Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) just told reporters that he asked Roland Burris (in a very polite manner) to resign. And Burris said no.
“If I were in your shoes, I would consider resigning,” Durbin said, reciting what he told Burris.
Durbin said he also asked Burris whether he would be running for a full term in 2010, and Burris said he hasn’t made up his mind. Durbin then recalled telling Burris that it would be very difficult to win either the primary or general elections.
“What I’ve done is, I made my recommendation to Senator Burris,” Durbin said. “And he’s told me clearly that he will not resign.”
Durbin added that he doesn’t have much persuasive power with Burris — he previously advised Burris during the Blagojevich scandal to not seek or accept the appointment, and Burris did that, anyway.
