December 30, 2008
Just When You Thought Gov Blago Had Lost His Shock Value
In part blaming the Illinois legislature for failing to pass a law that would give the people of Illinois the chance to elect Barack Obama's successor, Governor Rod Blagojevich has appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the United States Senate, saying,
The people of Illinois are entitled to have two United States senators represent them in Washington DC.
As the Illinois Secretary of State has refused to certify Blagojevich's selection and Democrats in the United States Senate, including Majority Leader Harry Reid, have stated that they will not seat the Governor's selection - both well within their right and power to do so - this unexpected appointment has set up a fascinating showdown. Gov Blago has a point, not quite so baldly stated, that he has not been impeached, has not been convicted of any crime and, in fact, is still the Governor of Illinois, in possession of all of the power conferred by that office, including the power to appoint the successor to a vacant Senate seat. Does the fact that his overt, running auction of a US Senate seat for personal gain was caught on tape really change the core, indubitable fact that he is still Governor of Illinois?
Until Governor Rod Blagojevich is legally ousted from his elected position, unfortunately he is still the governor of Illinois with all rights and privileges.
Also, in my humble opinion, Governor Rod Blagojevich is also playing the race card and a legal challenge with his appointment of former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris.
I am also fascinated by this, as well. Blago is doing exactly what one would expect a sociopath to do, and doing it magnificently. He's acting out by showing that he's still the boss. He gave out some pardons last week, and now this. Who knows what else he'll do before he's impeached. Appointing an African-American is a ploy on several different levels. Race card? More like the whole deck. I think the appropriate word is "chutzpah."
The Democrats in Illinois had a clear chance to revoke his appointment powers in their recent special session, but backed down for some reason (most likely, not wanting to give the GOP any chance at picking up the seat in a special election).
They made their bed, and Blago is not only lying in it, but jumping up and down on it, whilst chucking the bird at all of them using both hands. This guy just may out do Huey Long. Wow!
Even though the Illinois Secretary of State (who also happens to be an African-American) has said he will not voluntarily certify the appointment, more likely than not, he will be compelled by a court to do so (via a writ of mandamus). I'm not sure that the US Senate can refuse to set him either, IF it was done in compliance with the law.
The Democrats have really created a mess for themselves, haven't they? They are so screwed. What wonderful timing, too. Perhaps if they keep repeating "Hope N'Change," it will just magically go away! :)
Posted by: Will at December 31, 2008 12:49 AM"The Democrats in Illinois had a clear chance to revoke his appointment powers in their recent special session, but backed down for some reason (most likely, not wanting to give the GOP any chance at picking up the seat in a special election)."
Is that why they didn't revise the law? How selfish and ill-advised.
He's Buddy Cianci with better hair.
Face it, at this point he's out to cause as much damage to the Dems who failed to step up and make excuses for him as possible. He is truly impervious to humiliation.
Will,
Repeating "Hope N Change" works only if simultaneously clicking one's heels three times.