In less than two years time, Illinois residents will head to the polls to vote in the 2010 elections. On the ballot will be the Junior Senatorial seat currently held by Roland Burris. The question is will Burris’ name be on that ballot?

Roland Burris, one of the last official acts of deposed Governor Rod Blagojevich, has been the focus of media and political scrutiny ever since he was rumored to fill the vacated seat belonging to now President Barack Obama. Blagojevich was under investigation for attempting to sell Obama’s seat, leading to his arrest in December 2008. While lawmakers met in Springfield to debate impeaching the Governor and how to hold a special election, Blagojevich quickly acted and tapped Burris to be Obama’s successor. This appointment was seen as an insult to state lawmakers, even though the Governor had the right to make it.

While trying to distance himself from Blagojevich’s legal issues, Burris quickly departed Illinois and headed to Washington, DC to claim his seat. He was met by legal roadblocks and an inter-party concern over the association Burris might have with the Governor. Inquiries were made and Burris testified that he had not made contact or offered any concessions to Blagojevich in exchange for the Senate seat. However, this turned out not to be 100% accurate.

In February, Burris submitted an affidavit disclosing how he was in contact with the Governor’s brother, and that he wanted Burris to raise money for Blagojevich. Burris testified that he did nothing illegal nor did he raise money for the Governor while being considered for the Senate position. Faced with calls for resignation, Burris responded by saying, “I am not a tool of the Governor … I’m a tool of the people of Illinois.” This might be truer than he realizes.

Not only are there concerns over his integrity and honesty regarding his appointment, there is a growing sense of non-acceptance in Congress for his presence. Even his popular counterpart in Senate has suggested that Burris should resign. Senator Dick Durbin said, “I told him that under the circumstances, I would consider resigning if I were in his shoes.” Burris has chosen to remain, and as such more investigation into his involvement with Blagojevich has emerged.

Both the state prosecutor and the ethics committee are investigating if Burris lied under oath. The FBI has tape recordings of the conversations Burris had with Blagojevich’s brother, specifically regarding raising funds for the troubled Governor in the same conversation where Burris expressed desire for the Senate seat. Burris countered by saying the house legislature didn’t ask him that specific question during the hearings in January.  Durbin didn’t accept Burris’ explanation, saying “He didn’t come in and tell the whole story under oath.”  Some Illinois State Legislators agree.  Citing his inconsistancy in comments regarding his discussions with Blagojevich, they are calling for Burris to be either reprimanded or for him to resign.

Burris has less than two months to clear his reputation and to get some legislative victories under his belt. But with each passing week, he is drawn further and further into the web that snared Governor Blagojevich. Questions of his integrity and honesty will haunt him as next year’s campaign begins. Will his name be on the ballot? It is highly unlikely. What is likely is that the “Ghost of Blago” will lurk during the state campaigns and debates, making it harder for any Democratic challenger with the smallest association with the deposed Governor to be victorious. Burris, for his part, will most likely be watching the events from the sidelines.

Related articles:
The Washington Post – “As Burris Tries to Settle In, He Faces New Controversy”
Statesman Journal – “Burris a perjurer or smooth talker?”
The Chicago Tribune – “Burris says blame impeachment panel for their questions, not him for his answers”
Northwest Herald – “The disgrace of Sen. Burris”
MSNBC – “Congress: Durbin Spoke with Burris”
Chicago Sun-Times – “Durbin rejects Burris’ explanation”
FOX News – “Illinois State Legislators Call for Burris Resignation Over Wiretapped Conversations”
Associated Press – “Burris is an outcast in clubby Senate”

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