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.
All for naught?
Well, our previous post about Burris may not matter much.
Harry Reid is saying he won’t seat a Blago pick, and according to this story, Illinois Sec. of State Jesse White is saying he won’t certify the appointment.
Reading Up On Roland
Well, it looks like Blago is going to appoint (or at least try to) former state Attorney General/gubernatorial candidate Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate seat recently vacated by Barack Obama.
Now the fun begins. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said the Senate will not seat anybody appointed by Blagojevich.
And, even if he was seated, would Burris ever be able to escape the “Appointed by Blagojevich” label?
Burris is currently a lobbyist with the firm of Burris & Lebed Consulting, LLC. Look for some media interest into the clientele of that firm.
Look also for a discussion of Burris’ partner - Fred Lebed, a Democratic “strategist” with a long history of working with Cook County politicians. He served as a special assistant to former Cook County President John Stroger and also as County Liquor Commissioner.
Burris and Lebed are consummate insiders.
Read more about Burris here.
Here is some reading on the expected appointment:
- Greg Hinz: Burris Pick Faces Uncertain Fate
- Politico: Blagojevich Tries to Name Obama Successor
- Red County: Blagojevich to Appoint Roland Burris
- Crain’s: Blagojevich to Name Burris to Senate Seat
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