Roland Burris

Let us salute a mediocrity who knows how to put his finger to the wind:

I stand behind the Illinois State Senate's decision today to remove Governor Blagojevich from office.

As I've repeatedly stated, the Governor must be held accountable for his actions to the legislature, in a court of law and to the people of the State of Illinois. Impeachment is about whether our State's best interests are being served having the Governor remain in office. Today's conviction speaks loud and clear that there are serious issues preventing him from fulfilling his responsibilities and I support putting new leadership in place. I expect others will join me in thanking the state Senate for fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.

It is my hope that today will be remembered as a new beginning, more than as an end. I look forward to working with our new Governor Pat Quinn, as we focus our attention back to more pressing issues such as creating jobs, providing healthcare and building a foundation that will provide a better future for all Illinois people.