Chicago Area Local News

  We asked 'What are your thoughts on Gov. Rod Blagojevich naming former Ill. Atty. Gen. Roland Burris as Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate?'

Here is what you said: 

What is the Gov thinking? I can understand being innocent until proven guilty but with all this hanging over his head I would think he would devote his time to clearing his name and, for the time being, step aside and let the Lt. Governor take over. After he proves his innocence ( if he does ) he can tell us all " I told you so." -Jim

The needs of the citizens of Illinois should come first. Jesse White should do the job he is beig paid to do and certify Roland Burris's appointment.It is hypocritical to complain that the governor is a criminal and then refuse to uphold the law. -Miriam Williams

This action exemplifies the arrogance of Rod Blagojevich. I also feel that Burris, qualified or not, is showing great disrespect by accepting the position. -john

It infuriates me to see governor blago had the nerve to name somebody to the vacant senate seat. I do not have anything against Roland Burris. I heard he wanted the job weeks ago but wasn't considered a serious possibility because he would not be a strong candidate if he had to run against a Republican opponent in a few years. He has a legacy of honesty and integrity but also has a history of losing a lot. Blago is playing the race card in his sick twisted game. Since Burris is black he knows if any opposition arose against seating him then some misguided black politicians and leaders would come out and say the opposition to Burris is racially charged. In reality it wouldn't matter if blago named Caroline Kennedy to fill the Senate seat because he is tainted and anything he touches becomes tainted. He wouldn't dare name a strong candidate so he chose to name a weak one and one he knows would be beaten by a Republican candidate. He did this to spite the Democratic party in Illinois. I know Burris wants this seat badly and it is a shame that his aspirations have overtaken his better judgement. I applaud Danny Davis for declining the seat. This shows he's a man of honor and wisdom. Blago must go and he must go now. Illinois has been embarrased enough. -JTA

LEAVE THE GOVERNOR ALONE! Your wasting our tax payer dollars. Whoever started this should be ashamed of what they have done and are doing to our city and state! thank you. -chicagoan

Here we go again, Bobbie Rush and the race card. What ever happened to the best/most qualified. With this latest turn of events I have become a Republican. The Democrats are so screwed up and all they care about is political correctness, not doing the right thing. Look at burris and blogo! - j

HE'S THE GOV. BUZ OFF LET HIM DO HIS JOB.WE ELECTED HIM. -JOHN MCCAULEY

Yet another chapter in the ongoing ethics violation saga, Blago has no scruples..he is a power hungry, abusive dictator. Get wise Illinois, vote this punk off the reservation. - janet b

Blago could care less about having a Black person in the Senate. He's cunning & egotistical and should be impeached asap!. Mr.Burris has tarnished whatever decent reputation he had by going along with Bobby Rush with his prearranged appearance at the news conference AND playing the race card. Hope the legislators in Springfield & D.C. will not accept this Burris appointment from such a scandal ridden Governor. Illinois deserves better! - Sher

Neither Blagojevich nor Burris seem to be thinking clearly. The governor never has - but I would have expected more from Burris. -HDC

I am 70 years old and thought I had seen just about everything. Governor, grow up. You are acting like a spoiled child who must have his way at the expense and embarassment of the people of Illinois. - Marge Humbert

as governor he has the right to name whomever he chooses to the senate seat. as a legacy to his children, he should close up shop and go home to await his fate..how sad that his ego is so enormous he can't see what he is leaving for his family to clean up...-chris gerulat

Governor Blagojevich said, "I have done nothing wrong!" He is still a citizen of the U.S. where all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Governor has done many GOOD things for our State including selecting Rolland Burris to replace Obama. Get off of his back! Stop piling on. Stop reporting opinions as though they where facts. Stop tampering with the jury pool. Allow him to have his day in court. Show some respect for the Constitution. - Samiyah

I think this is a sweet move by Blago. He disses Obama and the entire Democratic party in one fell swoop. This will make Obama look weak (which he is) when he has to capitulate to the AA community to accept Burris. Obama is just another Chicago pol, even though he has managed to fool a lot of people. If I were Blago, I would drag him around in the mud as much as possible. Machiavellian brilliance in action. -Hillary Fan

Isn?t Rod Blagojevich an innocent man, until proven guilty? Where is his due process? Doesn?t he deserve the same rights as every American? Simply because there is a ?complaint? issued by Fitzgerald?s office, does this mean without a doubt, that it?s valid and/or factual? I would be skeptical and question those who seek to secretly listen to others through wire taps. What are Fitzgerald, Madigan, Madigan, Quinn, and the numerous other politicians? actual agenda? Observe all the prejudging, and how the masses are willing to give a whole lot of credence and/or leniency, without any legitimate evidence and due process. Frankly, whether one likes it or not, the governor did his job today, by appointing Burris. The people of Illinois should be repulsed with the Illinois legislature, which did not pass a joint bill to hold a special election. The citizens of Illinois should be demanding that the legislature get their act together and do a job which is worthy and in the best interest of the citizens of Illinois. -J.W. Miller

Shame on the people of Illinois. The entire state has gone on a witch hunt. I don't care if the man is the devil himself he deserves a trial. Whatever happened to "INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY" And Roland Burris is a fine choice for replacement in the senate.I'm embarrassed to live in this state not because of the scandal but because of the way it's being dealt with. Apparently I'm the only one........ - Laurie Warfield

Rod Blagojevich is being arrogant as usual. The sooner he is out of office the better it will be for the state of Illinois. He likes being in the news and will do what he can to get there. The Senate needs to act quickly to resolve this matter, they seem to be dragging their feet! -John

All afternoon and evening while listening to local and national news, I find it amusing to hear all the condemnation for what the governor has done. Instead they should be condeming the ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE FOR NOT ACTING IN REMOVING THE POWER FROM THE GOVERNOR. He has the constitutional power to appoint the vacated Senate seat. While what he has done may be tainted, the person he has appointed is not. Roland Burris, to me, is the perfect choice,a man who knows Illinois, who knows how government works, and has a stellar and impeccable reputation. -Joan

Mr. Burris is a fine man and his appointment to the U.S. Senate would be better received if it were not for Mr. Blagojevich who continues to be so controversial. If Mr. Blagojevich really cared about the citizens of Illinois as he claims, he would not have made this appointment. The voters of Illinois deserve strong and respected leadership in the U.S. Senate, which will be challenging to obtain given Mr. Blagojevich's stamp on this appointment. Finally, I am an African-American and I disagree with Mr. Rush that this is about race. It is about integrity and effective leadership in Illinois. - Joe Ann

ILLINOIS POLITICS IS NO LONGER STATE POLITICS BUT DUE TO THE ELECTION OF OBAMA TO THE WHITEHOUSE,IT IS OF NATIONAL PROMINENCE. THIS IMPEACHMENT PROCESS IS IMPEDING THE SELECTION OF AN ILLINOIS SENATOR. I THINK RATHER THAN THROW ROD UNDER THE BUS, LISA MADIGAN AND OTHERS ARE TAKING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY DOWN WITH THIS IMPEACHMENT AND THE DISAVOWING OF THE SELECTION ROLAND BURRIS. THIS IS THE TIME FOR THE DEMOCRATS TO PULL TOGETHER AND CLOSE RANK. AND IF GOVERNOR ROD IS GUILTY, LET IT PLAY OUT IN THE COURT NOT BY THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. -BEVERLY

As we come off one of the proudest moments in Chicago history as we watched one of our own become the next President, SHAME on Blagojevitch for trying to take advantage of the situation. And he claims he did nothing wrong? Does he think we are all stupid? We should be embarrassed that we are letting him get away with it. That's the real crime. - Marguerite Gaul

I feel that the Gov. Rod Blagojevich has not been convicted of any crime and has every right to name a honorable man such as Roland Burris as Obama's replacement to the U.S. Senate. - rose

Blagojevich has no right to say Burris is (REPLACING) Obama since he tried to sell the seat for his own pocket money! -Kenneth

I do believe that Mr Burris is (and would be) an exceptional choice for the position. But Rod(ney) needs to step down before we as a state becomes the laughing stock of the Nation. And Bobby Rush just needs to keep quiet and do "his" job - Leonard

disgrace – joe

Checkmate! My pick for best political move of 2008 trumping obama's reversal on public financing. – TLB

im all for it ...im all for it goooo rolland go!!and mrblago also .. this is a " trap for the nice people of chi-town..they need representation in that area.. – jim

Governor Blagojevich should resign. I no longer have any respect for Roland Burris. The US Senate should NOT seat him. The people of Illinois do NOT support this. – Timothy

if the governor should leave office, Lt.Gov Pat Quinn should leave office also. They both were on the same ticket. They both started together, they should leave together. - Ed Lofton

Right Man, wrong time - let the citizens of Illinois decide. – Gary P

It seems that everyone involved is of the opinion that Atty Gen Roland Burris is a upstanding, honest man, yet in the same statement they deny is appointment just because it involved Gov Blagojevich. The people of Illinois need the best man for this job. Roland Burris is very well qualified and fits the bill. Let's not appoint someone less qualified just because he was chosen by Gov Blagojevich, who by the way is innocent until PROVEN guilty. Who appointed these people judge and jury? – Michael Piekarski

My hat is off to the Governor. The Governor is doing his job, and in so doing saving the Illinois tax payers a lot of money by avoiding a Senatorial Election. "Something ain't right in Dixie here, and booting out one person ain't gonna cure the problem." I have more of a grave concern about all these good American elected officials; that seem to feel they have some sort of bizzare right to condemn anyone before they are proven guilty....and some of them are speaking just a little too loudly and way too soon for my taste....I wonder what our Founding Fathers would think of all this.....Good luck to you Senator Roland Burris. – Todd Swinford

Do we not live in Amercia? I thought a man was persumed innocent until proven gilty. The Gov. is trying to do his job inspit of the media already convicting him. Is this the new Amercian way??? – Debi

I think this was an excellent appointment. When Barack Obama won the presidential election, I told my friends that Roland Burris would be wonderful for that position. His record in squeaky clean, and he is more than qualified for this position in education, experience and performance for the state of Illinois. – Antoinette K

enough is enough! And is Mr. Burris a through back to the old days? I think Blogo needs to go, and what is the relationaship with Mr. Burris and his sons or nephews connection with Cook County Contracts with the health system or his attempt to get a contact??? I believe Mr.Burris Appeared with him at atleast one county facility, I was there! Let the people make the choice – jack

It is interesting to think that an elected official, despite overwhelming public and political opinion, would have the audacity to flaunt his clearly tarnished authority at the Illinois public. This is not a case of guilt or innocence, it is a case of a complete lack of confidence in a man to discharge his duties in the best interest of the people of the state of Illinois. I side with the overwhelming majority that Mr. Blagojevich should simply resign his office and deal with his legal troubles in private. – Dale A.

Roland Burris is a fine man and would make a good senator. I hope that he can be disassociated from the gov's issues. Perhaps the powers that be will allow him to be considered on an equal basis with other candidates if the appointment is not recognized. It is unfortunate that he entered the arena under these circumstances. – Phyllis

With Gov. Rod Blagojevich, under investigation, and who also was trying to sell President Elect Obama's U.S. Senate seat for favors and or monetary gain, I feel very uncertain about his decision making and his leadership. And I think he should NOT at this time appoint anyone to fill Obama's Senate seat. But, at the same time, former Ill. Atty. Gen. Ronald Burris, should not be denied an opportunity to continue serving the people of the State of IL. Illinois state legislators should consider the appointment, and do what is right for the people of the State Of IL. Though I believe Gov. Blago. can no longer be trusted to serve the people honestly, he is still the govenor until he is impeached, or voted out of office. – Rick Baldino

No problem with Burris but there must b e something Illinois can do to get rid of him . He;s making us the laughing stock of the U.S. and he just keeps thumbing his nose at everyone. is arrogance is underwelming. – Barbara Boyle

This is yet another attempt by an arrogant person to make a mockery out of the state of Illinois. The state if Illionis better make good on impeachment soon. – Ken

Why do they need to appoint guys old enough to have retired years ago. those politicians should be made to retire after age 70 cause how many of them are capable to know whats going on.THEY ARE JUST THERE FOR THE MONEY! They may have some qualifictions but are they capable of doing the job satisfactory. – vernon umgelder

I think Blagojevich is thumbing his nose at the people of Illinois by making this appointment when many, many people have advised him not to. I also think that Burris has committed political suicide by accepting an appointment that was made under such a cloud of suspicion. Pulling the "race" card was a cheap shot and has nothing to do with the issue at hand. – Linda Baker

It does not surprise me at all. Blagojevich has more arrogance & than Drew Peterson & O.J. Simpson combined. – Art Overhage

I think Roland Burris would have made a great Senator and I would have voted for him in a special election. But even a respected public servant being appointed by perhaps the biggest political hypocrite this side of the Mississippi will not have my support. Illinois needs a special election. - Justin Carol Stream, IL

As little Cindy Lou-Who stated in How the Grinch Stole Christmas "Santa Claus why are you stealing our Christmas tree, why? To Roland Burris - why are you taking a tainted Senate seat? Why? Michelle B. - Southside of Chicago

why are we not allowed to hear all of the tapes not just bits. if roland burris inability to raise funds proves he wasn't crooked what are you saying about obamma who was able to raise so much also where is madigan isn't he the one who started all this. what happen to inocent until proven guilty – patricia baetzel

Democrats are now in danger of losing this very important Senate seat. Without this Blagojevich move we'll probably have an election in several months, leaving the seat open during a critical period in national politics. Bad news: Illinois Democrats are now divided and the Republicans could unite around Mark Kirk. So thanks to Blagojevich for offering us this surprise "gift" as we all turn our backs on him! Roland Burris is an excellent choice to serve out Barack Obama's current term. He's 71 years old, and could agree to resign at the end of the term, then allowing a brand new open primary in two years. – Mary Townsend

I think because Gov B hasn't been stripped of his duties, he only done what his duties by Law enable him to do. The state is losing enough $$, during this fiasco...having a special election will cost more money than we have. Also, I think Lt Gov Quinn, is partially at fault, I believe he could have consulted the IL AG or others if he was not communicating with the Gov for 14+ months. Just think if anything had happened to Gov beofre this situtation, Lt Quinn wouldn't have a clue.

I ashamed and embarrassed to have to live in Illinois at this time because of the circus, zoo & carnival imposed upon the taxpayers by self-serving crooked politicians. Shame on Bobby Rush playing the race card that we need a black man in the Senate. We NEED honesty, integrity, character and a general election BY the people, FOR the people and OF the people. Blago is shameless, disgusting and sick! I am praying & praying for a big miracle and HONESTY! – Donna

I believe that until he is convicted in a court of law, that he is still the governor! What happened to innocent until proven guilty? I guess it doesn't apply in Illinois Democratic politics does it? The Democratic machine hasn't been behind him for a long time, because he didn't take orders very well! – Michael Guardino

"Embarrassment is an emotional state experienced upon having a socially or professionally unacceptable act or condition witnessed by or revealed to others." What we feel in Illinois today. – JB

I believe the governor's ego has gotten the best of him. How can he totally ignore what the democratic senate has said. What is happening to politics in Illinois. Maybe I should move back to NY. – Barbara Snyder

The appointment is a further affirmation that the Governor is a true sociopath. Burris is being exploited by a public official with no conscience. – james marran

Blagojevich has broken a trust with the people of Illinois. While Burris is an honorable man, If Abraham Lincoln was to rise from the grave and be nominated by Blagojevich it would not be right. – Ed Sapeta

Govenor Blagojevich is truly thumbing his nose at Illinois citizens and those who are trying to advise him. His arrogance is appalling and to have appointed Rollan Burris is to throw HIS reputation in the trash. How are we to put our trust in someone appointed by criminal? – Nancy

Roland Burris is a fine and honorable man. It's unfortunate he has allowed his name to be sullied by accepting the appointment. He deserves better than this. – nathan bovee

Burris has the experience and he has nothing to do with the Governor's legal situations. The Governor has not been indicted or impeached, so let him govern until the US attorney says something else. - Tom Ramos

I think this appointment is disgusting; and how low can Roland Burris stupe to try and take President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat. The majority of voters in Illinois will not accept this appointment. Burris will never represent the people of this State in this position. Despite Burris' long and noteworthy career in Illinois politics, his place in history will always be noted with an * indicating he was appointed by a former Governor who sold the State of Illinois down the drain. - Richard J.

Allying himself with a crooked governor shows a total lack of judgment by Burris and confirms that he is unfit to represent the people of Illinois under any circumstance. - Neal

Mr. Burris' acceptance of the position under such a tainted cloud means that he cannot possibly represent the people of Illinois with integrity. I am saddened that he would even consider such an appointment. And, why do we, the people of this state, tolerate and perpetuate such a corrupt government? What is wrong with us? - LK

Anyone who would align themselves with Governor Blagojevich is just as corrupt as the Governor. Therefore Roland Burris is too corrupt to be a U.S. Senator and Congressman Rush should resign for injecting race into this issue. - John Sawilchik

You've got to be kidding! Burris must be as nuts as Blagojevich. Why would anyone accept a job that they know they can't fill? This move will really foul up the works! Blagojevich really cares about the citizens of Illinois- not! If he had any honor at all, he would have resigned a long time ago. As for Burris - what a dope! - Joseph Martinek

This man is a gross embarassment to the whole state. He is making our state a joke to the entire world. His arrogance is totally off the charts.-Clara Siedelmann

Rod Blagojevich needs to step down.The people have spoken. Roland Burris is making a fool of himself. He knows how the people of Illinois feel about that seat and our so called governor. Its not Blagojevich's seat. It is the people of Illinois'. We need to start standing up to this corrupt man and get him out of there. He need to join former governer Ryan... Help us Patrick Fitzgerald and Pat Quinn. Please hurry..... Before he tries to destroy something else.-Susan

Rod Blagojevich is incredible! I agree fully with Lisa Madigan: he has proven time and again that he is incapable of being the governor. The best situation possible would be an election to fill Obama's senatorial seat. It's also incredible that Bobby Rush included race as one of Burris' attributes. No wonder that Chicago has the reputation of being one of the most segregated cities in the country. The black race will not look beyond the color line. Seemingly, that issue will never die. -Patricia Connon

Personally, the comments who most stood out were those of Bobby Rush. Why bring race into this political fiasco? If a political figure of another race were to profess the most important people to represent a state is their race, other than the black race, the NAACP would pounce on the opportunity to have him/her removed from office. What ever happened to being the most qualified person who is inclusive of all races to represent Illinois? President-Elect Obama won the nation's confidence because of his commendable actions, inclusiveness and family values who cares about the human race-a true global leader. Illinois is a state of many colors. - C.T.

I think its a slap in the face to the people of Illinois & depicable for Mr.Burris to have accepted it. I am a Black and it's not manatory for a REPLACEMENT Senator to be Black, shame on Bobby Rush to interject race into this Senate seat fiasco that is only a Temp-Replacement! Gov.Blago should not have the authority to do anything but RESIGN with some dignity! - Sherri

I think Roland Burris is a reasonable and respectful choice, and will be a good add to the U.S. Senate. I think it is about time that Illinois fills the open Senate seat. - Holly

I think this is one powerful play! He has put many people in a very uncomfortable postion. I hope those elected IN THE SENATE have the backbone to say what they mean and mean what they say, now is the time to show the strength it takes to be an elected official. This is a power play! I hope this doesn't turn racial, if a normal employee did this they would be fired on the spot! -Diana

I don't trust the judgement of anyone self serving enough to accept an appointment by Blagojevich. I certainly don't think Mr. Burris exhibits sufficient judgement to serve in the Senate during these critical times. We need someone who will put the people's interest ahead of their own. Mr. Burris doesn'ts seem to have that capacity, judging by his actions today and willingness to accept this nomination. - Robert a R.

I really think that all politicians are corrupt. Politicians are exactly like the corrupt CEOs taking a huge severance while they're business goes bankrupt. Innocent til proven guilty...when has that ever been the case? Impeach him so he doesn't destroy Chicago more than he already has for its people. Everyone is making deals for money and power while hard working individuals get the shaft. Blagojevich won't go to jail, some how and some way slimy politicians get out of their messes without paying for their mistakes. If he did go to jail it would be at a 5 star resort just like Gov. Ryan. How do we know that Burris hasn't paid to play as well? We won't know Burris' involvement until the media investigates. And of course, Bobby Rush comes out of nowhere to teach us about race. I don't care what color or gender you are, just do your damn job ethically! I think the people should look after themselves and thats it. Were paying taxes so politicians can get rich, when they run out...we get taxed more. Burris may be ethical but I wouldn't want a job that is caught up in this mess. Good Luck. - Mike

No way---governor in denial---proceed with impeachment post haste---let Lt G0v take gov seat--make temporary appointment and follow with special election. - Pat O'Sullivan

Lt. Gov Pat Quinn is right..it is time for Blago to go. -Dave and Donna Dulaney

Blagojevich did it to try and cover his own schemes. So he can say I'm still the boss.Does any body know where my office is? If he really cared about ILL. He would of lived in the Gov. Mansion.Instead of Chicago and have the people by for two house staffs, and office personel. Out galavaning around when he should have been doing his job in SPRINGFEILD!!!!!!!! and as that remark about not hurting the state of Illinois, it the biggest JOKE in the country because of him. the only change that Blagojevich did was take it from Ryan's pocket and put it in his. - Robert Mason

Burris has ruined his reputation by accepting this thing. Is Bobby Rush Drunk? Is it time for the someone to go to Springfield to remove this Governor physically, can't someone just grab him by the scruff of his neck and throw him out of the building? So many questions. - J. Thomas

It is frightening that this man has power and the willingness to self-promote his narcissitic goals over the welfare of the people. - Steve Hart

I beleive this is a great appointment. People have to understand that until the governor is found guilty he is innocent and Roland Burris is and has always been a great public servant. He should not be turned down because of the Gov. he is by far the best of all the people on the list that I have seen thus far with the exception of Valerie. - Mrs. D


I think what was done was the correct thing. Blagojevich is still doing his job. He has not been impeached or arrested and just because he is under allogation he is not guilty till proven so. The choice was a great choice. Burris was an Attorney General and he stated the same thing. He is innocent until proven guilty. He is honered to except the position as he should be. The Gov. has to keep doing his job. As far as I'm concerned he is doing the right thing. -Tim smith

Hurray for the Gov., he has been hampered in doing his job from the beginning.The PEOPLE of Il elected him, not all of these politicians. He is innocent until we have all the facts. We cannot let the media and his enemies dictate how we are supposed to feel or react. - Benita C. Bush

I do believe it was a very strategic and valid appointment of a man who is beyond reproach. Denying Mr. Burris this seat because of the allegations facing the Governor, would be atrocious. - Valerie Taylor-Carter

I think Blagojevich has a lot of nerve to even approach this issue. I think he is just flaunting his power and thumbing his nose at the Senate and the citizens of Illinois. - Clifford L. Green

I would say that the appointment is tainted... but then I would be a racist so I hope he makes it into the senate. -Tom

It sums up the total disrespect for the people of Illinois. If he really cared about Illinois and it's citizens he would resign from office. This last moves emphasises what he really thinks of the people who formally had faith in him. - Nancy Rigby

Let us all hope Jesse White can put a hold on this bizarre development. -sed81650

The Former Atty. Gen. Roland Burris is just as out of touch as the Gov.. Where has Mr. Burris been, that he would accept the President Elect's Senate seat. The Senate made it clear that they would not seat anyone the the Gov appointed. -Joe Baur

He is the Governor or has the impeachment committee forgot? I and many others have voted him in to do a job and has long as he is governor, he is right on this. Maybe his emenies need to stop talking for the voters. They wanted him out before the last election.We will remember next election day on emenies who are not right. -brenda

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