11) In 1998, he unsuccessfully sought the Democratic Party nomination for Governor of Illinois. In that race, Burris caused a controversy by referring to his Democratic primary opponents — Jim Burns, Glenn Poshard (who eventually won the nomination) and John Schmidt — as "nonqualified white boys".
12) On May 26, 2009, tapes were released from the wire taps. Roland Burris promised to "personally do something" for Blagojevich's campaign. "Tell Rod to keep me in mind for that seat, would ya?" "Okay, okay, well we, we, I, I will personally do something, okay", Burris says.
During the conversation, Burris and Blagojevich discussed the possibility that Burris might raise campaign money on a larger scale.
"I know I could give him a check", Burris said. "Myself."[58]
AntiglobalJoelof IL5:12PM May 28, 2011
I think as most Americans that he is no more than a pathetic, sad excuse of a human being. How pathetic that a man has to have a statue made of himself with his so called accomplishments that only he himself thinks he has accomplished.Listen up Burris. An American isn't black,white, yellow, red, green, purple or any other color you wish to chose. An American also isn't German, English, Italian, Russian, Iranian, Chinese, or any other nationality you wish to mention. An American is all of the above believing in a way of life they call "Freedom". Our flag is not a God, (wake up Muslum's & Mexico), its a way of life that our fathers have outlined in our constitution, and have fought and died for,for centuries. All men are created equal regardless of color or nationality. If Burris wants some reccognition then tell him to quit being a racist bigot, not to mention a political thief.Try accepting some accountability for his actions as a man, and just maybe he might be worth remembering. I would have the statue move to his own back yard.
Lou Brackettof WA1:02PM August 02, 2009
What is the name of Roland's sibling Brother who lived in Wisconsin Lake Geneva
Herschel Ryalesof WI2:16PM July 07, 2009
Back then people of color, like him, were not called AFRICANHYPHENAMERICAN!
wHAT DOES IT MATTER?of IL11:24PM March 09, 2009
Democrats will let anyone in. No ethics, no morals, just business as usual. We have the best Senators, their money will buy! When was the last time the Democrats stood firm against seating someone? This is why we are in the mess we are in. Everythings all good with the Democrats.
E. Doddof AR3:08PM January 15, 2009
He built a monument to himself and named his kids Roland and Rolanda? What a freaking narcissistic lunatic.
Leonof FL10:12PM January 07, 2009
The people of the state of Illinois need to be represented in the Senate. It appears Harry Reid has turned the acceptance of Roland Burris into a political circus, when we have incredibly serious issues to address.
We need to separate the Illinois governor's arrest from Roland Burris's appointment. Roland Burris has met basic qualification standards and is more than fully qualified to take office in the U.S. Senate. His appointment is legal, even though it occurred in a cloud of Pay to Play accusations.
I'm disappointed by the behavior of both Senator's Dick Durbin and Harry Reid, who are both behaving like jackasses, when we need to focus on solving our economic problems. Let's accept Burris as Senator of Illinois and move on!!
Rich Ligusof IL12:22PM January 06, 2009
I agree that Mr Burris should have his day, and that the appointment is legal. How can he be denied on account of unproven accusations against the appointor. I was always taught that in this county a man was innocent until proven guilty. In this case Gov. Blago hasent even been charged with anything, and I'm sure any of us would want our day in court. It just seems like another case of judicial misprudence.
Kirby Gregoryof GA12:16PM January 06, 2009
I believe that Harry Ried by holding up pictures of his choice for the President Elect Senate Seat is a direct slap to the citizen of the State of Illinois. The fact that Durbin did not take the stand that the people of Illinois, not Harry Reid or himself should speak for the people and the appointment. I truly feel that our Governor was elected twice by Illinois Citizens, and on each election, someone said he was dishonest. The Governor has been charged, but has he been convicted.
Terry Leaseof IL11:52AM January 06, 2009
Robert, I respect your feelings about Burris, but here again what does that have to do with the legality of his appointment? That's the main issue for me. I'm not trying to pick a fight but I used your comment because it seems, at the heart of it, to be in harmony with the thinking of those who oppose Burris.
My heart goes out to Mr. Cruz and his family, but if this error is the only blemish on a record of service as long as Burris, he is to be commended. The good outweighs the bad. And did not Mr. Cruz have a jury trial as well. It is a man's life yet the argument is oranges and apples, in my opinion. But again, my heart does go out to Mr. Cruz as well.
The FACT is regardless of personal feelings toward Burris or Blagojevich, his appointment is legal. Someone should be looking into forcing Jessee White, whom I happen to admire and have the utmost respect for in his service to Chicago and it's youth, to certify the appointment in some IL Court. It's all yet a waste of tax payer $$$ to be doing this. Like it or not THE ROLAND BURRIS APPOINTMENT IS LEGAL> How about the law-makers follow their own rules of law for once, Heck they want us to!
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AntiglobalJoel of IL 5:12PM May 28, 2011
Lou Brackett of WA 1:02PM August 02, 2009
Herschel Ryales of WI 2:16PM July 07, 2009
wHAT DOES IT MATTER? of IL 11:24PM March 09, 2009
E. Dodd of AR 3:08PM January 15, 2009
Leon of FL 10:12PM January 07, 2009
Rich Ligus of IL 12:22PM January 06, 2009
Kirby Gregory of GA 12:16PM January 06, 2009
Terry Lease of IL 11:52AM January 06, 2009
Sick of this BS of IL 10:49AM January 06, 2009