Reply #31: I don't see the big deal about seating Burris when he's clearly a placeholder candidate [View All]

[ShadowLiberal]

I understand Burris has done some lobbying, and donated a bit of money to Blago in the past, but he's also run in a primary against Blago to be governor in 2002.

Burris was also never on any of Blago's publicly released list of senate candidates for the seat, so Blago probably only first thought of seriously seating him after the scandal over the seat started.

On top of all that Burris has already said he's not running for reelection for the senate seat (and Burris hasn't even held public office since like 1995, and is in his 70's). Besides that, even if he tried to run for reelection, do you really think anyone appointed by Blago could even survive a primary at this point with how toxic Blago has become to both parties?

Besides, there's an added bonus to seating Burris for 2 years, Kirk is unlikely to run for the senate seat if he has to give up his house seat, and Kirk could capture the seat if he runs against the right candidate.

Politically I think it's best for us if the senate democrats make a show of trying to not seat Burris, knowing it'll fail, and then refuse to let him join their caucus.