In their quest to reach 60 votes to block a Republican filibuster, Democrats have been focusing on swing voters like Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, Ben Nelson, D-Neb., and Joe Lieberman, I/D-Conn. But add another name to the list of senators they need to court: Illinois Democrat Roland Burris.

Burris hasn't made much of a name for himself in the Senate outside of an ethics investigation into his ties to disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D). He made some waves last month by stating in several interviews that the lack of a strong public option was a "deal-breaker" for him. In an appearance at Cook County Hospital Monday, he reaffirmed his promise to vote against any bill not containing a public option, telling a crowd, "Now is not the time to back down. Now is the time to act with conviction."

Later, Burris seemed to hedge a bit, telling Chicago's WGN that while he would not vote for a bill lacking a strong public option, he also doesn't want to be an "obstructionist." In a separate appearance at Stroger Hospital, Burris dismissed the opt-out proposal as having "all types of nuances that would create a situation where I don't think you can get a strong public option."

As for accusations that he is only doing this for personal gain, Burris told WGN that he is listening to constituents who tell him they want a public option. "I'm not here for some ego trip," Burris said. "I'm here to speak out for the people who have spoken to me."

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