In a display of political bravado, disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich today appointed former Illinois Atty. Gen. Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate, challenging national Democratic leaders to reject the appointment of an African-American to the seat that propelled Barack Obama to the White House.The ball's in Harry Reid's court now. The governor was totally within his rights to make the appointment, but the Senate can also refuse to seat the guy. We'll see who wins.
The defiant move tests the resolve of Senate Democrats who said they would not admit anyone appointed by Blagojevich, who is facing impeachment after being accused of trying to sell the Senate seat for personal gain. And it reveals to a nation celebrating Obama's victory the underbelly of Chicago's race-based political scene.
President-elect Obama supported the announcement by Senate Democrats that Blagojevich's appointment "will ultimately not stand."
Obama issued the following statement:
"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada now faces a difficult political situation amid uncertainties that an attempt to block Burris from taking office can withstand a legal challenge. Burris, Illinois' first statewide elected African-American, wants entry into a chamber that no longer has any blacks.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush of Chicago, appearing at Blagojevich's announcement at Burris' invitation, underscored the role of race in the governor's decision by using racially charged terms to defend the appointment.
"I would ask you to not hang or lynch the appointee as you try to castigate the appointer," said Rush, who promised to lobby congressional leaders on Burris' behalf.
UPDATE: This may end up at the Supreme Court:
In an act of political audacity, embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich named former state attorney general Roland Burris to fill President-elect Obama's Senate seat, a position he is accused of trying to "sell."
The appointment was instantly rejected by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White who said he would refuse to certify Burris' selection, and by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid who said Burris would not be allowed to be seated.
I'm no fan of Blago, but he hasn't been convicted of anything and has full rights under the law to make the appointment. I think he'd win in court.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment