Closing Arguments: Burris Caught on Tape
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Potentially incriminating wiretaps were released today that capture Senator Roland Burris expressing interest in the Illinois seat vacated by President Obama.
In the recording, Burris describes the possibility of raising money for former Governor Rod Blagojevich — and is concerned some may think he’s trying to buy the Senate seat.
"And, if I do that I guarantee you that that will get out and people will say, ‘Oh, Burris is doing a fund-raiser,’" Burris said in the recorded conversation with Blagojevich’s brother. "And then Rod and I both gonna catch hell."
The tape could be damaging. Burris — now under investigation by the Senate ethics committee — previously testified that he never discussed his interest with any Blagojevich associate.
So tonight, we ask you: Is this evidence of a so-called pay-to-play scheme? And if so, what action should be taken?
Tell us what you think.
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Yes, this is evidence of a pay-to-play scheme.
Burris should resign and just go away. Otherwise, he should be impeached, if the people of Illinois really are committed to cleaning up their corrupt government.
Posted by: Proud Native American and Independent Voter | May 27, 2009, 11:37 pm 11:37 pm
Burris is as innocent as Blago… Just like he said on the tape; if I do this, people will say that I’m trying to buy my seat, NO! You don’t THINK!
Posted by: Joseph Alex Martin | May 27, 2009, 11:40 pm 11:40 pm
So is this the “Chicago Politics” the media was warning us about? It looks like the Democrats love to do dirty like the Republicans. Burris should get some integrity and excuse himself or be prepared to be sat down. Liars…All of them!
Posted by: Rodney 'Asaad' Muhammad | May 28, 2009, 12:12 am 12:12 am
Burris should be expelled from the Senate. His nomination was tainted, and the smirk on his face when he became a Senator was sickening. He lied repeatedly, and kept changing his lies when confronted with them. And weren’t some of his actions in the state legislature kind of hinky? The people of Illinois should be ashamed of him if they aren’t. If they keep him just because he is black, it will add fuel to the racist fire.
Posted by: Bobbygale | May 28, 2009, 12:14 am 12:14 am
I t6hink that Burris should resign or be thrown out. He clearly lied and will continue to do so. He is as guilty as the ex-governor of Illinois.
Posted by: Janet Tomasone | May 28, 2009, 12:14 am 12:14 am
Burris should resign or give up any plan to run again. He is just as delusional as Blago.
Posted by: Loren Flouhouse | May 28, 2009, 12:14 am 12:14 am
Roland Burris is just a big liar! Just
what we need – another weasel. All I say is Go Away Roland!
Posted by: Helen F | May 28, 2009, 12:17 am 12:17 am
He is a political hack and has shown us all that he will do anything to be a senator. He lied and does not deserve the job. He was Blago’s chance to give Illinois citizens the finger one last time. Burris is too dumb to realize he is an embarrassment and that saying he didn’t talk to anyone about the job is a lie because he talked to Rob Blago!! Please make him go away!
Posted by: embarrassed in Chicago | May 28, 2009, 12:20 am 12:20 am
I’m surprised by the comments to bury Burris on the 1 tape you chose to run. Why just the one tape that really doesn’t say anything? After listening to the other tapes supplied by other media all day, this tape does little to show Burris guilt. Why is the Ethics Committee so interested in Burris when Pelosi, Frank, Dodd and the countless others, having committed crimes far greater over years of service? Can Burris be the current scape goat? Shame on you ABC and shame on the Ethic Committee.
Posted by: Debbie-NC | May 28, 2009, 12:28 am 12:28 am
Burris should resign and the FBI should turn Chicago politics upside down and find out just how close all the comes to the Chicago politicians in Washington, yes, including the President. Having lived in Chicago, I know the Government at all levels, city, county, state and federal is corrupt, but no one does anything. Also the unions and ACORN are very intrenched. It is a massive scandal.
Posted by: Onemore | May 28, 2009, 12:39 am 12:39 am
I f he/s lying about his past/ he doesn’t deserve to be in the senate.
Posted by: Rich Maciej | May 28, 2009, 12:43 am 12:43 am
Martin, You Asked For It!
So, here is my reaction to your Burris piece and opinion on county,state,federal,house,senate,judicial,legislative,executive officials as well as lobbyists.
The majority are dishonest,corruptible, if, not already corrupt,have little or no loyalty to their electorate.
I believe the U.S.A. majority also believes the above and also is insulted by these government peoples selfish untrustworthyness placed in a position requiring”TRUST” of the people.
The only concern of these elected mistakes is their motivation to gobble up unearned monies of the people each month, enjoy medical security citizens will never be able to earn and confiscate further monies upon retirement or the firing by the Americans smart enough to vote out the culprits.
It will never change until the Gov’t. official has to risk prison without a suspended sentence from another crook.I suggest the people vote in an automatic public flogging in front of the State capitol they are representing while clothed in only a speedo with a burlap sack over their head. One lash/voterwho voted for this scum bag. Then,
they must write on a nearby black board 500 times, legibly… I will never deceive the public again “.
Is this too harsh America?…or earned?
Posted by: Richard Lelo | May 28, 2009, 4:40 am 4:40 am
Crooks that flock together should go to jail together!!!!
As in the monolopy game “GO DIRECTLY TO JAIL……DO NOT PASS GO, DO NOT COLLECT $200!”
LOL AT STUPIDITY!!!
Posted by: sisterdearest09 | May 28, 2009, 8:42 am 8:42 am
This tape is a prove of perjury. Perjury is a felony. He has to be procecuted.
Clean government is not so easy to maintain. But a must.
Posted by: Arkady | May 28, 2009, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm
ON BURRIS,
Another politician caught with his arse whoops hand in the cookie jar! Will someone go to Bimini and Get Adam Clayton Powell and show em how to do it right!
Hey Blogo: Thank you for being living proof there is life and trailer parks on other planets…we hsve been infiltrated?
Posted by: crackmeupp | June 2, 2009, 1:26 am 1:26 am