BLAGOJEVICH HAS CHUTZPAH

Hot Rod Blagojevich has to be the politician with the most chutzpah in the history of politics. Taking everyone by surprise especially since only 12 hours earlier he had announced he would NOT choose Obama's Senate successor, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich called a press conference and announced that former Illinois State Attorney General Roland Burris would be his selection to fill the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama.

Immediately the whole political world erupted once again with Blagojevich at the epicenter of the eruption. Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader announced that he would not allow Burris to join the Democrat Caucus because of the ,"shadow," that would be cast over any Blago pick. The question is whether Hapless Harry has the actual Constitutional authority to even back his statement.

According to the Constitution the 17th Amendment states that, "When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of elections to fill such vacancies: provided that the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct. "

Illinois provides this appointment power to the Governor and though under investigation, Blagojevich IS still the Governor of the State. The Illinois Election Commission has also stated that the selection of Burris would not be certified. But again the question arises as to whether the Commission has the authority since there technically has been no election to certify.

Later in the day Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn quickly denounced Blago's pick and stated that he would be impeached and out of office. "The 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth is February 12th of next year, and I don't think Governor Blagojevich will be Governor at that time." This according to Quinn. What is it with these Illinois Democrats including Barack Obama trying to embrace Lincoln who was polar opposite politically ? Give me a break!

Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush stepped up the rhetoric by playing very blatantly the race card concerning the Burris announcement by Blago. Rush defeated Obama by a nearly two to one margin when Obama ran for the House several years ago. Rush stated that anyone, "shouldn't hang and lynch the appointee to punish the appointer." Further stating that there are currently 99 white Senators and that Burns would be the only , "African American, " Senator.

Rush has been making the rounds on the morning shows regurgitating the entire history of the civil rights movement, segregation and schools blocking entry of black children in Little Rock , Ark. in 1957. On the CBS morning show Rush stated in reference to the Senate, "I'm talking about George Wallace, Bull Connors and I'm sure that the US Senate don't want to see themselves placed in the same position." One of the most blatant uses of the race card in recent memory.

Blago's selection of Burris is also using race as a strategy for his defense. The selection of Burris who is very popular in the black community is an attempt by Blago to shore up support and possibly get a favorable juror or two when he goes to trial for his corruption charges.

This guy is not going away, to the dismay of Harry Reid and Senate Democrats, the Democrat party as a whole and especially Barack Obama as he prepares to take the oath of office. The shadow of the Blago problem is going to be a thorn in the side for Obama until this guy is removed from office and the trial is ended.

Ken Taylor