Burris admits Blagojevich donation request **Updated 2/20** Ill Gov. Calls on Burris to resign

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: sciwizam
More holes in Burris? story

U.S. Sen. Roland Burris had more contacts with then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich?s chief of staff before being appointed to his Senate seat than he disclosed in his most recent affidavit, phone records and interviews show.

One of the calls to John Harris came Nov. 13, the day Burris discussed the possibility of raising money for the governor with Blagojevich?s brother Robert, according to phone records obtained by the Sun-Times and sources. That call was likely caught on an FBI wiretap.

All told, Burris called Harris, who resigned after he was criminally charged Dec. 9, four times in the weeks following the Nov. 4 election and appears to have spoken to Harris on Nov. 26, phone records show.

In the Feb. 4 affidavit, which has set off a political wildfire because it dramatically altered earlier sworn statements, Burris acknowledged only reaching out to Harris once last October and getting a return phone call three weeks later.

Burris depicted his discussion with Harris as having included a passing reference to the Senate seat. But sources say Burris made a hard pitch to Harris ? as well as other Blagojevich aides ? about being named to Barack Obama?s seat.

The Burris camp declined to comment about the apparent discrepancies in his latest affidavit.

I also love the fact that Burris is declining to speak to the press about any of this. What a douche! Kick his ass out of there.

 

[Sinsear]

I'm shocked I tell you, shocked.

 

[NFS4]

**Breaking**

Ill. Gov is asking Roland Burris to resign. It's over!!

 

[NFS4]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29302412/

CHICAGO - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says Sen. Roland Burris should resign his post for the good of the state.

Quinn said Friday that his fellow Democrat, Burris, is an honorable man. But he says controversy surrounding Burris' appointment has cast a shadow over his service in the Senate.

The governor says a new senator should be chosen by special election.

Burris was appointed by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was later impeached and removed from office.

Burris initially said there was no discussion of him doing Blagojevich any favors in exchange for the appointment. But Burris later acknowledged he did discuss the vacant seat with the governor's friends and allies. He says he was asked to raise money for Blagojevich but couldn't find anyone willing to contribute.

 

[Viper GTS]

Can we get some video of this dipshit scraping cement into the "US Senator" engraving on his mausoleum?

What a moron.

Viper GTS

 

[nageov3t]

the senate democrats should have held their ground on not seating him.

 

[MovingTarget]

Originally posted by: winnar111

So the man is nominated by a corrupt governor who he was more than friends with, and has clearly lied on multiple occasions. Zero and Reid flip flopped and fell in line.

I guess change did come from Illinois to Washington. Wonder if the 'We won't seat Burris' crowd will now kick him out.

To be honest, winnar, there was no legal reason to deny Burris a seat. Congress was bluffing so that Blago would do the right thing. Sure, Blago was about to go down in flames, but he still had the legitimate authority to appoint a replacement as he was the sitting governor of Illinois. Now, with these revelations of perjury, they might have reason to expell him.

 

[jman19]

Originally posted by: Fear No Evil

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Fear No Evil

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Fear No Evil
Sheesh.. is there a single politician thats not corrupt?

**fixed**

Yeah, you democrats like to do that.. but the fact is, its nothing but democrat after democrat after democrat getting caught.. At this point.. its not 'politicians', its democrats.

And a few years ago, it was republican, after republican, after republican that was getting caught for doing stupid shit.

You can't sit here with a straight face and tell me that one party has some "moral" authority over the other. They both equally blow smoke up our asses and lie/cheat/steal to get what they want while at the same time trying not to get caught.

Republicans got caught in sex scandals.. democrats seem to be getting caught cheating the American taxpayer, taking bribes, etc. I think I'd rather have a Republican asking for gay sex then democrats selling their votes to the highest bidders.

Except that these are the same people who try to punish those who are "different" and deny equal rights, making them total hypocrites.

 

[MovingTarget]

Originally posted by: loki8481
the senate democrats should have held their ground on not seating him.

From Article 1:

if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two-thirds, expel a Member.

17th Amendment:

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of each State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

As I understand it, Congress can only refuse to seat a member if they have a legal reason to do so, such as election fraud, ineligibility, etc. I may be wrong though. However, the "cloud" surrounding Blago doesn't reach that standard. However, expelling a member w/ a 2/3 majority doesn't require such a standard. A senator can technically be expelled for being a jackass as long as 2/3 agree. So, either Burris resigns or a vote has to be taken to expell him as all his paperwork was legit.

 

[HannibalX]

Originally posted by: Fear No Evil
Sheesh.. is there a single democrat thats not corrupt?

I don't know of any.

 

[Craig234]

Originally posted by: rudder

Originally posted by: Fear No Evil
Sheesh.. is there a single politician in Washington that's not corrupt?

Fixed for fairness and something everyone in P&N can agree on. Well, the more intelligent ones anyway.

I'll give you two for a start: Henry Waxman and Bernie Saunders. They're not corrupt.

 

[Craig234]

Originally posted by: loki8481
the senate democrats should have held their ground on not seating him.

In hindsight, yes; what we knew at the time, there was a good case for seating him.

 

[winnar111]

Quinn didn't get the change memo. Burris was supposed to be that change.

 

[winnar111]

Originally posted by: MovingTarget

Originally posted by: loki8481
the senate democrats should have held their ground on not seating him.

From Article 1:

if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two-thirds, expel a Member.

17th Amendment:

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of each State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

As I understand it, Congress can only refuse to seat a member if they have a legal reason to do so, such as election fraud, ineligibility, etc. I may be wrong though. However, the "cloud" surrounding Blago doesn't reach that standard. However, expelling a member w/ a 2/3 majority doesn't require such a standard. A senator can technically be expelled for being a jackass as long as 2/3 agree. So, either Burris resigns or a vote has to be taken to expell him as all his paperwork was legit.

He's been a jackass for a month now, and they've done nothing. Good for Reid, I guess.

 

[Thump553]

Originally posted by: Craig234

Originally posted by: rudder

Originally posted by: Fear No Evil
Sheesh.. is there a single politician in Washington that's not corrupt?

Fixed for fairness and something everyone in P&N can agree on. Well, the more intelligent ones anyway.

I'll give you two for a start: Henry Waxman and Bernie Saunders. They're not corrupt.

Can include Ron Paul in that group, and most likely Dennis Kunicich as well. And Ralph Nader for that matter, since he considers himself a politician these days.

 

[MovingTarget]

Originally posted by: winnar111

He's been a jackass for a month now, and they've done nothing. Good for Reid, I guess.

I'll just say that this story broke yesterday. Start the clock.

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: NFS4
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29302412/

CHICAGO - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says Sen. Roland Burris should resign his post for the good of the state.

Quinn said Friday that his fellow Democrat, Burris, is an honorable man. But he says controversy surrounding Burris' appointment has cast a shadow over his service in the Senate.

The governor says a new senator should be chosen by special election.

Burris was appointed by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was later impeached and removed from office.

Burris initially said there was no discussion of him doing Blagojevich any favors in exchange for the appointment. But Burris later acknowledged he did discuss the vacant seat with the governor's friends and allies. He says he was asked to raise money for Blagojevich but couldn't find anyone willing to contribute.

How can you be a liar and be honorable at the same time? I wish someone will call a spade a spade.

 

[Red Dawn]

If I was from Illinois I'd be outraged but I'm not so I'm not. The guy needs to go though.

 

[Corn]

Originally posted by: CPA

Originally posted by: NFS4
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29302412/

CHICAGO - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says Sen. Roland Burris should resign his post for the good of the state.

Quinn said Friday that his fellow Democrat, Burris, is an honorable man. But he says controversy surrounding Burris' appointment has cast a shadow over his service in the Senate.

The governor says a new senator should be chosen by special election.

Burris was appointed by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was later impeached and removed from office.

Burris initially said there was no discussion of him doing Blagojevich any favors in exchange for the appointment. But Burris later acknowledged he did discuss the vacant seat with the governor's friends and allies. He says he was asked to raise money for Blagojevich but couldn't find anyone willing to contribute.

How can you be a liar and be honorable at the same time? I wish someone will call a spade a spade.

You are just asking for Shaprton to bend you over your post, aren't you? Naughty naughty!

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: CPA
How can you be a liar and be honorable at the same time? I wish someone will call a spade a spade.

I'm too young to take offense at that comment, but I hope that classy didn't hear ya

 

[Fern]

I don't think the US Senate had any choice but to seat Burris once his paperwork was in order.

But as far as kicking him out, I kind of expect the US Senate to wait a bit and see what else develops in the Blago case.

I've heard reports that Burris's recent revisions to his testimony may have been prompted by contact from the FBI. There is some speculation that he was directly contacted by them, others say his attorney was certainly contacted.

I also think that the Dems want him out as he is unelectible in 2010 and it might give a Repub a shot at the seat.

Fern

 

[sciwizam]

Originally posted by: Fern
I don't think the US Senate had any choice but to seat Burris once his paperwork was in order.

But as far as kicking him out, I kind of expect the US Senate to wait a bit and see what else develops in the Blago case.

I've heard reports that Burris's recent revisions to his testimony may have been prompted by contact from the FBI. There is some speculation that he was directly contacted by them, others say his attorney was certainly contacted.

I also think that the Dems want him out as he is unelectible in 2010 and it might give a Repub a shot at the seat.

Fern

Looks like they did directly talk to him.

Burris Talks to Feds: Sources

 

[ModerateRepZero]

I'm willing to withhold judgment on Burris but I will admit that his inconsistency is at the very least troubling

 

[NFS4]

This just in:

Dick Durbin met with and told Burris to resign. Burris said "Nope"

 

[sciwizam]

Burris' son got state job from Blago

SCANDAL MUSHROOMS | He serves as housing authority counsel despite facing foreclosure on his own home

The son of embattled Sen. Roland Burris is a federal tax deadbeat who landed a $75,000-a-year state job under former Gov. Rod Blagojevich five months ago, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

Blagojevich's administration hired Roland W. Burris II as a senior counsel for the state's housing authority Sept. 10 -- about six weeks after the Internal Revenue Service slapped a $34,163 tax lien on Burris II and three weeks after a mortgage company filed a foreclosure suit on his South Side house.

A spokeswoman for the Illinois Housing Development Authority indicated Wednesday there was nothing improper about Burris II's employment by the agency, whose mission includes overseeing mortgage programs for low-income home buyers and anti-foreclosure initiatives.

Burris II's hiring, however, raises more questions about Sen. Burris' interactions with Blagojevich and his inner circle at a time when the governor was soliciting Sen. Burris for campaign contributions and Burris was angling to have Blagojevich appoint him to the Senate seat once held by President Obama.

Blagojevich appointed Burris to that seat in late December after Blagojevich was charged with trying to sell the vacancy to the highest bidder.

Sen. Burris, 71, is fending off calls for his resignation and is the subject of a Senate ethics probe and a perjury investigation by the top prosecutor in Downstate Sangamon County. Those probes stem from conflicting testimony Sen. Burris provided to the House panel that drafted impeachment charges against Blagojevich, who was removed from office Jan. 29.

Separately, federal authorities have been investigating hiring decisions by Blagojevich's administration. Authorities, however, have not expressed any interest in Burris II, Housing Development Authority spokeswoman Rebecca Boykin said.

"Roland Burris II was hired by the Illinois Housing Development Authority's Legal Department based on his qualifications in response to a published job posting," Boykin stated. "As an employer, it is not IHDA's practice to request financial information from applicants."

Sen. Burris' office, Burris II and Sen. Burris' lawyer, Timothy Wright III, did not return telephone calls and e-mails seeking comment. Blagojevich's publicist also did not respond to questions about Burris II's hiring.

Burris II, 42, once worked at the same law firm as his father: Burris, Wright, Slaughter & Tom. That firm merged with another in the fall.

Burris II had resolved two federal tax liens in 2005 before being hit with the $34,163 lien in July. That lien against his property seeks unpaid taxes for 2004, 2005 and 2007.

A month after the IRS filed the lien, Burris II's lender filed its foreclosure suit. Since Burris II and his wife got the $372,000 mortgage on July 18, 2006, they've paid less than $3,000 on it, the suit alleges. The balance due is $406,685, including interest and penalties.

The fact that Burris II faces foreclosure but is working at a housing-related state agency "reeks of hypocrisy," said state Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), who was the first to call on Sen. Burris to testify before the impeachment panel.

"It's probably not the area where he [Burris II] should be counseling Illinois citizens on how to stave off foreclosure," Durkin said. "I guess it just begs the question: Why was he placed there, and to what extent did Sen. Burris have conversations regarding the placement?"

Burris II built his home in the booming Bronzeville neighborhood on land he bought from the City of Chicago in 2000. City records show he paid $1 for the lot as part of an effort to clean up his once-blighted block.

SUN-TIMES EXCLUSIVE