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Burris' Day: Two Perjury Probes, and Calls For Resignation
Yesterday was not a good day for Roland Burris.
First, he admitted that, contradicting the impression he had left over the weekend, he had tried to raise money for Rod Blagojevich after a conversation with the then-governor's brother. (That acknowledgement came on the heels of an affidavit Burris filed earlier this month which itself contradicted his sworn testimony to the legislature about conversations with Blagojevich's circle.)
Then, we learned that two investigations have been launched into the new senator's shifting explanations. One is described by the Chicago Tribune as "a perjury review," being conducted by John Schmidt, the local prosecutor in Springfield, and a Republican. Schmidt said he was acting on a request from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
And the Senate ethics committee opened its own probe into the perjury question yesterday, The Hill confirmed.
Then late last night, the Tribune and the Washington Post went live with editorials calling on Burris to resign.
Like we said, not a good day.
Josh
Zachary
It has been apparent since Fitzgerald's initial news conference on the Blago matter that no one with an ounce of integrity would have accepted the nomination for Obama's vacant Senate seat while Blago remained in office. That sentiment has now been confirmed.
February 18, 2009 9:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. No one with a shred of decency or ethics would have accepted such a tainted appointment.
February 18, 2009 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is a case where perception (that Burris was clean) was a lot different than reality. We all wondered who in their right mind would actually take Blago's appointment, and then here comes Burris, a guy that seemed to be legitimate. But a legitimate person accepting anything from Blago just seemed, well, odd.
Well, now we know that Burris wasn't legit. So all that can be said is: "Score for the gut feelings! We knew it was wrong, but couldn't logically put into words why Burris shouldn't legally be in the Senate. Now we can.
February 18, 2009 11:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, but are you saying you thought Burris was clean and/or legitimate before this came out? No offense, but...
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
I mean seriously...
February 18, 2009 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm talking about people's perceptions.
February 18, 2009 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
So was I. Were there really people who perceived him as clean and legitimate, rather than as a parasite who would suck up to a person as sleazy as Blagojevich in order to get into a position of power? I hadn't noticed many. Certainly everyone here, and most Senators outside of a few in the Congressional Black Caucus seemed to perceive him as the latter.
February 18, 2009 3:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hell will freeze over before he leaves of his own accord. He will have to be dragged out by the feet, and his tombstone will still say "Senator."
February 18, 2009 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not that I'm for defacing tombstones, but unless they set up a round the clock guard....
February 18, 2009 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
ooohhh, did my fingers do that? ;)
February 18, 2009 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, he is a crook and definitely participated, or at least attempted in pay to play. What's your Senator's name? I'll give you an example where he/she participated in pay to play! They all do it and most, a lot worse than Burris!
February 18, 2009 10:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's not true, provably so. For instance, exactly how many of those other Senators Testified Under Oath that they didn't participate in pay to play?
This is no longer just a matter of pay to play, it's a matter of criminal perjury.
And why, oh why are so many Dems making excuses for this jerk? Wantonly criminal politicians HURT the party. We need to get rid of them all. Given how good the Dem brand is compared to the Repub brand, there's absolutely no reason or sense in accepting Democrats at any cost.
Burris needs to go, now.
February 18, 2009 11:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ha. What is the probability of support for Burris?? I would say it's very low--even among Dems.
February 18, 2009 12:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I haven't heard excuses; I think that Reid held his nose when Burris walked in the door. They didn't like him; didn't want him, and expected something like this to come to light, but the fact was that the governor appointed him and they couldn't do anything about it even though they tried.
February 18, 2009 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, there are a lot of excuses being made, even in this very thread.
Things like "Burris isn't that bad", "Burris is no worse than the rest, they're all crooks", etc...
Burris is that bad, they aren't all criminal perjurers.
February 18, 2009 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's okay to lie to your constituients, unless you do it under oath!
February 28, 2009 8:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not a fan of Harry Reid's but it looks like he was right to initially fight this guy's appointment.
February 18, 2009 10:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
I also am not a total fan of Reid but I honestly think Democrats are making too many moves too fast that enevitably are causing us grief and embarrassment. Our current vetting system has failed way too many times ... the compulsion to be bi-patisan is defeating the fact we gained a majority in the house and close in the senate. We are still cow-towing to the Repubs when it is obvious they have no intent of working with this administration. Come on people ...wake up and smell the roses before it is too late.
February 18, 2009 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah odds are high he's dirty, but I don't want Senate Dems to need to reach across the aisle even more to reach the numbers they need.
Remember,
1) first get more Democrats
2) and then, get better Democrats
Burris clearly isn't in category 2, but don't we still need him in cat 1?
February 18, 2009 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
He'd be replaced by another Democrat.
February 18, 2009 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
True. In Pat Quinn, Illinois now has one of the most progressive governors in the country. He's long been a thorn in the side of the state's Democratic machine.
February 18, 2009 12:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Burris isn't that dirty. He's just stupid. And he will fight tooth and nail to stay in the Senate because he's also ambitious and delusional. But when he resigns, which I think he will eventually be prevailed upon to do, who will replace him? Are there democrats left in Illinois who are untainted, especially considering the level of scrutiny each candidate will receive from the hay-making republicans?
A crazy thought occurred to me this morning. Maybe Quinn should appoint elder stateswoman Dawn Clark Netsch to serve out Obama's term. That gives everybody a fresh start for the 2010 primaries and let's the voters ultimately decide. At almost 80, Netsch won't seek another term. But she's more than qualified to serve. And she is so clean, she squeaks when she walks.
February 18, 2009 11:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
I forgot to mention that a Netsch appointment will drive Burris 'round the bend. So, bonus.
February 18, 2009 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
You nailed it. Burris is a nitwit. Skillful enough in other ways to get to where he is, but really, really stupid to think that he would just burrow in at the Senate and the rest would blow over.
February 18, 2009 11:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, he's dirty.
He's clearly committed criminal perjury, that's just as dirty as say, Scooter Libby.
Just because he's a nitwit doesn't mean he's clean, it only means he's yet another in the pantheon of stupid criminals.
We Dems shouldn't give him a pass just because he's a Dem. We don't need Dem's like him in nationally elected office. We can definitely find better.
This is yet another reason the Rethugs brand is so terribly bad. The Republican Senators gave Standing Ovations to Vitter and Stevens. We Dems need to boot our crooks from office.
Allowing bad behavior to go unpunished is what killed the Democratic majority in the 90's and a lot of what killed the Republican majority two years ago. If we give Burris a pass, corruption will only grow, we'll be getting off to an early start on our own demise.
February 18, 2009 12:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not suggesting we give him a pass. I've been bitching and moaning about Burris since the minute Blago appointed him. I think he was a horrible choice, I think Blago knew it, and I think Blago did it deliberately as an eff you to the Illinois democrats that he felt had turned against him. I also think that Burris was either too stupid or too blinded by his high opinion of himself to understand what folly the whole affair was.
When I say he's not that dirty, I mean in relation to any other politician in Illinois, or anywhere else for that matter, where the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" principle has been commonly accepted for more years than I've been alive. Both sides participate and both sides will continue to participate until we have both transparency and campaign finance reform.
February 18, 2009 12:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
But as I said above, this isn't just about pay to play. This is now a clear cut case of Criminal Perjury. Read the questions put to him by Rep. Jil Tracy. Burris lied with purpose.
The worst part is that Burris committed perjury in order to become a Senator. Harry Reid didn't want to seat him. Had Burris actually told the truth under oath, it would have provided all the ammunition Reid would have needed to refuse Burris' credentials.
Had Burris not perjured himself, in all likelihood, he would not now be Senator.
Sure, there are a lot of back scratchers in the Senate, but there can't be many who've committed criminal perjury in order to get the job.
February 18, 2009 12:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not sure what we're arguing about. I never wanted Burris seated and I want him out now.
They all lie when they're caught. The problem is, not too many of them get caught.
February 18, 2009 1:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Once again, the coverup is worse than the crime. I suppose it's because you have to be a narcissist to be a successful politician, but it's always amazing how each one thinks they can get away with it.
February 18, 2009 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
If he resigns now, does he get to retire with a full Senate pension? That and having United States Senator* on his Moi-nument might - just might - get this egomaniac to skip lightly away.
February 18, 2009 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
If he's convicted of a felony, I believe he loses his privileges and his pension.
I'm not clear on all the specifics, but a bill was put through in the past year or so dealing with this.
No matter what happens, he'll still be able to write 'Senator' on that mausoleum of his.
February 18, 2009 12:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
And people will still be able to throw rotten eggs at it.
February 18, 2009 3:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, Burris has got to stay. I mean, he's a black guy. Weren't we warned that Life As We Know It would end if the black guy didn't get Obama's spot? Burris is like, you know, immortal.
February 18, 2009 11:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
So you think being black gives you a pass in this world? Yeah. That is so true...as opposed to being white. White people have such a hard time getting elected to anything. If Sarah Palin had been black, she'd be the VP right now, right?
Well, let's see if you are right, East West.
February 18, 2009 6:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know if anyone who isn't black could get a nod, what with the whole "Not a single African American in the Senate" mantra that dominated the first replacement debate. But I don't think the new governor should put in a placeholder, but a strong viable candidate who can win next election.
Burris is such a stupid tool, but he will never give up without a fight.
I just hate the situation. Everyone wanted to keep Burris out, but the law is too vague on the issue. We need to get serious about legally plugging all the gaps between what we think the law allows and what the law really says.
Both Patterson and Blago have worked harder than the Republican party at screwing up the 2010 elections for Dems!
February 18, 2009 11:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Roland Burris is a lying, arrogant, hypocritical crook so perhaps he does belong in the senate after all.
February 18, 2009 11:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
In the past, when serious dirt was uncovered about a politician, they usually had the decency to resign but lately that's all changed. Thanks to the examples of vitter and craig, burris will try to "ride out the storm", thinking that when the media frenzy dies down, he can continue as a senator in the same way that the aforementioned douchebags have.
Zero credibility? He doesn't care as long as he's a senator.
Complete lack of self-respect? He doesn't care as long as he's a senator.
etc.
Not much surprises me anymore but I would indeed be surprised if this schmuck resigns.
Finally, per my previous post, we obviously EXPECT more from our "leaders" but clearly that's not enough, we need to DEMAND more. Otherwise, this whole affair is simply an exercise in bullshit.
February 18, 2009 11:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Watch for the racism charges to start by tomorrow and probably today.
February 18, 2009 11:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
I can actually begin the fun, come to think of it:
"How can you TPM-ers line up with two newspapers that use anonymous sources and non-transparent reporting methods to bring a man down soley because of his *race*?!!! Are you beyond any sense of social responsibility, or at the very least, shame?!!
See, that wasn't hard. You dirty scoundrels, you!
February 18, 2009 11:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dump this guy somehow while there's still time to recuperate before the next election. The longer he stays there the worse it will be to hold that seat.
February 18, 2009 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not a big deal...
Burris will just add senator to his monument ans await his book deal, after which he will add "AUTHOR" to his slab of granite...
Meanwhile, our illustrious mobsters in Washington will choose another croney to replace him... and continue destroying as if nothing has happened...
Which it hasn't if "WE THE VOTERS" continue electing the two mobs (Dems and Reps) which have brought us down this far... IMHO
February 18, 2009 12:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
So you wanna pursue ending the two-party structure of U.S. politics? Isn't that kindof a lot to take on?
February 18, 2009 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Big problems require big changes. At this point, it's clear that the system is not working and requires major change. And before anyone says "it's the best system we have", I'm not doubting that we've come a long way with it, I'm simply saying that to improve our country further, we need to change. As with all dynasties (sp.?), we've gotten to the point where we rest on our laurels, "knowing" that our system is the best is the surest path to our nations downfall.
February 18, 2009 1:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Burris thinks that because he was unsuccessful in raising money for Blago, he is innocent. He forgets what he learned in his criminal law class. If a perp points a gun at someone, shoots, and it turns out to have been a blank rather than a bullet, he still can be arrested for assault.
February 18, 2009 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
If a perp points a gun at someone, shoots, and it turns out to have been a blank rather than a bullet, he still can be arrested for assault.
Not sure I remember all the elements, but I think that's an attempted murder rap (assault would be a lesser included offense, of course).
February 19, 2009 12:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Clearly, the Washington Post and the Tribune are simply tools of the racist power structure - just ask Bobby Rush. By the way, any word from him lately?
February 18, 2009 1:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
hahaha! Yeah where is Bobby Rush when you need him? Can I get a witness!? I thought I was the only one who was calling bullshit on this unethical move by this unethical man, thank heavens we have the goods on him now to get rid of him. The point of Obama winning the presidency is that race should not matter, but the best person should get the job. Then this tool comes running up and all but dares us to agree that Obama's senate seat is a 'black' seat. Sounds like one step forward and two steps back. There are outstanding people in Illinois to fill this seat, lets have Gov. Quinn pick one and get on with business.
February 18, 2009 1:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Start over.
Swear him in, ask the questions, then get rid of him. Let him contemplate his next carving on his famous headstone.
We don't have time for a liar like this.
Oh, unless your a senator, or seated in congress.
How stupid of me.
February 18, 2009 1:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
This guys not going to resign. Throw his ass out.
Why is this so hard?
In real life you have to honest, why do we tolerate these guys in Washington being differant than the rest of America?
I hope Obama enjoys his 4 years, because I believe we will still be looking for a change after his term is over.
February 18, 2009 1:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
If it was so easy to just "throw his ass out" then any sitting senator could be treated the same way. That's why they tried to delay seating him, to allow time for this stuff to come out.
February 18, 2009 3:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I disagree. The other senators were elected by their states, giving them legitimacy that a senator appointed by a governor who was about to be impeached just doesn't have. The only precedent expelling Burris sets is one that says telling the truth from the beginning is important.
February 18, 2009 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Right, but there aren't two classes of sitting senators... or two different sets of rules for appointed senators vs. elected.
So, getting back to the point Orlando was making, it isn't easy. There is a process to follow, and it will take time. BlagoBurris is gonna fight. D's don't really look forward to THAT being on the front pages for the next few months. In addition, the D's don't want to lose a seat before any crucial votes. What's in the pipeline? And, how will the R's play this? It won't be fun.
The best result would be some kind of orchastrated and agreed-upon graceful exit for BlagoBurris. Hard to do, especially with BlagoBurris' monumental ego. But, it might look something like this: The Illinois Legislature schedules a special election in the fall and declares his seat a temporary appointment. BlagoBurris agrees not to run, in exchange for no futher action on the purjory issue - sparing his beloved reputation from any blemishes. He receives his Senate pension, and a new title to add to his tombstone, and walks away in the next 9-12 months. The D's don't lose a vote in the Senate, and there's no media spectacle.
Of course, given how things have gone so far, there's no reason to expect that people would suddenly come to their senses and work out such an equitable solution. What was I thinking?!?
February 18, 2009 4:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
TPM should put out bobble-heads of subpoena-defying government officials so we can collect them all!
February 18, 2009 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why did the Senate Democrats allow this guy to be seated in the first place?
Apparently for two reasons: First, too many numskulls claimed, by relying on Powell, that the Senate had no other choice. I personally didn't think Powell was particularly relevant as the issues in the Burris matter were so different.
Second, the Democrats in Washington today are just political cowards. They were getting a bit of bad press, so they decided to cave. It's even been reported that President Obama leaned on Reid to let Burris in. Now look at the consequences.
February 18, 2009 5:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Pat Quinn has apparently come up with an assignment for Burris to coax him down from his Ivory Tower - way down…
http://tinyurl.com/dd2g2u
February 20, 2009 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink