According to State Senator Terry Link and some others, it looks like Governor Rod Blagojevich's appointment of former AG and comptroller Roland Burris to Barack Obama's vacant sentate seat may actually stick. Yesterday's defection of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein from the solid ranks of Dems who oppose seating Mr. Burris may add to Burris' momentum (such as it is), who by many accounts was appointed in a perfectly legal manner, since the Democrat-controlled Illinois General Assembly failed to strip Blago of his appointment power when they had the chance.
Heck, they also muffed their opportunity to push forward an amendment to the state constitution that would have provided for a recall provision like they have in California. As noted recently by the Chicago Tribune, the Burris fiasco is simply the latest daffy stunt pulled by a governor that can't be controlled by his own party (including the president-elect, mind you), and a party that can't be troubled to take charge and stand up for the people of Illinois. The Trib dubbed the state senators who voted against the recall amendment the "Blagojevich 26", and State Senator Michael Bond tops the list (OK, so he's first alphabetically), and includes State Senator Terry Link as well.
Terry Link, for his part, is trying desperately to shift the blame, and whines that he got no support in the state senate for a bill that would have taken the appointment power from Blago and given it to IL Secretary of State Jesse White. Oh, so it's all the fault of those who opposed your brilliant solution, Senator Link? Puh-leeze. You wanted to take the appointment power from a goofy Dem and give it to another insider, because the Dems in the state senate were scared sh*tless that a Republican like 10th District Congressman Mark Kirk would have won a special election, if the power to choose the next U.S. Senator from Illinois was given to the people. Sorry, Senator Link. You get no pity points for offering a crappy solution and then crying when no one supported it.
If Burris' appointment stands, I don't know if he will be a good, bad or mediocre U.S. Senator. What I do know is that the Dem-controlled General Assembly helped get us into this mess, and absolutely refused to give the power of choice to the people by voting to hold a special election. Maybe the impeachment vote will help assuage some voter anger, but it's possible they'll screw that up, too.
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On WGN's John Williams program this morning, Paul Green, the political guru, was quick to point out that this entire mess is nothing more than a ploy to hold the seat in the D column. Green pointed out that had a special election been allowed, a guy like MARK KIRK could have won that seat while not risking his House seat. That's something our 'esteemed' leaders, both in Springfield and in DC were not about to risk. Shame on all of them. They continue to cause this bottle neck in our State so that healthcare providers aren't paid, essential services for the people in our State are lacking. All of this because our Senior Senator, aided and assisted by the likes of Link, Garrett and all their Democrat followers refused to let the citzens of IL have a legitimate say in this debacle. You are right, TA, we should never let these poor excuses for leaders off the hook, now or in the future.
On that same program, Jesse White was interviewed by John Williams. White claimed that his signature was not necessary for Burris to be seated and stated that he expected him to be seated shortly. He felt that he was being hung out to dry by his fellow Democrats.
White further stated that he kept his word by refusing to sign off on the proclamation and that he is a man of his word.
Later a caller asked if White should be impeached for failing to perform his constitutional duties as he took an oath to uphold the Illinois and U.S. Constitutions.
Sorry Democrats. You have only yourselves to blame for this. No one else. You created this mess. You proved what we have known for quite some time: Illinois government is the laughingstock of the nation.
Louis G. Atsaves
Yes, Lou, we ARE the butt of jokes world-wide. And if you heard our esteemed Senior Senator a couple of hours ago it would have made your stomach turn. These men can't keep their stories straight. All of these machinations, all of these 'tricks' shine a light on our State, on these men and women who just can't seem to shoot straight. I know our side has plenty of bad apples as well. But this latest fiasco tops anything our side has engaged in over recent memory. Burris will be seated, period. What happens in 2010 is anyone's guess. One thing is clear: we should be ready to protect IL 10 AND to run the very best candidate for Senate. We need to get started yesterday.
King Louis Astaves,
Andy McKenna's job is to launch a full frontal assault on the Democratic Party of the State of Illinois, this means Presidential,Congressional,State and local level. Thus far he's shown himself only capable of helping Mark beat Dan. Local candidates don't have the time or energy to develop the fundraising, messaging or position papers. That's McKenna's job the way Newt Gingrich turned GOPAC and the House GOP into a force that lead to our dominance of
The Democrats are a crock, you can't catch the news here anymore without some stupid scandal and yet the McKenna/Kirk high command is doing what exactly? Fighting Narco-Traffickers in Helmand Province isn't going to help your party retake state government.
This party has been routed, it's time for fresh blood.
-Fan of King Louis Astaves the Ellen Slayer (FOKLAES)
So, FOKLAES, did Andy McKenna run over your dog with his car, or what? Just askin'.
TA.....that is a very fair request (and funny). I agree that McKenna is not the perfect man for the job however he has stopped the bleeding and has given us a chance to begin the healing process. Don't forget how bad we used to be!Perhaps now is a decent time to suggest alternatives to McKenna instead of simply being critical of his missed opportunities. Why not consider the founder of TA for the job?
Thanks very much Anon 7:12, but I have my hands full up here in Lake County!
Anon 7:12, at least you're thinking and not just bashing. That's the start of what we need to do. TA does have a full plate. That said, let's put together a viable list of others who can help move our party forward. I'm tired of all the McKenna bashing. That accomlishes nothing. How about brainstorming and coming up with a list of men and women who might just want to sieze the moment and want to lead forward.
The next IL GOP chairman should be someone who has been a county party chairman and an elected official. Therefore, St. Rep. Osmond would be a great choice.
TA,
Andy did not run over my dog and I am happy to see that an alum of the once vaunted New Trier GOP is in charge. However, places like Maine, California, and Connecticut which like Illinois have not been won by the GOP in a presidential race since 1988 all currently have GOP Governors or U.S. Senators. McKenna on the other hand can't seem to do anything other than send out 4,125 press releases.
Where are the ideas? Where are the policy reforms? Mark seems to have a new strategy and plan of action on issues every WEEK, McKenna can't seem to channel his inner Patrick Magnuson to at least offer SOMETHING.
Our party should have a New York Yankees sense of urgency right now into finding out how to correct itself and win. I'm sure that kind of attitude would help Tim Stratton a lot more than what he got last time.
As well, McKenna is loaded and connected to every large pot of money in the state, you'd think with those kind of connections he'd be a better fundraiser to at least give our local team like Tim and Keith and the guy who tried to beat Schoenberg, something to play offense with.
Blago is our Bush, if Howard Dean can revive the Democrats, McKenna who is a much better and nicer man and who helped Mark beat that wench Gash in 2000, should be able to do better.
FOKLAES.
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