Can Burris Avoid the Blagojevich Taint?
In today’s press conference in which it was announced Rod Blagojevich would be appointing him to the U.S. Senate seat, Roland Burris brushed off media questions about whether his appointment would be “tainted” by the indictment of the governor.
Of course, the governor highlighted Burris’ supposed independence by noting they were opponents in the 2002 Democratic gubernatorial primary.
What what’s happened since that election?
Well, for one thing, Burris has been a pretty hefty contributor to the governor. In fact, state campaign finance reports shows that he’s a pretty regular $1,000 contributor to Blagojevich’s campaign coffers - including a $1,000 contribution as recently as June of this year.
He also a contributor to much-maligned and machine-supported Cook County Board President Todd Stroger - and Burris’ lobbying firm (in which he is a partner) has contributed to Stroger’s 8th Ward Regular Democratic Organization.
And, as we noted in this post, Burris’ business partner, Fred Lebed, is a longtime Cook County political insider who once served as Cook County Board President John Stroger’s top lieutenant.
Further, in a post entitled, Burris’ Pay-to-Play Political History, the editor at Illinois Review highlights some of Burris’ more “interesting” lobbying clients.
Bottom line: there is a reason Blagojevich tapped Burris for this seat. He called Burris. Burris answered the call and said “yes” to his political friend, Rod Blagojevich.
Roland Burris is not an independent voice for this U.S. Senate seat. He has close ties to the Cook County political machine and is a major contributor to Rod Blagojevich.
Let’s hope the media does their work on this and bets Burris properly. In the end, due to judicial precedent, it might not matter. But the voters of Illinois deserve an honest vetting of this potential U.S. Senator - and a spotlight shined on the contined dubious activities of our machine politicians.
Comments
One Comment on Can Burris Avoid the Blagojevich Taint?
-
Pete on
Wed, 31st Dec 2008 10:45 am
Blago was willing to sign off on a Special Election, but Democrats in Springfield would not allow it to happen. Now, Blago filled the spot and Madigan/Dems are angry. It’s their (Dems) fault. They have no one to blame but themselves.
Tell me what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
-
Get Mobile Updates
