by James Oliphant
Rick Pearson and Ray Long are two longtime observers of the Illinois political scene. So when the two Chicago Tribune reporters wrote this week that Roland Burris, Gov. Rod Blagojevich's pick for the U.S. Senate, "has always maintained an outsized political ego even larger than that required of most politicians," you could likely take their word for it.
Or, if you desire some empirical evidence, take a look at this. Perhaps Burris does belong in Washington. He already has a monument.
The website Politico posted this earlier this week, a photo of a grave that Burris has built for himself at Chicago's Oak Woods Cemetery. If you look closely at the left side of the monument, you'll see a list of Burris' "major accomplishments."
Decide for yourself if being named to the Senate by Blagojevich falls within that category.
Comments
Give Burris a break. He is much better qualfied than any on the Obama-Rahm-Blago List.
Posted by: Inky | January 2, 2009 11:49 AM
Well if Pharoahs could do it, then why not a former Illinois Comptroller?
Posted by: MJ | January 2, 2009 12:35 PM
Wow! Kinda reminds me of Obama's Democratic Convention stage. Guess its those "grand" pillars!! do I see a pattern here??
Posted by: gw | January 2, 2009 12:52 PM
The corrupt but otherwise worthless Lee P. Brown, ex-mayor of Houston, thought that he was a man of accomplishment too. He and Mr. Burris could have been separated at birth. Lee P. Brown had a stomach turning image of himself on display at IAH airport. Imagine having a turbulent flight, deplaning into a foreign land, and having to look up at some corrupt political hack's mug shot . Lee P. Brown holds the trademark on the most perfect 'deer caught in the headlights' look, ever. If you paid in, though, your business would be in great shape. Hopefully, Illinois, Land of Obama and Lincoln too, your guy is different, at least in that regard.
Posted by: Django - N Exile In/Around the 30th Parallel | January 2, 2009 3:57 PM
If you ask me...it is a rather ominous reminder of Obama's Il. Senate legacy...gotta love that Chicago gang!
Posted by: Bubba Porter | January 2, 2009 4:08 PM
Be nice to Roland Burris.
I think he's going to be the next Illinois Senator.
His legal position is very strong.
Plus, give that old guilt by association thing a rest.
It didn't work on Obama and it should'nt work on Burris.
Posted by: ornery | January 2, 2009 5:39 PM
I saw this in Huffington Post a few days ago...what I see in this whole deal that smells fishy is Burris' lobbying partner Lebed was in Blago's transition team. Is there anything else about that?
Posted by: lochnessmonster | January 3, 2009 7:09 AM
The grave marker is no doubt modeled after the classic "res gestae divi Augustae." Political ego indeed.
Posted by: Robert | January 3, 2009 6:23 PM