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Roland Burris: So Much for Principle!

By Doug Bandow on 1.6.09 @ 8:47AM

Remember all that talk by the Democrats about how they were worried about the "tainted" appointment process for Barack Obama's Senate seat.  When it comes to Roland Burris, it appears that they have other considerations in mind--like holding the seat in the next election.  I am shocked, shocked ... .

Reports the Associated Press:

Democrats privately expressed concern that Burris would not be able to hold the seat in a special election that must be held in 2010. Reid has denied that political calculations are involved, but one Democratic official suggested that one potential outcome would be for Burris to be seated and pledge to retire in 2010.

Lynn Sweet makes the same point in the Chicago Sun-Times:

This brings me to why Burris will be much closer to a deal if he takes himself out of the 2010 contest. The Senate leaders want someone in the seat who has an excellent chance to win it in the next election.

Makes you proud to be an American!