Giannoulias Issues Statement On Burris Appointment

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 30, 2008 10:10PM

Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias issued a statement a short while ago, commenting on the appointment of Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Gov. Blagojevich's actions today demonstrate an even greater need for the General Assembly to move quickly with impeachment proceedings and remove him from office. The question here is not whether Roland Burris would make a good Senator. The question is whether Blagojevich should have the right to make the appointment. Regardless of whether he wanted to appoint Mother Theresa or Abraham Lincoln, I believe Blagojevich lost that right when he allegedly attempted to sell the Senate seat to the highest bidder. He abused his power and should lose his appointment power. Because of Blagojevich's actions, the appointment process has been tainted and will continue to be tainted as long as he holds office. In the best interest of the people of Illinois, I encourage Secretary of State White to refuse to certify the appointment.