Is it time for Senator Roland Burris to go? Just when we thought the whole Burris/Blago spectacle might be over, there are new revelations and Burris is now coming clean, admitting that he did seek “to raise campaign funds for then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich at the request of the governor’s brother at the same time he was making a pitch to be appointed to the Senate seat previously held by President Barack Obama.”
Burris’ latest comments in Peoria Monday night were the first time he has publicly said he was actively trying to raise money for Blagojevich. Previously Burris has left the impression that he always balked at the issue of raising money for the governor because of his interest in the Senate appointment.
In comments to reporters after appearing at a Democratic dinner, the senator several times contradicted his latest under-oath affidavit that he quietly filed with the Illinois House impeachment panel earlier this month. That affidavit was itself an attempt to clean up his live, sworn testimony to the panel Jan. 8, when he omitted his contacts with several Blagojevich insiders.
You can read Burris’ give-and-take with reporters here.
It really doesn’t look good that Burris keeps changing his story. Maybe it’s just me, but I think that the time has come for Burris to consider resigning. The distraction and the drama has gone on too long.
I agree with you, Pamela. The wrong perception is out there now and it won’t go away – the Republicans in the Illinois state legislature will make sure of it. It just doesn’t look good.
You are right Pamela, he should resign.
Had to laugh yesterday. Limbaugh was talking about how Obama supported Burris and that’s why he got into the Senate. More false information by the right wing. Obama was really opposed to the appointment.
They (Limbaugh and his right wing talk show cohorts) are really trying to fire up their base with obvious lies. But we all know that’s what they do best.
I should also clarify that Obama was opposed because Blago appointed him.
It is time for Burris to step down and if he doesn’t he should be removed. Let the new Gov pick someone who is totally clean of Blagojevich.
Obama NEVER stated that he was opposed to the Burris appointment. Personally this admistration has become a grand mess.
Helen S
Actually he did say he was opposed to the Burris appointment on Dec 30:
Obama’s statement reads:
“Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy,” said President-elect Obama.
Helen S, I beg your pardon. Obama made a statement that he did not feel that Blago should be allowed to appoint anyone. And he also remained neutral.
I FLATLY DISAGREE with you on both statements.
Thank you Pamela.
I have never seen Helen S in here before, so maybe she’s a troll, as Taylor calls them.
“Helen S Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Obama NEVER stated that he was opposed to the Burris appointment. Personally this admistration has become a grand mess.”
Well Deary, just a bit full of shi*t aintcha?
Maybe Helen is confused because Obama was against it before he was for it.
On Dec 30th – he was against it. On Jan 7th – he was for it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/us/politics/08burris.html
nancy50 I just read that article, and it was only after he talked to Reid. And more than likely they just decided rather than make a big issue of it, that he would go along with it. Helen S is just someone that came in here to voice desent, in my book.
I think the Dems( Obama and Reid both) had their political fingers to the wind and it was tough to deny seating Burris when former Black Panther, Rep. Bobby Seale, started to raise a fuss. Which one among them would stand in the way of seating the only African American in the Senate?
I don’t think it was so much Bobby Seale as it was the fact that they needed the votes pronto. Remember, Franken still isn’t seated. So, they needed that vote. That’s only my opinion. And personally I don’t see anything wrong with it at all.
Ola!
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Helen S Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
“Obama NEVER stated that he was opposed to the Burris appointment”
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My favorite pastime is to try and figure out who posters like this were in a prior incarnation… the tone seems familiar.
nancy50 Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
when “former Black Panther, Rep. Bobby Seale started to raise a fuss.”
I’ll bet 99% of the crowd would have got it with just plain “Bobby Seale”
what if we all got labeled “former _________ fill in the blank” that could be interesting.
we need to scare justlen out of the bushes…
http://www.maxitmag.com/images/stories/loosewires/dailybabes/mar07/scarlett_johansson_sexy.jpg
LOL GeoT. justlen must be cooking dinner.
GeoT – That’s funny.
Betsy… FYI.
I’ve been doing my new family tree and made more progress in 2 days then I have in years, Ancestry.com has a new set-up and it’s great, easy to use.
Thanks GeoT for the info on Ancestry.com. We subscribe to that and Legacy.
They’re in complete chaos when Pat Robertson is the voice of reason:
Denounces Rush Limbaugh’s ‘I Hope He Fails’ Remark
“That was a terrible thing to say,” Robertson responded. “I mean, he’s the president of all the country. If he succeeds, the country succeeds. And if he doesn’t, it hurts us all. Anybody who would pull against our president is not exactly thinking rationally.”
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/god-and-country/2009/2/17/exclusive-pat-robertson-says-obama-showing-partisanship-denounces-rush-limbaughs-i-hope-he-fails-remark.html
Oh Burris has to go! It’s become yet another Chicago circus and Burris is making a complete fool of himself. Regardless of what he did/didn’t do, his handling of this entire fiasco has been extremely poor. What exactly is the truth? The story has changed so often I can’t keep track. Yesteday’s press conference (via CNN) was very difficult to watch – Burris was very defensive and his stuttering (nervousness?) didn’t exactly inspire confidence that he himself even knows what the real story is! Given the drama around Blago, it’s abundantly clear why so many didn’t want Burris getting the role. It’s been a disaster thus far. Who can replace him?!
GeoT Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Sorry if I offended your sensibilities GeoT. I’m old enough to remember Bobby Seale as a Black Panther and was actually unaware that he was a member of Congress until the whole Burris thing popped up. As for the labeling … on this board especially, we are all mostly labeled either a former HRC supporter or Obama supporter with the exception of AnninCa who is never allowed to forget that she voted for a Republican. Funny, we don’t stigmatize Taylor or Betsy as former Republicans, but poor Helen I’m sure, is this close to being labeled a “kitty”.
Betsy Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I don’t see anything wrong with it either – it’s politics. I do think it’s incorrect, though to say that Obama was neutral.
well nancy50, I am sorry, but the woman irritated me and I was thinking that he was neutral more or less. Did remember that he was opposed when there was flack about Blago appointing him initially. Must have had a senior moment.
And I’m definitely allowed that.
Senior moments most definitely allowed …if … menopausal moments are allowed also.
LOL nancy50, of course they are. Been there done that, and I definitely empathize.
Time for this east coast girl to hit the hay – g’nite Betsy.
nite nancy. Have a good nite. By the way, where are you back east.
nancy50 Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
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with the exception of AnninCa who is never allowed to forget that she voted for a Republican.
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that combined with her loose use of the facts earn her every push back she gets. Go back to last nights thread if you want a can of crazy courtesy of Ann. Something about Hillary being sent overseas to be put out of the limelight… read it yourself.
nancy50 Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
in case you come back:
I’m easy to get along with and have had long and sometimes emotional discussion with Hillary supporters who I admire. I get the disappointment.
The thing I push back against is the occasional (maybe 4-5 people) whose posts go something like this: (paraphrasing) “Hillary can do no wrong, she really should have been elected and Obama is a screw up, just look at how horrible is administration is”
oh and don’t forget
“we told you so”
Hi everybody, I’m a new poster, but a frequent lurker:) anyway just wanted to correct you all on the congressman from Illinois his name is Bobby Rush not Seale