Sen. Roland Burris on Monday joined other prominent Illinois Democrats in announcing his support for transferring terrorism suspects held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to a downstate prison facility.
“I support the transfer of inmates from Guantánamo Bay to the Thomson Correctional Center, and I have full confidence that the facility can securely house terrorism suspects without comprising [sic] the safety of Thomson, or any part of Illinois,” Burris said in a statement.
Illinois’ senior Sen. Dick Durbin (D) held a series of press conferences over the weekend with Gov. Pat Quinn (D) trumpeting the Obama administration’s plan to transfer and prosecute 9/11 suspects in the United States. Both Democrats maintained that moving Guantánamo inmates to the hard-hit southern region of Illinois would bring jobs and help the economy.
Burris echoed that sentiment Monday, noting, “If this proposal was approved, Illinois would be in the position to receive federal funds and to create thousands of much needed jobs during this dire economic time.”
Burris has announced he will not run to retain his seat next year. He was appointed by indicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) to fill Obama’s Senate seat.
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