Word is the big bad Dems are caving and will seat Roland Burris in Barack Obama's U.S. Senate vacancy ...
UPDATE 1: Not sure of the details how this will all happen, but yesterday, Secretary of State Jesse White told 890AM WLS' Roe Conn that he would certify Burris appointment is so ordered by the Illinois Supreme Court. He said he expected to hear shortly from the Court to do just that.
In addition, last evening the influential U.S. Senate Rules Committee chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) voiced her support for seating Burris.
UPDATE 2: Such an appointment will stop dead any Republican effort for a special election to fill Obama's seat, a recommendation they made after Governor Blagojevich was arrested by the FBI December 9th for allegedly trying to sell Obama's vacancy to the highest bidder.
IL GOP Chairman Andy McKenna renewed his call for Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn to return to his original call for special election:
McKenna calls on Blagojevich’s Lieutenant Governor to keep his promise – this time
First Quinn rejects Burris appointment – calls for special election
Now Quinn mentioned in back room deal
Blagojevich’s Lt. Governor faces first test of leadership
Should not endorse anyone until legislature passes special election
CHICAGO – The Illinois Republican Party today called on Rod Blagojevich’s Lt. Governor Pat Quinn to keep his promise by continuing to push for a special election.
When Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris, Quinn rejected the appointment, calling it an “insult to the people of Illinois” and continued calls for a special election if he became Governor.[1] Now, in a scene eerily reminiscent of Rod Blagojevich’s attempt to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat, Politico is reporting that Democrats in Washington and Illinois are working vigorously behind closed doors to obtain Lt. Governor Pat Quinn’s endorsement of Roland Burris.[2]
“Lieutenant Governor Quinn made a promise to the people of Illinois and we expect him to keep that promise,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna. “Endorsing Roland Burris or anything short of a special election is breaking his promise to the people of Illinois.”
Immediately after Rod Blagojevich was arrested Quinn supported a special election, went back on his word, but is now supporting a special election again. Further, Quinn stood silently for six years as investigations continued to swirl around Rod Blagojevich and was a direct beneficiary of the tainted Blagojevich Campaign Fund.
“This is Pat Quinn’s first test of leadership,” added McKenna. “Calling for a special election would break with Democratic leaders in Illinois and Washington but endorsing Roland Burris and backing away from his promise of a special election is breaking his promise to the people of Illinois.”
