Resolution (Maybe not)
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich could be impeached by the Illinois House “by week’s end,” and will also have “former Illinois Atty. Gen. Roland Burris testify Thursday about Blagojevich’s offer to appoint him to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.”
These moves seem to have softened the Senate Democratic stance against allowing Burris to take the seat. There are now reports that Burris will be seated. There has been speculation that Senate Democrats might agree to seat Burris if he would agree not to run for election in 2010, though it is unknown whether such a deal was worked out this morning. It is clear to me however, given Burris’ performance in this episode, that he will not win any contested primary or general election. So in the end, we have a placeholder like Kaufman.
I think we knew he’d be a placeholder. This also gives Jesse Jackson Jr. time to repair his image.
Reid needs a new hobby, you know like staying the #$%^ in Nevada.
FWIW, if a deal is concocted to make him a placeholder, I have a huge problem with it coming from the halls of the US Senate. Eff them! If those deals (which I despise at any level) happen, it should be done within the jurisdiction the office originates.
I don’t think the Senate has any choice. I find this 2nd degree corruption a bit of a strange concept anyway. Burris may not be super-smart but he was appointed by the sitting governor. I really, really don’t like the idea that the Sec. of State of Illinois has veto power over the Senate choice.
This is turning into a huge distraction. Reid was outplayed by the idiot Blago, and, in the end, Burris will be seated making Harry look more ineffectual… and the bigger idiot.
Just imagine if a fraction of the effort spent blocking Burris had been spent on blocking the Bush agenda!
Part of the problem is probably lack of communication. Who the hell now will pick up the phone and call Blago, or anybody in Illinois connected with this steaming pile?
Harry was hinting on Sunday that if the IL Lt. Gov would come out and say that he would appoint Burris if Blago was impeached. Apparently that would give Reid and the boys some cover to seat Burris. Whatever. I think that Burris is a placeholder anyway — there is no way that there isn’t a tough election coming up for that seat.
Reid should seat the guy and let it go.
Yes, I don’t think Burris did himself any favors for future elections by accepting Blago’s appointment. I could be wrong – 2 years is a long time in politics.
The thing that’s not only going to hurt Harry but Durbin also. And that is when the tapes become public they just may show that Harry did tell the Governor not to appoint the three named Blacks. For today they kept denying that this was about Race. Me thinks they protested too much.