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| More Reaction to Blago's Burris Pick |
"We told you so."
Those are the words of State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) as word spread that Gov. Rod Blagojevich would appoint Roland Burris to the vacant U.S. Senate seat Blagojevich is accused of attempting to auction for personal gain.
Brady, appearing at a Statehouse news conference with House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), said if the Legislature began the process of setting a special election, or otherwise taking away at least some of the governor's powers, we would not be in the situation of the governor making an appointment U.S. Senate Democrats have vowed to reject.
Cross, saying he believes the impeachment process will continue, a position confirmed by the House speaker's office, says he initially thought the news about Burris was literally a joke, "some sick, funny, wacky rumor that's on the Internet." Cross says the governor's arrest on Dec. 9 was "mind-boggling," and the Burris appointment is "mind-boggling 10 times over."
From the office of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.):
Senate Democratic Leadership - Senators Reid, Durbin, Murray and Schumer -- made the following statement Tuesday in response to reports that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will nominate Roland Burris to fill the vacant Illinois Senate seat. Earlier this month, all 50 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus called on Blagojevich to step down and under no circumstance make an appointment to fill the seat.
"It is truly regrettable that despite requests from all 50 Democratic senators and public officials throughout Illinois, Gov. Blagojevich would take the imprudent step of appointing someone to the United States Senate who would serve under a shadow and be plagued by questions of impropriety. We say this without prejudice toward Roland Burris's ability, and we respect his years of public service. But this is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat. Under these circumstances, anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus.
"Next week we will start one of the most important debates of the year -- outlining an economic recovery plan to create jobs and invest in America. And in the coming weeks, we will be working to protect homeowners and consumers, make America more energy independent, strengthen our national security, and improve health care and educational opportunities. There is much work to do and a lot at stake. It is thus critical that Illinois and every other state have two seated senators without delay.
"We again urge Gov. Blagojevich to not make this appointment. It is unfair to Mr. Burris, it is unfair to the people of Illinois and it will ultimately not stand. The governor must put the interests of the people of Illinois and all Americans first by stepping aside now and letting his successor appoint someone who we will seat."
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 12 30 08 by Newsroom |
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