Blagojevich Makes Illinois a Sad State

Yesterday, disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich held a press conference to announce his selection of former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Obama. The event ranged from sad to pathetic to embarrassing. U.S. Representative Bobby Rush, called to the podium to endorse Burris, chose to emphasize race as his reason for blessing the governor's choice. Rep. Rush could have chosen his words more carefully, particularly this quote: "So I applaud the governor for his decision, and I will ask you not to hang or lynch the appointee as you try to castigate the appointer."

In an interview after the press conference, veteran Illinois Congressman Danny Davis spoke well of Roland Burris. Davis noted that Blagojevich had offered him the position, but he declined.

Rod Blagojevich is a digusting figure – the latest manifestation of the worst of politics. In another circumstance, Roland Burris might be a good choice. Burris is a man who thinks ahead. He likely has a plan to deal with the Senate Democratic leadership's resounding rejection, but how will he deal with public disapproval? In a poll this morning on Chicago's WGN TV, 70% of the respondents were against the Senate accepting his appointment.