The senator select from the state of narcissism

Clarence Page:

Roland Burris, who is known to have an inflated view of his own wonderfulness, has said he believes "divine providence" destined him for high office. I'm beginning to wonder.

Seldom in political history has anyone risen so quickly from golden insider to political outcast -- and back again.

For years he was known for being a notable "first black." As Illinois comptroller from 1979 to 1991, he was the state's first black official to be elected statewide. But, after four years as the state's first black attorney general, he since tried to be senator, governor (three times) and Chicago mayor without winning even a nomination.

He is notable for having managed to commit few political sins, except maybe aggravated narcissism. The names of Burris' two children, Roland and Rolanda, are now nationally famous. So is his lavish mausoleum, with his resume etched in stone under the headline "Trailblazer" and with just enough space left at the bottom of the slab for more milestones.

How about, "first black appointed senator to be barred from entering a Senate that currently has no other African-American members?"

In the past week, the appointee of impeached Gov. Rod "Bleeping" Blagojevich arose overnight from being left out in the rain by his fellow Democrats in the Senate's leadership to being warmly embraced.

After Blagojevich was arrested last month for, among other charges, allegedly trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat, Senate Democrats voted unanimously to refuse any appointee sent by Blagojevich.

Although Burris promised not to cause a scene, he did precisely that by showing up for a swearing-in ceremony to which he knew he was not welcome -- not because of anything he had done, but because of the governor who sent him.

If Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid actually thought his fellow Democrat would take the hint and refrain from appointing anyone, he's been spending too much time in the genteel legislative culture of Washington. Blagojevich, still legally the governor, gave Reid and Company a lesson in Chicago-style chutzpah. He named Burris.

As political gamesmanship, the move was ingenious. In Burris, 71, Blago found an affable, largely inoffensive veteran Chicago officeholder who was hard to refuse, especially after Rep. Bobby Rush, a former Chicago Black Panther leader threw in the race card: Don't "lynch" Burris for what the governor who appointed him did, Rush warned.

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There is more and it is pretty good. Page is from Chicago and knows the score. I am a little surprised he did not note Illinois Senator Durbin's overreach in stating that a Blagojevich selection would not be seated. From the Republican point of view Burris is second only to a special election to fill the seat. I think Burris will probably run in 2010 and lose, especially if the GOP can find a good candidate.