Blagojevich names GSH attorney as Obama’s successor

By: dmc-admin//January 5, 2009//

Listen to this article

Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has named Roland Burris to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s seat in the U.S. Senate. Burris, a former Illinois attorney general, is senior counsel for Milwaukee-based Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan.

Burris, who is based in Chicago, served as attorney general from 1991-95 and was only the second African American to that position throughout the United States. He also was elected to three terms as the state's comptroller and was the vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee during the mid- to late-1980s.

According to the law firm’s Web site, he also serves as an adjunct professor in the Master of Public Administration Program at Southern Illinois University.

Blagojevich held a news conference at 2 p.m. (CST) this afternoon announcing Burris’ appointment. During that conference, he said, "Don't allow the allegations against me to taint this good and generous man."

Select Region or Brand

Upcoming Event