Michael Braun's Blog

Roland Burris, embattled junior Senator from Illinois, is feeling the heat again. This time, it’s over his contacts with impeached former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s brother Rob. When first asked about contacts with anyone close to the governor regarding the seat, Burris did not mention contact with Rob. But in an affidavit filed in early February, he admits to several contacts in regards to the seat. It seems that no one is saying Burris did anything illegal in talking to Rob, but it may very well come to pass that he is charged with perjury based on his testimony to the Illinois legislature.

I don’t have any issue with Burris except that he has shown himself to be exceptionally hubristic, arrogant, and ambitious. He has continually pitted himself against the media, trying to play a good public servant who happened to be appointed by a bad governor. He has denied any wrong-doing in any of his dealings with the governor, to the point that it’s easy to become suspicious based on his denials. And worst of all, he accepted the appointment in the first place, when he should have known how to play politics better.

Imagine if, when Blago first started asking him about the seat, Burris had called up Patrick Fitzgerald and said, Blago is trying to get me to the seat – is there anything I can do to help with the investigation? Then, Burris would be protected, in case there is wrong-doing. It worked for Jesse Jackson Jr. and would have worked for Burris too. Or maybe he didn’t want to act the rat. If he didn’t want to help the investigation, then he could have at least helped himself. As soon as Blago called, Burris should have expressed interest and then held a press conference where he tells the press that Blago called, that he’s interested, and, in the case that he is asked to fill the seat, he wants everything to be out in the open from the first moment. Now he’s got the press on his side because he’s got insider information.

Instead, he let it all happen in secret, and Blago’s nomination came as a surprise. When the media is caught off guard, they turn suspicious (the American people do as well; we like transparency in our government). This suspicion has completely undermined Burris’ credibility. Sure, the Senate had to seat him; there was no legal way NOT to. But if he doesn’t do something fast, he’ll have to resign, be expelled, or, at the longest, lose handily to a much more deserving and smarter candidate in the primaries.

Roland Burris – thanks for offering yourself as a martyr. Your continual bumbles will serve as a lesson for incoming Senators from all states. Pretending that you can do no wrong only encourages people to look for your missteps.