CNN

So the democratic senators showed how stupid they are. They are going to block any appointment regardless of the quality of the appointee. They are stupid, stupid, stupid. If Blagojevich appoints a good, high quality candidate, the stupid sentors should seat him immediately.

you are the special Obama pick, so why should we trust you or the governor or even Obama

I think Blago has the best attorney since O.J.'s attorneys...

I predict he will get out of it........innocent....probably will be impeached, if anything at all............probably not that......next year, it will be forgotten.

Larry
Houston TX

I guess Burris really wants the tittle. You know he thinks that he is the Magic Negro. Well he ain't and he ain't ever gonna be. What a jerk to accept and play nice, nice. He has full intention of sticking it to Obama.

I agree with Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris comments. However, I think the great people of Illinois should decide who will be the next Senator from Illinois to the United States Senate.., 'not' Governor Rod Blagojevich. Governor Rod Blagojevich and his wife is a 'disgrace' to the great state of Illinois. Maybe, a 'special' election would be appropriate in this situation. Let the great people of Illinois.., decide ! Mike O'Brien in Montana

Roland Burris is the most blatant example I've ever seen of someone putting his own political ambition and ego above all else. Two weeks ago, he blasted Blago. Then he sucks up to him to accept the nomination no one in his party wants him to accept. Then he turns on his appointer the very next day.

It's a shame this man, who everyone says is a good man, is besmirching his own legacy in such a silly and childlike fashion.

Rush and Burris have taken Obama's "I don't look like others on the dollar bill" comment up to new heights

We don't know what the deal between him and Blagojevich. If you deal with a thief, then you become part of that gang. Mr. Burris, you're wrong. Charge against Blagojevich put you in the same spot of the whole curruption. If Blagojevich is convicted, then you become next target for investigation because you may be the highest bidder of this Senate seat.

No one should accept an appointment from Blagojavich and Burris is wrong for accepting it and playing into these games Blagojavich continues to play.

Blago is innocent until proven guilty...Also his choice was excellent and he should be vindicated...Burris should be allowed to serve!

Burris evidently needed his 15 minutes of fame, because that is all he is likely to get out of this questionable appointment by a corrupt politician.

Why is HIS OWN PARTY judging Mr. Burris by who appointed him and not his record?

Add him to the list of dirty!

Reid and the Senate Dems will cave and let Burris be seated. All someone has to do is mention race and they fall all over themselves trying to be PC.

Democrats are the biggest losers.They are chickens.Blago hasnt been proven guilty so he is still the governor. I disapointed in Obama he doesnt need to interfere in this. If the feds didnt make the arrest in time i am sure "Rhambo" would have been gone now. Cos Rhambo is one of the most corrupt guys. Democrats are chickens i hate to say this but it is the truth. IF it was the democrats who had the case of chenney leaking the CIA lady's name i am sure they would tell Their VP to step down. Democrats dont have eachother's back and i tell u its the begining of their crisis. The way they handle this case would determine the election in 2010. Ted steven's wasnt told to step down until proven guilty. They are scared of a special election, they dont want blago to appoint yet they havent impeached Him. Democrats = Cowards + Chickens. I am a democrat but their handling of this situation is horrible. Pelosi is the least effective speaker in american History Even the Devil knows that. And Harry reid A yes Sir man

It seems that Burris is getting what he wants, he's now on the national stage and he probably sits up nights watching himself on TV.

He's an idiot if he thinks that Blago's actions wouldn't affect him. For someone that has been in public office for so many years, he surely doesn't know how the public reacts.

And this is a man who should represent the state of IL in the US Senate? I beg to differ.

What is this Blagojevich & Burris nonsense all about? It just points fingers back at PEBO and the cesspool he marinated in on his way up!

I agree, if you think you are bending the law for virtue, you just allow others to bend it for vice!

The corrupt political cronies in the Senate need to wash their own hands!

Hector, (hector.....really????) Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfeld., etc needs to be tried and sentenced for war crimes and treason.

For putting our young soliders in harm's way over a darn lie, for outting Valerie Plane, for torturing and overseeing the killing of untold innocent Iraqis life. 4200 of our troops are dead and 50,000+ injured and bush and cheney are responsible.

Why did you accept the offer? You had to know that the Senate would deny your posting. Unless you had other plans? Did you want to turn a bad decision into tinder for a race war? I'm afraid that's what will happen – I'm already hearing the rumblings.

Burris, as an elder statesman you should know that you can't operate in a vacuum. Of course Blagojevich's charges shouldn't affect you, but they do. In return for wanting to be a Senator you are aligning yourself with Blagojevich, who will be indicted on corruption next week, and it is costing you dearly. Is this more important than your reputation, your hard earned political standing, your values and credibility? Are you ok with the fact you are now viewed as an opportunist who would make a deal with the devil if it got you what you want? Until now no one thought this about you. Until now.

Keep this nonsense up if you want more and more people to realize that PEBO is part of the same Chicago political cesspool of palm-greasing thuggery!

So stop making fools of yourselves! Gov. Blagojevich is no worse than any other Chicago politician including PEBO and most of the cronies now in the Senate!

The U.S. Senate needs to accept Roland Burris "

Mr. Burris,

Roland Burris, wants to be a Senator, foul or fair. He must be power drunk! I doubt whether he has the people of IL at heart. He must be stopped.

This is just a manipulation by Blagojevich. He appoints an honest black senator and then stands back to watch the fireworks.

If the Dems accept him they will be going back on their pledge to not seat ANY senator Blagojevich appoints. The Republicans will have a field day. If the Dems don't accept him then it's expected that the black community would be furious. And again, the Republicans will be all sympathy and have a field day.

Either way it divides this country at a time when we need to be unified and pull together.

Blagojevich these are serious times. You are thinking of your own skin, not the people of your state and certainly not the people of this country. This is unbelievably sad.

It's not a matter of you being proven guilty or not, it's a matter of being able to govern responsibly. Now you're not only screwing your own state, but the whole country. How can you sleep at night?

I feel totally disgusted.

if people would watch whats happening around them and be honest
about it they would agree there is nothing dumder then a human
being. what a sad state we have let our selfs get into.

Bobby Rush is trying to set this up as a race issue and not a rampant corruption issue. Fair enough.

I say the following as a pro-choice liberal progressive anti-war pagan Democrat. So, realize that I oppose literally everything that Alan Keyes stands for, when it comes to his religious and political positions.

Why not appoint Alan Keyes to the spot? He was the guy who ran against Obama in 2004. He's a black man, and that seems to be what Rep Rush thinks is the only necessary qualification for someone to be Obama's successor. If the replacement just has to be a black man, why not Alan Keyes, or Condoleeza Rice, or Colin Powell?

Representative Rush is pushing *tokenism*, pure and simple, and it is idiotic and it is counterproductive. It absolutely undermines the decades of work by black Americans to be taken on their own merits in politics, by saying that it doesn't matter whether Burris is qualified or not, what matters is the color of his skin.

That undermines everything that everyone who stands for equality stands for, it says that a person's worth is the color of their skin, not the quality of their character. Representative Rush is spitting on the Tuskegee Airmen, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Barack Obama, and even other prominent black Americans like Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell, who were solid capable individuals in their positions.

Burris isn't Blago's tool here; he's making a difficult and painful choice amidst extremely flawed circumstances on behalf of the citizens of the State of Illinois. Burris is not just any African-American face in the crowd. Blagojovich choosing a man of Burris' reputation and stature in what is likely to be his final, if not only, statesman-like act should not be discarded just because his motivations are indeterminate. Senate Democrats must reconsider their position and accept Burris on his merits alone. Once the Senate vacancy is filled, we can get on with the business of dumping Blagojovich. The sooner he's gone, the sooner he'll be unable to jerk anyone around.

Rush and Burris have taken Obama's "I don't look like others on the dollar bill" comment up to new heights

Conspiracy theories folks. You all bought into it.

Democrats make up their own law, nothing new about that.

A biiter legal fight democrats will have on their laps.

The Senate is powerless to stop Burris. He meets every qualification and then some and after hearing him speak last night explaining himself he is far more qualified then those that seek to block him. The only reason why they want to block him is so they can put up their own puppet in that slot like they are doing in New York.

Blagojevich is innocent until proven guilty and the only evidence I have heard against him is telling Barack to go stick it. I guess that is a crime now. No one paid to get the senate seat and no one has come forward saying they were offered a chance to buy the seat. To do so would make them guilty of not coming forward sooner.

So what evidence is there really other than telling Barack to go stick it.

Roland Burris wants this appointment so that he could add to his achievements on his monument built in a cemetary. What a nut head!

This governor is already costing the citizens of Illinois money. He is not trying to help them, but help himself. In the process, he hurts the state.

He needs to get a reality check and somebody needs to take over the helm. I really feel for Illinois, what a nightmare.

People, this is not about race. Blagoboy is having a temper tantrum and he picked a fool (Burris) to help him.

Blago is a non-issue and Burris is an idiot. Idiots should take a long walk off a short pier. What a moron.

Blago is corrupt and Burris is stupid–they make a great pair.

My answer is no, and I'm not from Illionois. I think this should make the citizens of Illinois stand up and fight against this snake of a governor and his spineless appointee.

David -– December 31st, 2008 11:26 am ET

.......but legally the Senate can vote to not seat him and that is also very much legal........

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

David......sorry, but you're wrong.

If you can site the LAW that says theSenate can refuse him the seat.......do so.

But I can tell you in no uncertain terms that you are wrong.

I just thought of something. What if this is a masteful bit of game theory by Blago? Follow me for a minute. Appointing someone smacks the Dems in the face & makes it that much tougher for them to retain the seat in an election. By trying to make this a race issue he could distract everyone from himself as the main part of this debacle. As for Burriss, he's so hungry to serve in higher public office, he'd knaw on his own leg!

Burris, shouldn't have accepted.

By doing so, he have indicated that he is willing to participate in a corrupt endeavour, that he lacks ethical judgement.

He has in my view disqualified himself. If he had declined the appointment, he would still be a viable candidate.

All this is small potatoes, and is the problem of the State of Illinois. The world will still turn without an extra Senator.

Poor Blago knows his time is short and doesnt like the idea of changing from Italian blue suits to chinese made orange jumpsuits.

Burris set himself up to be affected, when he accepted the appointment!

Just how much did/does Burris owe Gov. Blago ?

I'll ask the obvious –

Mr. Burris, what did you pay to get selected?

Im not a lawyer, but isn't "just talk" generally the evidence for conspiracy?

Isn't conspring to sell a political appointment also a crime, not just the actual sale of the appointment?

Mr. Burris should reconsider his acceptance until the Blagojevich mess is cleared up. If Blago is found innocent (as an Illinois resident, I sincerely hope so) he then can accept. If Blago is found guilty (oh, happy day) he stands a very good chance to be appointed. Right now, Mr. Burris' actions appear to be that he will do anything to be a senator.

What Mr. Burris does not seem to understand is that Blago is using him.

Poor decision Mr. Burris!

I have to agree with Burris, when we make our comments and judgements on what he should or shouldn't do we must first ask ourselves if Blagojevich has been proved guilty of any charges? Then his appointement is legal by any standards and he is acting as governor of his state.

We in America like to say "innocent until proven guilty" but do we follow it. Examples: O.J. Simpson, I believed he committed a double homocide but he was proven innocent, the Ramseys never had charges brought against them but convicted in the court of public opinion, Phil spector proven innocent but let's re-try him. etc.

How many of the people who are now bashing Reid for not wanting Blago's appointee seated, claiming "innocent until proven guilty" are also the ones who were the first to scream about how corrupt Blago is and that this taints Obama.

Matt in CT...

Exactly 100% right! Don't even think about trying to connect Blago w/ the Messiah...that is sac-religious. But the hate filled liberals had no problem bashing Palin because of Stevens in Alaska. And for those who say that Obama is too busy to worry about his home state of IL...he hasn't worried about his home state of Illinois in the past 3+ years...REALLY! He basically went from his first day as a U.S. Senator to planning his run for the White House, you nimrods! Now you have Burris, and anyone against him MUST be a racist. Please give us all a break!

Burris buried himself!

Blago – strike one
Burris – strike two
?????? – strike three

your out!!!!

"political prostitution" at it's worst!

Blago has the power to appoint whom ever he wishes, This is a fact. However Burris or any one else also has the power to not except. Burris will be nothing but a thorn in the side for the Dems in the US senate. An easy target for he GOP. The Democrats that reside south of Chicago are all hanging our heads in disgust of the circus that just seems to keep going and going.

I don't care if he appoints God to the Senate seat, his appointment is just not acceptable. Anyone who accepts this idiot's appointment is encouraging corruption, insubordination, and is a traitor to justice.Because he was formally told to resign and not to appoint anyone, for his pick would not be honor; but he disregards his superiors' order. Since that Burris is said to have had a clean political record, his record has now got stained for accepting this guy's offer whom the law want to chastise for dishonesty. He has lost all power and privilege he had as governor. After he is found guilty and is empeached, Burris must follow him to jail as an accomplice for obstruction of justice. By the way how much did Burris give him for the seat. These guys got balls.

People are sheep and mostly idiots....how many polictians have been elected by the people of the state of illionis and then faced some kind of corruption charges?

The people chose the current governor, who turned out to be a wrong choice.....

I say that the people of Illionis are not capable of making a wise decision for electing a public official.

Maybe the current governor is the only one capable of making the right decision...pick a guy who is not beholden to anyone.

The rest of congress is no better.......seeing how they want one of their buddies to hold the seat.

As a black person i am somewhat appalled by Mr. Rush as well as Mr. Buris statement; to include Roland from CNN and others. Both Mr. Rush and Mrs Buris are being used by Blago to set a wedge amongst democrats and yet, some of these folks are so blinded by race that they fail to se the game. In my opinion, Mr. Davis has shown wisdom by declining the offer from the disgraced Governor. On the other hand, Mr. Buris has proven to be too ambitious. The selection is tainted whether Buris and others want to see it that way or not. The senate will do right in rejecting the selection, the majority of the American people to include the majority of black folks support the democratic senate's action. being black is not an entitlement, just the color of the skin.

Guys! Guys! think about the situation here. The governor is still the legal chief executive of the state and has the right to fill the Senate vacancy. And, you know what, I don't think that he will ever be impeached by the state legislature because he never carried out the act for which he was accused of. Talk is just that ' talk'. The federal prosecutor jumped the gun by not waiting for the act to be committed first. The governor can only be impeached for other matters not related to this Senate seat bloo ha ha. I am not a supporter of the governor but a fervant supportter of the constitution. Happy new year!

They should offer the people an election, instead of taking Blag's selection, which time will tell, is a seedling of Obama's....of course, Chicago, with it's rampant corruption, high city tax, gun ban, and every other controlling issue...would of course, run an "ACORN," style election; resulting in Obama's choice anyway....

Sorry ... Mr Burris

You climbed into bed with the wrong person

Nobody that Blagojevich appoints will have any credibility, for obvious reasons

And it has nothing to do with the one appointed

If Burris really had the integrity that everyone likes to speak of, he would've refused the appointment in the first place.

If Bobby Rush was so concerned about African-American representation in the U.S. Senate, then he should have pursued the appointment himself.

This whole thing stinks. Democrats are trying to become the new Republicans.

I second Tim in NC.

What kind of logic was Burris using when he accepted this? He gave up any shot of becoming the senator. Then he says the gov is innocent until proven guilty, while at the same time saying his actions are reprehensible? Does that even make sense?. And then to use the pathetic race card is even more stupid. These are signs that this guy doesn't have much going on upstairs.

What matters most in all of this is...who do the people of Illinois want representing them in the Senate?

Although, Roland Burris certainly comes accross as a honest, very capable and honorable public servant, I think he's been an idiot for allowing Rod Blagojevich appoint him to this senate seat.

No matter how clean Burris is and has been throughout his career, the smell of this Blagojevich move is going to taint him and his appointment regardless of what he or anyone else says.

Frankly, under the circumstances, Blagojevich should also be charged for treason. The country has enough problems to deal with and didn't need this one. Clearly it was done only to "stick it" to the state democrats, with no thought as to how it affects America as a whole.

Put Blagojevich in maximum security jail and throw away the keys for 25 years.

Mr. Burris,

You despise the 'appointer' but accept the appointment? You are nothing but a disgusting hypocrite.

I don't understand all of the concern. We now have a President-Select with no resume whose past the press chose not to investigate (everything with Obama was off-limits, including his wife and his many ties to Communist and Marxist mentors and friends). Obama then appoints a filthy-mouthed, angry, chief of staff, whom nobody wishes to challenge. The list goes on. So why care now about what the liberals are doing? To take the heat off the early misadventures of an incoming administration? It is CLEAR that is EXACTLY what is happening. Let the ObamaFest continue unrestrained!!! Celebrate!!! Because all questioning eyes are now turned towards a shady governor who, if he IS guilty of the charges leveled, is surrounded by liberals who MUST HAVE BEEN APPROACHED by the gov illegally, yet CHOSE to remain silent. Hmmmmmm....no matter how you slice it, it IS one or the other: he IS guilty and everyone who knew it remained silent, OR it is a clever ploy to keep all eyes off Obama and the Obamites.

Oh politics..it's so nasty isnt it? Egos, corruption, money, power, biting the hand that feeds you, pay to play, and on and on and on. No one could pay me enough to jump in that sewer. I'll live life simple & under the radar. I think its the happiest way to go.

No surprise here. race card in reverse

So there are not any blacks in the Senate. Why is that?? Either none ran for office or none were elected. So, when given the opportunity, a black is to be placed in office just because there aren't any at the moment? How about you name the most qualified not someone with skin color just for the sake of skin color. And the person doing the naming should be someone that everyone can trust. Blago is not that person at all anymore. And anyone that would go along with him is doing nothing more than helping keep the pot stirred just like Rep. Bush is doing. I say they are all in it together to keep the issue in turmoil and to distract from the Blago problems.

If he really wanted to do the right thing, he wouldn't accept the appointment and call for a special election instead.

The Govs problems maybe should not affect Mr. Burris but they do. Get with reality here. It was a mistake to accept the position under the cloud that exists whether you did anything wrong or not.

Oh I agree they should find someone younger.

Sorry, Burris
You pretty much disqualified yourself by hopping into bed with Blago.
Lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.

Legally, Blago is innocent until proven guilty.
Politically, you are a moron, none the less.

If he had any morals, he'd turn this down.

If the Governor had appointed Mr. Burris to start with we would not be having this discussion.

Enough of this already. Throw Blago in jail. This guy is a crook. He was being watched prior to this event.

I can't wait until 1/20. OBAMA Baby!

The Black Congressional Congress will fall all over this race and lynching argument and embrace Burris with open arms. They will not be able to see, hear or think clearly now that someone has cried race. No matter how transparent the moral thing to do is revealed. Race and lynching will cloud all rational thinking.

BUSH BEGONE – Just read your "post" and u are correct on that one!

However, I think he should reconsider! Yes, I agree Palin should have been replaced while under investigation as well – and the huge banger is she should have been replace with someone with more Intellect! But the media love it when they realized she was dumb as a shoe!

The fact is, Burris, you accepted the seat despite knowing the current governor that appointed you is undergoing investigation. While it may be true that you have no connections with the case, you accepted the appointment which leads to suspicion that you can overlook all the charges and still believe that there is nothing wrong with your decision. Also that you allowed Rush to bring divisiveness to the table, going on about how there are no more African Americans in the Senate. I will say that you may not be connected with the investigations of Rod Blagojevich but I do not think that you are a worthy choice of Barack Obama's seat because of your reaction to this you go against everything he stands for!
Burris is not the only qualified Afircan American to replace Barack Obama in the Senate. I would much rather have one that is honorable and shows integrity than one who may have the right experience and ideas. Rod Blagojevich should NOT be the one to decide the appointment.

"Legal" and "ethical" are NOT interchangeable terms. The governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojovich, has a constitutionally protected legal right and duty to appoint the successor to Obama's seat, regardless of the ethical considerations surrounding the situation. Absent the tarnish of Blago's unprincipled and self-serving conduct, Roland Burris is now and always has been an ethically solid and worthwhile candidate for the Senate seat, and will honorably hold that place until the next scheduled election. Accepting the appointment allows the State of Illinois to move past this particular issue and focus on other neglected state business, which is far more important than punishing Blagojovich's infantile behavior in forcing his will in this matter.

Burris allowed himself to be played in the Gov. political game. Does he want the seat that badly that he does not trust his own abilit? Why??.

I am African American and I find some of Mr. Rush statements apalling. Most of America seems to moving away from raceism why keep feeding it?

The whole Gov. crisis seem to be the result of power being misused.

This isn't totally about Burris it's about the integrity of the Democrat party being compromised by Blago and his arrogance. Burris should recognize this, not accept this appointment and be working to help remove Blago from office.

Burris has run 5 times for Gov, Senator, Rep and lost. Apparently the people of Illinois do not want him.

That said, it is beside the point. Blagojevich should not have appointed anyone. He himself said that the people of Illinois need a working gov, will with him in the position, they are not getting that.

He needs to decline! I know he is old and would like to have but what Blagovevich did was not very good. People should vote who they want in the seat now.

This is a done deal.Buress will keep the seat,somethings never change,havent you heard?This bs makes Caroline Kennedy more than qualified to have a seat,untainted,smart and for the people,not owing anyone a favor for anything.In the mean time what really happened to Mike Connell.Google it and see how this story has been buried.

Put this Elvis look-alike in jail without bail due to the seriousness of the charges against him.

Ronald Burris should never have accepted this appointment anyway. And, for the congressman to come out and dare the senate not to sit an African American senate pick from disgraced Blago is outrageous as well as playing the race card. The same race card Ronald Martin played on CNN last night. Need I remind you that I am African American, too? To me, Burris lost all hi scredibility the moment he accepted the appointment, which should never have been made anyway. Blogo is behaving like former Detroit Mayor Kirkpatrick. This guy is honestly crazy and needs psychological help. So does Ronal Burris, whose service is no longer needed. Happy retirement Burris. And, to you Blago, prepare for your prison time, man.

I support Obama, Reid, and Durbin's actions in all this.

Blago is tainted. His pick is tainted. Burris shouldn't have accepted what Blago offered. By doing so, it makes one wonder what he paid Blago in order to get the seat.

So what if Blago hasn't been convicted yet? If a day care teacher got arrested on suspicion of child molestation, and there were tapes of him talking about how much he wants to molest children, would you want him to babysit your kids until he's convicted and jailed? If so, you're a moron. Blago is an arrogant moron. Burris is an oblivious moron. Bobby Rush is a race-baiting moron. I realize I'm beating the word moron to death here, but crook has already been beaten to death.

Folks, try and stay current, the Illnois legislature has already stated the special election will NOT be held due to the cost. The cost estimate was 13 million.

Illnois said the state could not afford the cost.

So, debate, but within the given parameters.

as Rev. Wright would say this is the democrats "chickens coming home to roost" LOL

Of course not, he's a black politician from Chicago.

Burris will never get elected in 2010 and he'll be a lame duck in the Senate. No Senator will take anything he does seriously.

Representative Bobby Rush-D-Illinios is a goon to transplant lynching into this would-be denial of Burris by the all white Senate. Blagojevich is the politician of all politicians, the fungus on the fungus, always thinking one step ahead and out-manouvering at all times. He knows that making this appointment helps him in the eyes of the public. Especially now the black public that will forget about Blagojeviches problems and embrace this new black candidate wholeheartedly, no matter the circumstances of his acceleration to office. Now we are supposed to believe that Blagojevich is Florence Nightingale and has had nothing but the interests of the minority on his mind this whole time. FAKE!!!! Now he gets to sit back and watch the story of his arrest take a new refocused turn onto Burris. He did nothing but create havoc for our 50 senators. Now these senators are the bad guys if they turn down a black man. Blagojevich has gone ahead and played his ace in the hole- except this ace is stolen from another deck of cards.

Let us see,

1. The Governor has the responsibility to appoint a replacement.
2. The Sec of State has the resposibility to approved the replacement, note, he does not have the power to deny the appointment, only to confirm the appointment.
3. The Senate can only deny seating a senator based on not meeting the qualifications outlined in the Constitution.

Like it or not Blagojevich is the governor, the state legislatures have no say basically in the matter, nor does the Sec of State, nor does the Senate. He has made his appointment, that is in fact the end of it. It seems a lot of people have been calling for the rule of law to be reestablished in this country, does this mean the only time you want the rule of law to apply is if you agree with it.

Deeds done, get over it.

Mark these words. First, the people of Illinois want a special election. The corrupt Illinois Democratic Machine will not allow it. Now that Bobby Rush, white-hating racist and Black Panther criminal has pulled the race card, Burris will be seated. That idiot Reid and the Democrats do not have the backbone to stick to their pledge not to seat anyone appointed by Blago because of the now played race card. Burris is 71 years old and this is his last political hurrah after several failed election campaigns. Burris will walk away after the term is finished and Rahm Emanuel will resign as Chief of Staff and run for the senate seat; remember Emanuel already has expressed his interest in being the Illinois senator. This BS is how the corrupt Illinois Democratic Machine works. Notice how the Machine keeps dragging its feet to do anything so they can all burn out their shredders to cover their tracks? Don't you all find it amazing how Obama has strong ties to everyone involved in all this BS?

I am stunned that Mr. Burris would accept a tainted selection from the governor.............the politics of the State of Illinois needs a serious cleaning up.

A very good choice Former Illinois Attorney Gen. Roland Burris

If Illinois' voters wants to find politicians that are not part of the Chicago Machine, they need to look out of state.

But wait, we elected someone from the Chicago Machine to be our President !!!!!! What does all this mess say about "Him Over There" ?

This guy is an idiot and should be banned for ever running for any gov position EVER

It would if governor were to appoint anyone else. What a slimebag politician? He changed his tone in two weeks. The refusal to seek Burris even with extra-legal act is worth it. Obama favorite Jess Jackson JR was caught up with corruption with Indian businessmen. Illinois really need to have a urgent special election to find their senator.

President Bush named many people after his re-election in 2004 while we all know that he lied to the american people about the war in Irak. HE LIED and HE LIED but he named secretary of State and others. Why? Because, he was still president! I didn't see the outrage... he even named some folks two weeks ago... didn't see the outrage...
Obama should stay out of this! The governor doesn't like him.

@John in OH....It wasn't up to Obama to give his seat to anybody. Only the governor of IL has that authority and like it or not Blago is the governor of IL.

Why in the world didn't the Legislative body in IL move faster to hold a special election. Why? Because they were afraid that a Republican could win Obama's seat. That was too much a risk for the dems so here we are.

poor guy......we need a young senator for god sake !!!!!

all these old old old old folkS got to go!!!!!!

NEXT YEAR IS THE YEAR OF THE NEW GENERATION

WHO KNOWS HOW TO GET THINGS DONE.......

NO MORE OLD POLITICIANS!!!!!!

When is it going to become acceptable for whites to express outrage when blacks use race to their advantage? Simple question, but the words lynch, hang and "if they don't appoint me it will be because of my color" are all reverse racism. We all know it, but people are afraid to acknowledge it. When will that African American who isn't afraid of his own race take a stand against this sort of stuff? It is underhanded and truthfully furthers our racial issues. This guy could have been purple and Harry Reid and congress would have done the same thing. Whites know it, blacks know it and browns know it. So cut it out!!! And just to head someone off, before they respond. Slavery doesn't justify an out and out lie of claiming he wouldn't be appointed because of his color.

It is interesting to note that the Senators have time to spend on Blago than on the problems facing this country. If there is crime committed here let the Attorney General's office handle it. Why duplicate our efforts, these guys in Congress must have a lot of time on their hands. I think we should vote the whole bunch of them out of office.

Why would he accept the appointment knowing what is going on?
I think he just wants to be part of this, no matter what.

If Burris is too stupid to see that his appointment is tainted, should he really be considered qualified to be a U.S. Senator?! Good grief...

He will sue and the Supreme Court will use the 1969 precedent for Powell vs McCormick which stated Powell could be barred only if he did not meet the 3 Constitutional requirements.

Burris meets the 3 requirements.

One his behalf, I see a lot of Burris bashing for accepting, however, I do not recall anyone on the right calling for Palin not to accept the VP nomination when she was ACTUALLY under investigation for abuse of power! By all accounts Burris in not accused of anything, and certainly not under investigation. What I do remember is pissin' and moanin' from the right that "she is innocent until proven guilty", the MSM is sexist, the Left is so "vicious" with the attacks on the half-wit(oops, old habits are hard to break) Palin.

A bit hypocritical, again...

@ Former Obama Voter

******************************

Yeah, right.

You're a Republipuma or straight up GOP.

The bloggers here know it.

So shuttee already. No one believes you.

We do not need another Senator who is more concern with power over truth and justice. How could any person accept, given the toxic nature of this Gov.? The IL Supreme court should make the appointment and if they pick this guy then so be it.

Don't you know Blago made a deal with Obama that if he appointed a black to Obama's seat that Obama would eventually pardon him.

You'll know this is the truth because Burris will not be rejected by the Senate and will be allowed to serve.

The people are hoodwinked again.

I'm puzzled as to why did Burris allow himself to be used like this.
Then to go to the media and talk about the constitution, etc. Did he not believe all those people calling for BLAGO THE LAWLESS to step down? Though his career has been stellar, this is not the way to end it. He should have told Blago to find himself another sucker. I know Blago is trying to find one "i" that was not dotted and one "t" that was not crossed. It's like the Rodney King beating: DON'T BELIEVE YOUR LYING EARS! We need new laws that say that if any politician has the stench of criminality – indictments, etc., pending, he should forfeit his position. Like when you make a contract; once one of the aspects of the contract is breached, the contract is void.

Any politician who finds himself under criminal investigation should automatically lose his position or power, until the matter gets straightened out. You let the people down when you turned to crime.

He's piss.ing on the Constitution and calling it rain. Blago knows he was wrong. He's just shamefully lawless. Sorry, Mr. Burris. You should have told Blago to find himself another sucker, because you sound like a mad man trying to justify your stepping in. Dang, were you that desperate after all your years of public service?

If Blago keeps it up ,he too may run out of gas before he can get his plane to the runway,like Mike Connell did before he was due to testify for rigging the 2000 and 2004 elections.

Simple:

Anytime you do a story featuring the antics of Rod Blagojevich, precede it with the theme from the "Twilight Zone" with the Rod Serling voice over. I'm sure I'm not the first with this idea.

L.K.

Obama, let Burris be seated. Burris has nothing to do with what's going on with Blagojevich. I'm a fan of your's obama. What happened to change! Now about Blagojevich – He just might be the kind of person you want....after all he's pretty persistent and nothing deters him. I do think he deserves to be punished but in a light way! Everyone in their life time has probably tried to sell a ticket maybe even to a show at one point in their lives. It's just that he got caught!!

This guy Burris should not have accepted the nomination period knowing the situation going on. He is as stupid as the governor who appointed him. Coming on TV with stupid arguments.
Let the people of Illinois decide whom they want to put in the senate with the special election. I don't care is it's an african american or a caucasian. Let the people decide period.

I don't agree with the appointment, but Illinois State Law says Blagojevich has the power to appoint the guy. Last time I checked, the law hasn't been changed. If you just decide to ignore existing law after the fact when it doesn't suit your purposes ... well, you'd be like the Florida Supreme Court in 2000, who decided they wanted to recount the ballots a fourth time changing the counting rules state-wide because Mr. Gore lost the initial vote, the first recount, the second recount ... gave everyone something to cry about when the US Supreme Court overruled them.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich may be INNOCENT of the charges after all. At the moment he is the governor of Illanois and he has exercise one of his duties.

What is wrong with America?

This man is a target of horror politicians in Illinois. He is a good man. He will prevail and they will be shamed.

As I watched the Burris appointment press conference yesterday, I was a little confused about your title, "Obama recplacement slams Blago." Quit trying to sell the news and just report it. I'm neither a Burris or Blago supporter or detractor, but I'm pretty sure Burris didn't slam Blago. As I saw it, Burris tried to stay out of the crossfire. This is a pretty charged situation, I'm fairly certain we don't need extra commentary in your headlines to the tell the facts.

Point 1: A Federal Prosecutor claims that there are Audio tapes of a sitting Illinois Governor soliciting bribes in return for an appointment to the US Senate.

Point 2: The Senate leadership warns that because of the bribery and corruption aspect, it will not qualify any appointment to the Senate made by that Illinois Governor (Under Article I Section 5 of the Constitution, the Senate can refuse to seat anyone).

Conclusion: Although I seriously doubt that Roland Burris would have paid a bribe for the appointment, anyone who would allow himself to be appointed to the Senate by that same Illinois Governor may have already lost their mind....and that is a shame, because I beleive that Roland Burris was a good man.

The whole thing with Bobby Rush was just another example of Chicago politics: When in doubt, throw in the race card.

I guess we just wait and see if after January 20th, if the reason people don't support Obama's decisions will be deemed because they are racist. Is Bobby prepping his voice for then?

Anyways, you know Blago's in trouble with the people of Illinios. Usually Jesse or Al are the ones who step up to the microphone and throw the race card. He's gotta be bad if even Jesse and Al won't stand up with him.

I find this as typical for the politicians we have representing us in this great state of Illinois. We else can you do what you want and not listen to the people of this state. They take care of them selves first and the people last. He may legally be the Governor but he has been challenged by the authority on his shadowed politics. Mr Burris may very well be qualified, but why would you not wait until the have there say, or are they going to be mutes and not say anything about this also. This is our country they work for us. the people. Tell them what you want.

southerncousin December 31st, 2008 10:35 am ET

Good points southern cousin, but stand by you are about to be called all kinds of names, dissent is not tolerated in the thugocracy that we have become.
_______________________________

southerncousin, are you talking to yourself, or are you really Richard Rohde using different screen names, because he basically said the exact same thing on a different topic on here....

Love it! Burris says that it will be racism if he is not confirmed. So typical of black Democrats to play the race card. WAKE UP - OBAMA WON. There are no more race cards to play.

This is becoming as ridiclous as the Senate race in MN. Go ahead and seat Burris while this is being settled by the courts. Honestly! They should have had a special election and none of this would have happened.

This morning Meredith Viera questioned him about the announcement yesterday and questioned if rejection of Burris equates to lynching and Burris agreed. Now I'm offended. He doesn't see there is a problem with Blagojevich appointing him? The man is OUT ON BAIL! And Burris doesn't see this as a "problem". Burris has managed to commit political suicide with this episode.

I think Harry Reid thinks we live in France where you are guilty until proven innocent. Hate to break it to Harry but it is Innocent until proven guilty and like it or not, the governor is (for now) presumed to be innocent.

He therefore has the legal obligation to fill the Senate seat vacated by Obama. Harry Reid better read the lawbooks before he shoots off his big mouth. The IL legistative branch didn't remove Blago as governor; therefore, he is the governor and has every right legally to make an appointment.

I am surprised like the other bloggers that Obama even weighed in on this matter.

Erik in Pa et al. You guys just do not get it do you? The issue is not one of legal authority but of the perception of corruption under this cloud of suspicion. Just like judges recuse themselves from cases to avoid the perception of inpropriety, the govenor should have done the same. Thus, the Senate has every right to be concerned. While they may not be able to prevent Burris from having a seat in the Senate, they certainly can prevent him from having any meaningful responsibilitiies on committees etc. I do not think that serves the people of Illinois very well.

The fact that he accepted raises questions of taint. It taint right!

Blagoyevich seems to be attempting to save his position by appointing a person of known character to the Senate position. This is meant to make us believe that he is really not the smarmy character we know him to be. What is confusing here is why Burris accepted. At this moment, any appointment is going to be met with a fight in Congress and a great deal of resentment in Illinois. True, the Senate does not have to approve anyone to be a senator, but they can censure, and they can also make life hell for Burris if they so choose, and they may choose to do so because Burris was sent from Blago.

As for all the talk about “discrimination,” and using the race card, it is good to see Obama jump in to negate that. And Burris? Well, I don’t know him and any respect I might have had for him based on his long record evaporated in lieu of his having accepted the tainted offer. He has to know better but I imagine he thought he could override a few things here. Supposedly his appointment is legal, but in politics, legal is only one consideration.

I hope he doesn’t get seated. Blago has to be convinced to step down. There are too many allegations, too many tapes and too many witnesses against him to allow him to govern in any acceptable way. At this point, I don’t believe he can get any deals. It’s a sad commentary on a year of scandal to see another lowlife politician pretend to be the good guy he obviously never was. http://barbaraspen.blogspot.com/

Sue...
Please stop with the Bush/Chaney thing. Your going to have to come up with something better than that. Please just be honest about your own party when it fails and makes mistakes. Did you bash Clinton when he pardoned a group of bad people??? I bet not. Your hated for George clouds your mind. Ever heard the old saying, "If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all". Would be good advice for you.

I knew our country was in financial trouble, but i didn't know our political system was that corrupt.

Mr. Burris is walking a very thin line and not doing it very well. This morning Meridith Viera questioned him about the announcement yesterday and questioned if rejection of Burris equates to "lynching' and Burris agreed, after stating there are no other blacks in the Senate. Now I'm offended. He doesn't see there is a problem with Blagojevich appointing him? The man is OUT ON BAIL FOR CORRUPTION! And Burris doesn't see this as a "problem". Burris has managed to commit political suicide with this episode.

Everyone is saying that Blagojevich legally can appoint Mr. Burris and that is that. Yes that is true, but legally the Senate can vote to not seat him and that is also very much legal. There is nothing anyone can do about the Gov appointing him and there is nothing anyone can do about the Senate denying him the seat as well.

I am not from Illinois and I have no idea who Burris is, but my impression is that he must be somewhat of a sleaze bag is he would let the governor appoint him, accept the appointment, and then turn around and attack the governor. Of course, he may be no worse than the other members of Congress.

Anyone who comments on here that Bush needs to be impeached or in prison is a downright idiot, saying such remarks just makes Americans sound ignorant and just plain dumb. Dont get mad just because the media is finally doing something right by giving the corrupt left whats coming to them. The next administration will have alot on its plate and it will be amusing to watch the left fail at making good on all the promises for change hahaha.

Burris,
You should have said, "No thanks, Bozo."
But, maybe you just really don't want the job.
Happy 2009!

I cannot believe the people of Ill. are not coming un-glued! It is the same old Chicago politics! It directly slaps all the citizens right in the face. They should have a special election and truly let the people decide. Mr. Burris may be qualified but I think he is just looking at the lifelong perks that come with the job. I watched the interview yesterday and Burris and the guest Congressman (who just happened to be present) made it a black thing. Never fails, make it a black thing so no-one will be able to touch it. I thought that would end with Obama getting elected. Once again, the democratic party has huge issues with race but always labels the republicans as racist. Totally funny! If I lived in Chicago, I would get the heck out because their vote doesn't mean anything. Same-old crocked politicians taking care of themselves! Oh yea, I can't believe that Burris even donated well over 16K to Blogo and his campaign. But it is a black thing remember. Give me a break!

Haven't we heard that quote from too many Senators already? "That's not my problem. That's not my problem." Yeah, that's what we want more of in the Senate. I don't care who appointed him. This guy sounds like a jerk.

For people trying to tie Obama to this, you're fricking morons. Just because Bush came from Texas, does that make him Delay? Is Jeb Bush a pederast like Mark Foley because they were both Republican politicians in Florida? Remember that the previous governor of Illinois, George Ryan, is a Republican and is currently doing time on federal corruption charges. Also note that Senator Durbin, who may be a controversial character at times but is also a corruption-free straigh shooter, has been consistently calling for Blago to step down. What you have to realize about Chicago is that there aren't Democrats and Republicans per say, there's corrupt machine politicians and there's politicians from outside the machine. I know first hand, my dad was a Republcian precinct committeeman in the Chicagoland area, and the other Republicans, for the most part, were slime as slime can be. But there were a few outsider politicians, on both sides, and they were pretty okay guys. Obama was one of these. Blagojevich is not.

So, to summate
Burris = idiot
Blagojevich = crook
Durbin = good guy
Obama = wasn't going to give Blago anything and is clean

Former Obama Voter? Sorry, I don't believe you ever were one.

As for Burris, he may be honest as the day is long (I've no idea so I can't really comment), BUT I think accepting this position is going to be the undoing of his political career. Bad move.

I don't know this guy – he may or may not be a great candidate.

But with the cloud hanging over Blagojevich's head (and by default Mr Burris) – I think he's dreaming that this will be a quick and easy sell to anybody.

It will be interesting to see if he actually gets seated.

First, Blagojevich is crazy. Second, anyone taking the position and being appointed by Blagojevich is just stupid. And 71, can't someone younger be found. Any wonder old politics never change.

President-Elect Obama could care less what fiasco in taking place in Springfield, the only reason why he made his statement was because the MSM would have questioned WHY he wasn't making a statement. President-Elect Obama is inheriting 2 WARS and a economic Tsunami that Mr. Bush allows to fester to where we're at now for 8 years!. President-Elect Obama has enough on his plate beginning 1/20/2009 to NOT concern himself with what is going on in his home state. If the MSM would leave him alone then you would not see any statements coming from him or his team & hopefully when he becomes President he will tell the MSM that he has no further comments about the Governor of Illinois nor the mess that he's in due to his own greed!!!!..

If Senate Democrats are so concerned about Burris reflecting badly upon the institution, why did they agree to seat Reid (a thief), Dodd (another thief), Webb (a gun smuggler), Byrd (a KKK Grand Wizard), and Kennedy (a murderer)? Burris and Blago actually represent a step up in character and ethics from the entire Democrat Caucus.

Mr. Burris is clearly someone whose ambition has exceeded his judgment!
Why on earth he would risk his good reputation at this late stage of his career, is one that can only be answered by vanity and ambition.

This appointment from the disgraced Governor, is a perfect example of of the old "fruit of the poison tree" adage.

I am sure that Gov. Bag-o-Chips thought he was being very sly and crafty in this manuever, but all he accomplished in the minds of those who have even a hint on intelligence was to further the belief the Governor is certifiably insane.

I find it odd that the Democratic Party hasn't intervened and at least provided input into this process. Immediately after the scandal broke, the party should have stepped in to shield President Obama, provide input on replacements to Blago and monitored the criminal investigation, instead they left President Obama out to dry and handle his part alone. I dare say whenever any other Democrat has challenges the party steps in immediately. Is there a new double standard for Democrats??? Please don't tell me its because of race that they are abandoning their own President!!!

I am truly confused about the all situation. I thought, November 4th 2008 and Jan. 20th 2009 should be remembered as dates when American people have gotten the change they were desperately looking for. One particular change should be the constitutional right of any American, which is "Every one should be innocent until proven innocent". That means, it is now time to stop mistreating and humiliating people like they were already convicted, when they haven't been yet.
As far as I know, Governor Blagojevich has not been convicted yet, and no one has told us the exact crime this man has done. He didn't have any inappropriate contact with PE Obama's team, so he did not sell the seat to them. If so, then it was not an appropriate contact.
Also, this investigation has been going for 5 or 6 years, as they are telling us. I don't know how many more time they really need in order to indict him if he is really a criminal?
If Governor Blagojevich is a criminal just because what he was saying to his people then more than 80% of American should also be criminals. Almost every one, in his/her living room, bed room, or office, says things that would be criminal if he/she executed them. Mostly, they are just words.
The question is:"Did Blagojevich sat down with some one and asked the person to pay him for that particular seat?" If so, why not telling people and indict him?
Those Democrats has been attacking President Bush for destroying the US economy, but they just gave him $700 billions to do whatever he wants to.
Why not let Blagojevich also do his job because he is still the governor until otherwise?
Frankly, Senator Harry Reid is now too old to lead.

Blagojevich is nothing but a crook – and the worst kind. He is abusing the democratic process.

What he did is basically treason and should be investigated as such and punished as such.

And Burris, good or bad, should not be made senator. It is a tainted appointment.

Maybe Burris is qualified, maybe he's not. Of that I do not know. What I do know is that Gov. Blagojevich doesn't have the public or the party's confidence to make decisions. I'm with Obama on this one...get this crook out of office.

seat mr Burris in America we believe in peronal responsibility.

SAY HELLO TO THE NEW BOSS, THE SAME AS THE OLD BOSS.

H: Check out DWoods comments which in my opinion hits the nail on the head. For selfish reasons, Blagojevich appoints someone in an effort to appear that he is confident in his innocence. It is selfish b/c he KNOWS that anyone he taps will be tainted. SO even if Burris is a stand-up guy (just like everything else in life, I steer away from wrongfully generalizing), his chance of being a senator are slim and Blagojevich could care less...tell me this dude ain't arrogant

I will say that Burris should have really thought about this logically and not just legally but that's another blog.

Obama,

I do not like what I am seeing. I somehow see your hands are also tied in with this mess.

Man If I have been dupped, which I think I have been then May God forgive you for betraying us.

To Mr. Burris. Why in the world would you make such a comment against the only man who have given you such a position of power.

What in the world is wrong with you.

Sue...get over it...your pathetic liberal unsubstantiated diatribe is old and tired. We get it, you don't like the current adminstration. Got any PROOF or you just repeating what one liberal told another liberal who told another liberal....

ITS NOT ABOUT RACE! Its about Governor Blago joining his predecessor Republican Governor George Ryan and both being cell mates in that prison in Terre Haute, by the end of 2009!. Shame on Bobby Rush & Roland Burris for playing the race card AND I hope the legislature in Springfield & D.C. reject the appointment!.

So Burris was the high bidder?

71? There's a very good chance this guy won't even live long enough to serve the remaining two years. Jeez.

The fact is the law is clear. The governor appoints Obama's replacement.

When President Obama and Senate Leader design to reject the appointment of the Illinois governor, they are circumventing the law.

They are trying to select the replacement, which is frankly not their task to do.

I'm no fan of this Illinois' governor, but the fact is, its a little strange, most politicians, without any fear of exxageration, have the same personality traits as Blagovich.

And its ironic that those standing against him for his crimes, are doing so by ignoring the law and committing transgressions of their own.

Another example the Sec. of State, not 'certifying'...there is no legal basis not to certify.

Follow the law, if you cannot follow the law, if its yours to cite as you wish, and to ignore as you wish, how are you different from Blago?

Good to see that the Democrats who post are familiar w/ the "innocent until proven guilty" ethic. Would be nice if they abandoned their hypocrisy for one moment and condemned someone at the faintest rumor the way they do with Republicans. Or better yet, let's blame Blagojevich's problems on President Bush. I dont' see enough of you hacks on here picking up that usual tactic – are you sleeping??

Look everyone. If you are a boss at a firm, and you receive a letter of reference from a known criminal about a potential employee, wouldn't this raise your eyebrow at the potential employee? This demonstrates a lack of judgement to even accept an appointment from a tainted political figure. By the way, Burris is ran for governor three times and lost which means that he cannot even win a general election. Therefore, a seat that once non-competitive, is now competitive. This is why you do not hear Republicans complaining that much about Burris accepting this appointment.

I don't like and respect corrupt Gov. Blagojevich. However, I don't understand why the senate seat must be filled with the persons who Obama or Rahm Emmanuel want like Valerie Jarrett who was born in Iran. Is this illegal or legal ? I do believe that Obama, Rahm Emmanuel and Valerie Jarrett are deeply emboiled in the scandal of Blago. Three of them equally have to take responsibility to clear the scandal before the Inaugulation.

He just wants the senate seat... greedy greedy..

If he was a man of honor and integrity... he would agree that even though the gov is innocent until proven guilty he has some serious proof against him for the FBI to take control of this and go through with the arrest to begin with. But even though innocent a murder can be innocent until proven guilty does that mean your going to call him up and let him babysit your kids before the court process is over??

People want to sit back and see what happens and see what evidence is against him first before they put their total trust in him.. innocent or NOT.

He needs to step down and let the courts take process and if proven innocent then people minds will be free of the taint he has right now. No one in Illinois is going to think or feel good about who is in the senate seat that he picks at the moment.

His willingness to accept this position calls into question his ethics. Those are not my problems.

I feel sorry for this guy. He has been a decent man and an honest politician for many years. Too bad he was appointed by a crooked headcase and that will probably tarnish his reputation!

Blago, from day one, has never looked even remotely worried about the charges against him. This action proves he's not the least bit concerned. He must have something on "The Messiah" or he would not be this confident.

Blago won't be convicted of anything and Burris will be seated in the Senate. Blago has pulled back the curtain on how things are really done in Politics (regardless of the party) and the Democrats want this to go away. Welcome to the big leagues boys!

His willingness to accept this appointment calls into q

Mr. Burris must have no self respect whatsoever to have accepted this appointment in the first place.

The governor has balls. You gotta love him for that.

How sad that the Gov decided to fill the seat with a fine and qualified individual that now can not serve.

Mr. Burris is far from being an idot. He knew that his appointment would likely be rejected, however it was a politically deft move. Before yesterday none of us knew his name. Today we all know it and we know him to be a qualified person. Other doors will surely open for him.

Former Obama Voter:

Just exactly what proof do you have that Obama is the most corrupt politician? He has not been charged with anything and therefore, you have no proof, just a bunch of fear and hype.

Would this be the same senate that presented Ted Stevens of Alaska with a standing ovation after being found guilty, and losing reelection? The senate, and house show such disrespect to we the people of the USA. All of you should be unseated.

I cant belive someone would even try to gain power or except a apointment from this criminal in Chicago. But as you can see some people just want power at any cost! We will be reading about Roland not to far in the futer mark my words and it will be in the crime pages!

Burris should either step down or be taken down. He is not even smart enough to see that the Gov. is using him to get the news off of his situation! Burris is so desperate for a position he can't even tell he's being used. And for the record I am an African-American and race has nothing to do with this. Congress already stated earlier that who ever the Gov. picked would not be approved!

JB...what does black have to do with it? Once again, another racist insignificant voice. People like you will always be racist and bigots.

OBAMA IS WRONG!!

Blago voted for President-Elect Obama and now votes for Sen-Select Burris. If Obama thinks the senate should not sit Burris; then, the American people should not sit Obama. Both processes are tainted because Blago supported both candidates.

Burris is actually a Good Man. Why would he accept an appointment from a tainted Governor? Because he gets a chance to be a Senator, I'd take it too. Right now, Rod and Roland have one major thing on their side THE LAW. Until Rod is convicted or impeached (which I believe will never happen) or until reasons can be found to deny Roland, everything else being done is just smoke and mirrors.

Geez – real life is indeed often stranger than fiction! Surely everyone will have an opinion on Mr Burris and this appointment – but seems to me that Blago just wants to still swagger while he can and Mr Burris is an opportunist who says, "Why not?" Roland Burris has been rejected by Illinois voters on several occasions (he hasn't served in elected office for quite some time, has he?) – very doubtful he would hold this seat in 2010. And Bobby Rush jumping to the lectern made the whole thing even more surreal...Illinois voters must be cringing!

From my observations of research done on U.S. politics the people who think Illinois has the most corrupt politicians should do some more reading. In fact Illinois ranks 28th in a per capita ranking of states with the most corrupt politicians.

Kind of sad when you think of it.

Appointing the an african american to replace Obama as the only black senator in the house. The only white man to ever play the race card. Blago may be a crook, but he is brilliant. Let's see the left wing democrat try to discredit his choice. This should be incredibly entertainning.

Ha. I can not wait to see this guy comes to Washington with a return ticket in his hand. He will be kicked out like a poor cat! What's a joke!

Hey Sue,

Need to get your facts and ideals straight. President Bush is only guilty of protecting this country. He went off the same intelligence information Clinton did during his administration. Several bombing took place during the Clinton administration in Iraq, don't see you talking war crimes against him:
The day before the House impeachment vote, Clinton bombed Iraq, delaying the impeachment vote. He continued the bombing throughout all the days of the impeachment vote. Only an hour or two after the House impeachment vote ended, Clinton ended the bombing, saying, "We have achieved our objectives." Of course, because the objective was to delay and distract from the impeachment vote! In all other respects, the bombing hurt U.S. and international interests.
Clinton gave several excuses for bombing Iraq on the eve of the impeachment vote, especially the claim that Iraq had stopped cooperating with UNSCOM inspectors.
The Desert Fox operation was launched by Clinton and Blair in December 1998 to punish Iraq for forcing out the weapons inspectors. Thereafter Iraqi air defenses were attacked whenever the allies came under attack.
In the first three months of 1999, U.S. led-forces bombarded Iraq with 241,000 pounds of bombs—just shy of the 253,000 pounds dropped under President Bush in the eight months leading up to the final UN resolution before the war.
By August of 1999, American and British pilots had fired more than 1,100 missiles against 359 targets—that year alone.

Burris acknowledged that he had contributed the legal maximum to Blagojevich's campaign...I don't know the exact amount, but he stated in a TV interview that it was several thousand dollars. Given the charges against Blagojevich, the appearance that Burris may have "payed to play" are terrible. Burris should have declined the appointment for that reason alone.

In addition, Burris should realize that he is being used as a pawn by Blagojevich, who is trying to peel off some of the Democratic opposition to him with a blatantly racial appeal. He has done a tremendous disservice to the Democratic Party in Illinois.

It appears that Burris has put his personal ambition ahead of the interests of the people of Illinois...and, in the process, confirmed the suspicion in the minds of people both in and outside of Illinois that it is the same old corrupt "business as usual" attitude in Illinois politics.

Both the Illinois Attorney General and the U.S. Senate should do everything it can to reject this apointment and, if not, delay it indefinitely by refusing to seat Burris in the U.S. Senate and letting the matter play out in court for years.

Mr. Burris is a disgrace to his country. He knew the charges hanging over Blagojevich's head, and should have declined the nomination.

Mr. Burris should retire. Couldn't Blago have found someone younger. These old people need to step down and let someone else handle these stressing problems.

Burris has lost cred by "aceptin" the job from a man who he knows is going down.

Of course Burris would say these things one he thinks he is "in".

I am not doubting Burris' qualifications-but he knows he got in the back door.

On another note I love these Barack detractors who whine about "THIS ISN'T CHANGE!"

I guess they want Obama to snap his fingers and have the world turn into another place tomorrow.

HA! Burris another power hungry Chicago Democrat took a position that he will never be allowed to fill and now he says that Blago's problems are not his problems – yes they are my friend – you accepted a tainted seat and now you are tainted – you will never be able to hold another office in this state and it tickles me pink! Hopefully the goof ball voters in this state will remember the screwing over they got (and deserve!) From the likes of Blago, Daley and Stroger – however, if the past shows anything, it seems they just keep bending over and saying "thank you sir, may I have another" because they keep voting these people into office!

I don't see why everyone is in such a rush to fill this Senate seat. Afterall, it has been "vacant" or the past few years and nobody cared.

I am baffled by the fact that Burris accepted the offer in the first place. He had to know the appointment would be considered tanted.

As for the fact that he is AA, just as we didn't want just any AA to be the President of the United States (i.e., Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton.), I'm pretty sure the people of Illinois don't want just any AA to be the senator. Playing the race card here is a mistake. Now is not the time to play games.

Can you imagine what the rest of the world must think about our politicians, dysfunctional does not begin to describe them!

Politics is a lot of fun. I love it when these holier than thou idiots back themselves into a corner and show their true colors. Blago thumbs his nose at everyone; Burris lowers his standards by accepting Blago's appointment; Obama shoots off his mouth and ignores the legalities; Reid shoots off his mouth and ignores the legalities; and the pundits laugh at everyone involved.
And this is just the Democrats.

block it

The bottom line of this whole situation is this:

Regardless of what Sen Reid has said and the interpretations of the constitution which he has(which is not the Senate's place to interpret the constitution, that's the Supreme Court), the rights the Constitution guarentees to states allows for governors to appoint vacant senate seats. The US Senate has absolutely NO power to deny a state this right. The state of Illinois should have hurried up it's impeachment proceedings.

The bottom line is that Gov Blago is still Illinois' Governor. Which means it is his state and US constitutional right to appoint whoever he wants.

Unfortunately he was offered a job that will never be, no matter how good he is. B knew this and chose him, DELIBERATELY!!!!! What arrogance! That was an act of thumbing his nose at his accusers.The crime he committed was against the people of Illinois! Hopefully this will start a cleaning house process there.

He's correct they are not his problems, however, you are a wise older man why on earth would you accept his nomination given all the DRAMA behind this man? Also, why did you not request that the Lt. Gov nominate you? At least you will have been accepted by the Senate.

This guy is now saying it would look like racism if he is not confirmed.

Blacks need to stop using racism as an excuse for everything. This guy seems desperate for a job. There was obviously a reason why he did not win the many political races he entered.

Nobody OWES him anything. Or, do they?

It is SAD that Burris is tainted by Blagojevich! What's even sadder is that the State of Illinois legislature does not have the BACKBONE to impeach their criminal governor!

BLESSED & HOPEFUL NEW YEAR!

Good points southern cousin, but stand by you are about to be called all kinds of names, dissent is not tolerated in the thugocracy that we have become.

i don't think he should get the appointment, not because he's not qualified, but because of the bad circumstances that surronds his appointment, he should withdraw, and let justice prevail, maybe in the end he will get the appointment, but in the right way.

As someone who supported McCain, I begrudgingly have to agree with the person who is calling for some younger, fresher blood in the Congress. Experience is great, but being obsolete is not. I don't doubt that some of the older members are very smart men who have done and in some cases continue to do great things with their expertise and years of experience.

But, there is something to be said about a new world and ever-changing times that this older generation may be ever more ill-equipped to deal with. Let's get some mid 40s-early 50 somethings in there, people more in touch with the current generation but with enough experience. That will possibly change things for the better. It's no different from the problems plaguing many corporate boards at the moment – too many old cronies who frankly may have been big-shots in their day but don't always know what they are doing any more.

For Obama: The US Senate does not run states' business. Did you know that? Why are you opposed to Burris sitting in your seat for two years? Afraid he might do something there, outshining you because all you did was run for president? You are on the losing side of this, as the governor's appointment will stand via the Supreme Court.

The citizenry undermines the judicial process by casting aspersions on the potential innocent. Look in the mirror folks.

I know this is off-topic but I really think at least ONE CNN staffer could truthfully debunk this nonsense about it being "traditional" for Blair House to be available on January 15th.

The Clintons moved in during December, and other Presidents-Elect in the last 40 years or so have moved in right at the beginning or during the first week of January.

The first Bush, who was already "on the spot" as VP moved in a couple of days before inauguaration.

How does George Bush moving in on Jan 15th suddenly qualify as a "tradition"?

There should be no appointing, have a special election and let the voters decide, no corruption unless your in Minn or Florida. Maybe Reid is afraid Burris might take his job, just think a newcomer threatening an old timer (in the senate), can't have that. Harry knows what's best for all of us, didn't ya know.........

Mr. Burris, I agree with Tim in NC, If you have any sense at all, you gratefully show that you can not accept the nomination , if you do, then you are no better then the man who appointed you, power hungry and not really the public servrent that you want people to think you are. good luck and God Bless!

I'm sure he's a good guy, but face it, he's got Blago all over his shoes now. That stuff don't wipe off.

Roland Burris is a good and well respected state leader and should not be stopped from filling the senate appointment just because he was picked by the governor. We all need to remember that even the Governor is innocent until proven guilty and of course the state should step back as well.

This appointment has taken everyone by surprise, but to those of us that are from Illinois and know how honest Mr. Burris is, we applaud the choice.

I just wanted to say that I think Sarah Palin is a Wal Mart Hill Billy Douche Bag and I hope nothing but misery befalls her family in the new new.

Betty

Blago is inocent until found guilty . and more than likely the only thing tthe guy is guilty of is making stupid brovado comments whilst being taped.

His oppiontment of Burris is legel unless someone can proove that Bklaog sold Burris the seat

Therefore the Senate should perform sufficent checks to verify no foul play and thereafter let Burris take his seat.

If Obama cannotsee that then he will only have himself to blaim if/when this scandel rolls into the New Year and into the early days of his administration.

He's playing the race card and knows it. Keeps repeating there is no black senator in interviews. If that's not playing the race card then please free OJ.. haha.

This isn't about Mr. Burris and it certainly isn't about race. Its about the arrogance of Gov Blagojevich in making this appointment, knowing the crisis it would create. He learned from Bush-Cheney (as obviously have the Israelis, the Pakistanis and Al Queda) that if you just do what you want, regardless of how wrong, if nothing else you'll create enough chaos to distract the world from the other bad things you're doing.

Sue, your ignorance is the result of the failed modern media. The Geneva Convention rules apply to uniformed soldiers fighting for a country. It does NOT apply to Muslim fanatics wearing dirty robes, fighting for no particular country.

Burris may be an upstanding man, but I don't think he should have accepted the position under the circumstances.
Blago, although he's still the Gov. I think he should just step down and wait for this investigation to play out.
All this controversy is not necessary with PE Obama's inauguration just around the corner.

Burris's comment that by accepting the appointment, he was solving/taking away a major issue for his state is ludicrous. He is compounding the problem by accepting the appointment.

No Way, No How! Mr. Burris might well be a qualified person but no one appointed by this corrupt governor should be sitting in Washington. Hold an election and allow Mr. Burris to run. Let the people of IL vote. This governor cannot be trusted and neither can the people he appoints.

I also want to mention that I am sick and tired that when a black person doesn't get their way, they use the race card. I thought the election of Barack Obama would put an end to this. I guess there really is no end.

Goblomybytch, is an idiot she goes and fills the senate seat anyway. Burris does not know if he is coming or going. I really hope Jesse White does not get him certified. To put the finishing touches on this he calls in Bobby Rush to give a speech which I feel all he did was stand up in front of the press and play the race card. So if Burris is not allowed the seat it will turn into a black/white issue.

Blagoyevich and Burris are brilliant. Burris is qualified to be a Senator. He meets all of the constitutional prerequisites, and therefore any attempt by the Senate not to seat him will fail. Back in 1967, the House refused to seat Adam Clayton Powell. He sued, and the Supreme Court agreed with Powell that the House had to seat him because he met the requirements of the Constitution. So now, the Senate democrats are in the position of trying (and ultimately failing) to exclude Burris, who will be the only African American in the Senate, once he is seated. If I didn't know better, I'd say Blagoyevich is a Republican!

The question is how much did Burris pay to get the senate seat? You know that Blago didn't just give it away. Both Blago and Burris are equally corrupt in this case.
Most likely the senate Dems will start to hold their noses and look the other way instead of sticking to their guns and refusing to seat Burris. While there is no sonstitutional backing for the senate not to seat Burris, there is also no constitutional baking for having a state govenor to name one either. The constitution spells out how the people should ELECT their senator.

JB the bigot.

What an ingenious move on Blago's part. Knowing the senate would block anyone he selects he picks a highly qualified black person knowing full well the issues that will be stirred up if the senate rejects him. Hmm, the guy is really smart or a mad man.

Another politician out of touch with sensibility!

Mr. Burris should have declined the appointment offer – preferably in public – made by Blagojevich. He is foolish to think he is not tainted by this. The people want transparency in their government and it is warranted after losing so much faith in our politicians.

All reasonable politicians would acknowledge that Blagojevich is acting in his own interests and not in the welfare of the people and anyone accepting his appointment inflames the situation.

Blago isn't as stupid as he seems. He set this trap and it worked. Now the Senate and the Democratic party are going to be wrong no matter what they do. If Burris had refused the offer he had a chance of being selected by some other means but not now.

If Blogo were smart he would have appointed a Repub instead and let the repubs in the senate deal with it.

As much as I hate to say it, their state law gives the governor the sole right to select a replacement for the vacant senate seat. Their Secretary of State does not have the authority to not certify the selection and the only challenge congress can make (thanks to the same unanimous Supreme Court decision that kept Congress from refusing to seat Adam Clayton Powell) is to the qualifications of the appointee (age, citizenship, residency), unless they decide to appeal the Supreme Court to review their 40-year-old decision.
The other thing to consider is our constitutional guarantees still provide that someone is Innocent until proven Guilty. Unfortunately, the Bushies (gee, I love that term) have a habit of politically motivated prosecutions. Look at the case of the former governor of Alabama – his conviction has been overturned by a CONSERVATIVE appeals court and now the AGs office has to determine if it actually has the evidence to procede with a new trial, especially as all those folks will technically be out of their jobs as of January 20!

Sue , I couldn't agree more. Blago didn't not kill anyone, did not subvert the constitution and the Generva Convention and did not repeatedly lie to the American People about going to war. Just like Bush and Cheney didn't do any of those things.

I knew I'd find a reasonable and responsible liberal here.

This guy is as clueless as Sarah Palin was as to why he was asked to hold the Senate seat. The first guy the Governor asked (also a black person) turned down the Governor. Now the Governor askes another Black person and he accepts. So now they want to make a race issue out of this appointment too. Get rid of the Governor before he really makes bigger problems than he already is doing or trying to do.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE December 31st, 2008 9:15 am ET

They can't find someone younger?

In my opinion, these old people in Congress are part of the problems affecting this, my beloved country.

Happy New Year everybody.

I have to agree with you on this one. Old people bring old policy and young people bring new ideas. It is really time for change in Congress.

Ok here it goes...........I'm so sick of hearing about predjudice of black people.... guess what its not the 60's anymore and as far as our supid gov...... get a clue jerk !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Toby in Illinois December 31st, 2008 9:15 am ET

Much as I dislike Blagojevich (as a registered Democrat I actually voted Green in 2006), he is still legally the governor and has the responsibility of making this appointment. The law has not been changed in the interim. The refusal to seat Burris would thus amount to an "extra-legal" act, however you want to stretch constitutional interpretations.
Remember: Once you bend the law for virtue, you allow others to bend it for vice.

Well Said

southern cousin@you are in so much trouble, you will soon be called an idiot, have your morals, family, station in life bashed all over the place this board only accepts adulation of liberals by liberals, and believe it or not actual blames Bush for the Blago mess. The thugocracy rules this. Be prepared, it is scary.

By the way, it would be appropriate for Obama to also criticize the race baiting language used by Burris, if he is truely post-racial as he claims to be.

At least Obama came out and said he agrees with the democratic senators about seating anyone who Blago appointed, but he should go a step further to show that this crap has to stop.

BLAGOJEVICH IS SMART!!!!!
IF THEY TURN BURRIS AWAY THE NAACP WILL BE ALL OVER THIS.

WELCOME TO AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are tainted now, deal with it.

Regarding the need for younger politicians, are you serious?

Our current generation are learning 3rd grade math in the 12th grade and being taught that rewarding success is bad.

We do not need that.

Some judge in Illinois has looked at probable cause and found that there were enough evidence to authorize wire taps and surveillance on the Governor. Mr.Burris shows remarkable lack of judgement in that even though the Governor is innocent until proven guilty there may be enough evidence of wrong doing already for the FBI to take action. Anyone who shows such remarkable lack of judgement is not qualified to be a senator!

Rod Blagojevich's pick or Roland Burris reminds me of John McCain's pick of Sarah Palin. It was ill advised and he just shouldn't be doing this in the first place. Ad the appointee should have never accepted the appointor's invitation.
And then there is this business of Burris's giving Rod Blagojevich 14K campaign contribution. It just doesn't look good

He is tainted, he is a racist and I am offended. But don't expect the democrats to call Burris out on his race baiting, after all, he is a fellow democrat and therefore is entitled to special consideration when it comes to race matters.

I live in Illinois and we should elect the next senator.

Toby, there is nothing extra-legal about refusing to seat Burris. The Senate has the final say on who it agrees to seat, and they gave Blago and anyone accepting an appointment fair notice that they would not agree to seat anyone that Blago appointed.

Blago " s got bull balls thats for sure !! ,,,Burris is a old moron , who has lost election after election in Ill.dont need that old geeser

The Democrats had every right to strip Blago for making this appointment. In my opinion, they knew what he was doing. They didn't do what they should have done in the first place so now they have to deal with it.

The Senate has to accept him then kick him out but they won't. They have to be pc and don't want to be called racist.

Unfortunately, this is not the time to accept a nomination from the Governor, especially if you are an unknown politician with no individual merits of widespread public knowledge. The gubernatorial ship is sinking, yet Burris thinks its priduent to jump on board. I'm interested to see how this will play out.

On a relevant note (though it was mentioned in the news article and not this short blog post), I'm disappointed that Bobby Rush played the race card. Flag on the play!!

How very sad for a man of such reputation to end his career with such a corrupt govenor.

Face it, the whole thing was orchestrated anyway. So, it leads one to wonder what butt-face has on this guy. I found the whole news conference amusing. It reeked of political corruption. I think there is a book deal in here somewhere – "The Audacity of Corruption"

Roland Burris should have exhibited some dignity and turned down the appointment. He looked desparate standing next to Blago during the press conference. He's had unsuccessful runs for senator and governor of Illinois. The voters rejected him. He's been out of Illinois politics since 1995. He's been trying to get back into politics since then. Blago just gave him the opening that he's been looking for for years.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE December 31st, 2008 9:15 am ET

They can't find someone younger?

In my opinion, these old people in Congress are part of the problems affecting this, my beloved country.

You probably don't even recognize this as bigotry.

Personally, I am at a quandry on this guy. He seems to have the qualifications; it is not his fault that the gov seems to have been brokering the senate seat.

However, like Caesar's wife, in this case the person taking the seat should not just be technically innocent of any wrong-doing, he needs to also appear to be innocent of all wrong-doing. Any pick of Blago, even Mother Theresa, would be tainted by the possibiity, as we can't prove a negative.

No matter your views re the Illinois Governor's appointment to fill Obama's Senate seat, Blagojevich has the legal authority to such action, and considering how the US Senate has, and continues to drag out issues ad infinitum, if they are given the rights to pick Obama's replacement, they may still be "debating" this when Obama runs for re-election in 2012, and in that time, Illinois will be without Senate representation, and one (1) less vote short for the Democrats.

This still AMERICA can the law states innocent until proven guilty. So this man is doing the job that he was elected to do despite what many think of him. Also where are the state legislators who's job is to impeach if the govenor is unable to do his job. The reason why they have not done anything is do process has not happen yet. So until that happens he's allowed to do his JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone has to take the seat, and the law still states that the governor must make the appointment. The answer seems fairly simple: thoroughly vet Burris and ensure there wasn't any involvement in Blagojevich's pay-to-play business. If Burris is clean, then he's the new senator.

Personally, I would have preferred someone younger and less political, but that would have been a stretch, to say the least.

Absolutely brilliant political move by Gov. Blagojevich. In one fell swoop, he has nailed everyone he had a bone to pick with. Obama, who wouldn't come to the table and who called for his resignation, will now have to say to his black constituents that he won't support a "black" selection...not. Jesse Jackson who wouldn't pay enough, is now left on the sidelines and Burris plays the "black" card by saying "surely the Senate (mostly white guys) won't deny a black man filling the seat of a fellow black man, especially since there is only one other black person in the Senate. You got to admire Bladgojevich for this kudo.

FOR ONCE THERE IS A DEMOCRAT WHO WAS CAUGHT RED HANDED AND THE MAIN STREAM MEDIA IS STUCK COVERING HIM...... THE CONTINUING BLAGO CIRCUS.

THANK YOU CHICAGO MACHINE POLITICS!!!

nobody with an ounce of integrity would want this appointment under the circumstances.

I find it amazing that Senator Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama have apparently never read the US Constitution. Per the US Constitution, Burris has every right to accept and Blago has every right to appoint.

Pelosi and Reid continue to their march to democratic totalitarianism.

What can you do? Nada the guy has the job.
The Gov. can't be impeached because the politicians don't want to hear
the tapes or interview the witnesses. Obama won't say anything forcefully because he is a big nothing who only agrees or disagrees
with something somebody already said. Disgrace top to bottom

It doesn't matter how good Burris is. It is just the appearance that he is connected to Blagojevich which will cause problems. What was the back room deal or arrangement is the question that people will be asking about any possible choices that Burris makes. If the Senate does allow him to take the seat, there will be such a cloud over him that it will taint his remaining years of service.

To Toby: the Senate is allowed be the US constitution to seat whom ever they wish to. They can refuse to seat people in this kind of circumstance.

He's a career politician from Illinois ... that is all we need to NOT let him in ... he's a product of the political machine that has been churning out corrupt politicians since before old man daley ...

@Toby – The political justification for not confirming Burris are as relevant as the legal ones, and the fear that Blago's appointment is tainted is a real one.

Mr. Burris, you apparently have been bitten by the POWER bug. We all know that you have had many, many, many unsuccessful runs at offices and lost. LIke duh, the person going to the Senate for any party is someone who can win when reelection comes up.

Blago has shown now he has a racist side to him. He is the most selfish being ever. He is going to be impeached, means nothing to Blago. He is going to have charges filed against with his looney mouth on tape, means nothing to Blago.

If Blago cared about Illinois, and his lawyer had a brain, he would shut up and sit down resigning.

burris is getting used by blago and he doesnt care therefore he is an idiot.

People there is not only a supreme court precident in this matter but the Constitution clearly spells it out. Unless Burris fails to meet the citizenship, residency and age requirements. There is nothing the Senate can do to remove him.

I have no problem with the man. I saw his interviews on MSNBC and he seems like a qualified gentlemen, and a nice guy. But something about this just isn't right. The man who appointed him is under investigation for trying to sell the very Senate seat that this man now currently holds. The Gov. has a legal right to appoint him. Remember innocent until proven guilty.

The Senate doesn't have the guts to reject this guy. He's black. They cannot refuse a black man. That's just the way things are.

I agree with Tim in NC – Mr. Burris should have recognized the situation with this appointment and refused it, therefore putting him in contention for the actual seat when it's actually appointed. By accepting what Blago appoints only makes Burris look shady and a part of this whole corruption scandel. It also shows poor judgement, which looks bad too if he wants to represent us.

We are looking for someone who not only has the credentials, but the PROPER judgement. Accepting the appointment is just bad bad judgement.

Listen dummy, you accepted a job offer from a guy viewed as toxic by everybody with any credibility in his party and out of it. By accepting it, you got yourself dirty. People are wondering how much you paid for that nod from Blago. Who really thinks that Blago was willing to just give away the seat so somebody for nothing, when he was trying to get so much for it?

It's a tainted governor. It's a tainted appointment. Burris may be a saint but he was a moron to accept the offer and it shows a weakness of character and a lack of judgement.

I wish people would do their homework, regarding the duties and responsibilities of an elected official; a Governor. In Illinois, he has the obligation to appoint. He is still the Governor and, the last time I looked, we were still in America !! You know, that place, that has always championed the tradition, or should I call it, a slogan, of a person is: Innocent, until proven guilty !! The media lynching Governor Blagojevich is experiencing, is unprecedented in my years of political observations !! We have an Attorney General, who is the daughter of the Speaker of the Illinois House. She is the one that went before the Illinois Supreme Court and tried to undo an election, based on a grandstanding U.S. Attorney's " charges " and her own expert psychological evaluations of the Governor's mental capabilities. What nobody is talking about, is the long standing feud between the Speaker of the Illinois House, Mike Madigan and his iron-fisted control over the majority, the Democrats, in that body, and his unwillingness to work with the Governor, on Illinois matters. Why hasn't the entire story been told, because it isn't the distraction a "rogue" Illinois politician can be !! There are your cheap and superficial headlines !! Anything to distract the nation from the Republican mess, we find ourselves in, due to the incompetence and malfeasance of the Bush/ Cheney regimes !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

Mr. Burris, let's show some common sense here. Were you not watching the news lately? If your Governor is found guilty of the crimes he is being charged with then your senate seat would have to be forfeited. By you accepting the Senate seat at this time of upheaval in Illinois you really show that you do not deserve the seat, nor should you be seated. I truly hope that we get a senator with some common sense and dignity to balance the lack of we have seen so far.

Law should prevail. I can't say it any clearer than Toby in Illinois. Toby for guv!

Another idiot

Jerk! Burris is an example of the unethical and dirty politics of IL. He is empowering and enabling the scum of a governor by agreeing to this appointment. Anyone with a brain would realize what this acceptance means, but Burris is also so corrupt and unethical that he has had no second thoughts about creating a bigger problem. This kind of character should also be rejected and ostracized for he will also turn out to be a no-gooder. Anyone would morals would stay as far away from Bllago at this time, not to be further beholden to him. Baloney, if Burris claims he is just trying to help the state and put all the problems behind – in fact, he is making it gigantic. Go away Burris, you are already toast.

Roland is just a kid.

I find it hilarious some of the things the Obama haters spew. I love reading their posts. Don't let me down haters... lets hear some more ignorant BS... you've done so well so far!

CNN, Instead of talking about his crap, why aren't you posting real stories that people can talk about....

For instance, why don't you post about these groups of Iranian students who sent a letter to the Iranian Government asking to call for volunteers to be suicide bombers to go to Israel and cause havoc.

Play on both sides of the field, CNN. You did these lop-sided, crap stories all year long, especially during the political campaigns.

Asked why he accepted the offer, despite opposition from his own party, Burris told CNN's "American Morning" because I want to be a senator dammit!.

Anyone who accepted this appointment is as tainted as Blago. With 58 confirmed democrats in the Senate, we could have gone a couple more months to ensure the integrity of this process.

Blago – using the race card to get himself off of the hook...

What disgrace!!! to democracy!

While he first used "money" to sell the seat...He now used the race card to sell the seat and get himself out of hot water...

WHAT A "political prostitute"!

People who believe in DEMOCRACY and whoes children fought and died for DEMOCRACY need to get him OUT!

FOR the YOUNG MEN who give up their life up for DEMOCRACY

GET HIM OUT!

"Latest 3 fallen soldiers make last trip back to Canada
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 | 6:27 PM ET CBC News
Mourners held Canadian flags and yellow roses Tuesday as a military plane brought home the remains of three soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan."

The governor, despite the charges, has the obligation to appoint a senator. All of the theatrical, chest pounding politicians threatening not to certify or to block the seating of his appointment don't have the authority and should get about the important business of trying to improve the economy. How much do you want to bet that every one of the jokers in congress has done similar things to benefit themselves as Blagojevich is alleged to have done? Their advantage? They haven't been caught yet. When they are, they'll be bleating their innocence, too. It's become tired as a comment, but innocent until proven guilty is the way it's supposed to be...

MR. BURRIS IS NOT THE ONE THAT BARACK OBAMA AND HIS TEAM WANTS. THEY WILL NEVER LET HIM BE IN THE SENATE. POLITICS AS USUAL. SEE THINGS HAVE NOT CHANGED,

Well, ya gotta hand it to Blago. He is as arrogant as Bush and Cheney, who will never admit their crimes either. However, Blago did not kill anyone, did not subvert the Constitution and the Geneva Convention, and did not lie repeatedly to the American people about going to war. He is a criminal, and will be punished, but I wish half the time spent on him would be put to use in impeaching Bush and finally restoring justice to this country, before he pardons himself and his cronies.

Having lived in Illinois, I know I can safely state that their is no such thing as a non corrupt politician there (not trying to insult the PE on purpose, but if the shoe fits, etc.), but Mr. Burris came pretty close to being actually working for the voters. Why in the world can't Illinois just have a special election (and keep ACORN out of it) and let the citizens of the state just decide the question?

Burris wants it both ways–he supports Blago's right to select him because he wants to be the next Senator from Illinois but he also has joined the chorus of condemnation against the man who appointed him. Burris is going out of his way to seem like a nice guy in his NBC interviews. He says hello to all the viewers and wishes everyone a Happy New Years. These guys are both a trip. This is great fun to watch. How about you, Mr. Obama, are you having fun yet? Ha!

Good grief Burris, the Gov just offered the job of a lifetime and you go bite his freaking hand off!

Burris may be the best person for the job, but at the risk of an ill-connected relationship, he should have declined. I just hope neither one attend the inauguration. Chicago has been corrupt since and prior to Prohibition. People don't want to say that Capone, Daly, Thompson, the other Daly, Ryan, Blago, Jackson Jr., Chicago Police Department, and on and on, are all stirring in the same pot–CORRUPTION!!

Innocence is presumed until a court finds one guilty, and no cop, prosecutor or media circus should be able to take that away.
I would not be surprised if the governor of Illinois is found guilty of corruption, and/or impeached for this reason by his legislature. But I am troubled by how quickly the Senate wants to invalidate his responsibilities before these proceedings occur, because of popular media-encouraged sentiment.

Might the Senate be rejecting an excellent appointee to spite his appointer? State comptroller for over ten years, four years experience as Attorney General of Illinois, holds a J.D. from Howard University, an accountant with considerable expertise in finance. If I lived in Illinois, I'd be glad to have him represent me in the Senate. There are other ways for the Senate to to express their concerns about Blagojevich than to reject this qualified gentleman out of hand.

If Burris is as qualified as most have said he is (I have no reason to doubt it), why would he put his career on the line by accepting an appointment from a governor whose impeachment HE called for just a week and a half ago? I know why. Pure EGO, which is why Burris has already memorialized himself by carving his accomplishments (with plenty of room left over for additions) on an empty tomb. Talk about creepy. Perhaps this is why Blag likes him so much.

Tim in NC, you are right, but, I also bet he said, "I am black, they wouldn't dare".

Unfortunately for Mr. Burris, he could be honest as the day is long but because of Blagovevich, that stain will hang over his head.

What legal grounds do the Senate have other than a dislike for the Governor, not to seat this man? Funny how Reid can take a stand on this issue against a sitting Governor of his own party who has not been convicted of a crime yet when it came to taking a stand on anything in the Senate the past two years he has been hopeless. I think Reid and the Democratic Senate caucus are playing fast and loose with their own ethics at this point if they don't seat a qualified appointee. It looks as if they are willing to sacrifice the representation of those citizens of Illinois for their own political gain. Get over it and move on!

Well the fact that the Gov. has not been found guilty of any crime as of this appointment pretty much ties everyone's hands. Legally he can appoint someone and there is not a whole lot that can be done about it. Reid and everyone else can dislike it and say they won't accept him, and all the midia can swarm and all the hoopla but it isn't enough to talk. They basially have to go thru legal hoops and ladders because by law and it is written, the Gov. can appoint Burris and that's that.

This guy donated $20k to Gov's campaign, stated publicly on Dec. 13 that Blagoyevich's actions were shameful while at the same time campaigned behind the scenes to get the appointment, shamelessly throwing the race card into the arena at the same time, will serve as a guy with no influence or power because of the taint hanging over him thus not able to serve the people of Illinois under these circumstances, and helps make a case for the Gov's "fitness', a guy Burris himself said was shameless. And the media said the guy is clean??? Let's call a spade a spade, he's a guy at the end of his career, who failed to mention anything about his platform with respect to the major economic and military issues facing the nation while making his case that he should be the appointee, who after serving one term as a caretaker as Attorney General was resoundingly repeatedly defeated by the voters of Illinois when seeking other high office is supposed to be taken seriously???? And he says he'll sue for the right to take his seat? Why is this about his rights and not the rights of the people of Illinois? This fiasco is a result of a complete failure to lead on the part of the Illinois legislature who could have prevented this fiasco by calling a special election and removing the power from the Gov! Will a solidly blue state turn red again???

Whew I just came to my senses this weekend. Our economy is in shambles and we just put the most inexperienced and corrupt politician available in the White House. It was a national fit of panic, but I have recovered from that and I hope everyone else does to. Not that it matters, he is in there for 4 years at least no matter what.

Man, what a bitter realization but at the same time liberating.

Although I think Burriss will be a good pick for U.S. Senate, I beleive the state of Illinois needs to hold a special election regardless of what the legislation wants. The job of filling the seat is that of the governor's, but under his special circumstances, that job duty should be stripped from him.

Burris, should not have to defend himself with accepting this appointment. If by law, the governor could and did appoint him. Then he should be seated and run for reelection in 2010. If this had been another state besides Illinois, would this had been such a major issue? I think not. We should move on and let the judicial system work out.

Guys.....this is a done deal.

The U.S. Constitution clearly states that the only challenge the Senate can make to an appointed or elected Senator is based on the age, citizenship or residency of the Senator.

Burris is old enough, he's a U.S. citizen and he's a life-long Illinois resident.

The Illinois State Constitution gives sole power to appoint a Senator to a vacant U.S. Senate seat to the Governor. Blago is still the legal Governor of Illinois......and the certification of the Secretary of State for Illinois is not a requirement for the Governor's appointment to go through.

Like I said.........done deal.

oh, of course not.... here is an example of one man who in public criticizes the governor but behind close doors is begging for the US senate job.

This is just another example of dirty politicians. NO HE SHOULD NOT GET THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!

They can't find someone younger?

In my opinion, these old people in Congress are part of the problems affecting this, my beloved country.

Happy New Year everybody.

Much as I dislike Blagojevich (as a registered Democrat I actually voted Green in 2006), he is still legally the governor and has the responsibility of making this appointment. The law has not been changed in the interim. The refusal to seat Burris would thus amount to an "extra-legal" act, however you want to stretch constitutional interpretations.
Remember: Once you bend the law for virtue, you allow others to bend it for vice.

Mr. Burris,

You're an idiot. Any qualifications you might have aside, the fact that you accepted the appointment KNOWING that the senate will simply shoot you down only speaks to your lack of common sense.