's strategy is: Keep stalling on this thing long enough for Rod Blagojevich to be kicked out of office.

Now, follow that. The Illinois Supreme Court has declared that Roland Burris DOES NOT NEED the Secretary of State's Signature. But, Durbin's saying it doesn't matter.

Durbin is saying that the seat should remain vacant.

VACANT?

Illinois U.S. Senate seat to stay vacant - Durbin
REUTERS
Reuters North American News Service
Jan 09, 2009 17:05 EST

CHICAGO (Reuters) - No one can occupy the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama until the governor of Illinois is removed and a new appointment can be certified, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said Friday.

Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, was reacting to the Illinois Supreme Court's ruling denying a motion by Roland Burris that the state's secretary of state certify his appointment to the seat.

Secretary of State Jesse White has refused to sign the appointment by Gov. Rod Blagojevich because of corruption charges against the governor, which included accusations he tried to sell the seat.

"At this point we've clearly reached an impasse," Durbin told reporters at his Chicago office.

He said the Senate seat could remain vacant until Blagojevich is removed from office and the lieutenant governor takes over, making a fresh appointment.

He said the Senate cannot waive a 125-year-old rule requiring the signatures of both the governor and the secretary of state on any election or appointment. (Reporting by Andrew Stern; editing by Michael Conlon and John O'Callaghan)

Well Dick, I'm glad that signature is SOOOO important to you, cause now your worries are over.

Why?

Because Illinois Secretary of State Jesse " They're not going to make ME the patsy" White has indeed signed on the dotted line.

From Politico.com:

Following a decision by the Illinois Supreme Court, Jesse White, the Illinois secretary of state, has certified Roland Burris' appointment to the Senate, removing a major roadblock blocking Burris' ascension to the body.

According to his office, White has signed a certificate saying that Roland Burris' appointment document is "true and accurate."

Um, Dick...Harry....

The shyt ain't subtle and you ain't slick. Stevie Wonder can see your stalling tactics.

But, it's time for you two to act like GROWN MEN.

Point 1: Admit you got PUNKED by Blago
Point 2: Swear Roland Burris in and get about the business of this country.

Cave-In In Washington D.C.

Actually that's just Harry Reid and the Democrats in the Senate
Sen. Harry Reid after getting owned today. Pathetic!

Roland Burris Was Blocked As He Attempted to Take Senate Seat - But The Dems Will Likely Cave As Usual

Democrats blocked Roland Burris the Clown from entering the Senate Chamber today...But the circus continues. It looks like Senator Harry Reid may have finally grown a spine (we will know for sure if he has one if he is still standing his ground once the legal battles start).

He was blocked by the Secretary of the Senate because his documentation was not in order...since it was not certified by the Illinois Secretary of State - THANK YOU JESSE WHITE!

A USAToday Survey backs them up:

A majority of Americans say Roland Burris should be blocked from taking a U.S. Senate seat and Illinois should hold a special election to fill the vacancy he was appointed to fill, according to a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll.

But I expect the Democrats to eventually cave... because they always do. Harry Reid is the weakest, most inept Senate Majority "leader" in recent history.
The Democrats in the Senate don't stand for anything... they are truly a pathetic group. One thing I can say about Republicans is that they stand their ground. It may be the wrong ground... but at least they don't cave so easily.

In the case of Burris... the Dems are already starting to cave. Dianne Feinstein, now says Burris should be seated. Expect other Senators to follow suit over the next week or so. Burris will probably be in the Senate before the end of the month. Dems would have caved by then.

Now the Dems want to negotiate.... Negotiate about an appointment made by a crook. Once again, the Dems played Chicken and it looks like they will lose pretty badly. And this is the same group of pathetic clowns who will be tasked with getting Obama's legislation passed? LOL. This is going to be funny (yet sad) to watch. Obama won't be able to get half of what he promised through the Senate... not with this group of Democrats. They can't even handle their own administrative BS without caving. How are they going to deal with the Republicans in the Senate?
LOL. Prepare for 4 years of stagnation from the Obama Administration.

In the meantime, if Burris is seated...and odds are in his favor... the perception of Blacks in politics (and Blacks in general) will take yet another hit. And the Republicans are loving this. They have been salivating... quietly hoping that Burris gets the seat. The Republican media machine is already preparing to use this against Democrats and Blacks. Yippee!!!

Here are comments that I left on another blog... that pretty much sum up my thoughts. This is from an African American blog where the author believes Burris should be seated despite the authors reservations about links to Blago. The author also pretty much believes that Black representation (of any kind) is more important than the circumstances surrounding the appointment... values, integrity, image, Blacks being used and dragged through the mud, etc... just don't seem to matter, since these issues are not of much concern to Blacks anymore.

These are the kinds of things that make me question my racial identity (further fueling my identity issues). I'm not quite suicidal yet... But...

My comments:

Black representation at any cost?

By hook or by crook, lets get “a brotha” in the Senate. It’s ridiculous…and it’s not going to do Blacks any good in the long run.

The proper thing for Burris to do would have been to approach Pat Quinn and express his interest in the seat. Perhaps he would have been chosen…at a later time or at least he could have participated in a special election.

This move just continues to erode the image of Blacks in this Country… and solidifies the perception of Blacks as whiners…wanting a handout….Blacks as just affirmative action picks, etc. It doesn’t help at all. I know… power trumps all else in the “Black Community”… moral standing, integrity, etc.. really don’t hold sway for Blacks. But how Blacks are perceived is only going to worsen as a result.

Burris will be dead weight in the Senate… he will have no clout, will get very little respect from his colleagues, and won’t hold any major committee assignments. And when 2010 rolls around, he won’t get support. And with his history of losing every big election he has participated in…. i’ll place my bets on another horse.

Even Obama is against the appointment (I don’t think he’s against Burris per se… but against the appointment from Blago). It has been a while since I agreed with Obama on anything.

Your first gut reaction was that something wasn’t right about the Burris pick (Regarding Burris and - by extension - Black folks being used as pawns for Blago’s benefit).

Even if Reid caves (and he usually does because he has no balls and no backbone to speak of)…. Those who opposed this appointment will still be right.

Blago Exploiting Blacks For His Own Selfish Purposes

And like Swiss Clockwork, The Congressional Black Caucus shows up and Blacks Fall For It. Have Black folks lost their minds?

Not only is Blago using race as a wedge, but so-called “Black Leaders” appear to be enablers and co-conspirators in the game he is playing.

I don’t know which is worse - Blago using race as a wedge to gain political leverage and to thumb his nose at us, or the fact that Blacks (at least a vocal minority) are falling for Blago’s nonsense and appear to be enabling him. The attempted appointment of Roland Burris was a crude political move on the part of Blago to create conflict and division within his Party and to punish those who have called for his resignation. But it’s the fact that Blago chose to use race…. Blacks in particular…. that makes this so disgraceful. Hopefully this will be the final desperate act from this man before he is forced from office.

But what is even more annoying than the Governors attempted appointment is the way that some Blacks have fallen for the ploy. You can bet that Blago was counting on such a reaction from the so-called “Black Community”. Blacks are so knee-jerk and predictable when it comes to the way they react to race…. Especially in a situation where they see a Black applicant or affirmative action pick being rejected. It doesn’t matter to them if there are conflicts of interests, ethical questions, or if dirty politics are involved. Black politics is known for being so sleazy & corrupt that “The Black Community” sees nothing wrong with crooked politicians. It’s sad and embarrassing to me as a Black man. And I find it ironic that after Blago was arrested, Burris himself stated that he didn't believe that Blago could do his job and seemed to back the calls for Blago to step aside. But when he is offered a Senate seat...all is well... I guess it's now o.k. for Blago to carry out his duties as Governor. Burris is not only an ego-maniac, but he appears to be a hypocrite too.

Are Blacks so unsophisticated that they don’t understand when they are being used for the benefit of someone outside of their own ethnic group? Are they so unsophisticated that they don’t understand when they are being exploited by their own? I hope this is not the case. But the so-called “Black Community” has a tendency to support those who look like them over other candidates, simply because of a shared racial identity. They are typically less concerned about policy and getting actual results. This is one of the reasons why America’s big cities are all too often run down and barely livable… Black politicians have helped to run these cities into the ground… year after year… but the “Black Community” keeps re-electing the same characters. Meanwhile it’s not safe to walk to the grocery store or to the bus stop.

One explanation for this behavior is the fact that Blacks are often blinded by ethno-centrism. When this happens (and it happens all the time), moral compass’s, values, integrity, and often common sense go out of the window. It’s all replaced by a sense of entitlement. Sometimes warranted, but more often than not, it’s unjustified entitlement. Feeling that they have been deprived of power for such a long time, having had doors shut for such a long time, and feeling that they may miss a golden opportunity that may not present itself again….they are willing to have a Black politician representing them in the Senate, even if it’s an appointment made by unclean hands and even under such a dark cloud. It is this fear and frustration among Blacks that Blago is trying to exploit for his own benefit (and for no one else’s). Blago knew that if he could just create a situation where Blacks felt that they were being deprived of something or that “their Senate Seat” was being taken away by Whites…then all Hell would break loose. And because the so-called “Black Community”, the “Black Leadership” and the Civil Rights Industry are so predictable… Blago got the scenario he wanted. Mission accomplished. In fact, I think this all worked out even better than he anticipated. Now he is sitting back and enjoying the chaos as his narcissism is fed. He will be headline news for the next month. And he loves it. This is an example of Race-Baiting both at its worst (in terms of its crudeness) and at its finest (in terms of execution).

The CBC is also engaging in this blind ethno-centrism…. Mostly for their own selfish purposes as well. Finally, they will have an “authentically Black” Senator who will play by their rules…rules that they couldn’t get Obama to play by. But they are unable to see the big picture… that playing this game of enabling Blago is more damaging to their interests in the long run….and hurts what little reputation they have left. But they are choosing to play the game anyway…and it defies all logic. Bobby Rush and his CBC should be ashamed. They have aligned themselves with this crook and are enabling him to not only damage their reputation and that of the Democratic Party, but they are enabling and assisting Blago in his effort to use Blacks as a wedge for his own purposes. That is inexcusable!

The Black establishment is so predictable. This just shows the corrupt nature of Black politicians and the Civil Rights industry in this Country. I have a feeling that they aren’t bothered by embracing Blago…because they themselves aren’t strangers to corrupt politics. They feel at home around this man. They have no moral standing whatsoever. Rush and the CBC had to have conspired with this crook before the announcement of the appointment, otherwise, why would Rush show up and give such a statement at the circus of a Press Conference last week? Not only have they aligned themselves with Blago…. But they have now aligned Black folks with Blago. This is an example of why I am so embarrassed when these Black politicians & groups claim to represent all Black people or even imply that they do. Bobby Rush, the CBC, and the rest of the corrupt Black political establishment does not represent me, and never will.

And I’m tired of hearing about the “Black Community” and what they want.…and I’m tired of hearing that Obama’s U.S. Senate seat is somehow a Black seat. It’s interesting that these are some of the same folks who thought of Obama as not being Black enough or not really being Black at all when he was in his Senate position. Now that he has left the seat…. These same people are characterizing the seat as a Black seat that should be filled by an affirmative action choice. The opportunism is glaring. The fact is… U.S. Senators of course have to represent the interests of the people throughout their entire State. Blacks represent 15% of the Illinois population, yet Black political figures feel a sense of entitlement… that the seat belongs to a Black candidate. Blacks have no more of a right to this Senate seat than any other group in Illinois. But Blacks don’t seem to mind if Burris would be an affirmative action quota. Embarrassing. Why not stand for election under these circumstances? Could it be because Burris has lost every major election he has run in for Congress?

If Burris wants to represent the “Black Community” then he should become an alderman for Chicago’s South side. That would be fine with me. But don’t try to hijack Obama’s Senate seat on the basis of race. The race path taken by Rush, and other Black political figures in Illinois, and in the CBC is not the same path that has been taken by Obama. It’s annoying when “Black Community” folks claim that this is the case when it’s not. Obama won his State Senate seat in a mixed district. Building on that success, he won his U.S. Senate seat by doing better in parts of downstate Illinois than other Black candidates in the past. Obama had a much wider appeal. The idea that this Senate Seat is a Black seat is ridiculous.

If Illinoians wanted Burris to represent them in Washington DC, they would have sent him there. But they didn’t. So now there are certain “Black leaders” who want to run an end-around… to get him into the Senate, even if the appointment is tainted?

Blacks seem to be losing the concept of integrity. I don’t know exactly when this trend started, but it is definitely noticeable. Perhaps the corruption in Washinton D.C., Detroit & Chicago have become so common that it is no longer seen as shameful or deplorable. From Marion Barry to William Jefferson… Blacks have become more willing to accept crooked politics and are less likely to embrace the idea of accountability. Corruption now has a measure of acceptance… as long as people can get their trash picked up and have their roads paved. But ironically, in some “Black neighborhoods”, Black politicians aren’t even taking care of the basics very well. I can drive through North St. Louis right now (American Baghdad) and I will see the same number of liquor stores per block that existed 20-25 years ago…. In some cases there are even more. In the meantime, the police department has shrunk, the schools have worsened, and little has been done to clean up the crime. Criminals continue to terrorize the “Black Community” in St. Louis. And of course, without taking care of the crime, property values remain depressed and there continues to be no investment in these areas. Yet there are City Aldermen who have been on the City’s legislative board for 10, 15, 20 years, and there have been two Black mayors and two Black police chiefs over that same period. No change in conditions. No accountability. Although I think most of the blame lies with Black families, and parents in particular… the Government can’t really make up for the lack of value systems and parenting skills. But they have not done their part as political leaders either. For the “Black Community” the attitude is - “By hook or by crook, let’s just get what we can”. And they see “getting what they can or what they want” as meaning that they have to have a Black politician representing them…. never mind what he or she stands for…. that is of much less importance than skin color. Therefore there is no taboo about their political representatives being crooked, or being appointed by those who are tainted.

But this gives a huge amount of ammo to Conservatives and weakens arguments against Dick Cheney and the corrupt and questionable behavior of the Bush administration. That kind of double standard won’t work and will only hurt so-called “Black interests” in the long run.

Burris and his supporters like to tout his integrity. But I have to question the integrity and judgment of a man who would take part in this kind of ploy. The fact that Burris would seek & accept an appointment from Blago really makes me doubt his character. I don’t have much respect for a man who would allow himself to be used as a pawn like this…. especially as a racial pawn. Blacks should be offended by this nonsense… the fact that they are being used for divisive purposes as race pawns and the fact that Black participation in politics is once again knocked down a notch or two…and that such participation often seems to be associated with corruption or some questionable motive. This is why Blacks often aren’t taken seriously…. Whether it’s in politics, in the justice system, in the workplace, or the pulpit. With this move, the joke is on Black folks once again.

I am glad that Sen. Harry Reid is finally showing some backbone. It’s about time. I wanted to shake Reid’s hand when I heard that he instructed Senate Staff not to allow Burris into the Senate Chamber when and if he shows up this week to be sworn in. Beautiful! I just hope that Reid and the Democrats stand their ground. Burris should be arrested for trespassing just for showing up. And I wish there were laws against Black Buffoonery so that he could be charged with that too. I wish I could be there to lock his *** up myself. The man is a damn fool for this.

I hope the Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn (once Blago is sent packing) chooses Tammy Duckworth for Obama's Senate seat. She is my #1. candidate. Nope... no racial litmus test for me. She's a bona fide hero. I think Duckworth would demand a certain kind of clout and respect that Burris or Jackson could not.... not even if they were squeaky clean. As a result, she could accomplish much more for the State... even for Blacks.

Blago Selecting Roland Burris to fill Obama's Senate Seat?

The word is that Rod Blagojevich is going to appoint Roland Burris to fill Obama's Senate Seat.

Who is Roland Burris?

He's the former Comptroller and former Attorney General of the State of Illinois.

Quite frankly, if White folks had been doing right, he'd be the Governor of Illinois.

For all the talk of the Bradley/Wilder effect, Burris is never mentioned, but should be.

Burris, an African-American, had held TWO statewide offices. He wasn't born in Chicago. He was born and raised in downstate Illinois, so it's not like the downstate folk didn't know him.

But, when push came to shove, they didn't vote for him in the Democratic Gubertorial Primary against the White nobody from Chicago with the odd name.

Burris is a standup man, and wouldn't be a bad caretaker for the Senate seat. He was the first African-American to win statewide office. Character-wise, he's sterling.

PS- I told you so - that Blago wouldn't resign...LOL

********************

UPDATE

From Politico--

Reid: Burris Won't Be Seated

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has issued a statement on the appointment of Roland Burris as the next senator from Illinois, saying he would not be seated next Congress. Here's the full statement:

“It is truly regrettable that despite requests from all 50 Democratic Senators and public officials throughout Illinois, Gov. Blagojevich would take the imprudent step of appointing someone to the United States Senate who would serve under a shadow and be plagued by questions of impropriety. We say this without prejudice toward Roland Burris’s ability, and we respect his years of public service. But this is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat. Under these circumstances, anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus.

Read more here

But it's not really clear whether Reid has the authority to keep Burris out. Reid is making empty threats at this point. No backbone.... and probably no authority to make good on his earlier statements. Pathetic.

They would have to expel Burris. ....and this is why Blago is wanting to appoint him... to use race as a wedge for his own purposes.

Continued inaction from Illinois Dems helped lead to this fiasco... just as I have suggested.

And have we heard from Burris? Is it even confirmed that he has accepted? Because it would be so illogical for him to even accept and take part in this foolishness. Like I mentioned... it appears that Blago is just using Burris.

Blago is like a Cancer... he wants to damage his own Party as he goes down.

-- The Angry Independent


****************************

UPDATE 2

Just as I expected, the Congressional Black Caucus's Bobby Rush is calling for the Senate to accept Burris. Apparently having a seat of power is more important to Rush and Burris than integrity. They don't mind being under the cloud. To me, this just shows the corrupt nature of many in the CBC. If I were a CBC member... I would want Burris appointed under better circumstances, where there were no clouds or questions hanging over the appointment. Most normal people would. And I knew that the CBC would quickly inject race....and apparently Blago knew too....and he was betting on it.

Mission Accomplished for Blago - Create a wedge and rift in the Congress and in the Country by sending someone to the Senate who would create an atmosphere of chaos. By sending someone who would be hard for the Senate to refuse....and who would create a battle within the Democratic Party. This will keep the narcissistic Blago on the front pages for weeks (probably his biggest goal in all this).

Blago may be a little crazy.... but he's a crude, conniving politician.

-- The Angry Independent


***********************

UPDATE 3

Here is the video of the press conference.

I just watched the video. I thought it was pretty hilarious and straight up Chicago.

Let's get this clear, for all of Harry Reid's blustering, I don't know if they have the law on their side. The closest Supreme Court precedent is Adam Clayton Powell's case, and the House lost that one.

As for Jesse White (Secretary of State of Illinois) bullshitting that he won't certify it, let's just say he's old and Black folk aren't going to tolerate that BS from him. They won't be forgiving.

LMAO at Bobby Rush. Absolutely hilarious.
I guess I take a different view of this because this is local. But, politics in Chicago hasn't been this entertaining since the days of Council Wars.

-- Rikyrah


Blago: "I have enjoyed the limelight i've had over the past couple of weeks".

This says it all... it fits right into what I have been saying.


-- The Angry Independent

(rikyrah here) UPDATE: I was asked in the comments if I'm ok with this.

I am absolutely OK with this. I look at this through a local lens. Roland Burris is totally fine as a candidate. Black folk in Chicago want to put a Black person in the Senate. We see absolutely nothing wrong with Burris being the choice. Can he win in a Democratic Primary in 2010 - who knows. But, by 2010, Blago will probably be in an orange jumpsuit, and taken down several other folks with him. Burris will have the incumbency and his own voting record. At the very least, even if he doesn't run for election, you would have given another Black candidate, the chance to begin from the starting line just like anyone else. This is about local politics, and we wish the President-Elect the best, but we have to take care of local Black folks. And, like I said, I wanna see Harry Reid take this to court.

And, as I pointed out, Black folk are ' suspect' of the entire Blago takedown. Doesn't sound right to us. Plus, if you've lived under King Richard Daley II, who has had pretty much EVERYONE around him arrested, indicted and convicted - it will take a lot to convince Black folks that Blago is the worst person, or even the worst Illinois crook. Blago's only been around 7 years, and he's been fighting with all the folks that have made Black folks' lives miserable in Illinois for a long time before we heard his name. He probably is stupid. Crooked - yep. But, consider the crookdom that we've seen up close and personal, Blago just isn't this scary bogeyman national media wants to make him out to be.