CNN

This has NOTHING to do with the man's race, the Governor is a skumbag, he wants to distract the people from his Impeachment! That man should NOT have accepted the post, I wonder how much he paid the governor for the seat? What job will he give the governor when he get out of jail? Makes one wonder yes? See this is the very reason why the scumbag should not seat anyone in Obama's seat.

see, this is where republicans and democrats differ.

When a democrat does something wrong, fellow dems will throw him under a bus and feed him to the sharks and pretty much kicks him out of the party and goes against him.

when a republican does something illegal, fellow repugs will fall in line, give full support, condemn the accusers, cry foul, and blame it on left wing media/democrat conspiracy. (mark foley)

@Obama-Blago Scandal:

Ted Stevens was pretty old too, but he still did bad things.

Roland Burris SHOULD BE DENIED A SEAT IN THE SENATE, THERE SHOULD BE NO EXCEPTION, IT WAS DECIDED THAT ANY APPOINTEE BY ROD BLAGOJEVICH WILL BE BLOCKED. PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA YOU HAVE TO MUSCLE UP TO MAKE SURE THIS APPOINTMENT IS REJECTED.

Special Election is the only solution to fill P.E Obama's seat. As a black person, I am dissappointed with Rep. Bobby Rush's comments, he is so ignorant and stupid, he should just shut the hell up and go back to the south side of Chicago and take care of drive by shootings.

To those people that say to seat Burris, you must be OUT OF YOUR MInDS!. There needs to be some sense of integrity and fairness. I do not care what race, statue or political skill Burris has. Blagojevich has lost any moral standing to make any selection at this point guilty or not guilty. Hurry up and impeach him so that someone else can make the selection. Why not have a a special election as soon as possible. I could be a mail-in ballot election.

Whole lotta manure hitting the fan blades on this one. Every one is getting a little bit of smelly brown stain on their reputation.

Blago is psychotic for doing this.

I must say that if you look at the history of both parties for most of last century, you will see that it was not the Democratic Party that ran this country into the ground... it was the Republican Party.... especially with the Reagan crowd on! That trickle down economics has surely made the rich richer and the poor poorer.... no way to get around it!

Seriously... are you People drinking the Limbaugh Rot Gut Moonshine.. or what!

The congress is right... it does not matter which party... if the individual is "fishy"... then we better look again! Let's not be so quick to swallow the poison before we check it out! After 8 years... I hope we have learned SOMETHING!

mari> They have, actually. I was watching it yesterday. They really are trying to impeach him...and not just for the phone conversations, but because the man's just a sleazeball, in general. They had a laundry list.

Burris shouldn't have accepted. It looks bad. Really bad.

Burris may have "unquestioned integrity" but this "appointment" has erased that integrity. The Dems do need to block it.

What a soap opera! CBS, NBC and ABC can't hold a candle to this drama. Illinois should syndicate this and put it on cable.

Proud American used idiot again, that must have been the only word ACORN let him read. Weren't you leading the parade through Alaska. Probably to beat up on Palins daughter like all the rest of the hobnailed boot thugs who support the dems.

blago how bout big jessie ? he is clean as snow , fits in well with al franken ,ya you could be sworn in together ,,,, ,,,,,,help !!!!!!

you democrats crack me up. you call for blago's head but think bill clinton was a saint. give me a BREAK.

To the Obama Bashers...what in the world do you think Obama has to do with this circus act? This appointment has nothing to do with colour, and if it does, then shame on you! Obama has never backed Mr. Barris in any of his political ventures, so look elsewhere for a person to blame, that being Blago! Get a life! SES

Please, senate democrats, as an african american request you block this appointment and do so quickly. Do not allow this to become a race issue. This is exactly what the governor is banking on.

Blago can not ruin the integrity of a party that has no integrity. That is why nothing sticks to these people because the low expectations of their character prohibit scrutiny. He will get away with this laughing the entire time. And Obama was part of all this Chigao type politics along with Rahm. They were above it?? Ha, you believe that and you are less intelligent then Blago.

Don't count on it. The house democrats are already daring the senate democrats to block the appointment of a black man. He'd be the only black man in the senate, and Bobby Rush doesn't think that is right. Bobby doesn't care about the opinion of those who elect people to govern, he feels people should be appointed based on their skin color.

You have to love the democrats.

Richard Rohde honey did you miss the Village Idiot Parade today in Antarctica? You were so excited about the 30 mile thru Antarctica, I heard your leader asked everyone to bring a jacket in case it got cold.lolol

Matt in CT: Where do these "horrendous hypocrite" Democrats who are supposedly defending Blago living, your imagination maybe? Democratic leaders in IL and nationwide were calling for his head the moment the scandal broke. It has nothing to do with his party, and no one with an ethnically right mind is lifting a finger to defend this guy. If what you're imagining were true, then Harry Reid and the rest of the Senate would be rolling out the red carpet for the appointee, which they are obviously not doing.

Farrell in Houston, TX

"THE INTEGRITY THE DEMOCRAT PARTY HAS WORKED SO HARD TO ACHIEVE"

OMG that is the FUNNIEST thing I have ever heard in my life! I think I slightly peed myself from laughing so hard! Just because the "D" is left off whenever a Democrat politician gets in trouble, doesn't mean the party is chock full of "integrity". Before you attack me, let me clarify that the GOP is just as bad too.

Not a good move by Burris. Even if he is legit, he is forever tainted by this appointment and it won't stand. He should have publicly thanked the Governor and then promptly refused to accept the appointment.

This move is actually a stroke of genius and a game of hardball by Blagojevich. If the Dems block this appointment, they are effectively blocking the seating of the only African-American headed to the Senate. They will be serious questions by the AA community if that happens! This is a game of double dog dare! This is gonna be interesting!

This position requires a total Idiot here's your guy (Richard Rohde) You could search the world high and low and never find anyone more stupid than this guy.

why not let him have it? he can't be any more corrupt than any other politician!

STOP BLAGO NOW, HE WILL BRING DOWN THE INTEGRITY THE DEMOCRAT PARTY HAS WORKED SO HARD TO ACHIEVE. STOP BLAGO NOW.

I love all these Demcorats who have found some new sense of "innocent until proven guilty." I'm sure it has nothing to do w/ the fact that Blagojevich is also a Democrat, or that they'd never want to lose a special election to a Republican. You guys are such horrendous hypocrites.

Its time for some changes in gvt structure. When someone is under investigation for breaking the law, they should NOT be allowed to appoint anyone to any seat.

As well, its time that the people be allowed to FIRE gvt officials when convicted of illegal activities.

In any other job, a person would be fired for the type of behavior this Governor is guilty of.

Its time that our leaders be forced to take responsibility for their actions.

In the name of decency, can Senate Democrats do anything about Blagojevich's hair?

if u crook and arogant incompetent so u can run for US politic

I am Afician American, and as I watched this news conference, I FELT SICK IN THE BOTTOM OF MY STOMACH BURIUS ALLOWED HIMSELF TO BE PLAYED IN THE NAME OF AFRICIA AMERICAN REPRESENTATION.

HOW CAN HE BE EFFECTIVE BOWING DOING A SOFT SHOE.

I AM HURT!!!!!!

He's was told not to make an appointment and he did. This man has no respect for his own party's wishes not to mention tainting Roland Burris, oh I know that is not right but politics is all about perceptions
whether they like it or not you just can't come out and say "This should not taint him!!" and expect that all will agree, his enemy's now have ammunition to try to make him look bad nice work Blagojevich!!

Oh come on!! Monies raised by Burris relative to what!! That right let's bring in "back-door" vendictiveness? Do your homework democratic leaders and when you've determined Burris is credible, "back-paddle" and seat the man!"

Gimme a break.
His appointee–doesn't appear to have any strings attached and appears well qualified.

The Governor is still in office-either accept his lawfully appointed Senator–or have him impeached. You cannot have it both ways!!!

Besides-from what most of us have heard so far–his conversations aren't much more than we have come to expect from any leader in political office. Let's see if they can actually convict him of any crimes. If being a scumbag is a crime-then we have a lot more politicians to tar and feather!!!

After watching that press confrence, my initial reaction is that the appointee is not a bad choice at all regardless of the apointers legal troubles. I think the DEMs should reconsider provided there was no hanky panky to get the seat which I doubt this appointee would have involved himself with. He appears clean.

Bottome line, IL needs two senators ready on Day 1 in the next congress as does Barack. The seat will be up for reelection in a few years after which the people of IL could decide who should continue to serve as their senator. IMO, this is a done deal; there are more important fish to fry.

WHY WOULD ANYONE ACCEPT THIS APPOINTMENT KNOWING THAT IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE TAINTED?

TELLS YOU ALOT ABOUT THE MINDSET OF SOME OF OUR POLITICIANS – BUSINESS AS USUAL!

TO–show me state December 30th, 2008 2:34 pm ET
Here is what Barry didn't Want .
He had told him long ago with a fresh Pack Of Joe the Camel . You must nominate Ayers . Wright. UH HUH
NO Barry told him to appoint RUSH-SEAN or YOU

Burris is probably a crook just like Blago and Obama.

It just makes me laugh at the way people on here are praising Harry Reid for his courage. People, this is not about what is doing whats right and whats wrong....this whole case is nothing but Barry wanting to control who takes his senate seat. These charges against Blago....which if you listen to the tapes there is no crime committed....is simply Barry's way of trying to get rid of a political enemy. Now....the Senate Dems are going to strip Blago of his given authority to appoint a replacemnt so that Barry can appoint....hmmm...let me guess...Jesse Jackson Jr. and Valerie Jarret....which one....lets wait and see.

And so this game of chess continues! Burris is by all account a non-corrupt politician, and furthermore he is African-American. Blago is putting Reid, Jesse White, and everyone involved in a tight spot. People are already falling all over themselves to back off their hard stance against the Governor because Burris fits the mold of a perfect replacement for Obama in the US Senate. It's your move Harry Reid! You're in check...

Mr Burris is a grown man, let him feel the heat that he so placed on himself. Blind ambition doesn't frequently work for anyone. He will fall hard.

I can't believe he accepted this appointment.

Honestly, this is another example of the typical Chicago politicians which we don't need in the senate, let alone the president- elect.

Blagojevich should step down. He has no right to appoint anyone to anything!

Why haven't impeachment proceedings started against this crook?

I'm so glad the Senators have spoken up. Roland Burris is certainly not my choice. So I hope what the Senators do will hold up. So someone else can be appointed. Not Roland Burris.

I wouldn't want to be this guy's appointee. What a kiss of death!

So THIS is where the Democratic leadership shows some spine?

How is Reid showing any sort of morals by wasting time posturing on this issue that has not been resolved and has not been proven. Today, there were statements made by those investigating Blagojevich that the tapes don't actually reveal any offers in exchange for the Senate seat. If this is true, this entire investigation could turn out to be nothing but political witch-hunting.

Until someone has been proved guilty, Reid has no right to block an appointee. He's only proving, once again, that he's blowing in the political wind instead of handling the nation's business. Democrats need to replace him with a new Majority leader.

To some of the commenters on this board, this is about the Senate Democrats doing the right thing. It amazes me how some of you use this as a forum to take jabs at matters peripheral to the issue. Obviously, some people still haven't gotten over Mr. Obama being elected. Get used to it and stop crying! You're the whiny bunch that contributes to the stagnation in this country.

The real obscenity that that great loser Reid is ducking is the bullying of the Governor of New York to appoint Caroline Kennedy to Clinton's vacant senate seat.This IS payback for Kennedy's early public support for Obama over Clinton.

Blagojevich is clearly a sociopath.

Burriss needs to decline the nomination and Blagojevich needs to sit down and shut up! It is the kiss of death for anyone he appoints.

You guys are being too hard on Blago. So far we have nothing but hear say. The worst part is the impact it will have on his pic.

To show me state:

"He had told him long ago with a fresh Pack Of Joe the Camel . You must nominate Ayers . Wright."

I'm curious to know, and perhaps you can explain, why people make up things like this. You know this isn't true and that there is really no basis for it. You know that neither of these men would be desirable even if they weren't controversial figures in the election. So, why make up this nonsense? It's weird and accomplishes nothing. So, I'm just curious.

geee...let me guess why....is it because Barack himself wants to appoint his own pet poodle.

What crap. Until the governor is impeached or resigns, the appointment of a replacement senator is his responsibility. The Senate leaders are way out of line.

So ,CNN that should be the second lead on your website right after Blago's comment.

How did this story become a reason to attack Republicans?

Show Me State:

Please go back to huffing model airplane glue, paint thinner, or whatever else you have on hand... leave the political discourse to adults and people who have not destroyed their gray matter...

I wonder how much $$$ Burris put up to deserve that appointment!!!!

Chris from NC

Under what reason? The guy being appointed has done nothing so on what basis can the leadership refuse to admit him to the Senate?

Blago is still the governor and it is completely within his power to appoint Burris.

Reid and crew your going to look silly when you have to back away from this threat.

THIS GUY HAS SOME GALL!!!!!! EVEN THOUGH HE HAS NOT BEEN CONVICTED- HE SHOULD STEP ASODE FROM APPOINTING THE SENATE SEAT. HE SHOULD CALL ON HIS LT GOVERNOR OR CALL A SPECIAL ELECTION. I UNDERSTAND THAT HE WANTS TO FIGHT THESE CHARGES AND THAT IS FINE, BUT HE SHOULD NOT APPOINT ANYONE TO THE SENATE SEAT OR THE SEAT BEING VACATED BY RAHM EMMANUEL

Dear show me state,

If you are going to post something, can you make it the least bit coherent?

Chipster–I hate to say it, but I agree with you. As hateful as Blagojevich may seem, he has not yet been convicted of anything and as such the standing process should be followed. I don't think this taints Burriss's name, either.

Blago you are a funny man, you will win the silly rabbit award in 09!

The statement simply says he won't be seated "by the Democratic Caucus," which is a party organization. It doesn't say he won't be seated as a senator, because the Senate lacks the power to block that, as long as he is validly appointed, and meets the minimum qualifications in the Constitution. They could expel him after he is seated, but that would be ludicrous - unfair to Burris, and unfair to the people of Illinois.

Can you believe this guy?????
If I were the candidate of his choice, I would do everything in my power not to have that happen to me. I would withdraw my name from any recommendation. Buris should make it clear he wants nothing to do with this circus fest in order to save his career.
Too much!

Blago is in the wrong party. If he were a rethug then his own party would love him for being a crook instead of trying to stop him.

Good for Democratic leadership to stand up and show some ethics and morals. I heard the GOP leaders want to release a "satirical" ethnic laced song about Blagojevich and Burris...

Let Burris have the black Senate seat. He's too old to do any harm. He can keep it warm until Michelle runs in 2012.

Okay, Let's review
Politicians want to impeach the Gov. but they don't want to hear all
tapes and interview the witnesses.
Gov. want to appoint new Senator which he is allowed to do unless
he is impeached.
Politicians in Washington don't want to accept the appointment but
also do not want all tapes released or witnesses spoken to in fear
that it could affect the President Elect who has his people on the tapes.
Rezko is in holding and not being sentenced ever thought he was
convicted long ago because he is "cooperating".
I don't have to listen to Hannity, Rush or any orther right winger to
know that this is a mess with lots of implications.

Blagovech is a poster child for denial.

Good. As they should. I can't believe that guy would have the gall to appoint someone after everything that has happened. He must have been inhaling too much Aqua Net.

Knowing fully well that any appointment made by him would be blocked, Gov. Blagojevich is only using this as a political strategy to sideline potential candidates. This guy is never to be trusted. By this appointment, Mr Burris is out of the picture. Who is next?

Chi- Fishkill NY

Mr. Burris is affiliated with a truly lousy lawfirm named Gonzalez Saggio. He may or may not be competent but his firm has some truly bad attorneys.

Did I miss Gov. Blagojevich's conviction? Has his appointee been accused, arrested, or proved guilty of anything? We have a nation in crisis on many fronts. The last 8 years have been disastrous. Don't our leaders have anything more important to do right now?

My advice is to seat a Senator from IL as soon as possible because we need to leadership and action to correct the damage – on so many fronts – of the past 8 years of incompetence. Stop wasting time on an on-going investigation that may never prove anything. Get to work on the nation's business and let law enforcement and the justice system do theirs!

Thank God, Blagojevich shouldn't be able to appoint a dog catcher.

If Burris were any kind of decent man he would politely decline Blogs attempt to circumvent llegalities. If he were any kind of HONEST politician, he would step back and let the legal proceedings take place and hope that he could be picked and vetted through a proper procedure. But no, he's an Obama Chicago politician and as usual they have to try and skirt the rules. I hope the Senate refuses to seat him and furthermore, because of his attempts to slide in maliciously, that he be banned from any possible future seating. The people need an HONEST choice to be their represenative and this just smells like corruption as usual in Chicago.

Here is what Barry didn't Want .

He had told him long ago with a fresh Pack Of Joe the Camel . You must nominate Ayers . Wright. UH HUH

Obama can't duck taking a position on this issue. It's his former seat and Blago's appointment doesn't fall under Obama's "we only have one president at a time" mantra. Obama has to stand up and be counted!

Is this Blagojevich guy still around? How old is this story? My the wheels of justice turn slowly. It seems as though there are too many bureaucrats in the kitchen. Or is it too many lawyers seizing on an opportunity to make a lot of money at Illinois and United States tax payers expense? Business and government in the U.S. – what a joke ! "Clowns to the left of me...clowns to the right of me...".

Democrats will always try to take away power and give it to themself. Anyone suprised at this

You only have to live in Britain, and you know the BBC Positive Bias towards the Arabs... But then the So-Called Queen was in Bed with the Arab's for Half a Century... I got sick of the BBC/Royal bias in that direction... Now I am Pro Israel...

We as democrats can not support your nomination for Senator to replace Obama sine we support your impeachment asGovenor of the State of Illinois.Please resign as our Govenor.

Good for them.

Burris shouldn't accept it either.

Good for them for sticking to their word. This whole thing is unfair to the people of Illinois and to Mr. Burris who apparently is very qualified and upstanding. Perhaps he should run for the seat in 2010 during a special election, provided that being appointed by Blago does not taint his reputation too much (even if that is undeserved on Burris' part). It's clear that Blagojevich is going to cling to power and he needs to be removed as quickly as is legally possible.

burris is an upstanding citizen and former statesman..it will do no justice the him if they refuse his appointment..blago made a chess move.. the dem leaders will look ridiculous and like juveniles to just do it out of spite.

Soo...who thinks that Blagojevich appointed this guy just to get him out of the way and make his case more believable?

They should not block it. Mr. Burris is a good man, who has never been involved in any scandals.

Good!

ITS UNBELIEVABLE THAT HE WOULD BE ABLE TO EVEN TRY TO DO THIS I KNOW...INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY BUT THERES SOMETHING WRONG HERE.

He seems to fit right in? Why would they block him?

Wow! Governor Blagojevich hit a home run with this appointment. It was the smartest (and perhaps only) option available to him. We (the citizens of Illinois) need someone to represent us when the Senate recovenes. We are fighting two wars, our economy is in crisis, our auto industry is crumbling and pieces of our government in Illinois is now tainted and perceived as corrupt. Roland Burris is the right many at the right time. In more than 30 years of service, he is not been involved in any corrupt dealings in a very corrupt environment. Two thumbs up for the pick. Way up!!!! Dr. Willie

I think Blago is just a touch insane and I also didn't appreciate him calling Obama names because Obama wouldn't be willing to go along with the corruption.

Blago called the Senate's bluff, and now it looks like the Senate is going to up the ante.......great game of Texas Hold Em going on here!

I totally agree with the Senate Democrats. Blagojevich is totally out of line and he knows it. He's just trying to distract from the impeachment hearings.

Why should I suffer?