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It was reported today that contrary to his prior contention, Roland Burris verbally agreed to a pay for play scheme in order to secure appointment to the United States Senate. Such revelations are extremely disappointing. Burris must resign from the United States Senate immediately.
These developmentsare unfortunate for a public servant who, prior to engaging in dealings with Governor Blagojevich, enjoyed a taint-free tenure as Illinois’ Comptroller, Attorney General and candidate for Governor of Illinois. Many people stuck their necks out in support of Burris, including prominent clergy from Chicago.
During his confirmation process, Burris repeated the argument that his appointment was “taint free” and that he never engaged in pay to play with disgraced former Governor Blagojevich. He lied, at least in principle. Although he never cut any checks for Blagojevich, he still agreed in principle. There is no excuse for him, however. He was the State’s chief law enforcement officer and as such should have known that even the appearance of any unethical arrangement as the one in which he was involved could be criminal.
The private details of his conversation reveal a person more interested in his personal political future than service to the people of Illinois. He should have lobbied for the seat without promising anything, no matter how difficult it would be. Unfortunately, he chose another option.
He was ultimately confirmed by the Senate contingent upon his testifying before the State Senate about his contacts with Blagojevich. Democratic leaders merely wanted to ensure that he had not engaged or agreed to engage in any illegal or unethical arrangement surrounding the seat.
Further, he craftily employed the use of race to arouse the sympathy of Senators Reid and Durbin. As to Burris’ argument that African Americans should have representation in the United States Senate, he is absolutely correct. There should even be more than one African American in the Senate. But, to use race as a last resort measure when it was not clear that he had not engaged in (or agreed to engage in) a scheme with Blagojevich, is to play the race card.
As an African American, I do not make that statement lightly. But I think in this particular circumstance, it is appropriate.
What should happen is that Burris should resign his tainted seat so that Governor Quinn can consider others candidates, including highly qualified African Americans such as Congressman Danny Davis. Congressman Jesse Jackson also deserves a look, although it is not clear whether he agreed to a similar scheme. If so, he should be eliminated from consideration. Additionally, the Governor should consider the highly regarded State Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias.
Mr. Burris, it is time for you to go. Good riddance.
