Blago in the Bunker

1945- Adolf Hitler appoints new mayor of Berlin



2008- Rod Blagoyevich appoints new Senator of Illinois

Cross-posted by Gary Fouse
fousesquawk


In yet another stunning development in the "Alice in the Wonderland" environment that is Illinois politics, Governor Rod Blagoyevich, perhaps emboldened by the failure of his colleagues to impeach him, has gone ahead and appointed a replacement for Barack Obama in the US Senate, long-time Illinois political figure, Roland Burris, 71, former State Attorney General. Apparently, he is the only person in Illinois who still wants the job since Blago was indicted for trying to sell the seat. Today's event is the most embarrassing thing to happen in Illinois since the Cubs blew another pennant.

While some Republicans are dissing the selection as just another "Pay to play" figure who has been around the scene forever, there may be a method to Blago's madness.

For starters, it could be part of his eventual insanity defense that could be raised in his up-coming criminal trial. Don't laugh. Some Illinois observers are talking seriously about just such a defense.

It could be another sign that Blago is willing to bring the house of cards down with him.

But let's look at the pick itself. Burris, at first glance, has never been involved in any scandal during his political career. In addition, he is African-American, and this is probably not by coincidence.

Rep. Bobby Rush, (D-IL) (a former Black Panther) was also there to speak on the appointment. He pointedly injected race into the issue.

"He (Burris) has not, in 40 years of public service, had one iota of taint on his record," Rush said.

Rush added, "Let me just remind you that there presently is no African-American in the U.S. Senate." He also said that Burris' appointment is of "national importance" and that his "prayers have been answered." He also urged that Burris not be "lynched."

"There are no African-Americans in the Senate," Rush said. "And I don't think that anyone — any U.S. senator who's sitting in the Senate right now — wants to go on record to deny one African-American for being seated in the U.S. Senate."

"I intend to take that argument to the Congressional Black Caucus," said Rush. "I intend to take that argument to the senators."

Meanwhile Harry Reid, perhaps with insufficient time to ponder Rush's remarks, has insisted that Blago's pick will be rejected by the Senate-as he had previously stated. Will Senator Reid maintain that "famous backbone" of his-or will he reconsider?

So today may belong to General Blagoyevich as he moves his chess pieces around in a stubborn effort to stay off the inevitable downfall. He may, with this move, make everybody look like the boobs they are as they attempt to get rid of the corrupt governor of a corrupt state. In the end, however.....