Report: Sen. Roland Burris Won't Run In 2010
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL), whose appointment to the Senate by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich was embroiled in controversy, will not run for a full term in 2010.
Burris reportedly only raised $20,000 in the past quarter, making it impossible for him to run a real campaign. Polls also showed consistently that he would lose the Democratic primary, and if he were nominated he would lose the general election.
State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is running for the Democratic nomination, and has raised a decent amount of money. It's also expected that businessman Chris Kennedy, a son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, could get in.
A source told the Sun-Times that Burris was concerned about how people will remember him, after all the controversy that has happened: "After 20 years in government service, Burris didn't want the last four months in office to be that legacy."
Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
Burris shouldn't be concerned about how he'll be remembered. In fact, he should go ahead and call the engravers to add one more accomplishment to his crypt: Shameless Political Climber.
July 9, 2009 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
It doesn't matter - Burris got what he wanted, to be called Senator the rest of his life, and to add the capstone to his mausoleum monument to narcissism.
His lies and evasions held together just long enough to gain him the prize he sought. This is an valuable lesson for children.
July 9, 2009 6:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Another GOOD riddance, together with SILLY Sarah Failin'.
July 9, 2009 6:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Darn, I was really hoping for a comedic relief here in Illinois. Maybe Alan Keyes will run again for the Republicans and brighten up my day.
From my view in Illinois the seat looks safe to stay in Dem hands. Might lose the Gov's office but I really don't care about that. I would have to say the U.S. senate seat remains Democratic.
July 9, 2009 8:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
a bufoonless race, you have my sympathy.
July 9, 2009 8:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't get all weepy eyed for them yet. the day is young. They could get their buffoon yet.
July 10, 2009 10:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Clealy as a lame duck, he should show some leadership and resign.
That's what leaders do who aren't dead fish or, you know, just milking it. To use a sports metaphor.
July 10, 2009 3:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
We have to care about governorships. Remember that governors appoint Senators when there is a vacancy, and normally appoint one of their own party regardless of which party won the election. This can tip the balance of power in the Senate through pure happenstance. Even young healthy senators can die suddenly - they travel and fly a lot - and a lot of them are not young. For this reason alone, we need to work hard to elect as many Democratic governors as possible.
(Btw, the one that worries me is Hawaii. Two Democratic senators, both in their late eighties, and a Republican governor.)
July 10, 2009 8:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
all rollie wanted was another 'accomplishment' and title to add to the shrine he's built to himself/his carcass.
July 10, 2009 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink