President-elect Barack Obama released a statement Tuesday criticizing Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's decision to appoint Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate:
"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," said President-elect Obama.
From CNN Politics
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WELL SAID MR. OBAMA. I AM SURE BURRIS IS A GREAT INDIVIDUAL, BUT IS HE SMART IN TAKING THE SEAT FROM A GOVERNOR THAT HAS A CORRUPTION CASE GOING AGAINST HIM. THAT GOVERNOR SHOULD CALL A SPECIAL ELECTION OR LET HIS LT. GOVERNOR PICK THE SUCCESSOR TO THE SENATE AND ALSO FOR THE VACANT SEAT OF RAHM EMMANUEL. BLAGO YOU ARE JUST AS BAD AS OUR GOVERNOR OF NEVADA IS. YOU BOTH SHOULD BE SENT TO SOME ISLAND FAR FAR AWAY AND LET THE REST OF AMERICA GET BACK TO WORK TO SOLVE THESE BIG PROBLEMS WE HAVE
to quote you libs.... "he isn't even in office yet"........... and so it starts.....
also, it's pretty funny how "the one" is concerned about a government "free of taint and controversy" hmmmmmmmmmmm........
This is how politics should run: If a person in your own party is wrong ( don't back him up ) slam him!!! Mr Obama is going to do whats right for the American people. So please give him a chance and stand by his side, after all he will soon be ( your President too )
While there is no evidence to support this, I wonder if Governor B did this with the full knowledge that Burris' appointment would be challenged. Burris' name, as far as I know, did not come up during the "Let's Make a Deal" days a few weeks ago, even though he'd voiced interest in the job. Could it be that the governor is remorseful, and appointing the right man for the job? Unlikely.
Blago thought about all of this choices, none better than this one for a cornered felon
It's to Bad that Blagojevich's decision to not listen to his party's leadership will cast a shadow on Roland Burris though not in the way many think it might, After all Burris could have choose not to accept the appointment on the grounds that it's inappropriate at this time under these circumstances. Look I'm not saying Blagojevich is guilty before his day in court but i am saying the specific charge of trying to sell Obama's senate seat makes this appointment inappropriate, because Blagojevich should have to be found not guilty or innocent of this charge or it still looks like shady politics.
Wow! I'm impressed.That's the most diplomatic, political circumlocation I've heard to date. The better the politician's rhetorical skills, the more palatable he or she becomes.
Mr.Obama Im disappoint that you feel that a good man like Roland Burris can not be a U.S. Senate
Well said!
I think Obama is wrong on this one. Let Blagojevich make the appointment. If "Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant" why shouldn't he serve? Having said that, I greatly support President Obama's plans for the future of our country.
Unless I am mistaken, Blagojevich is still Governor, has not appeared in court or been convicted of a crime therefore his lawful duty is to appoint a replacement since the state legislature failed to take action to set up a special election. It appears that there is a lot of chatter coming from people who helped get him elected in the first place, not once but twice and who happen to be lawyers who should know that you are still presumed innocent until proven guilty. Are democrats more worried about the pick or making a point after it being proved that a Democrat can be just as sleazy as anyone else?
wow, well done obama
This is the first home political test for Obama. Taking the side of Reid and Democrats in the Senate is a wise and decisive move. But this may fall on the face of Democrats on the long run if evidence against Blagojevich is hard to come by.
Funny.
So much for Obama's two-cents.
Keep it up Obama and Blago is going to spill the beans on the whole bunch of you guys..
What a REALLY STRONG statement by Obama! And so it begins . . . the "great" man of "change" - once elected - uses the same old, same old political jargon - "disappointed." Surprise, surprise!
I agree with Barack, Burris is a fine public servant, but Rod should not be able to appoint him. I live in Chicago and I think there should be an election for the Senate seat. Burris ran for Senate and Governor seats and lost both. Let the people decide who they want to represent them.
At least Buriss is a citizen of the United States...your proof, Mr. Unconstitutionally elected Barry Sotero...
Thanks for airing your views Mr Pres-elect.
The media is trying to skew this as a matter of race. This is not a matter of race; rather, it is a matter of ethics. Burris may be a very capable person, but his appointment by Blago is unacceptable and he (Burris) should know this better than anyone. The fact that Burris accepted this appointment is just one more sign of the total corruption in IL politics. What ethical man would accept such an appointment?
Disappointed, I am too, but I also understand that he is innocent until proven guilty.
Blagoveveich has a career to fight for and all his financial woes are on the table with legal fees added. He is in deep to his eyeballs. If he looses he gets not one dime and pension gone to zero. He will be broke pllus his career. At this point he has nothing to lose and no other options but to continue.
Now the next step is to find out if the wiretapping was legal are illegal. That's a process that I am waiting to hear to see how this is going to turn out.
I admire Mr.Obama's comments.....I mean, seriously, Baglojevich has no reason to be up there appointing people and all.....he needs to deal with his own stuff first and sorr but Mr.Burris is a little old........
Only one problem Barack. Your opinion does not matter. As you said there is only one president at a time and your not it yet. Blagojevich is innocent until proven guilty. Even if the press and the democrats have decided to convict him before he has had his say and day in court.
Since no money changed hands and no one has said they were offered the chance to buy the seat then what is he really guilty of? No one is willing to say they were offered the chance to buy the seat because that would make them as guilty for not coming forward right away.
So what evidence is there that he did anything wrong? Sound bites selectively released to paint him in a bad light? Telling Barack where he can stick it? You are suppose to be a lawyer Barack. Ever hear of Habeas Corpus?
All it seems now that he is guilty of is wanting to have a little quid pro quo for appointing someone of favor. And sorry to break it to you but that is not a crime. Thats politics.
I wouldnt mind Burris if only Blago didnt choose him