<div>Opposition to Burris in the US Senate (which would just be till 2010 when the seat would be filled by election) is in part to avoid continuing political damage to Democrats, given Burris's appointment by likely to be impeached governor Blagojevich. The Democrats could be tainted by the Blagojevich scandal for years, with Burris in the senate as a reminded in the news over and over... But the image of opposing Burris, who could become the only African American in the senate currently, implies racism or the appearance of racism to some, also a political problem. Burris's competence and integrity apparently are not the main issues. But considering many in politics, these issues are often not the primary focus of who assumes office. Caroline Kennedy may be appointed to Clinton's New York US Senate vacancy, in part based on the clout of her family dynasty, while other more qualified and/or experienced candidates are passed over. And Al Franken I doubt would have won in Minnesota if not for his fame as a comedian. </div>
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<div>States can hold special elections to fill vacant US Senate seats, and some think this is the best option to fill Obama's vacancy, given Blagojevich's problems, or even in general as a democratic principle, though expensive and time consuming. </div>
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<div>Ted Moffett<br><br> </div>
<div><span class="gmail_quote">On 1/7/09, <b class="gmail_sendername">Tom Hansen</b> <<a href="mailto:thansen@moscow.com">thansen@moscow.com</a>> wrote:</span>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="PADDING-LEFT: 1ex; MARGIN: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; BORDER-LEFT: #ccc 1px solid">I agree, Paul.<br><br>Roland Burris may be totally selfless and absolutely above reproach.<br><br>However, I am guessing that even Mother Teresa or the pope would be<br>
subject to the same scrutiny if appoointed by Governor Blagojevich.<br><br>The question, valid or not, that will long linger in the back of many<br>minds: Did Roland Burris buy his way into the United States Senate?<br><br>
I forget who (I think it was Jon Stewart on The Daily Show)) stated, words<br>to the effect:<br><br>Records reflect that 48% of all murderers are caught and punished. Four<br>of the last eight Illinois governors have been incarcerated. This simply<br>
goes to support that you are more likely to end up in jail if you become<br>an Illinois governor than if you kill someone.<br><br>Tom Hansen<br>Moscow, Idaho<br><br><br>> As much as that comment frightens me, and as much as I can't stand<br>
> Blagojevich, I think they are in the wrong to oppose Burris'<br>> appointment. Blagojevich is still the sitting governor, and has the<br>> power to appoint the next Senator. I doubt the law says anything about<br>
> "unless the Governor is ethically challenged", or "unless everyone wants<br>> the Governor to be impeached".<br>><br>><br>Paul<br><br>---------------------------------------------<br>This message was sent by First Step Internet.<br>
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