Yesterday I called for the resignation of Senator Roland Burris because of his perjury before the Illinois House and acceptance of a "loan" from businessman Joseph Stroud.
Senator Roland Burris must resign. He perjured himself before the Illinois House and brought disgrace unto himself and the state of Illinois. He also accepted a "loan" in the amount of 1.2 million from businessman Joseph Stroud and never repaid the "loan" begging the question, what type of payment was this.
He then discussed with Robert Blagojevich campaign contributions to then Governor Rod Blagojevich, presumably in exchange for the appointment.
And he denied he ever discussed anything with Blagojevich. It is obvious why Burris lied. It was because he was blinded by ambition. To be a United States Senator is a great honor and unfortunately, it is an honor that Burris does not deserve in view of the facts.
Senator Burris held a press conference Sunday in an attempt to explain himself. His explanations came up as inadequate. Burris repeatedly claimed that he answered all the questions asked of him in completely. His defense was that he was not specifically asked about contacts with Robert Blagojevich, the former Governor's brother and campaign chief.
U.S. Sen. Roland Burris defiantly defended himself today against allegations he misled a state impeachment panel while under oath by not disclosing multiple contacts with former Gov. Blagojevich’s inner circle or being approached by the ex-governor’s brother for campaign cash before the appointment.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always conducted myself with honest and integrity,” Burris said during an emotional press conference about why he quietly filed paperwork to revise his testimony, which the Chicago Sun-Times was the first to report Saturday.
“I responded to all questions that were asked of me by the impeachment committee in the time allotted. At no time did I ever make any inconsistent statements,” Burris said, blaming the impeachment panel for not asking him the right questions and the media for misconstruing the facts.
Many are calling for Senator Burris to resign, exclusively Republican lawmakers such as State Senator Jim Durkin (R-IL).
CHICAGO (AP) — An Illinois Republican leader says the state's freshman U.S. senator should resign over contradictory statements regarding Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment.
State Rep. Jim Durkin told reporters Sunday that Democrat Roland Burris should resign over an affidavit contradicting statements he made earlier to a House committee.
Durkin also wants Burris investigated for possible perjury.
Also, Governor Patrick Quinn and United States Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) have called for more disclosure from Burris. The press conference on Sunday failed to change my mind about Senator Burris' resignation and it failed to make a convincing case for him to stay on as our United States Senator. Let us hope it doesn't drag on like Blagojevich. That would truly be another Illinois tragedy. The Chicago City Hall Exmainer.
Comments
It seems to me that the Blagojevich's sewer of political corruption cracked on the Roland Burris joint, and the stench is leaking out now. No surprise here. After all, Blagojevich was running around the TV shows telling the audiences "The truth will come out!"
Well, the truth is out now. Let's hold our noses until his trial, and then we can wear a mask because the stench on his trial would probably make it unbearable for us to hold our breath for
long.
As for Roland Burris, he entered the U.S. senate through the back door, and he doesn't represent anybody. Nobody voted in Illinois to sent him there, and he only represents in Washington a disgraced, impeached, and ousted Illinois ex-governor waiting for his federal trial on corruption.
Roland Burris should certainly resign - if he has any sense of decency. But I don't expect to see that because if he had a sense of decency he would have not accepted an appointment from Blagojevich.
Roland Burris wanted the title of "U.S. Senator" for the mausoleum he has built for himself in a South Chicago cemetery to adorn his resting place. And he can have that title etched on the stone now. But that title will not mean "prestige" as he naively believes; it will mean that after being rejected in his last 3 elections by the Illinois voters, he finally cut a deal from the most infamous Illinois governor to get the "U.S. Senator" title in an envelope from Blagojevich with the understanding
that he will return it with cash from
contributors.
Nikos Retsos, retired professor, Illinois
Here we go again! How much longer do we have to bear the national embarressment of this group. I was relieved when I heard Burris was going to fill the vacancy because my impression of him was relatively favorable. My mistake!!
The truth being out, after his trying differnt versions for several times, leads me to no other conclusion. He must and should resign.
Illinois has become the laughing stock of the nation with Blago's antics. Please spare us from more!!
Why do I find it dubious that he will do the right thing?
Pamela Luther
Chicago Roman Catholic examiner
burris should step down, rather he should have not been seated however he played kabuki theater to get the seat with bobby rushplaying the race card, as a democrate & afro american i resent mr burris tactics due the loan of $1.2mil loan unpaid without and explaination was enough.Harry Reid was right to try & block seating him. burris is a liar and has tainted the seat when he took the appointment from blogo.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!