Progress Illinois

Capitol Fax notes some unsurprising news: The Sangamon County States Attorney won't be charging Sen. Roland Burris for perjury.  If you've studied the transcript of his appearance before the Illinois House impeachment committee in early January, you know that the questioners gave him outs -- opportunities to avoid disclosing certain damning conversations -- and he appeared to take free advantage of them. 

But let's be clear: While the transcript shows no violation of the law, it does show someone playing games.  After all, when Rep. Jil Tracy asked Burris to name anyone other than Blagojevich associate Lon Monk whom he spoke to about the Senate seat "at that time" (meaning July-September 2008), he first said, "I don't recall."  But then he went on to cite a conversation with his friend Rich Barber about the seat (which he thought occurred after November 4 election and therefore outside of Tracy's timeframe).  Then he added this: 

"I can start giving you names of people who you can follow up after that, after November 4th, I can certainly give you a few names, but I can't give you the thousands of people who were involved in this."

The legislators never asked for a list of "thousands."  But you have to also remember that, days earlier, they had received a sworn affidavit from Burris stating that, prior to being offered the seat on December 26, "there was not any contact between myself or any of my representatives with Gov. Blagojevich or any of his representatives regarding my appointment to the United States Senate."  He primed them.  And he played them.  And he got a Senate seat to show for it.

Now he's raising money and giving every indication that he plans to run for reelection, despite dismal favorability ratings.  From an email sent out to supporters today:

For whatever time I am in the senate, I have one goal...to do a good job for the people of Illinois.  Working alongside my colleagues, it is important that we make sure our economic policies benefit Main Street, not just Wall Street...that all of our citizens have decent health care...that we find a compassionate solution for immigration while protecting American jobs...that we develop effective measures for safe-guarding and allocating our natural resources...that we not mortgage our children's future with unnecessary spending... and that we provide our young people with a quality education and alternatives to crime and violence.

Our advocacy and efforts are built upon a grassroots network that requires activists like you.  Please join me by visiting www.supportburris.com, where you can sign up to get more involved and receive e-mail updates.  Together, there is nothing we can't accomplish! Take a moment to visit my Web site--then show your support with a donation today.

The crucial deadline for the next second-quarter financial report is nearing.  This is one of the measures by which each officeholder is judged.  Your immediate contribution will demonstrate the strong support I'm receiving to bring progressive change to Illinois.  By donating now, you'll be among my earliest supporters.  I want to add your name to the list of those who are stepping forward to stand with me.