Patterico's Pontifications

12/30/2008

What’s Next for the Illinois Senate Seat?

Filed under: Obama,Politics — DRJ @ 7:19 pm



[Guest post by DRJ]

This CBS2 Chicago report has some interesting speculation about the consequences of Gov. Blagojevich’s appointment of Roland Burris to Obama’s Senate seat:

  • “Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who must formally approve the appointment, says he won’t do it … [and that] alone prevents the Senate from swearing in Burris on January 5. ”
  • The Senate may vote to halt Burris’ seating “pending the outcome of an investigation into the propriety of his appointment by the Senate Rules Committee. That investigation will likely have a 60-day period limit.”
  • If Burris tries to be seated anyway, a Senate “sergeant at arms would physically bar Burris from entering.”
  • In my opinion, Obama’s support for the Senate’s refusal to seat Burris leaves only two ways to resolve this: Blagojevich’s impeachment or resignation.

  • “Sources say leaders in Springfield have assured Senate leaders that Blagojevich will be impeached and out of office by Valentine’s Day.”
  • Once Blagojevich is out of office, the “Senate can then label the Burris pick null and void, leaving Illinois’ next governor, Lt. Gov. Quinn, to select Obama’s replacement. Sources say that person would be sworn in immediately.”
  • The biggest question? How hard and how far Blagojevich will fight.

    Conservative bloggers may be eating more popcorn in the next months.

    — DRJ

    78 Responses to “What’s Next for the Illinois Senate Seat?”

    1. Lots of popcorn for us conservative types for sure. We’ll have to see how often Obama votes “present.”

      As much as I’m a republican and don’t care for Dems very much, Roland Burris was a great pick. He was State Comptroller and he was the Illinois Attorney General for crying out loud. I say seat the man! He’ll keep it warm and even be able to run for it in 2 years time. He certainly is more qualified than Obama ever was.

      J. Raymond Wright (0440ef)

    2. How hard and how far Blagojevich will fight.

      Wouldn’t this depend on whether he has a political future of any kind? If he can scrape one together after this mess, it would likely he would be more agreeable and restrained lest he jeopardize his future? Likewise if he has nothing to lose (yet everything to gain) it would seem he would fight pretty darn hard.

      Dana (79a78b)

    3. Since Illinois is the only state to have elected two black Senators, denying Burris a seat pushes a lot of buttons. He’s obviously qualified. Obama may be forced into a fight so big only he can settle it.

      steve (25aa92)

    4. Conservative bloggers may be eating more popcorn in the next months.

      Yes, they do find sideshows a distracting amusement. And given the collapsing economy fueled by conservatives policies, an apt appetizer, especially for a crowd use to telling others to ‘eat cake.’

      DCSCA (d8da01)

    5. This is the same Illinois senate that failed to vote the fix that would have obviated this mess? On what basis should we trust the statement that Blago will be out by Feb. 14?

      It is absolutely fascinating to see how the default media position in all of this is NOT the race component, as Rep. Rush insisted. No pressure, none, is being applied to Reid and BHO. It is further enlightening to see the fact of Burris’ eminent qualifications are not mentioned vis-a-vis BHO’s when he won the Democratic nomination for this seat.

      Ed (de2c64)

    6. If the IL SoS refuses to ratify the Gov’s appointment of Burris, doesn’t that open him up to a court suit?
      This could go on until Summer!

      Another Drew (wwbkaADitcy) (fa7341)

    7. And given the collapsing economy fueled by conservatives policies, an apt appetizer, especially for a crowd use to telling others to ‘eat cake.’

      I would like you to say, once and for all, that the next two years (at a minimum) are at the feet of the Democrats. I would like to hear you admit that the next two years Democrats will have no excuse for failure to do as they wish.

      I would like for you to say that, or if you disagree, explain in detail – without a single insult – why you think differently.

      I don’t believe you can do it.

      In fact, I would very much enjoy a bit of time with you, like DRJ enjoyed with the late, lamented Levi…

      Scott Jacobs (90ff96)

    8. “Sources say leaders in Springfield have assured Senate leaders that Blagojevich will be impeached and out of office by Valentine’s Day.

      I wonder if Gov. Blagojevich will get the message that is being sent!

      Richard (31ed22)

    9. If the IL SoS refuses to ratify the Gov’s appointment of Burris, doesn’t that open him up to a court suit?

      Only so long as teh current governor is in office, if even then.

      I think Blago might be a bit busy to even bother.

      Scott Jacobs (90ff96)

    10. The responses to Blagojevich seem like more of the same sleazy Illinois politics. Claiming he is disabled?! Denying the power of the governor to appoint the Senator?! Come on. Blagojevich is certainly a jerk, but he is still the governor.

      What’s going on with the two stealth vacant seats: Colorado and Delaware? Those need to get blown up in controversy too. This is fun to watch. “No iota of taint” – hilarious.

      Obama is an idiot for getting involved with this further. This is below his pay grade.

      Wesson (3ab0b8)

    11. Matthew J. Franck at NRO discusses the legal issues here:

      “If state law does not (or cannot) stand in the way, can Harry Reid and the Democratic caucus make good on the promise not to seat a Blagojevich appointee? Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution says: “Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members.” Until 40 years ago, there was little doubt that the Senate could have refused to seat a would-be senator, however valid the process of his selection. But in 1969 the Supreme Court decided Powell v. McCormack, holding that the House of Representatives could not deny a seat to a duly elected person who met all the Constitution’s qualifications and suffered from none of its disabilities.

      I think Powell was wrongly decided—for reasons irrelevant here—but it is generally accepted as an authoritative gloss on the power of either house of Congress to deny a seat to a validly chosen would-be member. Rod Blagojevich has treated Harry Reid’s threat like a bluff he is now calling. My bet is that Reid will fold.”

      Franck wrote this before Obama’s statement. Now that Obama has weighed in, Reid may not be able to fold.

      DRJ (1a6fbf)

    12. holding that the House of Representatives could not deny a seat to a duly elected person who met all the Constitution’s qualifications and suffered from none of its disabilities.

      I think what I bolded is the important bit. He wasn’t elected, he was named, and the scandal surrounding the seat I think might prove ample ground to refuse him.

      Scott Jacobs (90ff96)

    13. But this presents a complication in that at the founding, Senator’s were appointed by their respective State’s Governors upon confirmation of the Legislature.
      So, a Senator’s qualifications are determined by their respective Legislatures/Governors, as per State law.
      An appointment that conforms to State Law, would not ISM be challenge-able by the Senate as unqualified, and the SCOTUS opinion would not apply as it pertains to elected members.
      Hot-Rod has thrown a turd into the punch bowl, and Harry has to deal with it, and not seem to be pissing all over a vital part of the Party’s membership.

      Another Drew (wwbkaADitcy) (fa7341)

    14. The democrats have became more fun to watch than a cage full of three legged monkeys with all the banana’s high in a tree.

      Scrapiron (dda662)

    15. It will be “Back to the Future” time with this one, as white Democrat leaders order a white sergeant -at-arms to block a duly-appointed black man from taking his seat in the US Senate.

      The more things change…

      Rhymes With Right (60fe93)

    16. Blagojevich is not resigning.
      Unless he does.
      Then look for an almost-forgotten late payment of about $500,000 to “Acorn” from Obama’s campaign funds.

      MayBee (5b642f)

    17. With the way Blago plays hardball, I’ve also come to understand why Obama didn’t want to let it be known he had a clear preference to fill his seat. There was no guarantee Blagojevich would do it, and Obama couldn’t lose face in his own State.

      What could be more wonderful than Bobby Rush (who beat Obama when Obama punkedly tried to beat him in a primary), Blagojevich (who Obama did not endorse until he’d won his primary), and Burriss (who Obama did endorse just 6 years ago) teaming up to fill O’s Senate seat with someone not on Barack’s list? The only way it could be better is if Alice Palmer joined in.
      Ha ha ha ha ha.

      MayBee (5b642f)

    18. The appointment is a brillant move in defense to the upcoming criminal trial.

      Alta Bob (445b04)

    19. “If Burris tries to be seated anyway, a Senate “sergeant at arms would physically bar Burris from entering.” ”

      The Congressional Black Carcass will start screaming “Jim Crow!” in 5, 4, 3, 2…

      the friendly grizzly (77fb0e)

    20. To co-op a phrase from the far left: BURN BABY BURN!!!

      Dandapani (7aefb0)

    21. “Sources say leaders in Springfield have assured Senate leaders that Blagojevich will be impeached and out of office by Valentine’s Day.”

      Way to call that proceeding into question. Great job, folks!

      Pablo (99243e)

    22. It isn’t clear to me what basis the Senate could refuse to seat Burris on. Art. 1 § 5 limits the grounds on which it can do so: the Senate can judge the elections, returns and qualifications of its members. Burris arrives not by election but by appointment, so the former is irrelevant (even if it isn’t, and is extended by parity of reasoning to cover appointment, it would be unprecedented for the Senate to say that a Senator’s election is unsound because of a flaw in the electorate). Nor are qualifications at issue: Burris meets Article 1’s requirements and Powell v. McCormack settled the question of whether Congress can judge qualifications other than those listed in the Constitution decades ago.

      The Senate Democrats can keep him out of their caucus, and the Senate can vote to expel him (a pointless exercise, for obvious reasons), but I really don’t see any grounds for the Senate to refuse to seat him. If they do, get ready for Burris v. U.S. Senate.

      Simon Dodd (fb192d)

    23. There is no way the Democrats will block this for long. It is a disaster for them in multiple ways. John Kass has the story, as usual. The alternative, and I can see Blago doing this as a backup strategy if they do block Burris, is to call for a special election, which Democrats could lose. They want to avoid an election at all costs, even if it means caving in to Blago. This guy is no clown; he is smart (for a Chicago pol) and has nothing to lose. Among other things, he is thinking about the Chicago jury pool. He hasn’t even killed anybody. This should just about guarantee his acquittal.

      Bobby Rush, by the way, looks sick or crazy but that is no impediment to his political activity in Chicago. He handed Obama his head a few years ago in his first attempt at politics.

      Mike K (2cf494)

    24. Way to call that proceeding into question. Great job, folks!

      I dunno… I find the imagery to be compelling. 🙂

      Scott Jacobs (a1c284)

    25. Sorry but the Illinois law says the Secy State SHALL certify, the person that the Governor appoints pursuant to Blago’s statutory powers. If he does not, Burris will win in Court. Indeed the Secretary of State of Ill came to that realization last night and is making far less obstructionist comments about refusing to certify the Gov’s choice. As for Sen. Reid and the dems, are they really going to bodily remove an African American from the Senate chamber by force in front of millions of CSPAN views and you tube afficionados? With Harry Reid in a tough election fight in 2010? Will Harry Reid and dems go to the SCOTUS over an issue that was decided 8-1 by the liberal Warren Court, in 1969, over the seating of Congressman Powell? Not likely. Once again the incompetence of the Congressional dems is highlighted, but the public voted for them, and the US public will reap the whirlwind for their reckless choices.

      eaglewingz08 (c46606)

    26. Eagle,
      As for Sen. Reid and the dems, are they really going to bodily remove an African American from the Senate chamber by force in front of millions of CSPAN views and you tube afficionados?

      No. They’ll kill the power in the chamber first.

      Chris (cefe13)

    27. I think Obama and Reid are secretly happy about this, avoiding a general election for this Senate seat. They can also say they opposed Blago so avoid looking like they were in on it.

      What really freaks me out is the increasing possibility that Stewart Smalley will be going to Washington. I weep for our children. Damn you Minnesotans, damn you to hell.

      Joe (dcebbd)

    28. Conservative bloggers may be eating more popcorn in the next months.

      Sit on the sidelines???

      But there is still so much work to do in attempting to tie Obama to Blagojevich.

      Gidddeeeeyupppp!

      Oiram (983921)

    29. #24, Mr K, thanks for the link. John Kass’ reporting on Blogo has been excellent. Blogo may be a corrupt, money grubbing, blabber-mouth, but he’s bold, and he’s not a fool. Kass lays it out, chapter and verse:

      “Senate Democrats are talking tough now, saying they won’t seat Burris, but that won’t hold. The debate has been framed. The only African-American in the Senate leaves for the White House, another African-American is appointed to fill that spot, and Democratic politicians know they owe their livelihoods to African-American voters.

      That talk about transcending race was just talk. Skin pigment trumps ideas, and Blagojevich, who may be facing a jury soon, wants all the friends he can get.”

      Ropelight (d40bc3)

    30. “Calloh, Callay, he chortled in his joy”

      Barsinister (1b7d1a)

    31. What really freaks me out is the increasing possibility that Stewart Smalley will be going to Washington. I weep for our children. Damn you Minnesotans, damn you to hell.

      That would be a kindness. They’re already damned to Minnesota.

      Didn’t they elect Hulk Hogan as governor one time? Have you seen the movie “Fargo”? They don’t even talk like Americans.

      nk (2f022a)

    32. no, it was jesse ventura as guv. the dudes from the predator movie right ok politically. I think another one is involved in politics also.

      yah, but fargo was in north dakota, yah, it won frances mcdormand an academy award. those coen boys are something else, yah?

      aoibhneas (0c6cfc)

    33. That was a movie that was …. If you can lug a Minigun with all its ammo and power source through the jungle, you don’t need it. You can use your laser vision and all you have to worry about is Kryptonite.

      nk (2f022a)

    34. The Illinois state Senate has 37 Democrats and 22 Republicans; the Democrats do not have a 2/3 majority, the majority required to actually remove the governor from office. (I actually looked it up, unlike some commenters.)

      If the Republicans had the guts to do it, they could hold the Democrats’ stinky feet to the fire, and say, “Whoa! We’re not going along with a railroading job here. We’ll vote only after the governor has had a full, fair trial. If that isn’t granted, we’ll have to vote against removal, on the grounds of fairness.”

      If the United States Senate refuses to seat Mr Burris, then the GOP could force the state legislature to pass a special election provision, rather than wait for Lieutenant Governor Quinn to take over, unless the Democrats want Illinois to be short a senator for half a year.

      The fiendishly plotting Dana (3e4784)

    35. The Illinois state Senate has 37 Democrats and 22 Republicans

      Err … no. It has the Combine which divides the loot “37 for me, 22 for you”. I think I can find a movie reference for it.

      nk (2f022a)

    36. #35 Republican politics ladies and gentlemen.

      Make fun of a corrupt governor and call it typical for Democrat Illinois politics, then try to tie him to Democrat President elect Obama.

      Then suddenly have the nerve to waive the “Innocent until proven guilty” flag in order to help their guy get in.

      Now we know why Ted Stevens almost won, and why Craig is still in office.

      Guts indeed Dana.

      Oiram (983921)

    37. I have witnessed 10 Presidential elections and this is the first one where “president-elect” is a title. Is it a black thing like Snoop Dog-Dog, Ice-T and Mister T”?

      nk (2f022a)

    38. But there is still so much work to do in attempting to tie Obama to Blagojevich.

      And according to this the ground may be very fertile. Yes, Mario, it could be Merry Fitzmas for quite some time.

      Old Coot (f036b5)

    39. What’s Carol Mosely Brown doing?

      corwin (67c5f0)

    40. 41, Carol “Mostly Fraud” should be keeping her head down and her face out of the news.

      PCD (7fe637)

    41. 33,34, That movie spawned both Gov. Jimmy Panos (Ventura) of MN and the Governator of CA, Arnold the Gurleyman.

      PCD (7fe637)

    42. And according to this the ground may be very fertile. Yes, Mario, it could be Merry Fitzmas for quite some time.

      Here’s to you hoping old coot, sorry about the dyslexia by the way. Hope that goes away in ’09!

      Oiram (983921)

    43. Comment by Oiram — 12/31/2008 @ 11:11 am

      Both Stevens and Craig will be exiting the Senate on the same day: 5 January 2009.

      Another Drew (wwbkaADitcy) (1b7d77)

    44. Comment by Oiram — 12/31/2008 @ 1:04 pm
      Yes, we certainly hope you will find a cure for your inability to deal compounds and possessives.

      Another Drew (wwbkaADitcy) (1b7d77)

    45. I have witnessed 10 Presidential elections and this is the first one where “president-elect” is a title. Is it a black thing like Snoop Dog-Dog, Ice-T and Mister T”?

      Comment by nk — 12/31/2008 @ 11:19 am

      Not a “black” thing nk (nice try)

      Perhaps you should start watching CNN, click on this article for a head start.

      CNN

      Have a nice day.

      Oiram (983921)

    46. Both Stevens and Craig will be exiting the Senate on the same day: 5 January 2009.

      Comment by Another Drew (wwbkaADitcy) — 12/31/2008 @ 1:06 pm

      And my point was…………. oh yeah, that Stevens almost won (still in office) and Craig is still in office.

      Please tell me your point, oh grammatically correct one.

      Oiram (983921)

    47. Thank you for helping make my point, Oiram. It’s “Governor George Bush, the president elect”, just once. “Mr. Bush” from then on. And after the Electoral College had met. You have a nice day too, and A Happy New Year.

      nk (2f022a)

    48. Hmmmm, Fitzgerald’s investigation began in 2003. Obama campaigned for Blagojevich in 2006. Rezko paid off Obama with a property deal in 2005 (the real estate agent was Blagojevich’s wife).

      Oh, what a tangled web we weave …..

      Evil Pundit (843b74)

    49. nk it reads “GOV. GEORGE W. BUSH (R-TX), PRESIDENT-ELECT:”

      What more do you want?

      Google past presidents and past articles using “President Elect, and the past presidents name. CNN was the first I came to.
      If it had been Fox’s article first, I probably would said here is a link you could relate to.

      I would do it for you but you have obviously have your own typing capabilities and an internet connection.

      Have a happy new year.

      Oiram (983921)

    50. Googled.

      I did say “title” not “position”, BTW.

      Also as in “Office of the President Elect” of which there is no such thing, either in the Constitution or by statute, but maybe in the mind of somebody who likes purple Cadillacs with gold wire-spoke hubcaps.

      nk (2f022a)

    51. See this is why you should resign your current position when you file to run for an overlapping position! !00% of the time!

      The position can filled by a temp till the election by the voters determines who will fill the full term.

      Face it, not one person running for another office is doing the job we hired them to do while campaigning, are they?

      Why should we pay them for a job they are not doing? Doing so amounts to paying them for campaigning!

      Why should we guarantee them a fallback position if they fail?

      TC (0b9ca4)

    52. The same circus will follow Obama’s next job vacancy in 2012.

      Roy Mustang (ad5f36)

    53. Oiram wrote:

      Make fun of a corrupt governor and call it typical for Democrat Illinois politics, then try to tie him to Democrat President elect Obama.

      Then suddenly have the nerve to waive the “Innocent until proven guilty” flag in order to help their guy get in.

      So, what are you saying here, reversed Mario: that Governor Blagojevich is simply to be declared guilty, without a trial?

      The legislature could have acted to prevent this; they’ve had what, three weeks now, to have passed a bill changing the senatorial replacement mode to a special election. They didn’t do it because they didn’t want to face the possibility that a Republican would take the seat. Then, when the governor uncharitably declined to resign, they were stuck with him and the appointment.

      Well, we’re down to a long holiday weekend, and the next Congress takes office on Monday. Had the governor not acted, Illinois would have only one senator. And you can’t forget — since I’ll remind you, of course — that the governor left the legislature plenty of time to act on their own, and they didn’t.

      At this point, only Governor Blagojevich has the authority to name a new senator; no one else can do it for him. Had he not acted when he did, he would have been behaving irresponsibly, leaving the good people of Illinois minus a senator.

      The amused Dana (556f76)

    54. Reversed Mario also wrote:

      Now we know why Ted Stevens almost won, and why Craig is still in office.

      They are both still in office, for a few more days, because they have not chosen to resign. They did have that right, you know. I suppose you would like to blame that on the entire party?

      The Republican Dana (556f76)

    55. TC, not only don’t candidates for another office resign, but Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) ran for re-election to his Senate seat at the same time that he was running for vice president. More, even though Governess Ruth Ann Minner (D-DE) has appointed Mr Biden’s replacement in the Senate, Mr Biden still has not resigned from his Senate seat.

      During the lame duck session, when the Congress was considering the auto industry bailout, Senator Biden did not show up for work, apparently busy with other matters. He still holds the position, is still getting paid to be a senator, but doesn’t do the work anymore.

      The annoyed Dana (556f76)

    56. I am one of those evil Republicans, but only because there isn’t a true conservative party of due value (but that’s a different discussion).

      In my view, Blago should have been thrown in jail without bond and all this would’ve been over. He can’t adequately perform his duties as gov from the greybar hotel. People who allegedly murder a single police officer can be held without bond until the trial. While that is egregious and I am in no manner attempting to diminish that, Blago has allegedly attempted to impact the lives of 300 million people for monetary gain.

      Short of that, the IL state legislature should’ve immediately called for a special election, but power politics were more important to the Dems in power than what was right for IL citizens.

      After the legislature dropped the ball, Blago brazenly picked it up and ran it in for a perceived score. If the IL Sec of State actually follows through and refuses to certify the appointment, the issue will go to court. If Blago’s SitRep doesn’t change, the SoS will lose in court, I suspect.

      If the IL SoS backs off and certifies, and then the US Senate refuses to seat, that action will go to court and the Senate will likely lose.

      Both of those scenarios will likely take more time than a belated special election.

      At this point, due to all the ball-dropping, I would prefer to see a sequence of the SoS losing in all courts followed by the US Senate losing in all courts, which could in effect keep the taint from being seated until nearly re-election time.

      But Blago and his entire machine need to go down in flames and the lot of them need to lose their rights to vote via the Felon status they have done the work to garner.

      John Hitchcock (fb941d)

    57. But there is still so much work to do in attempting to tie Obama to Blagojevich.

      WTF are you smoking? Obama campaigned for Blagojevich. Obama’s chief of staff-to-be spoke with Blagojevich’s CoS on the subject of filling the seat.

      The two are connected. The question — which the dodging, half-truths, and carefully-timed “reports” have only amplified, not answered — is how much Obama knew about the deals being cut.

      You may want to look into who held Rahm’s Congressional seat before he was elected. It might give you a clue as to how familiar Obama and his staff are with Chicago-style politics.

      Rob Crawford (b5d1c2)

    58. Make fun of a corrupt governor and call it typical for Democrat Illinois politics…

      It is typical for Illinois politics. You’re the one who apparently believes the nice girl you met in the whorehouse is a virgin.

      Rob Crawford (b5d1c2)

    59. Mr Crawford wrote:

      You’re (reversed mariO) the one who apparently believes the nice girl you met in the whorehouse is a virgin.

      Maybe it was her first day on the job?

      The naïve Dana (556f76)

    60. Make fun of a corrupt governor and call it typical for Democrat Illinois politics

      Since 1960, five Illinois Governors have been charged with crimes during or after their time in office. Democrats Otto Kerner, Jr. his successor Daniel Walker and Republican George Ryan all did hard time. Republican William Stratton, who was succeeded by Kerner, was acquitted of tax evasion.

      Then there’s Blagojevich.

      So…think that such is all coincidence?

      Paul (creator of "Staunch Brayer") (ed9791)

    61. BTW, Ryan’s still in jail as we speak, and Bush did not give him a pardon, despite pleas from current Senator (Dick Durbin – D) and many others from the Combine here. Good for him.

      Dmac (eb0dd0)

    62. Politico reports that the US Senate has figured out a way to keep Roland Burris from joining them: Blocking Blago: Senate has Plan B for 90-day delay.

      Roland Burris went to the Illinois Supreme Court on New Year’s Eve to try to get his Senate appointment certified, but Senate leaders back in Washington have a Plan B to keep from swearing him, regardless of what the court decides.

      Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has said he will not certify the controversial appointment by disgraced Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

      But even if the Illinois justices force him to make the appointment official, Senate Democrats in Washington will still resist.

      Senate officials tell Politico that if presented with the appointment, they are likely to give the Rules Committee 90 days to determine the propriety of the appointment by looking into such issues as whether Blagojevich received anything in return for it.

      “A motion to refer credentials to the committee has the effect of delaying seating,” a Senate Democratic aide said. “The motion is debatable and amendable.”

      Another official explained: “That buys us 90 days.”

      Love those anonymous sources.

      Paul (creator of "Staunch Brayer") (ed9791)

    63. As qualified as Burris is, I have to wonder whether the “rolando cruz” affair will make it to prime time, and whether this will FINALLY make some people notice that chicago politics aren’t exactly clean.

      carlitos (34f76e)

    64. #55 So, what are you saying here, reversed Mario: that Governor Blagojevich is simply to be declared guilty, without a trial?

      First of all, sorry about that dyslexia Dana, it appears to be going around here.

      No, Blago is innocent until proven guilty. We both can agree on that (now).

      Not sure if you have tied Obama to Blago (pretty sure you have), I know a lot here continue to do so. Obama is apparently guilty until proven innocent on that matter in this room. (maybe we should call this room Reverse Patterico). I know you’ve seen that Dana you’ve been paying attention here. This was my point.

      Yes, Blago should have resigned. And yes, the Dems should have set up a special election in the event Blago didn’t resign(politics unfortunately).

      But don’t think that you are above the fray on this one. The following comment cemented that fact for me:

      Dana’s #35 If the Republicans had the guts to do it, they could hold the Democrats’ stinky feet to the fire, and say, “Whoa! We’re not going along with a railroading job here. We’ll vote only after the governor has had a full, fair trial. If that isn’t granted, we’ll have to vote against removal, on the grounds of fairness.”

      I repeat what you wrote above “We’ll vote only after the governor has had a full, fair trial.” (How…. connnvennnnnieeeeent)

      You can’t have it both ways Dana.

      Obama is innocent until proven guilty as well.

      But you know that as well (politics unfortunately). 🙁

      Oiram (983921)

    65. Not sure if you have tied Obama to Blago (pretty sure you have), I know a lot here continue to do so.

      See, this is further reason we think you’re a dolt.

      A child of five can see that Ocarter and Blago are connected. Ocarter helped campaign for the man in 2006, for crying out loud.

      It is the EXTENT to which they are tied in this that is unknown.

      Scott Jacobs (a1c284)

    66. #67 Scott, you should take a lesson from your comrade Dana.

      Innocent until proven guilty (As in Blago).

      Hypocrisy is why many Republicans are “Dolts”.

      Oiram (983921)

    67. What part of “the extent is unknown” do you not get?

      I have repeatedly said that even if Obama (or a close aid) had direct knowledge of what Blago was doing, they were not active in the scheme.

      But for you to utterly ignore the idea that there COULD be some level of guilt is just hilarious.

      And completely predictable.

      Scott Jacobs (a1c284)

    68. I don’t ignore the idea that there COULD be some level of guilt. This thing isn’t over yet.

      But people here have already hung Obama on this issue. Like they’ve tried on various bogus assumptions throughout the ’08 campaign. Politics as usual, I know.

      Oiram (983921)

    69. But people here have already hung Obama on this issue.

      racist

      carlitos (34f76e)

    70. an investigation into the propriety of his appointment

      Should they investigate every appointed Senator, just in case the governor who appointed them may have ever done something wrong?

      The Senate has no authority to deny him. The only precedent for that involves disputed ELECTIONS. The Illinois Secretary of State has no reason not to proceed with the appointment. It is lawlessness not to do so.

      The people of Illinois must look at themselves, and see why they voted for a guy who they can’t trust to fulfill his responsibilities – not expect others to cover for them by not fulfilling their responsibilities.

      THAT analysis is exactly what they are seeking to avoid.

      Amphipolis (e6b868)

    71. hung Obama in what sense? [Double racist!]

      Icy Truth (b7d162)

    72. If they can deny the seating of this Senator, then they can deny the seating of any Senator they do not like. It sets the precedent – if there are accusations against the Governor (remember the bogus and convenient charges against Palin), then the appointed Senator can be blocked.

      We should oppose any attempt to block this Senator. He was legally appointed. If people don’t like it, take it up with those who promoted and elected Blago.

      Amphipolis (e6b868)

    73. The reversed mariO wrote:

      You can’t have it both ways Dana.

      Obama is innocent until proven guilty as well.

      Actually, yes I can. You have forgotten the difference between an actual criminal — and impeachment — case, which Governor Blagojevich faces, and claims of deceitfulness and bad connections which are leveled at former Senator Obama. When it comes to people actually facing the penalties of the law, innocence until guilt is proven is the precise standard we must use. If it’s simply blog-talk about the scumminess of Mr Obama, we can make any arguments we wish — as some people would do concerning Sarah Palin — as part of our freedom of speech.

      The curious Dana (556f76)

    74. #75 Absolutely Dana, innocence until guilt is proven is precise.

      If it’s simply blog-talk about the scumminess of Mr Obama, we can make any arguments we wish — as some people would do concerning Sarah Palin — as part of our freedom of speech.

      Yes continue the “scumminess” talk of Mr. Obama, it is your right.

      But it’s also my freedom of speech right to point out your absurdity.

      I remind you of what you said in #35 We’ll vote only after the governor has had a full, fair trial.

      “Fair trial” for Blago only when it suits you, unfair trial for Obama always. Interesting.

      Although others have tried, I have not tried to tie Palin in with corrupt Governors and Senators.

      Again Dana, Palin 2012 🙂

      You might want to seek some help for that Dyslexia. It might help with your hypocrisy.

      Oiram (983921)

    75. #71 But people here have already hung Obama on this issue.

      Yes they have hanged (thanks for correcting me) Obama here.

      HERE HERE

      Oiram (983921)

    76. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) intends to have the Senate’s Sergeant-at-Arms physically block Roland Burris (D-IL), the only African-American Senator, from entering the chamber and taking his rightful seat. This is a mistake. If he wants someone to block the doorway, Harry should get former governor George Wallace (D-AL).

      Official Internet Data Office (e781ed)


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