Another bad choice by ethically bankrupt gov

[babylonsister]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/1355857,CST-EDT-edit31.article

Another bad choice by ethically bankrupt gov

December 31, 2008

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We could make much of Burris' lackluster performance in office, or document the thousands of dollars he has helped raise for the governor. But for now, we will make only one observation.

Once Blagojevich was charged criminally, every other viable Senate candidate made a point to withdraw from the process, but Burris never did.

As if Burris' appointment could not be more disheartening, Rep. Bobby Rush suggested at the news conference that opposition to Burris could be racist. He said he could not imagine any U.S. senator going "on the record" as "denying" a seat to the Senate's lone African American.

But this is not about race, though Rush is right about the appalling absence of African Americans in the Senate.

This is about a politically and ethically bankrupt governor making a decision that should have been turned over to the voters.

We don't know what will happen next.

While Senate Democratic leaders have vowed to refuse Burris his seat, they may not have constitutional authority to do so.

All we can predict with confidence is that the entire matter will wind up in court.

Every day that Rod Blagojevich remains governor is another bad day for the state.

We urge Illinois lawmakers to press on with impeachment.

[Saturday]

1. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, even Governors. nt