Roland Burris showed up at the senate today to claim his seat. He was turned away. I am no constitutional lawyer but I don't see how he can be denied the seat he was appointed to. No matter what one thinks of Rod Blagojevich, by law he is still the governor of Illinois and he still has the right to appoint Obama's replacement. I mean, if tomorrow there is an emergency in Illinois and Blagojevich calls for the National Guard, would anyone try to stop that? There is no evidence that Burris is inovolved in the scandal so there is no legal reason for the Democrats to stop him from serving in the senate.
The Democrats are afraid that anyone appointed by Blagojevich will lose in 2010 to the Republicans. But it makes no sense for Harry Reid to come out right away and say they would not allow Burris to serve the moment he was appointed. Reid should have checked to see where they stand legally and don't threaten without the ability to back it up. If they would have offer a compromise of letting him serve out the term but promise not to run in 2010, then they can pick an untained candidate to run against the Republicans later. At 73 by 2010 Burris may accept that in the beginning. Now that he has to fight for his seat, somewhat embarrassinly, he may not take that compromise. If this goes to court I think Burris will win and then the Republicans can point out that even the Democrats don't want him in 2010. Plus, until this is settled, the Democrats will have one less vote at their disposal in the senate. I am sure Obama does not want more distractions in the beginning of his term as well.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
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Wow, what a cluster F--- this thing has become. I am wondering if this guy is qualified for the seat. If he is, then fine, but as soon as he pulled the race card, I lost a ton of respect for him.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bush league move by Blagojevich and the democrats have no chance of spinning this except to make Burris look like a fine candidate.
Reid was just grand standing as a politician does. That was predictable. The 2010 election will definitely be interesting. Who would run against him and win? What about Jessie Jackson Jr.? I am sure he's a more viable candidate than Burris. The question remains whether the scandal (of him being contacted by Blagojevich) will blow over by then. Hey, aren't there any Kennedys out in Illinois that want to run?
-LBOAYM