Statement from Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna on Roland Burris Senate Appointment:
"Illinois Republicans were the first to demand Rod Blagojevich have nothing to do with appointing our next United States Senator."Blagojevich Democrat Roland Burris is emblematic of the old-school, pay-to-play culture that has plagued Illinois for generations and this appointment is another embarrassment for the people of Illinois.
"Once again, Blagojevich Democrats have failed the people of Illinois by refusing to strip Rod Blagojevich of his senate appointment power and blocking a vote of the people."
And the Illinois GOP points out this background:
In 2002 Roland Burris ran against Rod Blagojevich for Governor. Now he is one of Rod Blagojevich’s closest allies, and is emblematic of the corrupt, pay to play politics that infest Illinois.
Blagojevich Ally
“I think he’s doing a helluva job” – Roland Burris responding to questions about Rod Blagojevich’s performance as governorIs gov a team player? Critics insist he's not: He admits to being combative but cites 1st-term achievements, Chicago Sun Times, March 5, 2006 –
Blagojevich's administration has been beset by investigations and the conviction of Rezko, a onetime top adviser and fund-raiser. But a crowd still turned out, including former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris, lobbyist Al Ronan and ex-Blagojevich staffer-turned-lobbyist John Wyma. Backers turn out for gov's fund-raiser, Chicago Sun Times, June 27, 2008
Those listed on the invitation as hosts of the fundraiser include…former Attorney General ROLAND BURRIS, now a lobbyist. - Blagojevich money machine rolls on, conflict or not, State Journal-Register, April 6, 2006
Among the notable figures who attended the Blagojevich campaign event was the governor's "kitchen cabinet" adviser Antoin Rezko, a wealthy businessman who has raised political funds for him. Also present were Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, who introduced the governor before his speech, and former attorney general Roland Burris. - Governor raises $4 million, Copley News Service, June 17, 2005
Burris was the Chairman of the Governor's Commission on State Pensions as recently as 2005. Illinois State Pensions were then, and are now, the most underfunded in the country. - State pension panel nears vote on proposed cuts, Copley News Service, January 7, 2005
Pay To Play
A company headed by former state comptroller and attorney general Roland Burris has been awarded a $150,000 state contract to advise disadvantaged businesses on how to improve their operations and ultimately win state contracts. – Consulting firm awarded $150,000 contract by IDOT, State Journal-Register, June 16, 2004
The Ho-Chunk Nation has tapped former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris and his law firm to lobby for state approval of its proposed casino complex in Hoffman Estates. - Ex-attorney general to lobby for casino, Chicago Daily Herald, June 5, 2003
A wide-ranging hospital fraud investigation in Nevada has Cook County Board President Todd Stroger reconsidering his plans to help balance the county's budget on a private firm's promise to bring up to $125 million a year to the county's ailing health system...A contract has not yet been signed here, but negotiations have been going on since the County Board gave approval last year. That approval came after former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris lobbied the board on ACS' behalf. - Vegas probe casts doubt on county deal, Chicago Sun Times, January 18, 2007
A State Journal-Register investigation in 1993 found that half the outside legal contracts awarded by then-Attorney General Roland Burris went to campaign contributors. - Attorney general closing 12 outposts, hiring staff, State Journal-Register, July 27, 1995
More:
Incoming NRSC Chair Statement on Blagojevich Senate Appointment
Reiterates Call for Special Election, Condemns Political Gamesmanship by National & State Democrats
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, incoming-Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), made the following statement regarding the expected appointment of Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate by soon-to-be indicted Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich.
"Responsibility for this latest Constitutional crisis facing the State of Illinois lies at the feet of national and state Democrats, and particularly Senator Reid, who was the first national Democratic leader to oppose a special election. Senator Reid and the Democratic leadership in Washington and Springfield decided to play politics with this Senate seat and unfortunately, the people of Illinois are now paying the price.
“It’s time for the Democratic Party to do the right thing. The Senate should refuse to seat Mr. Burris and then Senator Reid, Senator Durbin and all Senate Democrats should join Republicans in supporting a special election to fill this seat. There is no other appropriate way for this process to move forward without the stench of corruption or political gamesmanship attached to it.
“The next Senator of Illinois should be chosen in the light of day through a special election, and not in the backrooms of Washington or Springfield. I hope and trust that after this latest fiasco, Senator Reid will finally agree.”
Step up Senator Durbin--can you try to be a statesman for once? And how about Barack--maybe he could get off the golf course and take a stand.
UPDATE:
Statement from IL GOP Chairman Andy McKenna in response to Pat Quinn's press conference this afternoon:
"Pat Quinn's hypocrisy knows no boundaries.
"Lieutenant Governor Quinn has no one to blame but himself and his fellow Blagojevich Democrats who could've done the right thing two weeks ago by stripping Rod Blagojevich of his powers.
"They chose instead to block a vote of the people and contribute to this constitutional crisis."
Bobby Rush plays the race card.
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