Dem's Hurting Future Obama Admin
I hate to say it but I think the Democrats are harming President-elect Obama's future administration and their chances to get the 'American people' behind them on other issues during the upcoming year - with them fighting against Gov. Blagojevich's pick to fill President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.
The longer this Illinois story is in the news the more harm it does to all of us, not just Illinoisans.
I think American's would look more respectful toward a Party that was willing to let the 'people' decide who will replace Obama in the Senate in this situation. Even if they were to lose the seat, they would be showing that they 'support' the Democratic process, rather than just their Party's interest.
If Roland Burris wants the seat, let him run for it in a special election. Let the people decide if he is suited for the position.
This would be the quickest solution to the problem. We have way too many other problems to worry about, our economy for one and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan than to spend a year arguing over one man's position in the Senate.
Senator Reid and Senator Durbin, along with many other Democrats have all praised Roland Burris as a man of integrity. If they truly believe this, than let him be their candidate in a special election.
I say let Roland Burris take Obama's seat this week; but only until a special election can be held some time in March or April. This way Illinois will represented at least temporarily until the election can be held.
Meanwhile, I call upon Illinois Senators and Representatives to pass a bill forcing any new seats to be selected by special election and not just one man or woman Governor.
Might I suggest you acquaint yourself with the legal term "ex post facto"?
The only way to do this would have been to remove Gov. Spellcheck before his appointment of Burris, which as far as I know was not done.
I suspect that since he is still Governor, Spellcheck would have the right under Illinois law, although it also presumes incredibly bad judgment on his part (a point which I think is no longer subject to discussion) to make that appointment.
If I were inclined to wager, I'd say Burris will be a Senator for two years, and then a former Senator. Since I'm not inclined to wager on it, this will be an academic discussion at most.
January 4, 2009 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
So, you're saying that even tho the governor might have killed somebody, because he is still governor we should allow him the right's of that Governorship - right?
JUST BECAUSE - is no reason to allow things to go on as though they never happened.
P.S.
what do you mean by Spellcheck?
January 4, 2009 6:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
"what do you mean by Spellcheck?"
Blagojevich = Hard to spell... therefore, 'Gov. Spellcheck'.
January 5, 2009 1:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Old Grouch is right. Blagojevich hasn't even been indicted let alone convicted. His arch nemesis's daughter - the state AG - whose dad would love to see as governor already tried to have Blago removed by the IL for being incapacitated, unable to perform his duties. So with great glee he's carried on with his duties, signing bills, and nominating a senator. The IL Assembly might impeach and remove Blago by Abe Lincoln's birthday but that doesn't mean they can turn back the clock and undo the then sitting governor's appointment.
I think the best senate Dems can do is get Burris to agree not to run in 2010 in trade for not stalling him. It remains to be seen whether they can hold him to that promise. He's proven over the last few weeks that his ambition outweighs his sanity. In any event he'd most likely lose in the primary.
January 5, 2009 1:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Make that "removed by the IL Supreme Court for being incapacitated"
January 5, 2009 1:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
you want a man that now talks like Bush by claiming the LORD ordained his position?
Nope -- special election is the only way to be FAIR to voters.
January 5, 2009 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink