For the third time in a decade, former Illinois Attorney General and Comptroller Roland Burris, who boasts over 25 years of experience, is running for governor.

Burris served three consecutive terms as state comptroller, making history as the first black person elected to the position in Illinois. In 1990, Burris was elected to serve a term as Illinois attorney general.

After holding some of the state’s highest offices, Burris decided in 1994 and 1998 that the time was right to pursue the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. However, the votes proved not to be in Burris’ favor.

Rolanda Burris, Roland Burris’ daughter and an NIU grad student, said her father’s persistence and tenacity are unparalleled.

“His goals keep him motivated,” Rolanda said. “Since he was a child, he has set two goals – one to be a lawyer and the other to be governor. And he has already accomplished the first one.”

For the third time, Roland Burris is shaking off the dust and going after what he believes to be his destiny.

Some say his efforts will be in vain and that he’s only taking votes away from other candidates who have a better chance at winning the election.

“Roland thinks he’s going to monopolize one constituency,” Democratic primary candidate Paul Vallas said in an article on his official Web site, www.paulvallas.com. “That’s not the case.”

Rolanda Burris is quick to defend her father’s credibility.

“He has a lot of experience,” she said. “He has climbed all the way up the ladder. How could someone with those credentials be holding back votes?”

Billy Davis, Roland Burris’ press secretary, said he should be commended for his unyielding spirit.

“A man should not be measured by how many times he falls down,” Davis said, “but by his ability to pick himself back up.”