As the number of critics urging U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., to resign grows, so does his support in the Black community.
As the number of critics urging U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., to resign grows, so does his support in the Black community.
On Feb. 26, the City Council’s Black Caucus held a news conference to also show its support for Burris.
“We want this cutting and bleeding of Roland Burris to stop,” said Alderwoman Carrie Austin (34th), chairman of the Black Caucus. “To just muck up somebody’s 30-plus year record of loyalty to the Democratic Party, we say it’s time for this to stop. And if it does not, we shall remember this at the next election.”
The next day, a group of Black attorneys held a news conference to praise the senator for hanging in there.
Then Sunday, a group of Black ministers worshipping at a South Side church also publicly stated their support for Burris. The junior senator spoke to the congregation, as well.
“I will serve you with honesty and integrity. That’s all I know, and that’s what God gave me,” Burris told worshippers at New Covenant Baptist Church, 740 E. 77th St.
Gov. Pat Quinn met with Alderwoman Emma Mitts (37th) Monday to try and ease tensions between him and Black aldermen since Quinn had been outspoken in his calls for Burris to resign.
Alderwoman Freddrenna Lyle (6th) said the Black community would not forget those like Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin who have pulled back their support for Burris.
“People forget that Black people vote,” she said. “Some of us are taking notes.”
And Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd) said the Caucus is unanimous in its support for Burris.
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