Roland On Down The Road

The hue and cry for Sen. Roland Burris to step down is growing very, very loud.

Mr. Burris's story has more twists than the Chicago El, and none of them good. Caught in a swirl of accusations of perjury and calls for his resignation from state Democrats and Republicans alike, Mr. Burris said yesterday, "I welcome the opportunity to go before any and all investigative bodies, including those referred by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Senate ethics committee to answer any questions they have." When that opportunity arises, why should anyone believe him?

From the moment that Mr. Burris was selected, he strove to portray himself as a blameless public servant. The sad pictures of Mr. Burris being cast out into the rain by the Democratic leadership of the Senate, which initially refused to seat him, turned public opinion in his favor. Mr. Burris got his seat. But this latest revelation makes a mockery of his professions of no quid pro quo. It is a violation of the public trust. The people of Illinois have suffered enough. Mr. Burris should resign.

And as Steve Benen points out, Burris is in some pretty serious trouble.

As of yesterday afternoon, Burris is under investigation by a state's attorney's office in Illinois and the Senate Ethics Committee. Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn (D) has said publicly that Burris owes voters an explanation.

The Chicago Tribune has called for Burris' resignation. So has the Washington Post. Expulsion seems unlikely, but it's on the table.

George Stephanopoulos noted that Burris is poised to face some intense pressure from every corner, and quoted one Democratic source saying, "He's in deep sh*t."

I should note, no one has accused Burris of corruption, per se. The problem here is that he wanted the Senate seat, and was apparently afraid if he disclosed his contacts with Blagojevich's office and attempts to raise money for him, Burris would be tainted by the impeached governor's scandal. The senator seems to have decided, then, to hide relevant details, even when asked about contacts under oath.

This won't end well for him.

No, it won't. It's not going to end well for any of the Democrats involved, or any of the legislation Obama needs to pass, unless Burris goes away. This is something I'm thinking Democrats are going to have to bite the bullet on, especially in the wake of Blago's impeachment. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it's the smart thing to do...and really, the only thing to do.

I'm going to have to say that he's got to go. Illinois is one-strike territory politically right now, and Burris already has Blago around his neck.

I don't see how he's going to survive this.