Roland Burris won't run for Senate seat in 2010

I found this tidbit in the comments at the CapFax blog, regarding Joe Birkett backtracking from his announcement to go for the state Attorney General office. That in light of Lisa Madigan seeking to be re-elected after being touted for either Governor or US Senator.

Sneed has learned U.S. Sen. Roland Burris has decided NOT to seek election to the seat he fought the government to keep.

Sen. Burris is planning to announce his decision Friday by issuing a statement to the press. But he’s reportedly not planning to field any questions from the press.

The decision by Burris was based on his inability to raise campaign funds; campaign disclosures with the Federal Election Commission are expected to be filed next week...and he has reportedly only raised approximately $20,000

A source tells Sneed that Burris, who was appointed to Barack Obama’s senate seat by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, has been very concerned about his legacy.

“After 20 years in government service, Burris didn’t want the last four months in office to be that legacy,” said a source.

I copied this story in it's entirety and as for the whole legacy thing. Not sure if it's too late to salvage that or not, but for his legacy this might be for the best for the old "trailblazer". Burris was the first black elected to statewide office in Illinois having been a state Comptroller, Attorney General, and has run for US Senate, Governor, and Mayor of Chicago in the past.

BTW, I can't let this post slide without this bit from earlier today!

Burris campaign aide Delmarie Cobb said Madigan’s decision, along with money are part of “a long line of factors” determining if Burris would seek election.

“As you know, there have been many marquee names thrown out for this seat and so far they have all fizzled,” Cobb said. “With [Burris] as the incumbent, it seems the Democratic Party would do well to rally around the person who has the seat and keep the seat rather than mine for a candidate.”

If Burris isn't going to retain this seat then this theory won't be proven.

The Sun-Times story by Michael Sneed was just posted at the CapFax. You can post your thoughts there if you'd like.