Blago buddy Burris

Rod Blagojevich defecated on the people of Illinois today. After his attorney said he wouldn't appoint someone to the US Senate seat being vacated by Barack Obama, the one he tried to sell, Blago appointed Roland Burris.

Okay, Burris almost certainly didn't buy the seat. And is it wrong for the 71 year-old South Side Chicago Democrat to be tarred with guilt by association?

Well, as the Illinois Republican Party tells us, the two have been associating for years.

Blagojevich Ally

"I think he's doing a helluva job"– Roland Burris responding to questions about Rod Blagojevich's performance as governor – Is gov a team player? Critics insist he's not: He admits to being combative but cites 1st-term achievements, Chicago Sun Times, March 5, 2006

Blagojevich's administration has been beset by investigations and the conviction of Rezko, a onetime top adviser and fund-raiser. But a crowd still turned out, including former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris, lobbyist Al Ronan and ex-Blagojevich staffer-turned-lobbyist John Wyma. Backers turn out for gov's fund-raiser, Chicago Sun Times, June 27, 2008

Those listed on the invitation as hosts of the fundraiser include…former Attorney General ROLAND BURRIS, now a lobbyist. - Blagojevich money machine rolls on, conflict or not, State Journal-Register, April 6, 2006

Among the notable figures who attended the Blagojevich campaign event was the governor's "kitchen cabinet" adviser Antoin Rezko, a wealthy businessman who has raised political funds for him. Also present were Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, who introduced the governor before his speech, and former attorney general Roland Burris. - Governor raises $4 million, Copley News Service, June 17, 2005

Burris was the Chairman of the Governor's Commission on State Pensions as recently as 2005. Illinois State Pensions were then, and are now, the most underfunded in the country. - State pension panel nears vote on proposed cuts, Copley News Service, January 7, 2005

Pay To Play

A company headed by former state comptroller and attorney general Roland Burris has been awarded a $150,000 state contract to advise disadvantaged businesses on how to improve their operations and ultimately win state contracts. – Consulting firm awarded $150,000 contract by IDOT, State Journal-Register, June 16, 2004

The Ho-Chunk Nation has tapped former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris and his law firm to lobby for state approval of its proposed casino complex in Hoffman Estates. - Ex-attorney general to lobby for casino, Chicago Daily Herald, June 5, 2003

A wide-ranging hospital fraud investigation in Nevada has Cook County Board President Todd Stroger reconsidering his plans to help balance the county's budget on a private firm's promise to bring up to $125 million a year to the county's ailing health system...A contract has not yet been signed here, but negotiations have been going on since the County Board gave approval last year. That approval came after former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris lobbied the board on ACS' behalf. - Vegas probe casts doubt on county deal, Chicago Sun Times, January 18, 2007

A State Journal-Register investigation in 1993 found that half the outside legal contracts awarded by then-Attorney General Roland Burris went to campaign contributors. - Attorney general closing 12 outposts, hiring staff, State Journal-Register, July 27, 1995

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