Illinois Gov. Quinn Calls On Burris To Resign

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At a press conference, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn calls for the resignation of Senator Roland Burris.

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The Illinois governor is the latest to call for Sen. Roland Burris, his fellow Democrat, to resign. The growing chant comes in the wake of Burris' admission that he was in contact with emissaries of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich about the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama, an appointment that Burris wanted. Burris also conceded that he was asked to raise money for Blagojevich and that he tried, though coming up empty-handed.

Blagojevich, arrested on corruption charges Dec. 9, appointed Burris to the seat on Dec. 30. The governor was impeached by the Illinois state House on Jan. 9 and convicted and removed from office by the state Senate 20 days later.

Quinn, who became governor upon Blagojevich's conviction, said today that Burris should resign "as quickly as possible for the best interest of Illinois. This should not be a matter that takes weeks." Quinn also asked state lawmakers to give him the power to appoint a temporary successor until a special election could be held, probably within 115 days. The temporary successor would be a placeholder only and not run for the seat.

Quinn's call follows that of the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune and two Democratic members of Congress from Illinois, Jan Schakowsky and Phil Hare.

Behind the scenes, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin is thought to be putting as much pressure on his fellow Illinois senator as possible. Durbin is also thought be backing state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias for the job.