Poll: 52% of Illinois Voters Oppose Seating Roland Burris
Wondering how the Rod Blagojevich-Roland Burris comedy of errors is playing in Peoria? It isn't. A new poll shows the majority of Illinois voters are not pleased with their governor's choice to replace President-elect Barack Obama.
Roland Burris is paying the price for an appointment that is tarnished and tainted by the cloud of corruption and scandal that hovers menacingly over the head of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, according to a new poll by the Glengariff Group. The poll indicates that 52 percent of Illinois voters oppose the appointment. Only 32 percent support it and only 21 percent approve of the governor's decision to exercise his appointment power, while 72 per cent want a special election or an appointment by Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn to fill the Senate seat. "I think rather than a judgment on Roland, this is a judgment on the process," said Don Rose, political analyst.
The obvious problem with the Burris appointment is that the governor has been accused of trying to sell that Senate seat. Oh and the governor has just been impeached and more than likely will be convicted. Burris' credentials are impeccable but it's hard imagine his appointment and credibility will not continue to suffer. In the long run, the election will be in 2010, Burris has lost two recent attempts for governor, and, many observers believe any hopes of a re-election campaign would be a pipe dream. Vis a vis by seating Burris the Democrats are handing the Republicans the keys to the Senate seat and the governor's mansion.
What to do?
Oprah should run for that seat in 2010...unbeatable! Hell, she could buy Illinois...well, atleast Peoria.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 12 January 2009 at 11:42
Good point Rod, because the appointment is tainted, the repubs can easily win it in the next election. The sad part (and there are so many) is that Bobby Rush and his band of Black pastors are being played by Blagojevich. They are screaming racism for Burris being turned away when the issue is how Burris was appointed, not Burris himself. These self appointed Black leaders are not thinking in the long term… which is Burris is not likely to win the seat in an election.
Posted by: Otis | 12 January 2009 at 12:03
I hope Mr Obama will stop the war between Israel and Gaza !
Posted by: cafe paris | 12 January 2009 at 13:17
There is no way in hell I would want that seat ... I would just let it go and avoid the stress and drama if I were him. It is jacked up, but he won't see a moment's peace in that post.
Posted by: S. Flemming | 12 January 2009 at 13:21
To S.Flming:I am glad it's not you. By not accepting the seat, you would be being prejudice to your own self. You would forgo your life's dreams and aspirations because of something someone else has done. Are you saying that you wouldn't accept a job promotion from a boss because you think he is a lousy guy?
To Rod&Otis:The seat is not tainted. People like you minds are tainted. Who cares about 2010. If you vote for him in 2010 he can win. Also, Bobby Rush and the black pastors have been dealing with white people long enough to know that racism was always in this thing and will always be in American politics. It's called being proactive and calling it out ahead of time. Keep living as long as those black men and you'll have a discerning spirit too; hopefully.
"Ro", make your comments without personal remarks directed at me. And if my mind is "tainted" don't waste your time reading this blog. As an older "discerning" black gay man, if you implicitly trust the wisdom of "black pastors" in our community, that doesn't say very much about you. RM
Posted by: Ro | 12 January 2009 at 20:17
miss ro, you must be new around here, there have been a number of posts on Roland Burris, both positive and negative. look 'em all up, chile, cuz reading is fundamental not for the mental...
of course burris is "tainted" by being appointed by an IMPEACHED governor accused of trying to SELL THE SEAT. that's why there is a controversy. if the appointment wasn't "tainted", ummm...there would be no controversy! voila!
but you sound very old school, ready to blame race and racism where there is none. and what self respecting black gay man talks about 'black pastors' like they know what is best for our community? you mean the same black pastors who say we are going to hell? or we deserved AIDS? or call us "faggots" from the pulpit?
man please ...
Posted by: CA | 12 January 2009 at 20:52
I agree with Ro. Too many outsiders attempting to determine the fate of this man. A year ago people said it was impossible for Obama to win the White House. Guess what. He won. Burris is focused on doing his job. He is going to make a great Senator, and will re-election. Only thing stopping him from winning is a poor performance by the White House in turning this country around. If nothing changes in a year, several democrats will be receiving their walking papers.
Posted by: Mitch | 16 January 2009 at 16:16