Burris Ally John Ruff Suggests Burris, Blagojevich Quid Pro Quo

Chicago Sun-Times:

On the same December day then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich named Roland Burris to fill President Obama's U.S. Senate vacancy, Burris' right-hand political man, Fred Lebed, phoned an associate and told him, "We'll have to do some things for the governor."

That's the recollection of the associate, a health-care and political consultant named John Ruff, who went on to become one of Burris' co-plaintiffs on a January lawsuit that sought to help Burris claim his Senate seat.

Read the whole story: Chicago Sun-Times

Comments

[mjb5406]

I'm beginning to wonder if Governor Quinn didn't back off to let the Feds prosecute Burris. It sure would cost the state less money!

[theboxer11]

this story ran on www.nbc5.com in chicago. The Burris folks are lawyering up it sounds like. This reminds me of the movie the insider where the whistleblower gets smeared for telling the truth.

[Lakeview Greg]

It wouldn't surprise me if it was true. Burris outright lied to the Impeachment committee, lied to the people of Illinois, and then tried to sneak an affidavit by on the weekend. It does not really matter if he actually did anything for Blago or not. He lied. And as more than one disgraced pol can tell you, "It's the lie that gets you."

Senator Burris really does need to quit today.

[carnelld]

This is bunk.

If you read the story, the guy making the quasi allegations is angry because Burris did not hire him
on his Senate staff in Washington, DC

If you believe this crap, I have a financial investment plan for you,Madoff style.

It's not a "Ponzi Scheme", it's a"bridge to............somewhere".

[sasson]

Just because someone is angry, it does not mean the allegations are false. Look at Deep Throat, he took down Richard Nixon for the same reason.

It is interesting that Burris staff must rely on an argumentum ad hominem. It is all that they can do.

[easarsfield]

uhh seemed to me that if anything, Ruff was mad that he has now found himself entangled in the corruption investigation surrounding Burris.

Sounds like a guy concerned about his reputation and attempting to do the right thing.

[NCRDIBULL]

and yet the Illinois Dems think a special election would be wrong

[mjb5406]

Here's the issue, as I see it... they have now trapped themselves between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Had they approved a special election a long time ago, before Blagojevich had the chance to appoint someone, chances are that another Democrat would have been elected. Now, however, with the Burris seating coming under more and more scrutiny, it looks bad for the Democrats, and, if a special election were held now, the Republicans would use Burris as the pivot point of their campaign, showing how corrupt the Democratic Party is in Illinois. They could stand a chance of taking the senate seat. So now, the only option for the Democrats is to deny the people their ability to choose. That, in itself, has pitfalls, since it will become a point of contention in the next full election.

[nomobull]

maybe why quinn backed off . he knew more was coming. here's the rope hang yourself.

[ajax2]

Burris Ally Alleges Quid Pro Quo With Blago: "I Feel I Owe Limbaugh An Apology"

[WilliamL]

He has proven that it is the quality of charector and not the color of ones skin.

He and Madoff are the same color.

[mjb5406]

Unfortunately, his supporters feel it's the other way around... and seem to forget that a much more prominent member of their race has both the same skin color AND upstanding character, a high quality character that propelled him into the White House. The people who forget the character issue do a great disservice to the election of our President.

[changeme09]

I knew it was to good to be true about Burris. I really hope they hold a special election or u.s. sentate removes burris from the senate immediately, As you can see, all of burris's lies are coming together and he should be ashame of himself. There goes is legacy: "I played and lied to get the senate seat." So long burris. You are now official a disgrace to the people of Illinois. Happy trails.

[Jack Barron]

It was never too good to be true. Burris has always been a "team player".

[mjb5406]

Burris has no shame, so he is incapable of being ashamed of himself. All he possessesa is an "I am entitled to this position" ego.