Chicago-Yesterday, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich attempted to announce the appointment of the Senate seat that will ultimately cost him his job.
Showing the same confident demeanor seen in his first public address since being arrested on Dec. 9, Blagojevich tapped former state’s attorney general Roland Burris to the seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama. If chosen, will be the only black member in the Senate.
At 71 years of age, Burris is an Illinois political veteran and pioneer and was the first African American elected to major office in the state. When asked about his appointment and relationship with Blagojevich, Burris kept it simple. “I was asked if he would appoint me, would I accept and the answer is yes,” Burris said.
On December 9, Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were brought in on conspiracy charges for allegedly attempting to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s open Senate seat. During his announcement of Burris, Blagojevich tried to distinguish himself from his candidate. “Please don’t allow the allegations against me to taint a good and honest man,” Blagojevich said.
Burris ran for governor of Illinois on three different occasions, most recently losing out to Blagojevich. But Burris’ chances of assuming that coveted Senate post are not promising. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White – the person with the final say – said he has no plans to approve Blagojevich’s choice. White’s thoughts coincide with Senate leaders who have complained that Blagojevich’s possible wrong doings have created an overall lack of trust in future political decisions.
