Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Senator Burris On Tape Promising Blagojevich Money For Senate Seat

Remember when the Senate Democrats were deciding whether or not to seat Burris or not?  They chose poorly. 

In a Nov. 13 conversation recorded by the FBI, Roland Burris told Rod Blagojevich’s brother he feared he’d “catch hell,” with the public if he gave the governor money at the same he was lobbying for a Senate seat appointment.

Still, Burris ends the call with a promise: “I will personally do something OK? And it will come to you before the 15th of December.”

Such a promise of money is something Burris did not disclose to an Illinois House impeachment panel in sworn testimony after Rod Blagojevich appointed him to the U.S. Senate.

The revelation comes as a transcript of a conversation between Burris and Robert Blagojevich were unsealed by Chief U.S. District Judge James Holderman today, at the request of a U.S. Senate ethics panel investigating Burris.

Burris, a Chicago Democrat who Rod Blagojevich appointed to the Senate seat Dec. 30, can be heard repeatedly expressing worry that a donation to the governor would look like he’s trying to buy the seat. Burris tells Robert Blagojevich: “I’m in a dilemma right now, wanting to help the governor.”

At another point, Burris said: “I am trying to figure out how to deal with this and still be in consideration.”

During the conversation, Burris says “I might be able to do this in the name of Tim Wright. OK, ‘cause Tim is not looking for an appointment, OK?”

(3) Comments
Posted by Owen at 1919 hrs
Law + Politics + Politics - General
Tags: politics, law

  1. Can we keep this guy around until 2010 so a GOP candidate can run against him?

    Makes the Ted Stevens situation seem like childs play.

    Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 26, 2009 at 2153 hrs


  2. Don’t get all happy about a GOP Candidate.  We’re talking Illinois here.  About the only place you see a picture of a Republican is on a milk carton.  Besides, haven’t you heard?  A Kennedy is going to run next year (Chris Kennedy, D-Merchandise Mart), and will probably win.

    Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 27, 2009 at 0710 hrs


  3. I thought this was to be a permanent “black” seat.  And, another Kennedy?? Talk about entitlements.

    Posted by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on May 27, 2009 at 1102 hrs


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