Guilt by association?
Enter Roland Burris. Roland W. Burris first ran for political office in Illinois in 1968, and since the 1970s has held two of the state's highest elected posts. He was Illinois's first African American comptroller, or treasurer, as well as its first African American attorney general. Yet Burris has also made unsuccessful bids for the governorship of Illinois--a state that has elected more African Americans to its top offices than any other --but he failed to win the necessary political support among the powerful Chicago-Springfield Democratic Party organization. Burris is fighting to fill the vacated Illinois Senate seat of President-elect, Barack Obama. Why is this so complicated? And NO its not about race either, Burris was handpicked by Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich. Yes, he’s the one who is accused of trying to sell the seat of Obama. Democrats and Mr. Obama have said that the corruption charges against Blagojevich would strip credibility from anyone he appointed to the seat. Blagojevich denies federal accusations that he tried to sell the seat Mr. Obama has given up for the presidency. Democrats have stated last week that they would block the man handpicked by the state's scandal-stained governor. Burris is known among many to be a squeaky clean politician with an impeccable record. Unfortunately, popular opinion is not considering his record. In their eyes he is guilty by association. We’ll have to see what happens to “Mr. Clean.” Personally, I am rooting for him. As for Blagojevich?….. They are planning on impeaching him. If this happens he will be the first Governor in that state to be impeached.
3 comments:
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was impeached by state lawmakers in Springfield on January 9, 2009Friday, setting the stage for a trial in the state Senate, where the governor vowed he will prove his righteousness.
Excellent piece! I really felt sorry for Roland Burris when I saw the Washington Post pictures of him arriving at the senate and attempting to take his seat before being ejected. It is quizzical that "Mr Clean" just seems to be perceived as dirty.
As for Governor Blagojevich. I hate to admit that the story of him attempting to sell Obama's senate seat gave me some satisfaction. Mainly (I hate to admit) because shady things like this are thought to only happen in Africa or some so-called Third-world Country and not in the archetype of democracy!
I hope that Gov. Blagojevich can indeed prove his righteousness and that Mr. Burris can take his seat at last.
Thanks Abena! Since my last post things have changed. (as they constantly do) Eager to put the scandal-tainted standoff behind them, Senate Democrats accepted Roland Burris as President-elect Barack Obama's successor Monday and said they expect to swear in the new U.S. senator from Illinois this week.
"Change is good as long as its in the right direction."
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