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Senate Democrats deal likely fatal blow to special election to replace Sen. Roland Burris

State Senate Democrats turn thumbs down

By Ray Long and Ashley Rueff | Tribune reporters

March 6, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — The Republican push for a special election to replace Democratic Sen. Roland Burris was dealt a likely fatal blow Thursday by Senate Democrats, who turned thumbs down on the idea.

The failure takes some political pressure off Burris, who has been buffeted by controversy since Rod Blagojevich, then governor, appointed him to the Senate after being arrested on political corruption charges, including allegations he put the seat up for sale.

"I think it's fair to say they have killed that idea," said Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine), who sponsored legislation to require a special election within months.

New Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn gave Republicans an opening to press their case last week when he said Burris should resign within two weeks or lawmakers should approve a special election to try to force him out before January 2011, when his term expires. On Monday, Quinn buckled following pressure from African-American ministers and politicians who hinted politicians who criticized Burris could face repercussions at election time.

The racially charged debate moved to the Capitol on Thursday, where Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago), who is black, lashed out at Republicans for being "hellbent on targeting Roland Burris."

"Why target the only black U.S. senator in the country?" Hendon asked.

Murphy said he supported a special election to fill the Obama vacancy before Blagojevich appointed Burris.

Seeing a chance to pick up a Democratic seat from voters mad about the Blagojevich scandal, Republicans clung to an opinion by Democratic Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan, who said a special election would be legal.

The roiling issue took on an added dimension in the wake of Burris' disclosures that he had far broader discussions with Blagojevich aides and allies about getting appointed to the seat than he previously disclosed. Burris also has acknowledged that he tried and failed to raise money for Blagojevich and that he concluded it might be a conflict of interest to raise money for Blagojevich while seeking the Senate seat.

But the special election measure failed 3-2 in a Democratic-controlled subcommittee.

Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) acknowledged that Burris' inconsistent statements have led to investigations by a Downstate prosecutor and the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee, but said, "The man has really done nothing wrong at this point."

Silverstein, who joined Hendon and Sen. Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) in opposing the bill, said the election's $62 million cost is "unconscionable."

Though a Burris election appears off the table, Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) predicted his bill requiring a special election for future U.S. Senate vacancies will pass the House.

In other business, a bill allowing civil unions for same-sex couples cleared a committee on a 4-3 party-line vote. Sponsoring Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) said he's optimistic the legislation, which stalled last year, will pass the House because it's being pitched as a civil rights issue, not a religious one.

rlong@tribune.com

arueff@tribune.com