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Blago To Appoint Obama's Replacement?

by BooMan
Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 12:49:53 PM EST

Oh, this better not be true:

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected today to name former Illinois Atty. Gen. Roland Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.
The action comes despite warnings by Democratic Senate leaders that they would not seat anyone appointed by the disgraced governor who faces criminal charges of trying to sell the post, sources familiar with the decision said.
Shortly after Obama's Nov. 4 victory, Burris made known his interest in an appointment to the Senate but was never seriously considered, according to Blagojevich insiders. But in the days following Blagojevich's arrest, and despite questions over the taint of a Senate appointment, Burris stepped up his efforts to win the governor's support.

Who is Roland Burris?

Roland W. Burris is a politician and statewide officer in the U.S. state of Illinois. Burris served as Comptroller of Illinois from 1979 to 1991 and as Attorney General of Illinois from 1991 to 1995. He now maintains a political consulting firm called Burris & Lebed Consulting, LLC.

Burris was the first African-American to win statewide office in Illinois. He might make a fine U.S. Senator, but the Senate has already made clear that they will not seat a Blago-appointed pick. All this will do is embarrass the Democratic Party and make a mess of everything.

Blago To Appoint Obama's Replacement? | 30 comments (30 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

As an IL resident (none / 0)

I am VERY PLEASED about this. This guy is CLEAN. He is a PLACEHOLDER. We NEED ALL THE DEMS IN OFFICE on 1/20.

Please DO NOT get confused. This is GREAT NEWS. Not a SINGLE SEAT should be empty, and this is a placeholder candidate.

I heartily approve this darkhorse selection. And Booman, rethink your attitude. Would you prefer 58 Dems or 59 on 1/20?

by dataguy on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 12:54:29 PM EST

Re: As an IL resident (none / 0)

Did you not read the part about how he will not be seated?

by BooMan on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 12:56:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

How do you know? (none / 0)

They said that 2 weeks ago.

I predict he will be seated. Reid will determine that 59 > 58.

As an IL resident, I want 2 senators.

by dataguy on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 12:57:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: How do you know? (none / 0)

how do you walk that cat back?

by BooMan on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 01:09:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: How do you know? (4.00 / 2)

reid is a professional cat backwards walker

by anna in philly (flymetothemoon@yahoo.com) on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 04:33:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: As an IL resident (none / 0)

There's this little nugget that taints Burris all by his own doing:- (my emphasis)

{.}..in the days following Blagojevich's arrest, and despite questions over the taint of a Senate appointment, Burris stepped up his efforts to win the governor's support.

indicative that Burris doesn't give a pinch of sh*t how he gets the seat...so maybe he'll fight to be seated. Two rotten peas in the same pod.

Well, "You can't vote for war and disown the results"

by idredit on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 01:12:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: As an IL resident (none / 1)

Saying that he wants the seat makes him rotten? That's silly.

by JayGR on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 10:16:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Oh (none / 1)

He'll be seated.

by maryb2004 on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 01:13:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Oh (none / 0)

not to disagree with you, but what do you base that on?

by BooMan on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 01:23:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

A couple of things (4.00 / 2)

First, there's nothing wrong with Burris, there's no reason not to seat him. There's no reason to think he paid for the seat.

Second, my knowledge of Harry Reid. How will Burris be seated even though Harry Reid says the Senate won't seat any appointee of Blago? The same way everything that Harry Reid doesn't want to happen ... happens. It just happens. Enough Democrats disagree and it happens. Harry Reid doesn't care if he looks weak - I'm convinced he even gives them unstated permission to vote the "wrong" way.

Watch for the IL legislature to give Burris a "confidence" vote or some such thing. Then the Senate Dems will decide that fighting over the seating of a Democratic senator is just a "distraction" from the more important business of the Senate and the people of Illinois can sort it out in 2010. Watch.

by maryb2004 on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 01:29:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A couple of things (none / 0)

Harry Reid says this is "unaaceptable".

Which means it's a done deal. Burris will be seated because Harry Reid is the worst Senate leader the Dems have ever had. The GOP will have a field day with this, and it'll be nobody's fault but the Dems themselves.

More at Zandar vs. The Stupid.

by Zandar1 on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 01:44:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A couple of things (none / 0)

Okay, try walking that back. Has Durbin commented?

by BooMan on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 01:58:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A couple of things (none / 0)

Don't have to walk it back. Just going on Reid's lawn-chair folding acts over the last several years.

More at Zandar vs. The Stupid.

by Zandar1 on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 02:00:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A couple of things (none / 1)

if we still have a system of innocent 'til proven guilty, Blago has not been impeached or convicted. He still occupies the office of governor, attending all functions. If a bill requires his signature or such other action required in the business of State the Legislature will not and cannot object. Let's pretend Blago had to declare a state of emergency, would the Legislature say no you can't!

Given that Burris (btw, a lawyer and former state Atty General) pursued this Senate appointment after Blago's arrest, I'm inclined to think Reid and colleagues have a fight on their hands all the way to the Supreme Court. Most likely, Burris did some legal case research.

And btw, this appointment is made before any conviction or impeachment/removal from office. Reid has a hard hoe to lift.

Until the SC rules, Illinois will be left at one Senator.

IT'S NOW OFFICIAL: confirmed in Blago's presser

Well, "You can't vote for war and disown the results"

by idredit on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 03:13:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I agree 100% (none / 0)

I am an IL resident. There is a huge rush to judgement going on, and there is a House impeachment hearing going on. If and when the House moves an impeachment bill, then we may have something to think about. But they have not done so, and until they do, Blago is the duly-elected governor of the State of IL, and can function as such.

This includes the power of appointment, which he has exercised, for good or ill.

by dataguy on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 04:32:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I agree 100% (none / 0)

your former Gov. Jim Thompson tells NPR's All Things Considered", the appointment of Burris is perfectly legal.

Financial Times, (UK-US Edition) reports

Bobby Rush, an African-American congressman who in 2000 defeated Mr Obama to win the Democratic nomination for his seat, vowed yesterday to do "whatever it may take" to have Mr Burris accepted by the Senate.
"I would ask you not to hang or lynch the appointee as you try to castigate the appointer," said Mr Rush. "I don't see that any US Senator ...will want to go on record to deny one African-American from being seated in the US Senate."
Illinois' constitution does not require a governor to leave office when charged with corruption. Moreover, as governor, Mr Blagojevich could legally make a Senate appointment even if he were in prison. Mr Blagojevich, who denies any wrongdoing, faces a preliminary court hearing on January 14.
(emphasis added)

Imho, that observation is interesting. Reid and colleagues are boxed in to seat Burris. With a slim majority, and some with health issues, every walking suit added to the margin increases getting legislation passed.

Well, "You can't vote for war and disown the results"

by idredit on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 05:56:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A couple of things (none / 0)

IIRC Burris lost his last two attempts at statewide office because of racist remarks. He is extremely vulnerable at election time.

by The Voice In The Wilderness on Wed Dec 31st, 2008 at 02:54:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: A couple of things (none / 0)

Not to mention hubris like this.

by The Voice In The Wilderness on Wed Dec 31st, 2008 at 08:08:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Oh (none / 1)

Harry Reid's letter:

We write to insist that you step down as Governor of Illinois and under no circumstance make an appointment to fill the vacant Illinois Senate seat. In light of your arrest yesterday on alleged federal corruption charges related to that Senate seat, any appointment by you would raise serious questions.
It is within the authority of the Illinois legislature to remove your power to make this appointment by providing for a special election. But a decision by you to resign or to step aside under Article V of the Illinois Constitution would be the most expeditious way for a new Senator to be chosen and seated in a manner that would earn the confidence of the people of Illinois and all Americans. We consider it imperative that a new senator be seated as soon as possible so that Illinois is fully represented in the Senate as the important work of the 111th Congress moves forward.
Please understand that should you decide to ignore the request of the Senate Democratic Caucus and make an appointment we would be forced to exercise our Constitutional authority under Article I, Section 5, to determine whether such a person should be seated.
We do not prejudge the outcome of the criminal charges against you or question your constitutional right to contest those charges. But for the good of the Senate and our nation, we implore you refrain from making an appointment to the Senate.

Keeping in mind that,

A) Reid is spineless
B) Reid said they would exercise the authority to DETERMINE WHETHER to remove, not that they would definitively exercise the authority to remove.
C) Burris is an accomplished, qualified African American who has nothing to do with the sins of Blago.

...Burris has a better than 50% shot of being seated.

by liberaljournal on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 01:36:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Exactly (none / 1)

That was the "sternly worded letter" that actually said nothing. Typical. Full of loopholes.

There is going to be a lot of pressure from the people of IL to have a second senator. As there should be. If there's nothing wrong with Burris, there's no reason not to seat him just because Blago appointed him.

This is such a smart pick by Blago you have to wonder who really made the decision.

by maryb2004 on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 01:42:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Exactly (none / 0)

Standby for Reid's Update -

Consider

We've consulted with legal scholars and Attorney General Judge Mukasey...In the interest of a speedy resolution, to avoid lengthy court challenges that would deprive full representation to the people of Illinois, all innocent bystanders, ..the Honorable Senate-appointee Burris will be seated. We withdraw all objections.

Well, "You can't vote for war and disown the results"

by idredit on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 03:22:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Exactly (none / 0)

blago seems to have balls the size of idaho

by anna in philly (flymetothemoon@yahoo.com) on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 04:36:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yup. (none / 0)

This was a brilliantly cynical move. All I could do is shake my head and laugh. Because while I think Blago's a little crazy, he's not completely stupid.

And at the end of the day, what we're so outraged about is nothing compared to the sins of the 8 year crime syndicate known as the Bush Administration. Right now, Blago is only guilty of giving voice to his delusions of grandeur when he had to know that he was being watched.

Can't hear ya, Peach!

by AP on Wed Dec 31st, 2008 at 09:46:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Exactly (none / 0)

There's nothing dumb about Blago. The sanity part is another question. To all appearances, his motive is to cause as much damage as possible.

FDR's response to progressive demands: "I agree. Now go out and make me do it."

by DaveW on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 05:31:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

If you are an IL resident, call Reid (none / 0)

Tell him "Seat Burris. Help Obama"

by dataguy on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 12:59:03 PM EST

Jeff Greenfield on TPM says (none / 0)

Hey, Josh--re the Senate's power.
I think you're wrong about saying the Senate has full power not to seat the Gov's pick. In Powell vs McCormick, a 1969 case involving Adam Clayton Powell, the Supreme Court said, 7-2, that a house of Congress does NOT have such power-they can judge "qualifications" in the Constitutional sense (age, citizenship, etc). And they can judge elections, but say nothing about appointments. (Nate Silver did a great piece on this awhile back).
They can probably EXPEL a member as they see fit--though the Court's decision does not make that clear---but on what grounds? Just because they don't like the guy who picked him?

I don't think that any of us are constitutional lawyers with sufficient knowledge of the prerogatives of the Senate vs the powers of appointment. I think that this will be an interesting battle, but as an IL resident I welcome a second senator.

by dataguy on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 01:45:22 PM EST

Re: Blago To Appoint Obama's Replacement? (none / 0)

As obnoxious as Blago seems to be, he is the sitting gov with the power to appoint - why fight that battle. Burris seems adequate for a junior Senator. He'll be up for reelection in a short two years. If he screws up, the Illinois voters can fix it. Who knows, he might turn out to be a great senator - it's up to the voters.

By the way, in our anxiety to get Obama into power to fix Bush Mess, we fixate on minor issues like Blago and Warren (yes, two douche bags). Let it go. That light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming locomotive.

by oh that on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 02:45:08 PM EST

You are correct (none / 0)

There was NOTHING to stop this from happening. In fact, since Blago is still the Governor, it was his duty to do this. As an IL resident, I am pleased. I want a Dem in every seat possible in the Senate.

by dataguy on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 02:59:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Jim Thompson, Gov IL, 1975-1991 (or so) (none / 0)

just interviewed.

Jesse White, SoS, cannot refuse to certify.
The Senate cannot refuse to seat
He will be seated and serve as the Junior Senator from IL

by dataguy on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 05:17:48 PM EST

Re: Blago To Appoint Obama's Replacement? (none / 0)

What a shame. An insane governor manages to detract from Obama's inauguration, demean the US Senate even further, sow strive within the party, and put a dull but decent political professional in a position he'll regret. Any Blagojevich appointment is tainted from the getgo. You can argue that that's wrong, but it's the way it is. Burris will be seen a illegitimate throughout his term. Any bill that passes by one vote will be attacked by the Reps as bogus.

Blago was right, as far as I know, in calling Burris a good and honest man. He's also a pol whose perennial candidacy for almost every office in the state has given him a certain air of desperation. Which perhaps is how a good and honest man comes to misjudge the consequences of accepting such a tainted appointment.

FDR's response to progressive demands: "I agree. Now go out and make me do it."

by DaveW on Tue Dec 30th, 2008 at 05:28:55 PM EST

Blago To Appoint Obama's Replacement? | 30 comments (30 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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