Roland Burris-Portrait of a Leader

Roland Burris-Patriot, Senator, Leader

Engraving below:

"My thought on that wouldn't amount to a hill of beans."
"None of my business."
"I have nothing to do with that."

Cross-posted by Gary Fouse
fousesquawk


Roland Burris, Rod Blagoyevich's choice to replace Barack Obama as Illinois Senator is sure shaping up to be a promising force in the US if judged by his recent statements.

Burris initially had this to say when the news of Blago's indictment was released:

Burris said the reported charges were "appalling" and "reprehensible" behavior. He spoke in favor of the effort by the state attorney general to have the courts remove Blago, stating that the indicted governor could no longer carry out his duties. That was then.

Today, in an interview with the Associated Press, Mr. Burris stated that he "absolutely" stands by those statements.

However, he also stated that the governor can continue performing his duties,(such as appointing him as senator), and he declined to venture an opinion on whether the governor should resign.

"That's his decision, so my thought on that wouldn't amount to a hill of beans," Burris said.

"That is none of my business. Absolutely not," Burris added. "I'm not interested in the charges against him. I have nothing to do with that."

Now I ask you; does this sound like someone who will go to Washington and be a strong leader? It sounds more to me like the words of the guy who plays the piano in the house of ill repute.

Nevertheless, Burris is now trying to have the courts force Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to certify the selection, something White is opposed to doing. It also looks like the pro-Burris crowd is marshaling its forces to pressure that other noted "leader", Harry Reid, to drop his opposition to the Blagoyevich selection. Democratic strategist Bob Beckel had this to say:

"Every vote counts. Therefore my suggestion to Harry Reid and company, as tough as it may be, it may make sense to take Burris,"

Every vote counts. Isn't that what they are saying in Minnesota right now?

In addition, liberal George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley is opining that for the Senate to deny to seat Burris would be "an abuse of power".

Well, if it all comes down to the backbone of Harry Reid to stop this appointment, then I guess Burris will take up his Senate seat come January. He'll look great standing there next to Senator Al Franken, won't he?