Take back state with vote on Senate seat

The circus surrounding the appointment of U.S. Senator Roland Burris continues after he recently acknowledged withholding information from the House Impeachment Committee.

Instead of tending to the needs of the country and working with fellow congressmen on the housing bailout and stimulus package, Burris began a "listening tour" of the state. Unfortunately, he blocked the media from asking questions, which is like hosting a town-hall meeting without inviting residents. During the tour, Burris admitted he failed to disclose information, to the House Impeachment Committee, that while seeking the U.S. Senate seat appointment he attempted to raise money for former Governor Blagojevich.

As a former Illinois attorney general and chief law enforcement officer, Burris knew exactly what it meant to be sworn in under oath - to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Lying under oath is a serious issue. The integrity of the system is compromised when someone sworn in under oath fails to tell the truth.

In response to omitting information sought out by the committee, I filed a resolution calling for the resignation of Burris. Unfortunately, the Democrats refused to allow a vote on House Resolution 92. Upon resignation of Burris, I am also calling for a special election to be held to fill the seat. A special election is currently held upon a vacancy in the U.S. House and the same should be said for the U.S. Senate.

This continuing saga proves voters deserve a chance to have their voices heard and their vote counted. The residents of Illinois have suffered enough from the embarrassment under former Governor Blagojevich, and now Burris. It's time to take back our state and put the vote back into the hands of Illinois residents.

Dennis Reboletti

state representative, Elmhurst

Johnna Kelly

communications analyst,

House Republican staff