Blagojevich’s Senate pick has nothing to do with race

Today, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-Shit’s Creek) selected former Attorney General Roland Burris (D-Special Interests) to occupy the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama (D-Hyde Park).

The embattled governor’s move took a great deal of chutzpah.  On December 9, Blagojevich was arrested by federal agents for accusations of corruption, including attempting to sell Obama’s seat to the highest bidder.  In the subsequent weeks, a letter signed by all 50 senate democrats was sent to Blagojevich, requesting that he step down, allowing his successor to appoint Obama’s successor. They promised to exercise their constitutional authority to prevent the replacement from serving.  Secretary of State Jesse White (D-Tumblers) vowed that he would block a Blagojevich pick, potentially preventing the person from serving. 

Much has been made about Burris’ race.  Burris is a black man and Congress is comprised of predominately old white men.  He would be the lone black senator. 

Race-baiter Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Machine) made a his case for the appointment of a black man.  At today’s press conference introducing Burris, Rush said that this is an issue of "tremendous national importance."  Then he resorted to racially charged language to underscore his point.

Rush implored the audience to “not hang and lynch the appointee as you try to castigate the appointer."  He then revealed more about the motives behind the Burris appointment.  "I don’t think that anyone…wants to go on record to deny one African-American for being seated in the U.S. Senate," he said.

One might think that Blagojevich is a champion of racial diversity, working to provide a voice for a grossly underrepresented minority in the legislature.  Others may think that pressure from Rush may have persuaded Blagojevich to appoint a black senator.  Both are terrible incorrect, because this is not how the governor operates.

Every decision that Rod Blagojevich makes is done for the benefit of Rod Blagojevich.  His self-interest is paramount and comes before all other factors.  The excerpts of the federal wiretaps help to illustrate this point. 

Since his arrest, Blagojevich has been working tirelessly to project the image of a normal governor.  He has signed bills and granted pardons.  He held a bizarre press conference and an awkward interview, and he’s even been out jogging in ill-fitting pants.  Today’s selection of Burris is part of his larger effort to appear as though he is simply doing his job. 

In many ways, Burris is the safest possible pick. Candidates mentioned in the wiretaps are now off limits.  Very few politicians, spare Burris, would mortgage their political future by being associated with Blagojevich.  Burris served the state of Illinois more than 15 years and emerged unscarred by scandal, a rarity in Illinois politics. 

Burris has very little to lose.  While it is a long shot that he will actually take Obama’s senate seat, there is a small possibility.  If Burris was seated, but did not run for reelection in 2010, he would be ineligible for a federal pension.  However, Burris can add to his legacy by serving as senator.  Burris ran for senate in 1984, but lost in the primaries to Paul Simon (D-Bow Tie).  And he has clearly aspired for a higher office; he ran for mayor of Chicago in 1995, and has run for governor three times.  In fact, his accomplishments are chiseled into his gaudy tombstone, and there is a blank area on the right side where “United States Senator” would fit perfectly.

Burris, 71, does not have to worry about harming his future political aspirations.  He has been out of public office for six years, and he has been successful in the private sector. 

Rush’s involvement is puzzling.  Any effort to promote diversity in the cracker-filled legislature is laudable.  However, Rush is now curiously aligned with the terribly unpopular governor.  It is unlikely that Rush will experience any short-term political repercussions, as he is extremely popular in Illinois’ 1st congressional district, but his credibility may be tarnished in the long term.

Furthermore, Rush is now squarely at odds with most Congressional democrats.  Many democrats would prefer for Lt. Governor Pat Quinn (D-Pandering Populists) to appointment a strong candidate that could win election in 2010. Quinn’s appointee would seem far more credible to Illinois voters.  Others call for a special election to allow voters to select Obama’s replacement, but virtually no one has been in favor of Blagojevich making the appointment. 

No one, that is, except Blagojevich, Rush and Burris.   

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