IL SEN: Rep. Hare Wants Burris To Resign
Rep. Phil Hare (D-IL) today became the first member of Congress to call on Sen. Roland Burris to resign:
"I am deeply disappointed that Senator Burris hid the fact that he attempted to raise money for former Governor Blagojevich at the same time he was lobbying for an appointment to the U.S. Senate."Senator Burris' story has now evolved several times since he testified before the Illinois House Impeachment Committee in December. The only logical conclusion is that he is not being entirely straight with the people of Illinois.
"A cloud of corruption has hung over our state and its leaders for too long. The impeachment and removal of former Governor Blagojevich was a step in the right direction. But just as it looked like a new era in Illinois politics was possible, we suffer yet another setback. It is like a recurring nightmare.
"Given this latest revelation, I believe it is in the best interest of all Illinoisans that Senator Burris resigns. Our state and its citizens deserve the whole truth, not bits and pieces only when it is convenient."
With Hare's statement, will the drumbeat for Burris' resignation intensify?
So far Democrats are minding what they say, privately concerned about any additional damage to their reputation statewide. Even if Burris doesn't run for the seat in 2010, the party will have much to do in the way of damage control next year.
Democrats are weighing if it is better to boot him and allow Gov. Pat Quinn to appoint a replacement? Or might it serve the party's interest to strike a private deal in which Burris won't run again? In other words, can the Burris mess be temporarily swept under the rug, with a censure let's say, or, if they allow him to stay on, will the Dems have to deal with this scandal for 18 months?
That's the calculation many members are making at the moment. Additional fundraising revelations or word of more contact between Burris and Gov. Rod Blagojevich's people could, however, prompt lawmakers to be more vocal. Stay tuned.
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