Special election to replace Burris quashed by Dems

Chicago Tribune

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The push by Illinois Republicans for a special election to replace U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., was dealt a likely fatal blow Thursday by state Senate Democrats who turned thumbs down on the idea.

The failure takes some political pressure off Burris, who has been buffeted by controversy since then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich 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 Republican state Sen. Matt Murphy, who sponsored legislation to require a special election within months.

New Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, 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 earlier than January 2011, when his term expires. On Monday, Quinn retreated from that position after pressure from black ministers and politicians who hinted politicians who criticized Burris could face repercussions at election time.

The racially charged debate moved Thursday to the Illinois Capitol, where Democratic Sen. Rickey Hendon, who is black, lashed out at Republicans for being “hell-bent on targeting Roland Burris.”

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

Murphy said he was for a special election to fill the vacancy even before Blagojevich appointed Burris.