Thank You Governor Blogojevich

On January 1st, I ran across an article titled Harry Reid’s Unhappy New Year. This article insinuated that Harry, my not-so-sweet Senator, is in a very interesting position regarding Governor Blagojevich’s appointment of Burris.  Had to wonder where this might go.

Illinois Rep. Bobby Rush said that those upset about Rod Blagojevich’s audacious U.S. Senate appointment “need to take a chill pill.”

The biggest dose of Rush’s prescription should be reserved for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who is now facing the possibility of ordering his Sergeant-at-Arms to bar a 71-year-old black man from the Senate floor, as the white folks inside talk about the “taint” of his appointment.

The article then goes on to state that Harry is not ready to play the race game.   It’s no surprise to anyone that I really dislike Harry Reid, both the man he is and his political beliefs.  Do I think Harry’s a racist?  No.  I think he’s an elitist who wouldn’t give his constituents the time of day.  However, I do believe that Harry, and the Democratic Party, are not used to being called racists, and they’re now facing this exact situation.

On January 2, I see an article titled Sergeant at Arms Expects No Trouble From Burris, problem resolved, except:

For his part, Burris planned to argue his case in the news media and threatened to sue Senate Democrats if they refuse to swear him in as the chamber’s only black member.

. . . .

Race is a prominent force in the dispute. Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., said he called Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and “made it abundantly clear that we felt that they should reconsider.”

No luck, Payne reported on Friday.

Today, January 3rd, we learn that Harry Called Governor Blogojevich to Discuss Filling Obama’s Seat. This was while the Gov was being taped (I really hope they make those tapes public).  This particular tidbit states Harry didn’t want Jesse Jackson’s son, or the other AA’s for that matter. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume it had nothing to do with the color of their skin, but was based on their experience.  The question is will the Chicago activists feel that way?

Which brings us back to the original link that states Harry is incapable of dealing with the Chicago political machine, i.e., Jessie Jackson et al., and now he’s allegedly on tape saying no way to Jessie Jackson’s son.  Ouch!

I’m surprised Harry wants to play hardball on this (it could get very ugly and spiral out of control).   Sue Lowden, in her press release, states Harry is only guilty of playing politics, and I believe her when she says that; however, Chicago has a much longer history of playing UGLY politics than Nevada.   In the end, if Harry does not seat Mr. Burris, he risks the wrath of the Chicago Activists (maybe hefty donation will make all this go away); if he changes his mind, and seats Mr. Burris, he will appear very weak.   They’re talking, maybe Harry can fix this, if he doesn’t, then …

Governor Blogojevich, I tip my hat to you. Thank you so much for creating this quagmire for my dear, not-so-sweet, Senator Harry.