Rob Blagojevich Solicited Roland Burris for $10k Prior to Senate Appointment

February 15, 2009 in Senate by Christopher Howell

Filed under: Senate, Democrats, Breaking News, Scandal, Investigations

That’s not a typo, Rod Blagojevich’s brother is named Robert Blagojevich, and he was the head of Friends of Blagojevich. Captain Ed over at Hot Air has the story:

Maybe Harry Reid should have stuck to his guns. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Roland Burris failed to disclose that impeached and former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s brother solicited a $10,000 contribution just prior to Burris’ appointment to the Senate. The admission conflicts with previous sworn depositions in the case, putting Burris at risk of perjury…

The Sun-Times has this preview of Burris’ defense:

Burris said he sent the new statement to House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) after he read the transcript of his testimony before the impeachment committee she headed and realized it was incomplete. “There were several facts that I was not given the opportunity to make during my testimony,” Burris said. “I voluntarily submitted an affidavit so everything was transparent.”

Weak sauce, Roland.

I can’t imagine what facts could possibly emerge that would mitigate this even slightly. Although he refused the solicitation, even pointing out its inappropriateness, his failure to report the solicitation is inexcusable. Burris will have to resign.

Unfortunately, I doubt he will. He has shown no willingness so far to recognize the massive taint that connects his appointment with Blagojevich.

Burris’ problem is that he feels deserving, and maybe he was deserving, so he feels no qualms about justifying the means of his appointment.

Captain Ed is absolutely right, Harry Reid should have stuck to his guns. Ed calls that commentary, but in Democratic circles, it’s more of an anthem, or a mantra.