Thoughts on Roland Burris:
(1) I think it’s brilliant strategery on Blago’s part. One of two things will happen: The most likely thing that will happen is that, while there will be talk of the Senate not seating him, they’ll easily back down when the NAACP starts screaming racism. For most sitting U.S. Senators of both parties, there is no greater fear than being called a racist, worse than death. At that time, Blago will have had his way. If the Senate indeed does not seat him, then Blago and Co. will push the issue in the Federal courts, and eventually we will have a precedent that will probably solidify Governors’ near-absolute rights to fill vacant U.S. Senate seats, in which case Blago will win. Blago can’t lose either way.
(2) Some Republicans are licking their chops because they think a Blago-appointed replacement (or any replacement) will be vulnerable when the seat is up for election in 2010. I’ve had political friends tell me that they hope Blago appoints the most radical black possible, to ensure a Republican win in two years. My answer is this: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, this is Illinois we’re talking about here. If not for the fact that Illinois is a solidly blue state, the Illinois Republican Party makes matters worse — if you are like the late great Dr. Samuel T. Francis, and call the Republican Party in general “The Stupid Party,” then the Illinois Republican Party qualifies as the Retarded Party. (Alan Keyes, anyone?) For a liberal PC Republican, especially of the DuPage County Plutocrats’ Club, there is no greater fear in life than being called a racist, worse than death. Look for Mr. Burris to be unopposed for all intents and purposes in 2010, and 2016, and for as long as he wants to be in the Senate.
