Indicted and corrupt Gov. Rod Blagojevich has allegedly named former Illinois Atty. Gen. Roland Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate. Burris is 71 years old and is the first African American to be elected statewide in Illinois. Thus, it is likely Burris will be acting as a placeholder here. And it is also likely there was no quid pro quo here between Burris and Blago for the seat (OMG!!! Dave Burris must be loving this, or rather, I am loving this since I get to link the names Burris and Blago). I say likely, but we will have to check that out because in Illinois for all politicians not named Obama or Emanuel, you never know.
Even still, the Democrats in the Senate may not seat Burris, or anyone appointed by Blago.
UPDATE: From the Talking Points Memo:
My home state’s culture of political corruption is well documented. Roland Burris managed to build a career in politics in this state without falling into that muck. He is, to the best of everyone’s knowledge, squeaky clean, and he’s highly respected. He’s 71 years old, so I wonder if he intends to serve as a caretaker. But he’s an honorable guy, well liked by people across the state in both parties. It’s a stroke of brilliance by Blagojevich in my opinion.