I’d say the fix was largely in here. While Durkin did some decent work, it was pretty clear that the panel wants to kick this to be DC’s problem and DC wants it to be Springfield’s problem and that probably means it’s the people of Illinois’ problem with Roland Burris likely to become the next US Senator from Illinois unless the US Senate decides to get a backbone and refuse to seat him.
I largely find even the cursory information in this hearing enough to support refusing to seat Burris, but if Illinois politicians aren’t willing to put themselves out for a position with 52% opposing Burris’ appointment and 72 % wanting a special election or an appointment by Quinn, it’s hard to argue that the national politicians should put their clout behind it–other than it’s the right thing to do.
That Burris was asking a lobbyist such as Monk for excess business, asking the same lobbyist for consideration for the US Senate seat, and has an outstanding ‘loan’ of $1.2 million from a campaign contributor is certainly enough be concerned about Burris’ participation in the pay to play culture and given the current circumstances that’s enough to deny him a seat in the US Senate.
That probably won’t happen from what I saw today.