Senator Roland Burris (D- Ill.) announced today he would not seek
reelection at the end of his term in 2010. Burris was tapped by then
Ill. Governor Rod Blagojevich to fill the remainder of Barack Obama’s
senate term. Burris’s appointment attracted much skeptism due to
corruption charges filed against Governor Blagojevich resulting in his
impeachment. There were also recordings of Burris speaking with
Blagojevich about fundraising which made many argue this was a case of
pay-to-play politics.
With Burris out of the race, the Democrats are breathing a collective
sigh of relief. Senior Ill. Senator Richard Durbin (D- Ill.) said in
February Burris should resign and his press secretary has not
commented on the situation. This vacancy has opened up the competition
for the upcoming Democratic Primary for expected challengers like
Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Christopher Kennedy, the son
of the late Robert Kennedy.
News
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/07/10/a-short-senate-tenure-for-illinoiss-burris/
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/10/burris-ride-sunset-handed/
Press Conference Video
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