Call us idiots, but Roland Burris, the guy that embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate yesterday seems like a decent, well-qualified guy.
He’s probably liberal as the day is long, but then again so are Congressional Republicans – which means he’ll fit right in.
Only it’s doubtful he’ll ever get that chance because Congressional Democrats have already said that they will refuse to seat anyone appointed by Illinois’ scandal-plagued governor.
Blago, of course, was indicted earlier this month after he was taped trying to sell the office to the highest bidder. Whether or not he actually committed a crime is up for some debate, but the indictment is the latest in a long line of embarrassing, corrupt acts associated with the Democratic governor.
Obviously, Burris wasn’t among those bidding for the slot – although his firm has contributed some $14,000 to Blagojevich in the past.
Burris actually ran against Blagojevich in 2002, a race in which he was endorsed by … wait for it … Barack Obama, who is now saying that Burris shouldn’t be seated due to the scandal surrounding Blagojevich.
Here’s the Dems’ dilemma, as articulated by one of our all-time faves – Washington Post blogger extraordinaire Chris Cillizza:
Rejecting Burris out of hand — as Senate Democrats indicated they would do in a letter to Blagojevich today — could create problems. While those close to Senate strategists insist that the refusal to seat Burris has nothing to do with him and everything to do with Blagojevich, turning down a black former elected official to replace the lone black senator might not sit well in some circles.
That’s right … these hardcore “minority rights” advocates don’t want the U.S. Senate turning into a South Carolina Country Club, do they?
Honestly, we’ve got to give Blagojevich credit on this one.
He picked a capable, qualified, well-liked black man who was in no way tied to any of the shady dealings surrounding his administration.
“Do not allow the allegations against me to taint this good and honest man,” Blagojevich said in making the appointment.
Talk about old-school.
He put Obama and all the Dems who’ve been crucifying him for weeks squarely on the spot by naming the one guy they’ll look positively awful in rejecting.
Plus he royally pissed off all the Illinois pols who’ve been blistering him as well – and he did it with such stealth and surprise that absolutely nobody saw it coming.
Bold move, Blago.
By reprobate December 31, 2008 at 9:17 am
All politicians hate to be out-politicked by other politicians! This is funny!
Pingback: That Crazy Senate :: FITSNews