A State of Shameless Opportunism

Illinois politicians are swiftly revealing themselves as a pack of opportunists. Rod Blagojevich saw Obama’s seat as an opportunity to make a buck, Illinois Dems see an opportunity to oust their hated governor, and Roland Burris sees an opportunity to vault himself into the Senate—“no matter what Obama and every other Democrat from Springfield to Washington” thinks, writes David Broder in the Washington Post.

Everyone’s been “exceedingly polite” when talking about Burris. “I have known him for years, and I like him,” Broder says. “But I have never been confused about his level of talent.” The 71-year-old is a career down-ballot denizen. He’s run for Senate and governor, but never gotten past the primaries. “It must have been a delightful surprise and a large thrill for Burris when the embattled governor phoned.” (More Roland Burris stories.)