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This just in… Guv appears to cave on Burris

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* 12:01 pm - Did the governor just cave on Burris? From the AP…

Gov. Pat Quinn says it’s time to move on from the flap over embattled U.S. Sen. Roland Burris and focus on the economy.

Quinn wants a special election for the Senate position, but said Monday he doesn’t think that can happen unless and until Burris quits. […]

Quinn met Monday with black elected officials on Chicago’s West Side, including U.S. Rep. Danny Davis.

Quinn says most of the meeting was about economic recovery.

Yeah, but the most important part of that meeting with Davis was surely about Sen. Burris. As I told you earlier today, Quinn seemed to be getting nervous about all the pushback from African-American leaders about his Burris position.

* Just last week, Quinn said this…

Gov. Pat Quinn said [on Jan. 26th] that if embattled U.S. Sen. Roland Burris doesn’t step down within the next two weeks, he wants lawmakers to send him a bill to set up a special election that could effectively remove Burris from office.

Quinn, appearing on “The Steve Cochran Show” on WGN-AM (720), said he spoke to the top two Democrats in the General Assembly [on Jan. 26th] about the possibility of moving ahead with the legislation, which would take advantage of a clause contained in the U.S. Constitution’s 17th Amendment.

Quinn’s actions follow a legal opinion issued [on Jan. 25th] by Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan who said she believed the state could enact a special-election law that would effectively force Burris from office. Under the Constitution, a governor’s appointments to fill Senate vacancies should be considered temporary until an election is held, she said.

The governor really needs to start thinking things through on this Senate crud. First, he was for a special election, then he was for an appointment, then he was for a Burris resignation and a new appointment followed by a special election, then he was for a special election regardless of what Burris decided to do. Now, he wants to drop the whole thing?

My head hurts.

…Adding… I forgot to mention today that the Tribune editorial page continues to bang the drum ever louder on the special election issue.

…Adding More… As with the post below, I am totally uninterested in angry drive-by comments on race. Put some thought into your comments or you’ll be swiftly deleted.

*** 12:53 pm *** Sen. Durbin was asked about Burris at a presser today in Chicago, and [from the way the story is written] appeared to back off as well…

Sen. Dick Durbin sounds resigned to fellow Illinois Democrat Roland Burris remaining in the Senate for the next two years.

Durbin has called for Burris’ resignation, but says he’ll still work with the embattled senator. Durbin says Burris has a vote in the Senate like everyone else and it’s an important vote. […]

Durbin says the economy should now be the most important issue at hand.

…Adding… The Durbin office sent over an audio clip from last week which shows that Durbin said pretty much the same thing to DC reporters then as he told Chicago reporters today. So, today’s alleged “news” is not really news, they say. I’m willing to give them that point.

*** 2:49 pm *** The prodigal son is welcomed back with open arms…

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) and Ald. Ed Smith (28th) said they were happy with the outcome of the meeting with Quinn, saying it’s time to get past politics and down to work.

“In the final analysis, we’ve got to put this issue behind us,” said Smith. “Roland Burris isn’t going any place, and we can talk about this until whenever, but Roland isn’t going any place. We may as well forget about this and deal with those issues that have to be dealt with.”

How very predictable.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:02 pm

Comments

But isn’t that Pat’s problem in general. He’s very smart, but not very strategic. Ugh.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:14 pm
All pols are scared when a large voting block threatens to revolt

Comment by downstate dem Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:16 pm
Quinn has already lost the African-American vote (if he ever had it) — his only hope for reelection is to go hard on reform — keep pushing on the special election and be ferocious with whatever his commisssion recommends — dare Madigan not to pass it, hold up the budget for it, etc.

Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:22 pm
These are the moments that make Rod Blagojevich look like an honest man. Blagojevich called out the entire Democratic Party on it’s bluff, and he showed them just how much of a reform party the Democrats are.

Since then, Roland Burris has been calling the Democratic Party’s bluff. And with each moment of clarity, the Democrats have denounced Burris to the point where it appears they have the same level of testicular virility Blagojevich has, then they seem to suddenly remember who they are, and pull back. Then do a 180.

These people are not leaders. They are followers. They follow every campaign dollar and follow every focus group annointed a constituency of theirs. Instead of reform, they relent.

In times like these, we need leaders. If Mr. Quinn will not lead, others will. He needs to know that he inherited a great deal of goodwill with his personality, frugality and anti-Blago behavior. He is squandering this goodwill when he does this and looks like just another spineless Democrat interested in playing politics regardless of the public costs.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:23 pm
===Quinn has already lost the African-American vote===

Don’t be too sure. One thing that voting blocs love is when a politician claims s/he made a mistake and that the bloc in question was right all along.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:24 pm
That is Pat Quinn beign Pat Quinn, long on rhetoric and short on consistency or thoughtfulness.

Comment by Obamas' Puppy Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:25 pm
How could anyone with any political knowlage think that the Democrats anywhere, IL or the Feds, would kick out the only black guy in the Senate? To be fair I don’t think the GOP could do it either. There is no way Burris will be kicked out before the primary.

Comment by GOPvotecounter Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:25 pm
OMG
Commando/Cogressman Kirk still stuck in DC and confronted with newer. rising star, dreamy Aaron Schock
And the sad sacks at the sinking ship aka The Trib
just ranted about another election bill.
BTW still waiting for the Trib to release their subpoena and the details of their Wrigley “negotiations” with Blagoof.
Tick Tock

Comment by EmptySuitParade Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:34 pm
If Burris refuses to resign now he’ll probably refuse to leave even after a special election. This is already enough of a circus without two people fighting it out in court and Burris on the Capitol steps claiming he’s still the legitimate Senator. What’s the point of that?

Comment by Will Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:37 pm
who can move the action forward on Burris? Madigan and Cullerton. Quinn did not step back from his wish that Roland resign. He did say that Roland said he would not and Quinn has decided to use his rhetoric on fiscal matters. that is not the same thing as saying that Roland should not resign.

Comment by Amy Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:42 pm
Quinn needs to think about his policies before he speaks. He keeps giving knee jerk commentary without thinking everything through. before, he was just another bystander commentator ongovt happenings, now he is the govt.

Quinn needs to be and evince some decisiveness. Lead, follow or get out the way, pick a path.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:46 pm
This is a win for the Jesse-style oldsters. The politics of race and threats still has legs.

Instead of Change We Can Believe In, we’re witnessing Same We’re Stuck With.

That said, the media is getting tired of this tale and without more revelations and another changed story or three (where’s that timeline Burris said he would supply?), it starts to look petty and trivial in light of the issues facing the state (and the US Senate).

So maybe Quinn is right - forgeddaboutit.

Comment by Hope Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:50 pm
Pat needs to remember he’s no longer throwing rocks from at the big shots, he is a Big Shot.

Measure twice, cut once.

The Dems aren’t going to do anything with Burris. They can’t shame him out or buy him off (not in this environment).

On the state level, the Dem flip-flops on the special election after Obama resigned should be red meat for the GOP. Let’s see if they can do anything with it.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:54 pm
Our elected officials need to start thinking about what they have the authority to do before they start commenting to the press. Quinn can urge the GA to act or Burris to resign, but until a bill hits his desk, he is powerless. Likewise, Durbin and Reid discovered that their power was very limited with respect to Rod’s appointee. Although race has been a factor, I think it is pretty small compared to the actual limits on authority.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:55 pm
Meaning…Burris would be out on his ear and someone else in that seat (probably an African-American). It would be mostly forgotten before anyone was up for election.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 12:56 pm
Neither Durbin nor Quinn has handled this particularly well, with all the backing and forthing, but Durbin at least has a track record in his current position. Quinn does not, and he is being watched closely including for his ability to
establish priorites. Proposing an expensive special election in the middle of a major economic meltdown does not seem to be a priority to me.
If folks don’t like Roland Burris, they will have
two opportunities to get him out of office, this coming February and, should he prevail in the primary, the following November.

Quinn needs to find some disinterested advisors who can help him think these kinds of issues through. For example, why not hold off the call for the special election until after you meet with Danny Davis et al. Audi alterem parte and so forth.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 1:01 pm
His lawyer (read his GC, ex-big firm partner, not Lisa) gave him the legal analysis. Guess, what? Unless Burris resigns, he’s not going anywhere. It is far from clear that we can just toss Burris out no matter how much I’d like to. Quinn read the memo, discussed it and rightly is now focusing on moving the state ahead. He was not served well by laying down the gauntlet last week. He should have waited for the legal team.

In any event, no matter how much I want Burris out, the only way it happens is if he resigns. Now, if I remember Rich, the day after the imepeachment, I wanted to start a pool on a Burris resignation/removal, and you correctly said he would never do it. If only the Guv had read that legal memo, and then your response to me, we would have moved on by now.

Comment by Larry Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 1:26 pm
Last post was from me, I used a different blog ID by mistake. Sorry Rich.

Comment by Niles Township Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 1:28 pm
While I hate the whole Burris issue from start to finish - the economy is more important right now - and a special election will be very costly - not just in $$ - but also energy. August will be here before you know it - and since the primary is unlikely to move - lawmakers need to focus on the fiscal crisis in this state - first and foremost - before they start circulating petitions.

Comment by Collar Observer Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 1:29 pm
The question is between right and wrong. Did Burris lie to the Impeachment committee or not? If he lied, then he perjured himself and should be removed from office as such. If he did not lie and did not perjur himself then he needs to get to DC and do his job representing the ENTIRE State of Illinois in the US Senate.

Comment by Dan S, a Voter, Taxpayer and Cubs Fan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 1:30 pm
I’m not happy about this whole Roland Burris mess either and I wish that Blago had not appointed anyone and let Quinn appoint someone who wouldn’t reek of Blago taint. However, elections cost money. Especially special elections, which by their very name and definition are not elections on the regular schedule. In addition to the actual dollars that can be quantified, elections cost a great deal in lost time from doing the people’s business for the candidates who, from everything I have read, are most likely to be current elected officials (e.g., Mark Kirk to name one).

The state of Illinois is already in a horrible financial position. Raising taxes is already on the table because we don’t have enough money.

What programs would have to be cut in order to pay for a special election? Unless we could use Blago’s huge campaign war chest to fund it, I say let Burris stay in the Senate and let’s have a vigorous campaign next year.

Comment by Elections Cost MOney Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 1:35 pm
Flip-flop oh what a relief it is. I can’t tell which is a bigger grouper — Quinn or Durbin? Although Quinn is on both sides of this issue, Durbin has been there for a longer period of time.

Comment by Marline Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 1:39 pm
i don’t think DURBIN has handled this situation well…Quinn
cannot be held to the same standard (he just took over the State reins, and got a look at the red ink) as our esteemed Senior Senator who talks tough and then does a great waffle imitation…let’s move on folks, this drama has run it’s course…here’s to 2010…

Comment by Anonymous45 Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 1:44 pm
Quinn isn’t exactly burnishing his credentials as a problem-solver, crisis manager, is he? As many thought, he is not ready for prime time. He was much more comfortable with the Sunday press conferences on mind-numbingly dull subjects and the occasional “I’m the consumer’s best friend” policy issue. As for Durbin, I think he’s been credible. He tried to slow down the process a little bit, but Blago’s stunt put him and the rest of the party in a bit of a bind, which Burris and Bobby Rush all too happily tightened with some silly race-based chatter. At its bottom, however, the issue comes down to Roland Burris, a man who is obviously unqualified for his post and who seems to have the ability to function despite the din of criticism around him. Those who followed his career may have known him as a pleasant, if empty headed, politician, but his ill-advised final foray into politics is raising troubling questions about his ethical standards. A month or so ago, revelations that he tried to get a witness indicted (for a fee, mind you) for a man who contributed more than $1 million to Burris’s campaign fund were obviously troubling to those who noticed the coverage. The constantly shifting story sounds like George Bush on the rationale for going to war in Iraq. Half-truths and some deliberate evasions. The worst of all of this is that it has absolutely killed the Obama from Illinois buzz and put us back into the Springfield sewer. Here’s hoping he resigns and stops the work on the mausoleum.

Comment by chiatty Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 1:55 pm
We just got over National Pancake Day and now we have state-wide waffle day.

Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 1:58 pm
This issue continues to draw attention away from the disasterous economic situation of the state. The state economy requires the undivided attention of leaders and citizens as we attempt to save our state from total economic collapse. Please focus! The Burris situation can wait.

Comment by One of the 35 Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 2:01 pm
Seems like everyone connected with this sad affair has had to tell several stories….Blago, Durbin, Reid, Burris, Quinn, Democrats, Republicans…the list goes on. I said it before and I say it again…let Sen. Tombstone serve out this term and then the voters will take him out. Burris ain’t gonna get anything done in the Senate, his colleagues don’t want anything to do with him. That why, the whole race debacle goes away and Illinois can start to get some things done. Oh, and Burris can update his tombstone. Everybody wins!

Comment by Deep South Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 2:13 pm
Have they resigned that Burris isn’t going to resign on his own?

Comment by Levois Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:20 pm
The Mighty Quinn. Oy.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:11 pm
Let’s hope that there is a strong, honorable Senate candidate out there who is taking notes and can use this mess to help us get Burris out of office during the regular election. As much as I’d like to see Burris gone (yesterday) he isn’t going anywhere on his own and no one is going to make him go. Most of the general public is bored and is moving on, along with the media.

The only good that will come out of this is that it may embolden Burris and others following his example to be so brazenly corrupt that they will commit arrestable offenses and the criminal courts can do what the court of public opinion and the political arena can’t seem to do–convict and remove from public office. Illinois politics seems to be like an alcoholic. Nothing is going to change until we hit rock bottom–the only question is what rock bottom actually is if it isn’t buying/sellling a Senate seat, bypassing the General Assembly to create stupid programs, or extortion for political gain.

Comment by Cinho Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:33 pm
Burris is an embarrassment and does not have a clue if he truly believes the majority of the people of Illinois want him as the junior Senator. Burris lied - if he didn’t lie, he has a memory problem. Either way, these two attributes are not desirable for a Senator.

Comment by this voter will remember Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 6:18 pm