Even though I'm tired of this story, why should he go away.? This was done legally. I find it interesting that they turn this man away because his appointment was "tainted", but you have Lieberman, Vitter, Stevens, and Wide Stance who are treated like saints. This whole thing stinks.
existenz
· 10 months ago
Exactly. Stevens was given a standing ovation AFTER being convicted of a felony. Larry Craig was never blocked from the Senate or thrown out. Vitter is still there. This is horrible PR and basically an act of childishness by Reid.
Burris was legally appointed, so let the man in. If anything, it's the IL Sec. of State who is breaking the law by failing to do his job and sign the governor's order.
KarenMrsLloydRichards
· 10 months ago
Final proof, for any doubters: Harry Reid is a clueless fuckup, who has no intelligence where political imagery is concerned (among his many other faults).
yates
· 10 months ago
wtf is "testicular fortitude"? honestly, i want to know. think before you write, john.
master baiter
· 10 months ago
it's one of Blago's most famous lines - obviously you are not from Illinois.....
Jimbo2K7
· 10 months ago
This is great? No, it is a ridiculous waste of time, and a sideshow that has the wingnuts giggling in the aisles.
There is no legal basis to stop the appointment, so let's get this over with.
We don't have to like what happened, but until the laws change, we have to cut the bs and live with it.
existenz
· 10 months ago
He was legally appointed, so I don't see how they can avoid seating him for much longer. Harry Reid is setting a really bad precedent where Republicans will try to prevent seating Democratic appointees just because they don't like him. I think Blago is scum, but this was a legal appointment.
Why does Harry Reid break the law to punish fellow Democrats, yet never used his powers to punish Republicans?
scottinsf
· 10 months ago
Reid seems to have painted the senate democrats into a corner. What a bumbling fool. If anybody needs to go away it's him.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
Ried paints himself in a corner. He needs to go. We need someone who doesn't mumble, and says what he/she means.
This is a farce.
CPL
· 10 months ago
Why does Harry Reid break the law to punish fellow Democrats, yet never used his powers to punish Republicans?
That's the ISSUE in a nutshell, and one that John conveniently IGNORES.
Reid turned this issue into one of Race. And going on MTP and singing the "some of my best friends are Black; how can I be a bigot?" song merely fuels the fire that he's playing bigoted politics and hoped we weren't watching.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Burris: "We are hoping and praying that they will not be able to deny what the Lord has ordained."
Just exactly what we don't need. Another religious nutcase. Read up on Burris. There's plenty to learn about this guy.
The Senate rules require that Burris' letter of appointment from Blagojevich must be co-signed by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. It was not. That alone gives the Senate grounds to deny him.
driver
· 10 months ago
Jesse White was influence not to sign his paper work by Harry Reid. Where does Harry Reid get the right to influence State politics,He doesnt Read the Fuc*ing constitution before You start answering questions You know nothing about.. What Reid did was exactly the same thing they are accusing Blago of.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Oh dear. You said a dirty word. And here I thought Blago was accused of trying to sell the office of Governor. Well, we can conjecture about what I do or do not know, and about what Reid did or did not do. But the fact remains that the required signature is missing, and therefore Reid had grounds to bar the nutcase at the door, which is what he did. Now I hear rumors that they may allow Burris to take the seat if he promises to go away in 2010. The concern is that if he runs again, a Republican may win. And that would be such a shame, because by then our little conversation would be long forgotten, and I'd not get the opportunity to say I told you so.
Smitty
· 10 months ago
AGAIN, you are SO wrong!! Here's what the constitution says about appointments. Please find where it says ANYTHING about the new senator needing his appointment OKed by the SoS. You're suggesting that senate rules supercede constitutional law. I'd love to see you argue THAT in a court of law.
17th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of each State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct."
Please point out where it says a signature is required by a state's SOS, because I can't find it.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Dear heart, I never said anything about the constitution. That is your argument. I said Reid is correct according to Senate rules, and you have just confirmed that for me. Thank you.
ezpz
· 10 months ago
I don't see how 'this is great' at all. Au contraire!
Once again, I agree with Pat Buchanan (a rarity) who said exactly what I was thinking - that Reid wanting to 'make a deal' is exactly what the 'taint' is on Blago. It doesn't matter whether it's for money or a promise not to run. It's still a sleezy and unethical attempt to effect an outcome.
What I would like to see is Reid not being seated, or at the least, his leadership powers stripped.
Rustyzipper
· 10 months ago
Great Point
Bit NOLA
· 10 months ago
I don't want Burris in the Senate.
And I don't want Reid there either.
Can a duel be arranged...with machine guns?
Older_Wiser
· 10 months ago
This is nothing but a sideshow that the Dems will never recover from, IMHO. If Burris is nothing but a placeholder for the next 2 yrs, he was appointed by a gov who is still legally in charge in IL and IL Dems should stop their crap.
Reid needs to go, Blago needs to go (legally), and Dems should stop aiding and abetting the Rethugs who are probably laughing all over the capitol.
I don't doubt this will be the last time there is some crap found on Dems, either, just like on Rethugs. When you're in the limelight and have the power, that's your fate.
Bush_Bites
· 10 months ago
Agree.
The rule of law should win out, and Blago's within the law.
That's the difference between us and the Repubs. We respect the law.
Indigo
· 10 months ago
Let me see now . . . the constitution of the great state of Illinois provides that the governor of the great state of Illinois appoint a replacement to the senate in the event that an opening occurs. An opening occured. The governor of the great state of Illinois appointed Burris. In a show of emotional cohesion suitable for bonding 7th graders, the Senate refused to seat Burris on account of because (!) they don't like the governor of the great state of Illinois and so they've bonded together to teach him a lesson.
Well, okay, whatever. The constituion is just a piece of paper. The Senate Democrats have ratified that Bushism.
What's next in this farce?
Bush_Bites
· 10 months ago
Yeah, I don't like Blago, but this is BS.
Blago's signing plenty of laws and making executive actions while he's under investigation. None of those will be repealed.
Why this?
Bush_Bites
· 10 months ago
Harry stands up to Democrats.
Never to Republics.
jcgraham77
· 10 months ago
that is the pink elephant sitting in the corner of the oval office....
frank
· 10 months ago
We act like pay to play is not the norm. These DemocRats are peeing on their own. If I was Irish I be a firefighter
SI Reasoning
· 10 months ago
I don' get what we are trying to achieve here. There is no evidence that Burress was picked via shady dealings. Blogo may be playing games, but as far as I can tell there is nothing scandalous about Burress himself. From here, this seems like a lot of nonsense. If there was something going on, I would have expected Fitzgerald to have announced it by now. I see no winning situation on this and it is very distracting when we have a lot of work to do to get ourselves out of the Bush Depression. Lets seat Frankin and Burress and get to work already.
jcgraham77
· 10 months ago
Actually he donated to Blago's campaign...considerably i believe...and that is the root of Blago's problems.
Mark
· 10 months ago
No, Burris did not donate "considerably" to Blago's campaign. Burris and members of his law firm donated $10,000 to Blagojevich's campaigns over the years.
Burris is one of the squeaky-cleanest pols in Illinois.
SPG
· 10 months ago
The process was corrupted, therefore the product of the process is also corrupted. Too bad for Burris, but that's the reality of the situation and what the Senate is dealing with. I'm torn on whether to seat him, provisionally or otherwise at this point.
Bit NOLA
· 10 months ago
If this in any way delays the Al Franken decade, I will donate money to the thug candidate who runs against Reid.
Nothing Reid does is in any way worth a second of Al's time in the big house.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
Agreed. I am really tired of Reid. He is a whimp and a waffler of the highest order. He needs to go.
Candice
· 10 months ago
Expressing glee when Senators stomp on the Constitution of our country? Not cool. Sorry, I've been reading America Blog for years, but recently I've begun seriously considering whether or not that is a good idea. If we don't uphold the Constitution, if we get excited when it is disregarded, then what else do we have? Nothing.
Savage8862
· 10 months ago
This is not great John. This is an embarrassment of the supreme order. Blag is a sitting governor. Until he is proven guilty then he has the constitutional right to appoint who he wants. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty no matter what the rumors are. It is disheartening that you seem to be taking the position that Blago is guilty even though he has not been indicted and not been convicted.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
I agree w/ you to some extent, however Blago was caught on tape asking for money. It's cut and dry, the man is guilty.
icebergslim
· 10 months ago
But he has NOT been indicted on ANYTHING. That is the whole point here. Blago selected one of the cleanest Il Pols around right now.
SPG
· 10 months ago
But, Blagojevich didn't select from the candidates that were qualified and didn't play ball with him. By eliminating qualified contenders due to corruption it makes Burris guilty of benefitting from the corruption, thereby he is no longer "one of the cleanest Pols" anymore. It's a bit of a stretch to make Burris actually guilty of anything other than being played as a pawn, but with such a high profile corruption case he's now a victim of it no matter how clean he might have been.
Orly?
· 10 months ago
As far as we know he was caught on tape talking about wanting money. Is there a tape showing that someone acted in furtherance of that scheme?
Smitty
· 10 months ago
Guilty until proven innocent? Is that what our nation has become?
driver
· 10 months ago
You an Idiot if You truly believe what You have written here.Was there any exchange of Money No was there anything except talking about it No there hasnt been a crime and as much as I dislike Blago I think Ole Fitz knows He screwed up or he did it on purpose to throw a wretch in the beginning of the new administation
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
what are you like twelve or something? Can't you discuss issues without resorting to name calling.
I know the law. And I am certain that after due process, Blago will be tossed in jail. Just like the previous Illinois governor.
You have a flair for the obvious my friend. Of course people are innocent until proven guilty. But equally, in this circumstance it appears to me that there must be some contingent that would be sufficient grounds for impeaching, then ousting Blago simply based on the fact that he is unable to govern given this situation.
Now, try to be a bit more polite. We are just talking here. No one is going to harm you for gods sake. Chill out.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
Here is what needs to happen:
1) Impeach Blago
2) Have the Lieutenant Gov appoint Burris.
3)Install Burris, if he is the most qualified.
Face saved, move on.
The Dems need this to go away before the inaguration. To have Burris be a distraction from the Inaguration would be really embarrassing to the Dems. Burris needs to get out of the news cycle.
Smitty
· 10 months ago
There's one problem Mark. A replacement has already been made. You can't replace a governor and then replace all of the people he LEGALLY appointed. Roland Burris is the legally appointed junior senator from Illinois and impeaching Blago won't change that fact. There is no vacancy to fill. The United States Supreme Court is going to make Harry Reid and the Democrats look really stupid in front of the entire nation on this one. The best thing the Democrats can do is replace Harry Reid and then have a REAL majority leader step in and seat Burris.
CPL
· 10 months ago
And should this farce go to the Supreme Court, and the Democrats LOSE, their first order of business afterwards is to strip Harry Reid of his Senate Majority Leadership - Durbin should be able to round up enough votes to send Reid packing.
Then they should vote to strip him of any Chairman positions he holds and return him to face Nevada voters in 2010 considerably WEAKENED.
IOW, the same shyt he should have done to Joe Lieberman, but kissed his ass instead.
Ha
· 10 months ago
Yeah Reid and his "No Negroes Allowed" policy hard at work. If it was a loser like Duckworth he'd have welcomed her with open arms.
EmGD
· 10 months ago
I'd like to get all worked up, but given Burris' demented conduct over the past few days, from declaring he was the only qualified person to have the seat, to his declaration that God ordained his selection, to somehow trying to pretend that rejecting him would be an insult to voters that didn't elect him, and not to mention the near constant playing of any race card he and his supporters can find, I'd have to say that anything they can do to keep this clown out of the seat is fine by me. He and Blagojevich were made for each other.
So glad to hear someone say that. Thank you so much. If we must choose the next person based on the color of his skin, let it be one of many decent and qualified African Americans. Not a nutjob like Burris. And let's remember that Obama is opposed to Burris as well.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
I am w/ Obama...he has been around that incidious illinois machine long enough to know who the rats are. If Obama says Burris is no good, I believe him here.
CPL
· 10 months ago
They had a qualified Black guy - two, actually; Burris and Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Reid didn't want Jr. - Blagojevich backed him into a corner with Burris.
This was not a good time for Reid to start channeling George Wallace, and in all honesty, if he wouldn't want Durbin sticking his nose into Nevada politics, why the hell would Reid interfere in Illinois politics?
That Karma is a bytch...
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Both Burris and Jackson Jr. are problematic. Recognizing that doesn't make someone George Wallace.
Smitty
· 10 months ago
And refusing to seat a constitutionally appointed Senator ISN'T problematic?
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
CPL and I were discussing racism. Your comment refers to our little exchange over procedure vs. constitution which arises out of your need to ignore my point and change the subject to the constitution.
truebluecoondog
· 10 months ago
Yes, thank you! Exactly my sentiment.
Rufus
· 10 months ago
A conspiracy requires an overt act in furtherance of that conspiracy. Any video tapes (or other evidence) showing him accepting the envelope stuffed with cash? We can discuss robbing a bank, but until we do something towards robbing the bank, it's just talk. Blago may well walk.
driver
· 10 months ago
Unless Ole fitz has Blago on tape receiving some form of payment no crime as been committed period.And He knows it that is why He has put off trying to indict Blago.You know when all He could drum up on Libby was the low level charges he did I knew He was playing for the Repukes He is a crook as well as the rest of them and if the constitution means anything to this country they better seat Burris and move on.
Mark
· 10 months ago
No. It's not great. The law is on Burris' side. He'll eventually get seated.
wearing out my F key
· 10 months ago
this is an outrage. there's no legal reason not to seat burris. not one.
PAULinDC
· 10 months ago
Burris - and not just his 'taint - was appointed legally. If Illinoisans ... or Illini or whatever ... don't want to elect him, they won't. Just get this off the table.
Was some rule/policy/law broken in Illinois? If so, I get the refusal and Burris is creating theater [not that he's not otherwise creating drama]. If not, let's get on with the inauguration.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
Agreed. But I am not so sure Burris should be the senator.
Older_Wiser
· 10 months ago
OT, but tighten your seatbelt...
Jan. 6 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. economy ended the year in a steep decline, with factory orders, home sales and service industries all contracting further, reports showed today.
The Institute for Supply Management’s index of non- manufacturing businesses was 40.6 for December, a higher-than- forecast reading that was still the second-worst on record. The National Association of Realtors index of pending home resales fell 4 percent in November, and the Commerce Department said orders at U.S. factories slumped for a fourth month.
Today’s data, covering three separate parts of the economy, show the broad-based nature of the slump and may put pressure on Congress to quickly enact President-elect Barack Obama’s fiscal- stimulus plan. With little prospect of growth in private demand, a turnaround may hinge on the tax and spending proposals Obama is aiming at middle-class households and businesses.
(Even with the Obama proposals, even optimistic economists aren't predicting any kind of change until the middle of the year--if it works. Don't forget, the trillion Paulson has already given away hasn't worked, either.)
wearing out my F key
· 10 months ago
the only thing that's "changed" is now there's a different party disregarding our nations laws in order to suit their whims.
Rustyzipper
· 10 months ago
Gee Reid tries to show he has Balls now... what happen in the last 8 years??
Seat Burris, and get over it.
Mark
· 10 months ago
Agreed, the law is on Burris' side. Blago has not been indicted. This is just a PR circus.
Mark
· 10 months ago
What many people find disturbing about Reid is that he specifically sided against Jesse Jackson Jr for Illinois appointment even though Jackson led in statewide polls for who would be the best Senate candidate. Moreover, Jackson had been endorsed by the leading Chicago newspapers! Jackson's voting record is also progressive. Reid supported, instead, Tammy Duckworth who has never won an election.
Harry Reid needs to go. He's ineffective and his sudden backbone after years of caving to Republicans proves how hacktacular he is.
Older_Wiser
· 10 months ago
Harry Reid is a Mormon--racism has been bred into him by the LDS.
Ajaz
· 10 months ago
IS OBAMA FAILING ALREADY? HIS SILENCE ON GAZA IS DEAFENING
Barack Obama says that there is only one President at a time and he will not comment on policy issues until he takes office on January 20, 2009.
However, he can't stop talking about the economy and he was even on Capitol Hill yesterday pushing his economic package. But he has not said a word about the Gaza tragedy. People are dying by the hour and he refuses to comment. At least the economy is not killing people, Gaza war is and he should stand up and make his views known.
He says he talks to Condi Rice on Gaza situation every day and that is not a good thing. Rice is a straight faced liar probably telling Obama how hard she is working to bring peace, while at the same time encouraging Israel not to stop despite World pressure.
I hope the reason for Obama's silence is that he is trying not to be confrontational because he is diametrically opposed to Bush Administration's Middle East policy and intends to change course of events immediately upon taking office. If this is not the case, his silence on Gaza is immoral.
Let us hope this is the case.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
We have one president. BUSH. He is on vacation.
Rustyzipper
· 10 months ago
Inauguration Day Rally for Burris:
There will be thousands of African-Americans in Washington that day to celebrate the swearing in of President-Elect Barack Obama.
This would be a "radioactive" situation...
And, if I were Barack Obama, I would do whatever it takes to get this over with NOW!
The alternative would be the danger of Burris being a big story on January 20, 2009.
Burris was appointed legally, and is a good man. The Jerk that appointed him will be gone soon...
Seat him and save what ever face you have left Mr Reid.
.
truebluecoondog
· 10 months ago
How can we seat the person who was appointed by the guy who was trying to SELL the seat???? How long would it take for it to be revealed that there was payola involved with Burris?
Smitty
· 10 months ago
Blagojevich has not been convicted of any crimes, has not been impeached and still has full power as governor of Illinois, a power which includes appointing a new senator to replace one leaving office. If Harry Reid or ANYONE has any evidence that Burris was illegally appointed, they need to present it. if not, they need to sit down and STFU. This entire political embarrassment is not from Burris accepting the nomination, but from Harry reid acting like a spoiled brat who isn't getting his way. They have no legal reason not to seat Burris.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Just one legal reason. The lack of one signature that is required by the State of Illinois.
Rustyzipper
· 10 months ago
you are kidding right?? this has to be the most up front, honest appointment in US history, the FBI has taps on the Gov's phones... Burris has never had a cloud over him.
wearing out my F key
· 10 months ago
"Burris was met at the Capitol entrance by Terry Gainer, the Senate sergeant at arms, who escorted him through the regular visitors' entrance and up to the third floor of the Capitol to Erickson's office -- in a regular elevator bank, not the one reserved for senators only."
a white person wouldn't be treated like this.
Older_Wiser
· 10 months ago
There was a lot of disrespect going on in the Capitol today; Terry Gainer is a long time friend of Burris's as well, so it must have been extremely painful for him as well.
The Party Traitor, LIEberman, got a hell of a lot more respect, but then, he's white...a lot of shit there.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
Blago is White, and has a lower approval rating than Bush. Don't inject race into this. If anything Blago very cynically injected race into this by appointing Burris in the first place.
I am so sick of the race card I could puke. Iowa, Wisonsin, and Minn overwhelmingly by huge margins just voted in a black man as president. These are the whitest of white states in the union.
Give me a break on the race BS.
No matter who Blago selected, they would have been rejected. This is part of Blagos sick mind to create chaos. Burris is a somewhat innocent by stander who happens to be black.
That's not naive, that's the truth.
Jay
· 10 months ago
Reid injected race into it. Blago outed him.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
No, Reid injected politics into it because he fears the republican back lash. Reid would have rejected anyone regardless of race. Reid is a whimp and must go.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
You are wrong. Blago is being treated like a criminal...and he is.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
I just don't see the race issue working anymore like it used to. First, we've just elected a black president. Second, that president elect himself is opposed to Burris. Third, saying that a white person wouldn't be treated like this doesn't fit, since the white person who appointed Burris is about to be impeached. Sorry. I think the days are over when making a statement like that could rock the political world. Things have changed.
Jay
· 10 months ago
Reid said he didn't want a black candidate. Things have changed? Apparently Reid doesn't think so.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Reid said he didn't want a black candidate? I'd love to see the link to that.
Smitty
· 10 months ago
Here's one for you. They're not hard to find using Google:
Yes, a white person would have been treated the same. The Senate made clear before anyone was appointed by Blago that they did not like the idea of seating any such individual.
Don't make this about race - you're just watering down the claims of true racial discrimination (but maybe that's what you want).
Jay
· 10 months ago
Reid said he didn't want black candidates. He made it about race.
Smitty
· 10 months ago
John, I'm not with you on this one brother!! Like him or not, Roland Burris was legally and constitutionally appointed by the sitting governor of the state of Illinois. Neither Harry Reid nor the Illinois SoS have veto power over that pick. Harry reid certainly should never have called SoS White's office and told him not to sign his papers, so that he could turn him away. This will now end up in the the Supreme Court. Harry reid and the Democrats will lose. They'll lose a lot of recently gained political clout, which they might need before the legal battles are over with Al Franken. They've also spit in the face of the majority of blacks who support them in every election. It wouldn't take many p*ssed off blacks to make a lot of blue states into red states. How can Harry Reid allow Lieberman to hold onto his chairmanship, give a standing ovation to convicted felon Ted Stevens and then pretend to take the high road with Senator Burris?
driver
· 10 months ago
What Reid did was exactly what they have accused Blago of doing now Reid should be investigated and prosecuted if in fact he did call the SOS and ask him to not sign his paper work this is an out rage where was Reid when the Repukes were robbing the treasury.God Im so discusted with the whole lot of useless crooks in DC.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
I'm no lawyer, but my guess is that Reid is following senate rules, and would therefore prevail if challenged. The Senate rules require that Illinois secretary of state Jesse White sign the appointment papers from Blagojevich, which he has not done. If there's going to be a successful court challenge, it would probably have to be against White, not Reid. Just my guess.
wearing out my F key
· 10 months ago
"Just go away."
no niggars allowed.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
except in the white house? I don't follow. What does any of this have to do w/ race? Bobby Rush is a thug...don't believe a thing he says.
SCLiberal
· 10 months ago
If you are going to use a racial slur at least spell it correctly.
Ferdiad
· 10 months ago
This is not great, it is terrible. The rule of law must be upheld. Where are all the Dems that were screaming for the "rule of law" during the past 8 years? A Senator is a representive of his/her native state - not a servant of the Federal Government. Illinois law governs, not the political wish of the Senate leadership. Right now, the governor of Illinois is innocent until proven guilty. That is how it works in our Nation. Under Illinois law, the governor has the absolute right to appoint Burris - and that is what he did. If the people don't like it, then they can vote him out when he runs next election. If the people of Illinois had spoken earlier by impeaching their governor, that would have worked as well. However, they didn't and Burris was apointed. We must uphold the rule of law or we are no better than Bush Cheney.
TKD
· 10 months ago
Whether Burris should be seated does not depend on whether he and his supporters are jerks, or Blagojevich is a crook. It depends exclusively on whether Burris is constitutionally eligible to the seat (he is), and whether he was actually appointed by the person with power to appoint (he was). Filling a vacant Senate seat, like signing or vetoing a law, is a unilateral power of the governor, not subject to confirmation by any other entity. Even if Blagojevich goes on to be impeached and convicted, that would not change the legal validity of actions he took while still holding office as governor. The secretary of state cannot defeat unilateral appointments by refusing to sign them; that would transfer the power of appointment from the governor to the secretary of state, contrary to law. And the Senate cannot indefinitely block the appointment on the grounds that the secretary of state hasn't signed it; the requirement for the signature is a Senate procedural rule, not a law, and therefore junior to the provisions of the Constitution and the law.
tropicgirl
· 10 months ago
Harry Reid has just as much of a "cloud" over him as Diane Feinstein who has profited from KBR, Kellog Brown and Root, her husband's company, who is a war contractor.
They are all crooks and liars but Burris is legitimately appointed and has no cloud over himself. I love how they criticize him as being opportunist. Harry Reid? Pelosi? Feinstein? To them its a virtue, why not him?
If these crooked senators can simply gang up on a man and keep him out of his appointment, then they would do the same to Kucinich, Ron Paul or anyone else that did not suit them. We have to have rules, and he was appointed by an ELECTED OFFICIAL. If they have something on Blago then where is it? You can't just accuse people as if they were convicted.
The more I watch this, the more I think they turn in who they want and certain ones get away with it. Or you can do it if you don't talk about it... How else can people like Diane Feinstein get away with voting for the war and enriching herself? I could go on about others who are close to the credit card industry (Biden), passing laws that are predatory toward customers, and SO MANY more. Burris seems more ethical than the rest so far. This is a joke and VERY beneath OB.
I fully support Burris and wish him the best. His conscience is clear.
d o c
· 10 months ago
And to those that know who Terry Gainer is, and his real reason for leaving the State of Illinois, find hilarity in this scene. He's as Illinois as the rest of them, and its a good chance Burris knows all about it.
johnosahon
· 10 months ago
sorry to break it to ya but Burris is GOING NO WHERE, if lieberman can be accepted back with open arms, burris can certainly be allowed in the whites-ONLY club (joking). anyways, need i remind you that blago is UNDER investigation, has NOT been indicted and is STILL the governor, maybe clinton should had given up power while he was under investigation during the monica scandal.
Indigo
· 10 months ago
I'm bothered by the show of eagerness to ignore the law. Blago is the governor. He made the appointment. Burris is the Senator. It doesn't matter who likes or does not like the process, that's it.
Unless, as some would have it, the Constitution is just a piece of paper. In that case, what a pretty armband! Does it have a special meaning?
benb
· 10 months ago
This guy is whining about legality when he ought to be thinking about propriety.
scottinsf
· 10 months ago
The more I think about it the more I'm pissed off about Burris being equated to and assumed to be a crook. WTF is "great" about this?
I certainly don't like Blago and could do without Burris' ordained by 'god' talk, but this is bullshit. I'll take Burris' inflated ego over Reid any day.
Jay Randal
· 10 months ago
Burris is kind of nutty, but Sen. Harry Reid has caused this problem by not calling for special election in Illinois to fill Obama's vacated Senate seat. Plus Harry stabbed Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in the back by asking Blago not to consider Jesse for the position. Burris most likely will get the position, by court order, so the seat probably gets picked up by Republican in 2010.
Mark in Florida
· 10 months ago
Don't feel sorry for JJ Jr. Like father like son.....I don't trust him. He is part of that horrible biz as usual Chicago machine.
Jay
· 10 months ago
What evidence do you have to support that assertion? Also, I assume you have evidence that shows that whatever you think JJjr has done wrong is different than standard DC practice right?
interlude
· 10 months ago
Reid needs to go. what has he done lately for the Democratic Party? what right does he have to ignore the law regarding the senate?
Eyeball_Kid
· 10 months ago
You know that the Dems now own the descriptor, "Woos", by getting all uppity about Burris while shitting in their pants when faced with confronting the Bush/Cheney Crime syndicate. The Dems are disgusting cowards. Every last one of them. If any of them aren't screaming at the top of their lungs right now over the mass murdering and lawlessness of the B/C Crime Family, screaming for prosecutions, then they're all cowards.
Don't trust any of them. Reconsider when they show a common sense of justice, when they ACT to preserve and defend the Constitution.
CPL
· 10 months ago
Okay, John, Now I have to challenge you.
You're after Obama to appoint gays to his Cabinet, but Roland Burris, a legitimately appointed Senator, has to "Go Away".
I'm just wondering if Burris were gay, would you be singing the same tune.
Many times I'm in agreement with your posts, but you sure know how to go nuclear when its ONE OF US.
DOCKLarry
· 10 months ago
As a liberal and gay Democrat from Chicago, Roland Burris was appointed legally under the rules of the Illinois constitution. Just like Bill Clinton was allowed to continue to appoint folks and run the Executive Branch while he was investigated by the Repugs, impeached by the House, and tried by the Senate, so to will Blago if, when, and until he is removed from office. Live with it!
benb
· 10 months ago
Did Bill Clinton appoint anyone to an elected office when he was under investigation?
DOCKLarry
· 10 months ago
yes, go back and check the records
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Burris requires two signatures. The Governor's he got. The Sec of State he did not get. So he's not legally appointed under the rules of the Illinois constitution. You can argue that he was improperly denied the second signature, but that is a matter for the State of Illinois. Meanwhile Reid was correct to turn Burris away for lack of proper credentials.
DOCKLarry
· 10 months ago
Our state constitution does not give the Secretary of State the option of refusing to sign and seal a form such as this. After the governor makes an appoint such as this, the constitution says the Secretary of State cosigns the form and uses the seal of the state of Illinois on it. There is no option of refusing to do what Jesse White did.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
If you say so, I can believe that to be the case. The only point I kept trying to make in my conversation with others was that the issue in Illinois over the validity of the appointment gave Reid the option to act as he did yesterday. Burris lacked the proper credentials when he showed up in Washington. If the Illinois Sec. of State denied his signature improperly it is going to be a matter that must be worked out in Illinois.
elizabethcostello
· 10 months ago
Lest anyone forget, Blagojevich has NOT been indicted. He is still the legal governor of Illinois. Illinois's constitution gives him the right to appoint someone to fill an open US Senate seat until a special election is called and held. Jesse White, a hack if there ever was one, has no right whatsoever to deny Burris the appropriate cerfication. As obnoxious as Burris has proved to be, White's treatment of him and the Senate's refusal to seat him are Constitutionally problematic. We didn't like it when George W. Bush and his corrupt gang violated the Constitution over and over again, and we shouldn't allow the Democrats to do it either, least of all to a fellow Democratic Senator!
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Well, he's not a senator yet. And Reid didn't violate any rules. Burris still needs that other signature. And my hunch is that if Burris is finally given the nod, we'll live to regret it. I think Obama's right in opposing Burris.
elizabethcostello
· 10 months ago
Reid will be violating the Constitution if he bars a legitimately and legally appointed Senator to take his seat. Reid allowed a convict (Larry Craig) to remain in the Senate; he allowed a man who'd admitted to behavior that was criminal in nearly every state (patronizing a prostitute) to remain in the Senate; he and numerous other Senators not only did not expel a convicted felon (Ted Stevens), but cheered him on. Whether you or I or anyone else likes Blagojevich, he hasn't even been indicted, let alone convicted, he is still the legitimate governor of Illinois until he resigns or is impeached, and his pick is the junior Senator. Also, Burris is an extremely liberal Democrat. He was pro-gay long before it was fashoinable, he is pro-labor and pro-union, and his stances in general are progressive. If the Democrats keep treating this man like crap they will live to regret it. Seat him, let him vote, he'll be voted out in 2010, but the Democrats nevertheless get a liberal vote they'll need to pass all the legislation they're hoping to.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Yes, he'll be voted out in 2010, and likely replaced by a Republican.
Regardless of what Reid allowed or didn't allow in other cases, in this case he would violate Senate rules if he did not bar Burris who is missing a signature.
Smitty
· 10 months ago
Are you suggesting that senate rules supercede constitutional law? There's nothing in the 17th amendment that requires an appointed senator to need a Secretary of State's further approval. All that is required "constitutionally" (Google 17th amendment) is a state's top executive, the governor, appointing him. Harry Reid, by refusing to seat Senator Burris, is violating the very constitution that he swore on a Bible to uphold. Harry Reid should be stripped of his senate seat himself, for openly violating constitutional law in the performance of his duties as senate majority leader.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Again, Reid did not violate Senate rules. Your argument is one I think you should personally should take to the Supreme Court, and of course to your god, since you mention the bible..
elizabethcostello
· 10 months ago
Actually, Senate rules only SUGGEST that Burris have White's signature; it's not required. Read the rule. Also, White has no standing to deny the legitimate governor's signature, so it's very likely that an Illinois court will rule he has to certify Burris. He cannot arbitrarily decide he will not carry out his duty.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
The Senate rules are not in question. Reid has followed them correctly. If I'm not mistaken, it is the law of Illinois that requires both signatures before the appointment is official. If both signatures are not given, Burris isn't officially nominated. Therefore this whole argument is moot. Reid acted properly because Burris' credentials were not in order. Now if there is a problem in Illinois, then that will have to be worked out there. Meanwhile I'm sure this whole thing will be settled in some other way.
elizabethcostello
· 10 months ago
You are incorrect. The Senate rule does NOT require that Burris have White's signature. On top of that, as White said today, he does not have the power to deny his signature to a legimately appointee. As I said, please read the Senate rule, and the Illnois state constitution, which are clear. Burris is the legitimate junior Senator from Illinois. And Harry Reid is an ass and idiot for making this stand against him, while he coddled convicts like Larry Craig, David Vitter, and most outrageously, Ted Stevens.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Again, I didn't say the Senate rules require both signatures. The Senate rules require that Burris' credentials be in order. The State of Illinois requires that Burris' get both signatures. You are arguing against something I never said. If there is a problem in Illinois, it will have to be worked out in Illinois. Meanwhile Reid was correct to bar Burris because his credentials were not in order.
Smitty
· 10 months ago
Some of you seem to not be familiar with it, so let me post the pertinent part. This is from the 17th amendment to the constitution of the United States, which every member who takes the oath of office swears to uphold: "When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of each State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct."
While Harry Reid is worried about the governor who made the appointment being tainted, he's breaking constitutional law himself. How can a man who swears to uphold the constitution but then doesn't be trusted as majority leader? Harry Reid needs to step down and give the leadership to someone who understands constitutional law!
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
Just one little kink in that argument. The appointment isn't made. Burris hasn't officially been appointed until he gets both signatures. Therefore Reid is obligated by Senate rules not to seat him, and he does not violate the Constitution. It's so simple. Now those who argue that Reid was somehow involved in getting the second signature blocked should feel free to take the case themselves to the courts. Of course by that time Reid will have probably worked out a compromise or some other arrangement. The good news is that Burris was turned away, and all according to the law.
Tim
· 10 months ago
Mr. Aravosis,
You are living proof that you can have a law degree and post-graduate degree and speek five languages and still be a f***ing idiot. I read just recently read a column you wrote almost two years ago about the "Barack the Magic Negro" parody, of course accusing Limbaugh of being a racist, yet when actual racism is staring you right in the face, you ignore it. Where is the outrage against Senator Reid(who is white by the way) baring a legitimate, qualified replacement for the magic negro's senate seat? Mr. Burris (who is black by the way) is kept out of the Senate by the white establishment. Where is your outrage at that? I guess it's selective racism . . . if there is a hint that Republicans or conserevatives do anything in your mind that is considered racist, it is. Yet when progressive, open-minded, tolerant, liberals such as Harry Reid actually engage in open racism, you ignore it.
RitornaVincitor
· 10 months ago
This whole racism argument isn't going to stick. I suppose it might have gotten a little more traction if Barack hadn't come out against Burris, and if Burris himself did not say that this has nothing to do with racism, but even then it wouldn't have gone very far. Things have changed by the mere fact that Obama has been elected. The race card just doesn't have the power it once had.
elizabethcostello
· 10 months ago
Tim, Tim, this is not a racial issue. Reid took a stand which was incorrect, based on a misunderstanding of the relevant Constitutional laws and legal precedents. It's unfortunate that as Senate Majority leader he did not act more calmly and deliberately, and wasn't cognizant of the relevant laws, but his action was not racially motivated. It was an attempt to take a stand against Blagojevich, who deftly played the racial card for a hot second, in an effort to get back at all the Democrats who'd turned against him, and it worked, for a hot second. But now Burris will likely be seated as Illinois's junior Senator, and all the people who thought they were going to spite him in violation of the law, including African Americans like Jesse White and our soon-to-be president, Barack Obama, will rue that they did not think and act more rationally as opposed to out of pure emotion. Meanwhile, what is taking so long with the indictment, let alone impeachment, of Blagojevich?
All Comments
Burris was legally appointed, so let the man in. If anything, it's the IL Sec. of State who is breaking the law by failing to do his job and sign the governor's order.
There is no legal basis to stop the appointment, so let's get this over with.
We don't have to like what happened, but until the laws change, we have to cut the bs and live with it.
Why does Harry Reid break the law to punish fellow Democrats, yet never used his powers to punish Republicans?
This is a farce.
That's the ISSUE in a nutshell, and one that John conveniently IGNORES.
Reid turned this issue into one of Race. And going on MTP and singing the "some of my best friends are Black; how can I be a bigot?" song merely fuels the fire that he's playing bigoted politics and hoped we weren't watching.
Just exactly what we don't need. Another religious nutcase. Read up on Burris. There's plenty to learn about this guy.
The Senate rules require that Burris' letter of appointment from Blagojevich must be co-signed by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. It was not. That alone gives the Senate grounds to deny him.
17th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of each State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct."
Please point out where it says a signature is required by a state's SOS, because I can't find it.
Once again, I agree with Pat Buchanan (a rarity) who said exactly what I was thinking - that Reid wanting to 'make a deal' is exactly what the 'taint' is on Blago. It doesn't matter whether it's for money or a promise not to run. It's still a sleezy and unethical attempt to effect an outcome.
What I would like to see is Reid not being seated, or at the least, his leadership powers stripped.
And I don't want Reid there either.
Can a duel be arranged...with machine guns?
Reid needs to go, Blago needs to go (legally), and Dems should stop aiding and abetting the Rethugs who are probably laughing all over the capitol.
I don't doubt this will be the last time there is some crap found on Dems, either, just like on Rethugs. When you're in the limelight and have the power, that's your fate.
The rule of law should win out, and Blago's within the law.
That's the difference between us and the Repubs. We respect the law.
Well, okay, whatever. The constituion is just a piece of paper. The Senate Democrats have ratified that Bushism.
What's next in this farce?
Blago's signing plenty of laws and making executive actions while he's under investigation. None of those will be repealed.
Why this?
Never to Republics.
Burris is one of the squeaky-cleanest pols in Illinois.
I'm torn on whether to seat him, provisionally or otherwise at this point.
Nothing Reid does is in any way worth a second of Al's time in the big house.
I know the law. And I am certain that after due process, Blago will be tossed in jail. Just like the previous Illinois governor.
You have a flair for the obvious my friend. Of course people are innocent until proven guilty. But equally, in this circumstance it appears to me that there must be some contingent that would be sufficient grounds for impeaching, then ousting Blago simply based on the fact that he is unable to govern given this situation.
Now, try to be a bit more polite. We are just talking here. No one is going to harm you for gods sake. Chill out.
1) Impeach Blago
2) Have the Lieutenant Gov appoint Burris.
3)Install Burris, if he is the most qualified.
Face saved, move on.
The Dems need this to go away before the inaguration. To have Burris be a distraction from the Inaguration would be really embarrassing to the Dems. Burris needs to get out of the news cycle.
Then they should vote to strip him of any Chairman positions he holds and return him to face Nevada voters in 2010 considerably WEAKENED.
IOW, the same shyt he should have done to Joe Lieberman, but kissed his ass instead.
http://thesebastards.blogspot.com/
Reid didn't want Jr. - Blagojevich backed him into a corner with Burris.
This was not a good time for Reid to start channeling George Wallace, and in all honesty, if he wouldn't want Durbin sticking his nose into Nevada politics, why the hell would Reid interfere in Illinois politics?
That Karma is a bytch...
Was some rule/policy/law broken in Illinois? If so, I get the refusal and Burris is creating theater [not that he's not otherwise creating drama]. If not, let's get on with the inauguration.
Jan. 6 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. economy ended the year in a steep decline, with factory orders, home sales and service industries all contracting further, reports showed today.
The Institute for Supply Management’s index of non- manufacturing businesses was 40.6 for December, a higher-than- forecast reading that was still the second-worst on record. The National Association of Realtors index of pending home resales fell 4 percent in November, and the Commerce Department said orders at U.S. factories slumped for a fourth month.
Today’s data, covering three separate parts of the economy, show the broad-based nature of the slump and may put pressure on Congress to quickly enact President-elect Barack Obama’s fiscal- stimulus plan. With little prospect of growth in private demand, a turnaround may hinge on the tax and spending proposals Obama is aiming at middle-class households and businesses.
(Even with the Obama proposals, even optimistic economists aren't predicting any kind of change until the middle of the year--if it works. Don't forget, the trillion Paulson has already given away hasn't worked, either.)
Seat Burris, and get over it.
Harry Reid needs to go. He's ineffective and his sudden backbone after years of caving to Republicans proves how hacktacular he is.
HIS SILENCE ON GAZA IS DEAFENING
Barack Obama says that there is only one President at a time and he will not comment on policy issues until he takes office on January 20, 2009.
However, he can't stop talking about the economy and he was even on Capitol Hill yesterday pushing his economic package. But he has not said a word about the Gaza tragedy. People are dying by the hour and he refuses to comment. At least the economy is not killing people, Gaza war is and he should stand up and make his views known.
He says he talks to Condi Rice on Gaza situation every day and that is not a good thing. Rice is a straight faced liar probably telling Obama how hard she is working to bring peace, while at the same time encouraging Israel not to stop despite World pressure.
I hope the reason for Obama's silence is that he is trying not to be confrontational because he is diametrically opposed to Bush Administration's Middle East policy and intends to change course of events immediately upon taking office. If this is not the case, his silence on Gaza is immoral.
Let us hope this is the case.
There will be thousands of African-Americans in Washington that day to celebrate the swearing in of President-Elect Barack Obama.
This would be a "radioactive" situation...
And, if I were Barack Obama, I would do whatever it takes to get this over with NOW!
The alternative would be the danger of Burris being a big story on January 20, 2009.
Burris was appointed legally, and is a good man. The Jerk that appointed him will be gone soon...
Seat him and save what ever face you have left Mr Reid.
.
a white person wouldn't be treated like this.
The Party Traitor, LIEberman, got a hell of a lot more respect, but then, he's white...a lot of shit there.
I am so sick of the race card I could puke. Iowa, Wisonsin, and Minn overwhelmingly by huge margins just voted in a black man as president. These are the whitest of white states in the union.
Give me a break on the race BS.
No matter who Blago selected, they would have been rejected. This is part of Blagos sick mind to create chaos. Burris is a somewhat innocent by stander who happens to be black.
That's not naive, that's the truth.
http://www.stoptheaclu.com/archives/2009/01/03/...
Don't make this about race - you're just watering down the claims of true racial discrimination (but maybe that's what you want).
no niggars allowed.
They are all crooks and liars but Burris is legitimately appointed and has no cloud over himself. I love how they criticize him as being opportunist. Harry Reid? Pelosi? Feinstein? To them its a virtue, why not him?
If these crooked senators can simply gang up on a man and keep him out of his appointment, then they would do the same to Kucinich, Ron Paul or anyone else that did not suit them. We have to have rules, and he was appointed by an ELECTED OFFICIAL. If they have something on Blago then where is it? You can't just accuse people as if they were convicted.
The more I watch this, the more I think they turn in who they want and certain ones get away with it. Or you can do it if you don't talk about it... How else can people like Diane Feinstein get away with voting for the war and enriching herself? I could go on about others who are close to the credit card industry (Biden), passing laws that are predatory toward customers, and SO MANY more. Burris seems more ethical than the rest so far. This is a joke and VERY beneath OB.
I fully support Burris and wish him the best. His conscience is clear.
Unless, as some would have it, the Constitution is just a piece of paper. In that case, what a pretty armband! Does it have a special meaning?
I certainly don't like Blago and could do without Burris' ordained by 'god' talk, but this is bullshit. I'll take Burris' inflated ego over Reid any day.
Plus Harry stabbed Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in the back by asking Blago not to consider Jesse for the position. Burris most likely will get the position, by court order, so the seat probably gets picked up by Republican in 2010.
what right does he have to ignore the law regarding the senate?
Don't trust any of them. Reconsider when they show a common sense of justice, when they ACT to preserve and defend the Constitution.
You're after Obama to appoint gays to his Cabinet, but Roland Burris, a legitimately appointed Senator, has to "Go Away".
I'm just wondering if Burris were gay, would you be singing the same tune.
Many times I'm in agreement with your posts, but you sure know how to go nuclear when its ONE OF US.
Regardless of what Reid allowed or didn't allow in other cases, in this case he would violate Senate rules if he did not bar Burris who is missing a signature.
While Harry Reid is worried about the governor who made the appointment being tainted, he's breaking constitutional law himself. How can a man who swears to uphold the constitution but then doesn't be trusted as majority leader? Harry Reid needs to step down and give the leadership to someone who understands constitutional law!
You are living proof that you can have a law degree and post-graduate degree and speek five languages and still be a f***ing idiot. I read just recently read a column you wrote almost two years ago about the "Barack the Magic Negro" parody, of course accusing Limbaugh of being a racist, yet when actual racism is staring you right in the face, you ignore it.
Where is the outrage against Senator Reid(who is white by the way) baring a legitimate, qualified replacement for the magic negro's senate seat? Mr. Burris (who is black by the way) is kept out of the Senate by the white establishment. Where is your outrage at that?
I guess it's selective racism . . . if there is a hint that Republicans or conserevatives do anything in your mind that is considered racist, it is. Yet when progressive, open-minded, tolerant, liberals such as Harry Reid actually engage in open racism, you ignore it.