Roland Burris (D-IL), the only black member of the Senate and the embattled and controversial replacement of President Barack Obama, says he will not seek a new term in 2010. It's all about the Benjamins.
Burris' fundraising has been lackluster; he raised only $845 during the first three months of 2009. Polls have shown he has little voter support and he doesn't have the backing of top Illinois politicians, including fellow Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, who has said repeatedly he would not support Burris for a full term. [...]
Equality Illinois political director Rick Garcia said he thinks Burris made the right decision, but he attended Friday's event to show his support because the Chicago Democrat has been a backer of the gay community. "One thing about good politics is you're not only with people who are on their way up, you've got to be with them on their way out," Garcia said.
Interesting the AP quoted prominent Rick Garcia, the prominent Chicago gay activist mentioned earlier. Burris, first black elected to statewide office in Illinois, was one of the first state officeholders to hire prominent openly gay staff when he was the state attorney general. Two weeks ago during Gay Pride, Burris "proudly" came out against the military's failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and promised to vote for a repeal when a bill is introduced.
Burris will not face perjury charges for statements made before the Illinois House impeachment committee.
Thank goodness!
Posted by: Kevin | 10 July 2009 at 16:37
Add the fact that he was over-the-hill when he as appointed.
Posted by: seanndc | 10 July 2009 at 16:52
He should have seen that one coming.
Posted by: Ravenback | 10 July 2009 at 17:04
...and Illinois Democrats just cancelled that truckload of Pepto Bismol.
Posted by: Andy Niable | 10 July 2009 at 20:59