ArchPundit

Sun-Times

The choice of Roland Burris for Illinois’ open U.S. Senate seat might surprise some — but not likely Burris himself, a man whose unfailing confidence could not be dimmed even by losing elections.

“I am a visionary,’’ he declared in Chicago Sun-Times interview in 2002, when he was running for governor, his third unsuccessful try at the job.

In another interview with the paper, Burris said his past success — election as state comptroller and attorney general — was “divine providence” that began as a teenager when he decided to become a lawyer and officeholder.

“People said I was either crazy or divinely directed. I accept the latter,’’ he said. “I believe without a doubt that I am predestined to be a role model.”

In 1979, he raised eyebrows when, during his inauguration as comptroller — the first African American elected to statewide office — he related how he had “heard” Abraham Lincoln during a visit to his tomb in Springfield. “I know who you are and I am pleased at what’s taking place in Illinois today,’’ Burris said Lincoln told him.

Burris, 71, once mused that while Illinois is known as the Land of Lincoln, “Maybe someday it will be known as the Land of Burris.’’

Burris — who sometimes refers to himself in the third person — has never been shy about broadcasting his ambitions and unabashedly celebrating his achievements.

Speaking of himself in the 2002 interview, Burris said, “Roland Burris, who started way down here, in the segregation of a southern Illinois community, was able to set goals, plan and strategize and make it.”

Burris vs. Keyes in a debate.  Discuss.