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*** UPDATE - 11:23 am *** Fine, but the tapes should also be released to the general public….
A federal judge today authorized the release of audio tapes of secret recordings of coversations between U.S. Sen. Roland Burris and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s brother to a Senate ethics committee. […]
Before the hearing, [Burris’ criminal lawyer, Timothy Wright] said, “the truth will finally come out,’’ in an apparent reference to recordings that took place last November and involve discussions between Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund chair Robert Blagojevich and Burris regarding fund-raising for the ex-governor.
More…
Timothy Wright, a lawyer for Burris, said he also did not object to the release and said he believed the tape would show Burris did nothing wrong. “We think it is what it is,” Wright said. “The truth is coming out. We think it helps to vindicate the senator.”
*** UPDATE - 11:59 am *** The tape may be released to the public after all. From the US Attorney’s office..
When a formal order is issued regarding today’s proceedings and any materials are publicly docketed, the Government will make available any of its filings and materials that are ordered unsealed. There is no estimate available of when this will occur.
[ *** End of Updates *** ]
* Is Roland Burris beginning to see reality? Maybe, maybe not…
Burris wants to jump in the 2010 election, despite longshot odds. Durbin will not support him. The Senate Democratic political operation is trying to recruit Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to run. On the day we talked — May 19 — Burris met with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to discuss his political future. Earlier, he conferred with Sen. Robert Menendez, the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. And the day before — May 18 — Burris called on William Daley.
“My impression is he is going to be a candidate,” Daley told me. […]
I asked Burris about his timetable for deciding if he will run.
“Lynn . . . if you don’t have money, whether or not you say you are going to run is not relevant. . . . You take away your option.”
That last quote was probably the most sense I’ve heard from Burris since he was appointed by Rod Blagojevich. Then again, it might’ve just been a momentary lapse into reason.
* Speaking of momentary lapses, is Steve Preston really a viable alternative to Mark Kirk?…
The NRSC chairman also mentioned Chicago-area Rep. Mark Kirk, a social issues moderate, as a strong candidate against Burris (who faces a stiff primary challenge from businessman Christopher Kennedy, son of the late Robert Kennedy).
“But if Mark doesn’t run, there are other possible strong candidates,” he said. (Although Cornyn gave no name, sources in the Illinois GOP suggested to me he was referring to Steve Preston, Housing and Urban Development secretary under George W. Bush).
* Related…
* Roland Burris In St. Louis Area Talking About The Stimulus Package
* Attorney Gen. Madigan objects to Chrysler sale: Ms. Madigan filed her objection on behalf of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission and the Illinois Self-Insurers Advisory Board. She opposes the sale to Fiat SpA if it fails to set aside monetary provisions for injured Chrysler workers in Illinois.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 9:24 am
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Not sure if Preston is a viable alternative to Kirk. How much longer will Kirk wait to announce his plans?
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 9:33 am
No - he is not. Voters are not going to be interested in a guy who ran with Lehman Brothers, George Bush or has experience in the financial market.
When the Market tanked in October 2008, pro-business, anti-government candidates saw their poll number plummet. Even those candidates tied or ahead of the winning candidates - when news about economic failure hit the air, voters immediately went for Mommy candidates who promised to protect them from reality.
While the tide is turning on support for Big Government, we will not be willing to completely write off the multi-trillion dollar budget disaster by election, 2010, unless we see another event as large as last Autumn’s Market collapse.
So, as of today, I don’t see Preston as being a viable candidate generally, or in Illinois, especially.
Unless the Democrats serve up Roland Burris, that is.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 9:47 am
oes Cobb really beleive this stuff? “Delmarie Cobb, Burris’ sole political consultant, said Senate Democrats “are supposed to embrace him and help him find the money. That’s what they do for other incumbents.”"
She and Burris have thumbed their collective noses at the Senate Dem’s, but yet they expect the senate Dems to go out and raise money for Burris?
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 10:08 am
Every day in the Senate is gravy for Burris. I’m sure he’s enjoying immensely the lordly, every-day perks and bennies the Senate has built up for itself over two hundred plus years.
Reality is overrated, anyway.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 10:16 am
He got what he wanted and can now engrave this on his tombstone.
Now, please, Burris. Go away.
Comment by Macbeth Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 10:20 am
what’s on the tape, Roland? the judge just highlighted a tape with you on it and that can’t be good.
Preston is a very serious, smart, and connected possibility for the Senate seat. very connected.
Comment by Amy Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 10:29 am
Kirk is in no hurry and is currently in China. I’d be prepared to settle in for a bit longer for a decision.
Comment by Team America Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 10:30 am
Is Peston conservative or moderate? I read that he was administrator of the Small Business Administration, June 2006-June ‘08, and that he was secretary of HUD, June 2008-Jan. ‘09.
Comment by ConservativeVeteran Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 10:38 am
What TA said.
Why would Kirk hurry? He’s already a federal officeholder, and thus can raise federal dollars. No other Republican, serious or otherwise, has surfaced as a viable alternative. And as someone who is not yet a candidate, he is not yet subject to the scrutiny that being a candidate brings with it.
Comment by JonShibleyFan Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 11:05 am
Apt Pink Floyd paraphrase, Rich.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 11:18 am
Is it safe to say the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s investigation of Roland Burris has fizzled? I don’t recall ever seeing anything come out on this.
Comment by Cheswick Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 12:41 pm
==He had $845 in a 2010 fund as of the last filing. He has no substantive fund-raising plan. He has not put together a political organization.
Delmarie Cobb, Burris’ sole political consultant, said Senate Democrats “are supposed to embrace him and help him find the money. That’s what they do for other incumbents.”
This is the kind of advice you get for under a grand… I would say Burris is resigned to getting smoked in the primary; he just doesn’t know by who.
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 2:17 pm
forgot: those incumbents actually won an election. Can’t wait to hear the tapes!
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 2:18 pm
test
Comment by shore Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 2:22 pm
VQ, I guarantee you he’s having the time of his life in Washington. No real responsibilities, and everybody on Capitol Hill treats him like a big shot.
He can do the Embassy Row circuit, where the diplomats say nice things to everyone. He has a big staff to boss around. Senators are treated like, well, kings and queens under the dome, from the dining rooms to the “gym” (much more a private club) to the elevator guys to the haircuts to the dry cleaning to the valet service……
Really, it’s the job he’s wanted his entire career (who wouldn’t, if it was given to you?). He’ll savor every day.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 2:28 pm
word. You are right. The deserving end to a lengthy career based on public serv….shoot, couldn’t even finish that with a straight face! But what if the Blago tapes contradict one of his versions? Would it all be worth it to go out disgraced? Stay tuned…
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 2:32 pm
VQ, Burris has already contradicted himself so many times, it won’t matter what’s on the tape. I’m quite sure if there’s anything negative, Burris will say he doesn’t remember or understand the context.
I haven’t talked to the guy in 20 years and was never a fan, but watching TV appearances, I think he’s entered his dotage.
I have some family experience with that and I can see some familiar signs. I hope he has someone close to him that’s looking out for his best interests.
Actually, the Senate has a lot of experience in the area. Strom, Byrd, Stevens, countless more. If I live to be a high-maintenance old guy (doubtful), I hope it’s as a United States senator (also doubtful).
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 2:57 pm
What I want to see are the conversations between Rob Blagojevich and Fred Lebed, Roland’s right hand guy. I will be SHOCKED if Roland is on tape in an incriminating way because he’s such an idiot and wouldn’t have been involved with anything of substance.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 3:20 pm
I’ll second that, word.
AA thought for years “retired CEO or Board member of Fortune 500 Company” would be the #1 retirement gig; huge bennies, free (and nice) office and secretary, use of the company air fleet, security (aka drivers) and basically all the perks of the job with none of the stress. I think that paradigm shifted.
Now retiring to the Senate or the halls of academia look like the best ROAD (Retired On Active Duty) options if one has the choice.
AA is already high-maintenance, but not that old. I like to think of myself as a gently aging classic Mercedes, but the kids keep me grounded by noting that description also fits most Plymouths.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, May 26, 09 @ 4:00 pm
Burris just did a press availability in front of his Chicago house. Not a good idea.
Started well, but he started to lose it, screaming at a reporter over and over, “have you read it? have you read it? have you read it?” regarding his affadavit.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 7:36 am
On Fox, Burris followed by Sen. Dillard live from Springfield banging the drum for Pat Collins and reform.
He looks and sounds more like Big Jim every day.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, May 27, 09 @ 7:38 am