How We Can Get Rid of This Guy

(NEWSER) - As the chorus urging Roland Burris to resign grows larger and louder, the White House today stopped just short of joining but sent an unmistakable "veiled threat," writes Frank James in the Chicago Tribune. At this afternoon's press briefing, Robert Gibbs' words were measured yet blunt: "I think it might important for Sen. Burris to take some time this weekend to either correct what has been said and certainly think of what lays in his future." More»

(NEWSER) - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn today joined the chorus of politicians calling for Roland Burris to resign, urging him to step down "as quickly as possible for the best interests of Illinois," the Chicago Tribune reports. Said Quinn, who gained the office after Rod Blagojevich's ouster for attempting to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat: "This should not be a matter that takes weeks." More»

(NEWSER) - Rod Blagojevich's camp asked Roland Burris for money before nominating him to take Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Burris revealed the request, for up to $10,000 in campaign contributions, in an affidavit dated Feb. 5—3 weeks after he was sworn in. Burris didn't mention the request during Blagojevich's impeachment hearing because he "was not given the opportunity," he said. More»

(NEWSER) - Roland Burris made it official this afternoon: He won't run for a full term next year, the Chicago Tribune reports. “I love serving the people of Illinois,” the current holder of President Obama's old Senate seat said. But “political races have become far too expensive in this country. And in making this decision, I was called to choose between spending my time raising funds or spending my time raising issues for my state.” More»

(NEWSER) - Roland Burris won't run for re-election to his Senate seat, both Chicago papers are reporting. The Illinois senator intends to stay in office through the end of his term in January 2011 but figures he can't raise enough money to mount a re-election campaign. In fact, he's raised a measly $20,000 so far, notes the Sun-Times. Burris is expected to make an official announcement tomorrow. More»