CHICAGO (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn on Friday called on fellow Democrat Roland Burris to resign from the Senate, saying the controversy surrounding Burris' appointment to the seat was hurting the state and his constituents. Quinn praised Burris as an honorable man, but said a shadow hangs over him after revelations the senator attempted to raise money for disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who appointed him, and failed to disclose multiple conversations with Blagojevich advisers.
"To step aside and resign is, I think, a heroic act and I ask Roland to do that," Quinn said at a news conference.
In the event Burris does resign, Quinn said lawmakers should quickly pass legislation to fill any Senate vacancy by special election, rather than gubernatorial appointment.
"At no time should our state go without full and fair representation in the United States Senate," Quinn said. He declined to say who he might temporarily appoint if Burris resigns.
Burris has given no indication of heeding the many calls for him to resign, including from other Democratic lawmakers. He was on a listening tour of the state Friday and is refusing to speak publicly about the controversy. Messages seeking comment on Quinn's statements were not immediately returned.
link
Linear Mode
