IL Senator Roland Burris "Lawyer Speak" - But Ill Intent Apparent To Many!
IL JUNIOR SENATOR BLAMES LACK OF FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS IN BLAGOJEVICH IMPEACHMENT TRIAL FOR APPEARANCE OF LACK OF CANDOR!
When questioned, any lawyer knows and advises his or her clients to answer questions posed by opposing counsel, but not to volunteer any additional information.
Strong strategy in a trial!
But does that logic still hold in a State Senate Impeachment Hearing of a Former IL Governor, in which the intent to "Pay to Play" for political office by a possible IL Senate Replacement to President Barack Obama is being sought?
See Associated Press Reporter Deanna Bellandi's Story and accompanying video in today's Chicago Tribune.
Many experts say what IL Democratic Senator Roland Burris did in testimony before the IL Senate in the Impeachment Trial of Former IL Governor Rod Blagojevich was proper conduct by a called witness. In so doing, however, did he disguise an apparent willingness to help the now-disgraced former governor raise campaign funds, in return for a non-elected U.S. Senate Seat appointment?
The current tempest arises from a release this week of the transcript of a Federal Wiretap Recording of a phone call between Burris and the former IL Governor's brother, Robert Blagojevich. On the call, Burris admits that contributing money to Governor Blagojevich's campaign fund might appear as blatant "pay to play." But he did discuss what he considered to be "less obvious ways" to help the Blagojevich camp with fundraising.
Now, after the fact, Burris contends these statements were made merely to appease the governor, and strengthen his chances for U.S. Senate appointment.
The transcript of this telephone conversation was released at the request of the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee. They are investigating whether the nomination by then-Governor Blagojevich to Obama's vacated U.S.Senate Seat could have been tainted by any Burris offer of campaign assistance or contributions.
No matter the outcome, however, the point seems to have been made.
In IL, in some quarters, it is still "Politics As Usual." True Political Reform - likely, not here yet!
DEAN MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
