By Jacque Day
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-811839.mp3
Southern Illinois – The embattled governor's announcement of his pick of Roland Burris, the 71-year-old Southern Illinois native, to fill the U.S. senate seat vacated by President-Elect Barack Obama, left many slack-jawed. This includes Dr. Pamella Gronemeyer, a member of the branch of Progressive Democrats of America from Burris' home turf in the Illinois 19th Congressional District.
"It's no reflection on the character of Mr. Burris, but, I think the abrupt appointment of Mr. Burris by Governor Blagojevich was inappropriate at the time that it was made, and it was an effort to deflect attention from the legal activities that are surrounding him."
But Gronemeyer isn't alone. Senate leaders say they won't accept anyone Blagojevich appoints, and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who must certify Burris' appointment, says he won't do so.