Governor Pat Quinn had a press conference (video) to politely request Senator Burris resign from barry’s senate seat. He said he has known Burris for 37 years and yet he hasn’t spoken to him personally. He went public. Friend? He initially said about the situation: “the more sunshine, the better.”
QUINN statements and paraphrases:
“I would ask my good friend Sen. Roland Burris…to step aside and resign from the office.”
He said he wished Burris had not taken the appointment and that it was a “big, big mistake” and that to “accept the appointment was not a wise decision” and that he “thinks Burris will do the right thing and resign.”
“There’s just too much of a cloud of controversy over the appointment process”
“At no time should our state go without full and fair representation in the United States Senate”
I know it is very hard for any human being to resign from anything but we have to focus on the common good of the people of Illinois.
If the office holder is harming the people it’s time to step aside.
Hopefully resolved within a week.
He wants a special election held - something Blagojevich agreed to but the folks who impeached him said no. Had they none of this would be happening. Wouldn’t even be a problem. But they didn’t want to risk losing the seat and Pat Quinn wanted the power to name the replacement. And yet they go on complaining and blaming blago and Burris.
Just the way folks seem to forget that Congress’ ratings were lower than Bush’s and they are just as much to blame for the economic crisis.
He also made sure to put the blame on Harry Reid who can then blame barry and barry can say it’s a senate decision.
So who is Quinn going to appoint?
He said he wouldn’t appoint someone until the law passed. And he would appoint someone who would not run for election - something Burris never committed to.
5 days after opening writ of election that in 115 days people can vote.
72 days primary
6 weeks special general election
Provision to allow the governor to appoint temporary replacement.
Saw Micheal Madigan at dinner but hadn’t spoken to Sen Cullerton.
2-19 Jason Erkes, Temporary Spokesman quits
2-20 Darrell Thompson, Interim Chief of Staff quits
2-20 Gov Pat Quinn asks Burris to resign - in public - without first talking to his “friend of 37 years”.
2-23 Bud Jackson, Former advisor severs ties
