Blagojevich press conference notes

December 30, 3:28 PMCongress ExaminerIgor Derysh

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Photo courtesy of the AP

Notes on the Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's  press conference on the announcement of Roland Burris as his nominee for Barack Obama's vacated seat: 

Rod Blagojevich spoke first:

• "People of Illinois have the right to have 2 senators."
• "As Governor, I am required by law to make this appointment."
• "If I did not make this appointment, the people of Illinois would be deprived of a vote in the Senate."
• "Roland Burris has unquestioned integrity."
• "Roland Burris has a long and distinguished career in Illinois politics."
• "Roland Burris would be a great U.S. Senator."
• "Don't allow the allegations against me to taint this good and honest man."

Roland Burris then came out to speak:

• Burris first talked about the challenges facing the United States, then went on to say:
• "It is incompehensible that the people of Illinois will enter the 111th Congress shorthanded."
• "I ask the people of Illinois to place their trust in me as they did when they elected me to the office of Attorney General and State Comptroller."
• No comment on the Governor's circumstances except that people are innocent until proven guilty.
• Laughed off question on personal contributions to the Governor's campaign.

Blagojevich, returns to answer reporter's question:

• "I have enjoyed the limelight I have had over the past two weeks."
• "I believe that the Senate will seat Burris because they have a duty to."
• "I am certain that the Senate will seat a man with the stature of Roland Burris."

 Congressman Bobby Rush (IL-1) then makes an impromptu walk to the podium to officially declare this a "race thing":

• "Thank God for this decision by Governor Blagojevich"
• "Roland Burris is worthy, he has not in 20 years of public service had one iota of taint on his record."
• "My prayers have been answered by this pick as the Governor has appointed an African-American"
• "I am not sure if the Secretary of State can not certify this pick"
• "Roland Burris stands head and shoulders above most elected officials in the Senate."
• "No one in the Senate would go on record to deny one African-American to be seated in the US Senate"