10. Because oddly enough, Patti is still without a job.

9. The next time he leaves Chicago, might have to actually drive.

8. Hey, who doesn’t want to be Governor, am I right?

7. Just can’t seem to find the perfect look for his resignation speech.

6. Less money on hand = tighter budget for hair products.

5. Will forfeit “Chief Executive” discount at participating Denny’s.

4. Will miss listening to the sound of his own voice on press conference recordings.

3. Although he rarely visits it, the Governor’s Mansion has a bitchin’ hot tub!

2. Will no longer see Lisa Madigan on a regular basis and man, she’s hot!

1. Because orange prison jumpsuits make his butt look big.

IL Rep. Milton Patterson

10. Still disturbed after learning of Oprah’s recent weight gain.

9. He can’t vote against a man with hair rivaling that of the great Dick Clark.

8. That assertiveness training he took last year is working a little “too well”.

7. A unanimous vote might look rigged.

6. Still owes Blago for the victory in the last election.

5. Didn’t want his constituents to think he just follows the crowd.

4. Madigan just never gets his jokes.

3. Because bad publicity is better than no publicity!

2. Was secretly hoping that he might get the call in case Burris chickens out.

1. Because dammit-peaches aren’t in season!

I guess it should have come as no surprise to me that Governor Blagojevich defied the people once again and went ahead with an appointment to the Senate. What did surprise me, however, was that Roland Burris was foolish enough to accept it.

I’ve never had issues with Burris-as a matter of fact, had I voted in the Democratic primary several years ago when he was up against Blago, I would have picked him. He has an excellent record from his many years holding elected office, and his integrity, to my knowledge, has never been questioned.

But I have to wonder why someone with integrity would accept an appointment in this situation when it is well known that the people of Illinois (and beyond) do not want Blago involved in the process. It almost appears as though Burris wants to be in the Senate so badly that he’s willing to exchange his integrity and reputation for the seat.

As for Bobby Rush, I resent the proverbial “race card” being played in this situation as well. I won’t deny there is a need for African Americans in the Senate-and perhaps they should be looked at first when it comes to appointing a replacement for President-Elect Obama. However, this is NOT the way to go about doing it. Trying to force us to accept this appointment based on race feels like extortion.

Why do I have the feeling this was all orchestrated between Blago and Rush, using Burris as their pawn? The sad thing is, I would have had no objection to Burris being selected under different circumstances. Actually, I would have been quite pleased with the choice. But right now, there is no way I will support or accept this coming from Blago. And quite frankly, I doubt I would be willing to support Burris in the future, should his name happen to come up again.

Update: Check out Burris’ crypt in Oak Woods Cemetary (thanks to @KyNamDoan for the find)

EXCELLENT article by John Kass at the Chicago Tribune. His feelings were very close to mine, yet he is much more eloquent at expressing them in print!