December 30, 2008
Posted: December 30th, 2008 12:46 PM ET
Burris is a former Illinois attorney general.
Burris is a former Illinois attorney general.

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) – Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected Tuesday to name former Illinois Atty. Gen. Roland Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate, CNN affiliates the Chicago Tribune and WLS TV reported, citing sources familiar with the decision.

Blagojevich, who has been the target of an ongoing federal investigation, is to announce his choice at a news conference at 2 p.m. local time.

FBI agents arrested Blagojevich on December 9 after federal prosecutors alleged, among other things, that he had tried to "sell" Obama's former Senate seat. Blagojevich denies any wrongdoing.

Burris does not have to be formally approved by the Senate to be appointed by Blagojevich. But the Senate could refuse to seat Burris or seat him and investigate the manner in which he was appointed, and unseat him if they discover any wrongdoing.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, has threatened not to seat anyone the governor appoints, and has called for the Illinois Democrat to step down.

Full story

(updated 1:10 p.m. with additoinal information)

Filed under: Rod Blagojevich


happy new year   December 30th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

burris should not except this.

Wow, he will not be thanking Blago   December 30th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

I cannot think of a more unwelcome honor at this time

Texas Teacher   December 30th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Aware, there you go again.... your comment is RACISM! Pa lease... look in the mirror..... :) I mean seriously....

William A. Schaedler from St. Louis   December 30th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

To Proud American. Why don't you learn how to spell. The word you meant to spell is you're. Not your. Your means that someone owns something. When you choose to contract you are it is spelled you're. Thought you could use a spelling lesson.

chuck   December 30th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

richard rohde@ you are a moron. you should stop blogging.

Proud American   December 30th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

I just heard that ILL will have a special election for the senate seat. This year one Village Idiot name will be added to the ballot. I would love to submit Richard Rohde and William A. Schaedler from St. Louis. To their parents put their helmets on and bring them to the State Captiol at 9:00 tomorrow. The whole world awaits.

Proud American   December 30th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Richard Rohde and William A. Schaedler from St. Louis are you 2 Idiots related?? God I hope that's a double wide trailer you live in. When are you too going to be on Springer again?? Idiots

Proud American   December 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

William A. Schaedler from St. Louis your a complete Idiot and the poster child to keep abortion legal in this country. What really funny about your stupid statement is the corrupt idiot calling the shots in ILL is white. Your parents should have never been allow to have children, good Lord your stupid.

Jean2   December 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

BURRIS ALLOWED HIMSELF TO BE PLAYED IN THE OLDEST RACEIST PLOY THERE IS.

Pointng Fingers!!!   December 30th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

TO–TCM December 30th, 2008 2:01 pm ET
Blago's an idiot, not ballsy. He's a corrupt punk, raised in the corrupt Chicago machine, just like OBama.
****I am Sick and tired of IDIOTS like you ....Trying to link PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA to everything that happens in Chicago .......I don't know why Bush Cheney and Rove are not in PRISON *****Obama has been vetted and wired the feds know how many gray hairs he has # of shoes and colors everything**** SIMPLY CUZ HE IS BLACK !!!!

William A. Schaedler from St. Louis   December 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

It's not enough that we must have an Afro fool in the White House. Must the Senate be populated with them too?

pam Eugene OR   December 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

This Senate seat is covered in toxic waste. Anyone would be a fool to accept it from Blagojevich.
IL needs to move forward very quickly with a special election. Obama will need all the Senators in position when he takes over. next month. An empty seat does not help anyone.

Cheryl in Chicago   December 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

OK since I am from Chicago and this guy lives in my neighborhood I'm giving my 2 cents. Mr. Burris where have you been on the issues in the last 10 years? Silent! Why and what do you think that you have to contribute to the pressing issues of our state, and at large the country. Personally your time has come and gone. You ran for this seat b4 did you not, and lost. By the way I don't understand how you can accept the appointment in good conscious knowing that through companies that you have major interest in have contributed over $20, 000 to Blago's campaign. Please go back home, and stay in the house.

please cnn??? Pretty please?????   December 30th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

California Gold...

Please AT LEAST aread the HEADLINE correctly...

"EX"- Illinois Attorney General....... "EX"...

And thus, your entire b.s. theory/argument goes up in smoke....

jim - chicago, illinois   December 30th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

to california gold:
first: the attorney general of illinois is is lisa madigan. a woman. so it would be impossible to move "him" out of the way. i think before you begin making suggestions about the players in this drama, you actually know who the players are!

second: don't you think appointing the ag to the senate seat to get HER out of the way would be a bit obvious as to motive?

third: whomever is appointed is not obligated in any way to accept the position, so your brilliant idea isn't so brilliant after all.

Irritated in Fl   December 30th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Can you believe the nerve of this jerk smiling on TV as if he is the man? He knows this wrong. He should be banned from any future consideration because of his unethical attempts to sidestep the legal proceedings.

tr   December 30th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Burris is a decent guy and he can prove it by declining.

Ann Marie   December 30th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Governor Blagojevich is some piece of work, you can easily see why President Elect Obama endorsed him – TWICE.

Joe the Troll   December 30th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

California Gold- the article clearly refers to Burris as the FORMER AG of Illinois.

angie in NC   December 30th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

This is just a ploy . . . but brilliant on the part of Mr. Blagojevich.

MD   December 30th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Burris won't be accepted. If I were him, I would have declined the nomination. Wouldn't want my name mixed up with the Gov. nor the scandal.

ros   December 30th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

calfornia gold..burris is the former ag..lisa madigan is the current..anyway they are at state level and can't do a thing..governors fall under federal charges, peter fitzgerald will prosecute blago..any burris is neither here nor there,,if the dems do not accept him..they are doing it out of spite.

Geeque - Chicago,IL   December 30th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

California Gold,
Roland Burris is the former Atty. Gen, read before you start writing crap, current Atty. Gen is Lisa Madigan.

ROC   December 30th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Blagojevich has played his last card.

rich   December 30th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Blagojevic is pushing the envelople. Guilty or not, the fact that he was arrested and charged with crimes should have led him to reconsider appointing anyone to this position. Mr. Burris may have an exemplary record, but I were him, I would not get close to this mess while other peoples names are being dragged in the mud.

Soccer Nana   December 30th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

I would graciously DECLINE this appointment. To accept this appointment is political suicide.

Blagojevich is toast; he is as valuable as a three dollar bill.

Phil in KC   December 30th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Too bad for Burris. Anyone appointed by Blagojevich would be seen as tainted. There would immediately be questions of a quid pro quo regardless of how squeaky clean he may be. Quite frankly, I can't imagine why he would have accepted.

TCM   December 30th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Blago's an idiot, not ballsy. He's a corrupt punk, raised in the corrupt Chicago machine, just like OBama.

Frank   December 30th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

California Gold December 30th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

So how does this not create a conflict of interest? Attorney general for the State of Illinois would bring charges to prosecute the governor for illegal conduct (ok ok ok… alleged illegal conduct).

I do believe that the Federal government bought the charges and Lisa Madigan is the current AG for IL. Burris is the former AG for IL

John in Ohio   December 30th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

California Gold: Burris is not the current Attorney General for Illinois, he is a former AG.

Still ridiculous that Blago thinks this will fly.

John in Ohio   December 30th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Burris would do himself and Illinois a big favor by refusing to accept this, and by saying that he won't accept being picked by a corrupt governor.

I can't believe how Blago is so freaking delusional and insane. He's facing pressure on all sides to resign. Feds are after him, and there's
impeachment proceedings underway in the Illinois House, where they're saying they have reasons for impeachment in addition to what the feds have found. The US Senate has said that if he names a successor to Obama's empty seat, they won't recognize or accept the replacement. And in light of all that, today Blagojevich is expected to make a statement naming *former* Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the US Senate seat for Illinois vacated by Barack Obama.

Is he completely insane? What world does he live in where he thinks this will fly? Not ours, surely!

Beverly, NYC   December 30th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Wow talk about Chutzpah!! Blago is one of a kind. Why would Burris agree to be put in this position. Even if he is qualified, Burris is between Blago and the State Senate, talk about a rock and a hard place.

Empty suit, empty promises   December 30th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

This guy is a great pick, he is superior to anyone that the Governor could have picked, Obama has done it again.

Oh, Obama didn't pick him, my bad.

He is the worst person in the world!

Caroline Kennedy in 2012.

Bahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Bahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Sheep are running the country.

aware   December 30th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Smooth move Gov. Blagojevich! :)

I don't think Reid or his cronies in the Senate will reject this man for fear of a racism charge!

Denise in MD   December 30th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Boy, I tell ya... Blago has got some big ones...

free blago   December 30th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Burris should voluntarily submit to full disclosure with Fitzgerald of his correspondence and conversations with Blago. He should not wait for a subpoena.

Patrick   December 30th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Why is Blago not in jail yet? Him and Spitzer should rot in a cell together for life.

j   December 30th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

This should be set up as a special election to let the people decide. The Governor should do the responsible thing (it'd take a miracle) and not appoint anyone while he's under investigation.

Nick   December 30th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

California Gold,
He's the former AG numb nuts.

Virginia   December 30th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Nepotism at its best! I would applaud (albeit, grudgingly) Harry Reid if he and the Senate did not accept this appointment and saw to it that Illinois held a proper election to eliminate any sense of impropriety. But will he........that remains to be seen.

Rob Stumpf   December 30th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

I love how Blago is keeping himself in the news, and taking some of the focus away from Barry O. Karma.

Pat   December 30th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Wow! What a delicious dilemma for the Dems!!!!

Sherrol in Canada   December 30th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Here we go again, Blago rears his egotistical head again. The man has some gall.

Jacque Bauer   December 30th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

This once again proves that the Democrats will also shamelessly play the race card amongst their own if it serves their purpose...

Coherent1   December 30th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Well say goodbye to credibility. Burris may as well deserve it, however the cloud of suspicion will swallow his ability to be re-elected.

chaps   December 30th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Harry Reid will not oppose seating Mr. Burris. To oppose him would be blatantly racist. For Democrats, race trumps everything..... so long as it's the correct race.

Read   December 30th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

FORMER AG, not current.

tim in NH   December 30th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Hey california gold....it is former attorney general, not current.

Maybe Burris is good. He had better tell everyone everything and be as transparent as possible if he expects to get seated.

bob   December 30th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

California Gold:
I don't trust Blago as far as I can throw him, so I don't doubt at all there's something fishy going on. But FYI: Burris isn't Illinois AG anymore (Lisa Madigan is). So, as far as I can tell, your argument doesn't work.

Todd   December 30th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Umm California Gold – he's a former AG not the current – Lisa Madigan

c from stl   December 30th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

hmmmm, makes me wonder how much they really have on him if he's continuing on with business as usual. At least he appointed someone who's name hadn't already been mentioned and dragged through the mud...

Proud American   December 30th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

LOLOLOLOLOL What really funny is he chose another black guy, maybe people won't notice?

jrzshor   December 30th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

good for him.

fight the power!!!

American   December 30th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Go ahead Rod you're still the Gov. Fill the shoe shine slot with another shoe shine boy

CJ   December 30th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

The Gov., is just like Bush, he thinks he is above the LAW! Please just get him out of office and throw the keys away, maybe Bush and Cheney can join him.

Logix   December 30th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Touchee – advantage Blago! The poor Dems need a King Solomon to resolve their mess but, alas, all they have is a tiny car filled with goofy circus clowns.

Juan Grain   December 30th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Blagojevich to name ex-state AG to replace Obama? What is he going to name him??? Trip!

Jim   December 30th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

The gall of this guy is unbelievable. He never should have been let out on bail.

Anna   December 30th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Do we really need these OLD people to lead? If he want to name some AA person he can choose anyone who is able atleast walk without help.

Proud American   December 30th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Yes I'm a Dem, but if Reid seat this guy I'm finished with the Dem's. This Idiot from ILL. should not pick anything. Blagojevich should be stripped of all power in that state.

VOTED! OBAMA!!! VOTED! OBAMA!! VOTED!   December 30th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Politically I feel sorry for Burris because he may have worked hard and deserved this appointment just as many other feel they deserved it but the cloud of deception will hunt him for years to come. Poor guy!!

indy   December 30th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

What a shocker, this is getting very interesting, will need popcorn for the press conference.

SENATUS POPOLUSQUE ROMANUS   December 30th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

This elderly gentleman, if has some respect for the integrity of his own name, should not accept any offer from the Ill. Governor.

JL   December 30th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

RIGHT, why is he doing this? No one is going to allow him to replace Obama so why not sit down and shut up?

obama-mama   December 30th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Blago is ballsy.....I dare anyone to take me down...Ha ha ha ha ha....

John, Brooklyn, New York   December 30th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

While I have no specific problems with Mr. Burris, it probably was unwise of the governor to move forward with a new senator whose credibility will be questioned as long as the cloud of skipticism hangs over the governor's mansion.

Burris would do himself a great public favor to accept the nomination only upon condition that Govornor Blagojevich is not convicted of corruption charges related to this appointment nor is removed from office as a result of the impeachment procedures that have been launched. If he promises to tender his resignation under those circumstances, he'd win over the people of Illinois and his colleagues in the US Senate.

California Gold   December 30th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

So how does this not create a conflict of interest? Attorney general for the State of Illinois would bring charges to prosecute the governor for illegal conduct (ok ok ok... alleged illegal conduct). So appoint the current Attorney General to the Senate and that moves him out of the way, then Blagovich appoints a hand-picked replacement. Cha-ching.

Ernie in LA   December 30th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

How much did it cost him?

shucks   December 30th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Burris just needs to tell the Governor thanks but no thanks.

joe smith   December 30th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

you gotta love the windy, there's a new gust every day; but the real tale goes to the "love story" couple, they must own a piece of AIG, or some other fat cats on wall street, seems every body with those connections are trying to line their pockets..

Noah   December 30th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Shouldn't we be protesting this appointment because, according to what Democrats said about John McCain, he is too old and senile to be an effective Senator? It is disgraceful that Blago continues to spit in the faces of Illionois citizens.

Hi, I'm Al Effn Franken   December 30th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

This is great! Dems need a King Solomon to sort this mess out, but all they have is a tiny car stuffed with big circus clowns.

Hi, I'm Al Effn Franken   December 30th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

This is great1 Dems need a King Solomon to sort this mess out, but all they have is a tiny car stuffed with big circus clowns.

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   December 30th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

This creep should NOT be allowed to name anyone.

jari   December 30th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

There is no way guilty white liberals like Durbin, Ted Kennedy, Chuck Schumer, Barbara Boxer etc. will deny a black person a Senate seat.
Another motive for this choice is that he might need sympathetic blacks to be on his jury if and when he goes to trial. This was one of the motivations for George Ryan letting four black guys out of jail right before he left office in January of 2003

Ken from Memphis   December 30th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

How could he ever lose to a Republican if he can't even get past his fellow Democrats? What an idiotic statement to make!

jimmy   December 30th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

last gasp of blago!

Gary of El Centro, Ca   December 30th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Blago is calling the Senate's hand.......this should be an interesting game of "chicken". Sometimes politics is a great spectator sport.

Rob   December 30th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

If Burris was smart, he'd turn it down, and wait it out. But, he's a Chicago Democrat, so he'll take it.

Wait, aren't we supposed to be worried about anybody in a high political position, who is over 70, dying in office, or does that just apply to white Republican presidential candidates?

Kevin in Ohio   December 30th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

This idiot has a lot of nerve. One has to wonder how much the seat was sold for................

Gen Patton   December 30th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

I'm sure he's doing it with the O's blessing.

Rusty   December 30th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

71?

I guess a lasting positive legacy was too much to hope for.

chuck   December 30th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

IF THIS GUY HAS DONE INJUSTICE AS GOVERNOR OF CHICAGO THEN HE SHOULD BE ARRESTED AND JAILED.IN THAT WAY HE CANNOT CARRY ON ANY MORE WRONG DOINGS. THIS IS SHAMEFUL IF HE 'S GUILTY OF FRAUD AND CORRUPTION.

Laverne   December 30th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

OMG, this man is CRAAZZY!

honk4tidbits   December 30th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Ridiculous. Just ridiculous.

Ann   December 30th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Burris should turn down the appointment and anyone else Gov. Blagojevich puts up. The man is tainted.

John McCain   December 30th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Burris is just a kid.

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