PrintDecember 30, 2008
Burris comes full circle
Burris is 71 years old. Usually appointing someone over 70 to fill out a remaining two year Senate term is seen as an interim measure. Those wondering about 2010 should note that during his long political career Burris lost as many statewide primaries in his political career as he has won. He lost the high profile US Senate primary in 1984 and the gubernatorial primaries in 1994, 1998 and 2002. His successes came in the much lower profile races of state Comptroller and Attorney General.
Tom Elia has noted with delight that some 35 years ago Roland Burris was named to his first job in Illinois state government, Director of the Department of Central Management Services, by the notorious Governor Dan Walker. Only in Illinois could a politician known for his honesty begin and end a distinguished political career at the behest of crooks.
