News/Lawmaker News

IL Gov: Burris Should Resign

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) has called for Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) to resign and says a special election should be held to fill the vacancy.

From The Hill’s Aaron Blake:

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) on Friday called on his

Quinn, who advocated a special election for the seat when Blagojevich was still in charge, also said the state legislature should set up a process for special elections to take place earlier than the next even-year general election, as is currently the case.

The special election would take place about four months after a vacancy is created. The governor would be able to appoint a temporary replacement in the meantime.

Burris has been shutting out the media as questions mount about statements he made to a panel of state lawmakers concerning his contacts with those close to Blagojevich during the appointment process.

Burris initially denied having any contacts, but he has since amended his statements to say that he spoke with aides to the governor and the governor