Burris Finds Senate Seat not so Golden

By Prescott Carlson in News on Apr 17, 2009 9:45PM

We sure hope Roland Burris is getting something intangible out of being a United States Senator, because it looks like he's really paying for the privilege. In trying to secure the seat and defend himself from various ethics and perjury probes, Burris has already racked up bills of $111,032, which he can pay off through fundraising. But that's going to be an uphill climb -- so far this year Burris has raised only $845, bringing his war chest to about the same level as the village treasurer in Mokena.

But he hopes to turn the situation around with the help of of some folks that know a thing or two about squeezing people for cash -- Chicago aldermen. Several city council members as well as a state senator and other supporters are holding a fundraiser for Burris on Sunday, and hopefully everybody will pony up the full $2,400 allowed since they are only expecting 50 to 100 people to show up (even that seems ambitious). Ald. Freddrenna Lyle said the event will be "almost like a friend-and-family thing," giving us images of Burris prancing around the room like a bride during the dollar dance at a New Jersey wedding. [Trib, photo M. Spencer Green/AP]