Jeff Wartman

Things are getting bad for Roland Burris.

After changing his story regarding the contact he had with former Governor Rod Blagojevich from “no discussion” to “Robert Blagojevich asked me if I would raise $10,000,” then to “I tried to raise the money for Blagojevich but I failed,” it is clear that Roland Burris has betrayed the people of Illinois.

This is not something that is hard to see.  There is now a growing circus calling for Burris to resign.

The Chicago Tribune…

Finally, remember that Illinois Democrats failed to do right by the people and schedule a special election for this Senate vacancy. If they had done that, voters today might be weighing the lost credibility of candidate Burris, instead of expressing their disgust with Senator Burris.

Disgraceful. Disgraceful all around.

There’s only one honorable action for Burris: resign.

The Washington Post is now also calling for Burris to resign…

…this latest revelation makes a mockery of his professions of no quid pro quo. It is a violation of the public trust. The people of Illinois have suffered enough. Mr. Burris should resign.

And now, both from Capitol Fax:

Democratic candidate for Congress, Fifth Congressional District, Mike Quigley:

“Roland Burris’ failure to be honest and upfront with the people of Illinois should disqualify him from service in the United States Senate.

“He should resign, immediately.

“The Illinois legislature should work with Governor Quinn to pass legislation immediately setting up a special election empowering the people of Illinois to have a voice in this matter and allowing us all to finally turn the page on this sad chapter in Illinois politics.”

And Democratic Cook County Clerk David Orr…

…Naturally, any nominee can play word games, a verbal hide-and-seek with the truth. But your silence in this matter is subterfuge, not gamesmanship. No Americans or Illinois voters nor your colleagues in elective office should have to suffer through more episodes in this unseemly drama. We deserve a clean break with the embarrassing Blagojevich era. This is not merely a legal issue; it is a moral issue.

I have supported you in the past as a colleague and as a friend. But today I ask you to step down and let the people of Illinois move forward into a new era of good governance.

And, as I’m sure, more to come.