The Politics of GITMO prison closure

One of Barack Obama's main campaign promises was to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. I believe he stated that the prison would be closed by January 2010. Well... I guess we can chalk his promises up as empty. I personally believe that the prisoners should remain in Gitmo or any other military prison for that matter. This article has nothing to do with my personal feeling on this issue, this article will delve into the announcement that the prisoners would be moved to a maximum security prison in Thomson, IL.

As most everyone is aware, Obama started out in Illinois politics, and still has many connections throughout the state. To move a federal prison to a state, there has to be a willingness shown by the elected officials. These officials include the 2 senators from the state, and at a minimum the congressman from the district where the prison will be located. In this case, both senators are democrats, and the the congressman is republican. I will focus on democratic Senator Roland Burris, and republican Congressman Mark Kirk.

As many of you may remember Senator Burris was at the center of the Rod Blagojevich appointment scandal. Senator Burris was appointed to the Senate amidst allegations that he purchased his seat. The evidence suggests that he probably did buy his seat, however the prosecutors were unable to prove as much. The silver bullet in the case was a recorded conversation in which Burris commented that he could "do something" for Blagojevich if he was appointed. While the Senate Ethics Committee was unable to prove his guilt, they did admonish him for his actions. Recently Burris announced that he would not be seeking re-election in the midterm elections of 2010. This has created a situation in which the Democrats could lose a very important senate seat to a strong Republican candidate.

In this case the strong republican candidate is Representative Mark Kirk. Mark Kirk is considered the favorite to win the upcoming election, based partially on the fact that he has a strong base in the suburbs and small towns north of Chicago ( 10th district). Thomson, Ill is one of those suburbs/ small towns that make up the 10th district. Mark Kirk is adamantly opposed to having the prisoners transferred to his district.

I find the timing of this announcement to be very strategic, I also find the announcement to be an attempt to destroy Kirk's political base, and in turn his chance in the 2010 Senate race. This deal wreaks of sabotage. There has been no timeline placed on the move, however the announcement comes at a very key time politically. The holiday break is when D.C. takes some time off, and there is very little political news for a 10 day period. This means that this story will be the topic of conversations across the US, and more specifically northern Illinois. This is a perfect storm for Obama. He can use his connections in Illinois to help push for the prison, he can also count on Senator Burris to help push for the prison, Burris has no desire to stay in federal politics, so he can willingly commit political suicide. Obama is able through savvy politics, to kill two birds with one stone. 1) move the prisoners to northern Ill. (fulfilling a pointless campaign promise), 2. Potentially damage the senate hopes of Rep Mark Kirk.

I openly will admit that all of this is purely speculation, however the events wreak of scandal. Burris announced that he wouldn't run again, Kirk emerges as the leading candidate, and Obama is taking substantial heat for an inability to keep campaign promises. Tie all of this in with a holiday break, and we have a perfect storm of sorts. Obama gets credit for announcing the closure of Gitmo which will help all democrats in their midterm elections, and Kirk has to explain to his political base why he cant prevent the prison. This is just another attempt to undermine our political system.

Happy Holidays America,

Bryan

P.S. If you want to read more on this simply google Burris and Obama, and you will learn all about their wonderful relationship.