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Oh, Good Lord!

Harry,

Roland Burris has been lawfully appointed. You may not like it, but figure out how you are going to make it work. You, Nancy Pelosi and the rest of the losers in the House and Senate (both parties equally represented) need to get your arses back to work and start moving things forward – not figuring how to be an "impediment to progress".

I want legislation sitting on President Obama's desk as of Jan. 21st – ready for him to sign. Stop the madness!

Every politician in Illinois nor Chicago is corrupt. Roland is an honorable ma who has been a loyal servant to the people of Illinois for over twenty years. He has never been involved in any scandal. I say don't take it out on this man because Blagovich is a jerk. The fact of the matter is Fitzgerald played his hand too early and he caused the other politicians to play their hands to early. Blagoviech has not been charged with anything he wanted something from the seat but got nothing. He won't be re-elected and Burris probably won't run. The reality of it is they need someone in the seat and he is a good man. So just let him serve.

The easy way to avoid making this a more scandalous story for the Democrats is for the Senate to accept the Burris nomination and let the Blago scandal play out in the courts – it's called compromise. Burris is a good man. He'll do a good job and the governor was within his rights to appoint him. Fighting this nomination will keep this story in the media longer and continue to divide the Democratic party.

Reid the law maker.

This is crazy! The federal government has no business poking its nose into a state matter. Illinois law dictates who the next Senator is not Harry Reid. Fact is Burris is a state resident and over 30 years of age therefore he meets the constitutional requirement to become a Senator. Don't get me wrong i think Blago is a crook but until convicted or impeached he is required to make this choice. If Reid is allowed to block this appointment I think we could see a serious threat to states rights.

I can't see the differences in the Chicago senate appointee and the New York appointee( Caroline Kennedy). Please do not appoint her because of her name but appointment someone who is qualified and have experience/knowledge in the position that is posted. If she wants the position then she should run for it in 2 years.

"God help/ and bless Us"

The only legitimate questions for the democratic senators to ask are whether the appointment process was legitimate (it was as written in law) and whether the appointee falls within the broad category of a responsible representative of the people (there is no evidence to the contrary).

The democratic senators are violating the law if they choose to bar the legal representative of Illinois from taking his constitutionally justified seat in the US Senate.

Bobby Rush's comments on this matter are inaccurate and highly irresponsible! Forbidding the seating of Burris has NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with his being black, but has EVERYTHING to do with Blagojevich defiantly appointing him in the midst of scandalous controversy. NO ONE is attempting to "hang or lynch" Mr. Burris. Rush should just shut up and mind his own business!

Roland Burris isn't an upstanding Democrat like say, Barney Frank or Bill Clinton. He's not evan as cute at HRC or Nancy Pelosi.Harry Reid's head must be ready to explode!

Lawyers have ruined this country.

All lawmakers need to hurry up! This punk Blago is taking Illinois state down to the hill with him!

This is a clear sign.... good ole boy, ole time politics will be a thing of the past very soon! The People have spoken... we want CHANCE! And if both parties do not get the picture soon... they will find themselves out in the cold the next elections.... Mark my words!

Interesting how the Bobby Rush comment elicited both strong denunciations from rational voices black and white, but also brought out all the pointy-head bigots who are still so bummed about facing an African-American as their president. Gov. Blago is merely prolonging the pain of us Illinois citizens and worsening his own eventual outcome.

Burris is either planning on dying soon or is an egomanic. The self centered legend in his own mind, has already had his mausoleum errected, probably with money from The Machine, listing all of his untested accomplishments for the World to read, standing in awe he presumes.

Just what we need, another full of himself blowhard going to Washington.

I now the law states that you are innocent until proven guilty, but I am convienced that law is not true. We all are judged upon before the courts get involved and people crusify us before. The law is the law he is still the govnor and have the power to appoint. He did so live with it. don't judge the appointee from the appointors day in court.

Happy New Year America.

Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? I am really shocked at the democrats on this. An indictment is NOT a conviction. The Governor of Illinois, as of today, is innocent, and thus should be allowed to appoint a replacement Senator for Obama.

(I am a Republican, not from Illinois, but I cannot believe the hypocrisy of the left– at least most of them– on this issue.)

Listen.. as a black Obama-lovin democrat... I have to say to Bobby Rush: please shut up! Obama's election represents a fresh start. For 8 LONG years we have been upset about how race is and religion is used to divide us politically. Then we elect Obama and say "yay.. Bush is over" and then what do I see??? I see some idiot suing to have "For Help Me God" removed from the Inauguration and I see Bobby Rush injecting race into politics to get a senate seat. And he thinks he is speaking for blacks no you aint... we dont care who gets the seat.. they can give it to the whitest man in Illinois for all we care.. we got a Black President!!!!

Just let me say... the next 4-8 years are gonna be good with Obama.. especially if the Al Sharpton's, ACLU's, Bobby Rush's, Nancy Pelosi's and Harry Ried's if they all SHUT UP!!!!! PLEASE! AND I SAY THAT AS A BLACK MAN... I MEAN I AM BLACK BLACK.. LIKE VERY DARK SKINNED BLACK.

Amazing..... the audacity of it all. Just the initial taste of all the corruption and gangland politics that awaits us the next four years. If this was a Republican governor and a Republican senate seat, i shuder to think of the noise we'd be hearing as opposed to the milktoast punditry I see now.

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.

Until the governor of Illinois is impeached or resigns, the appointment of a replacement senator is his responsibility. Innocent until proven guilty and all that. If YOU were arrested, would you be OK with your boss firing you and your spouse leaving you before your innocence was disproved in court (and impeachment proceedings ARE a court), Our nation indicates innocence is presumed until a court finds one guilty, and no cop, prosecutor or media circus should be able to take that away.

to America loses, Barack wins for now.

The example of a country to look at is Sweden; they ran into the same problem, (Gov) realized what was going on, took similar steps (stimulus) and started upswing in their economy in ~2 years

Japan on the other hand went through same (90's) but took them 10 years to get out of it because they did not do enough up front and had to keep stimulating.

The good thing here is there is history of how to rectify the situation. I'm not fond of spending such large amounts of money, but neither am I fond of seeing looooooooooooong lines (soup kitchen), increased crime and more homeless so I favor spending the money.

Besides the U.S is lkind of ike a weeble (http://www.bigredtoybox.com/articles/weebleindex.shtml) and our history from the early days of the country to the wars to the depression to the recessions to etc.. prove it.

Welcome to "The Chicago Democrat Machine Free-For-All"!!! Coming to a national government near you, January 20, 2009.

Buckle up kiddies, we gots 4 years of this. Then we can get things back on the right track (or hopefully get things started with Congress in 2010).

Let's give the Dems a chance to fall on their faces, and then the libs will be revealed as they truly are – know-nothing whiners who couldn't find their way out of a cardboard box.

hmm, looks like a win win for the dems:

the dems are in an excellent position. They should try to NOT seat him which would require the support of republicans (votes). If the all the dems vote yes to NOT seat him and they get no repub support (votes); then dems can claim they tried NOT to seat him, but got no support from the repubs. So had no choice to seat him and we move forward until time for re-election of that seat in 2010

If they get enough repub votes then he does NOT get seated and the dems can claim bipartisan (no Bull Conner – LOL) support to NOT seat him. Either way it is to the dem advantage.

Harry Reid wake up!!!

p.s. the nutjob congressman who injected race into the issue most likely won't get re-elected when his turn comes up, but that is up to the folks in ILL, hopefully they will remember so we can rid ourselves of divisive folks in power.

ps.

is Illinois in the midst of a coup?

so if harry doesn't like you, you can't be a senator?

with his logic he could argue that no senator can be republican because republicans lost and he is in charge and na,na, na na.

what happened to state's rights!

Harry Reid's sense of proportion is baffling.

Senator Reid consistently lets the GOP leadership push him around on important issues, but when he has a chance to accept a distinguished public official like Roland Burris into the US Senate, he decides to go down to the basement, put on the gloves and duke it out.

Mr. Burris does not deserve to be treated disrespectfully.

Whatever problems Gov. Blagojevich have pertain to him.

Roland Burris should end his career as the junior Senator from the great state of Illinois.

They need to block it, even if they eventually have to go to a special elelction. i am ready for more elections anyway!!! Let the campaigning begin, yippy

the whole point of this story is NOT anything against Roland Burris
its bc a crook like Governor Blagojevich does not have the right to choose an appointee while he is under investigation and it was blantantly arrogant of him to do so
Harry Reid is right on this one

He will be seated and he will represent the State of Illinois if he shows up. Reid needs to understand that he and the Senate do not have the Consitutional power to block the appointment.

A return to the rule of law. The Governor is still the Governor, he has the power to appoint the replacement Senator, no one else does. The Us Senate as pronounced by the US Supreme Court may only question and refuse to seat a Senator based upon age, citizenship qualifications.

If the Senate leadership contiues on this path they are no more qualified to lead than the Republicans that thet replaced.

The Illinois Sec of State has the administrative duty to confirm the Governors appointment, he does not under Illinois State Consitution have the authority to deny confirmation of the appointment, his authority amounts to a rubber stamp and in reality is not required.

Where was this gutless wonder when we could have impeached Bush?

This guy is such an idiot!!

Repubs and conservatives take note.
In the GOP, they never speak ill of a fellow GOPer
Your fellow GOPers will cover you and cover up for you.
When Ted Stevens was accused and indicted the GOP said "let's wait until after the trial to oust him.
If you do something immoral, illegal, unethical in the Democratic party, We don't come to your rescue, we come to your hanging. Unless you can prove your innocense, the Dems are right there with the repugs torches lit and noose ready.

Being fairly conservative, I never thought I'd say this, but GIVE 'EM HELL HARRY!

I understand Senator Harry Reid's position on Governor Rod Blagojevich pick for Senator of Illinois. However, I belive that Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to be a 'honest, honourable man with integrity'. I belive that Roland Burris should have 'turned-down' the domination for the Senate seat for the great state of Illinois. In protest to Governor Rod Blagojevich. The great people of the state of Illinois should 'vote' and pick the next Senator of Illinois to the United States Senate.., 'not'.., Governor Rod Blagojevich. Governor Rod Blagojevich and his 'big mouth' wife should 'resign'. Let the people of Illinois.., choose the next Senator from the great state of Illinois for the nex two years. Not, Governor Rod Blagojevich.., who has 'disgraced' the state of Illinois.

A few points:
1) The Constitution says Blagojevich is innocent until proven guilty. He hasn't even been tried yet. Have you people forgotten this?
2) The Governor is the one who nominates replacement candidates. Not the Senate Majority Leader. And governors generally nominate someone who reflects the views of the person they are replacing.
3) Harry Reid is NOT from Illinois and has no say in the nomination process.
4) If Blagojevich is removed from office, the Lt. Governor takes over.

I agree that Blagojevich is quite premature with his nomination and feel he has been extremely arrogant. But he has not been convicted of any crime, as yet.

KQ December 31st, 2008 2:35 pm ET
Reid doesn't have the constitutional authority to block the appointment. Illinois should have acted quicker on the impeachment and conviction of Gov. Blagojevich to prevent this mess. Reid and the Dems should read the Constitution.***DITTO!!!!

Many of you don't know what you're talking about. Well, more in a hypocritical sense. The odd thing is I agree with what you all have to say.

Half of you say the dems in the Senate should block this appointment and that actions of impeachment should have been done quicker.

The other half of you say that Reid and the senate doesn't have the constitutional authority to block the appointment.

The half that says the Senate and Reid should be doing something to block this should know that the Senate doesn't have this authority. Until convicted, Blagojevich would still have the power to appoint someone to the vacant Senate seat. The odd thing is you people should know this and yet are coming down on the Senate for this.

The other half that says the Senate doesn't have the authority to do this, I agree with you because it is fact. But you are the same half that, if the Senate doesn't make an 'attempt' to block the appointment, would be coming down on Reid and the Senate Dems for just sitting around doing nothing.

So both groups want something that can or can't be done but cry wolf and complain about it regardless.

Where do i stand? Burris shouldn't accept the appointment. But on the same note if he knows he is innocent and has no ties to the scandal then you know what, accept the appointment!

~Lawrence in Denver

They just don't want him because he is black. Just kidding.

Harry Reid and the Democratic leadership are such jerks.

Reid should be more concerned about where the real crime is taking place........Minnesota.

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get em Harry ....stand up for what s right and dont give in

The corruption charges involved with the selection of the senate seat didn't have anything to do with Burris, it was Blagojevich, but now Burris has sadly put himself in the middle of it. What in the world was he thinking?

Fitzgerald has asked for an extension on the indictment of Blagojevich because so many new witnesses are coming forward. It's not going to be pretty and now Burris has become a part of it.

Reid and Jesse White are following the law. I applaud Reid and the others for working to keep this mess confined to Illinois and Blagojevich's office. Let Fitzgerald clean up the mess - he's known for being tough and effective, taking on high-profile cases involving the mafia as well as both Democrats and Republicans.

It's unbelievable that Blagojevich would do this to the country at this time. What a jerk.

Break the constitution when it satisfy you and that goes for anyone else who believes the appointee or appointer was wrong. Harry and the other folks are mad because Blago did not do what they wanted him to do. I'm sure if Blago felt he was doing something wrong he would have not done this. This man knows his rights and Harry and the gang needs to acknowledge this. The same goes for Prez elect BO.

SB STEIN:

Reid and the rest of the Senate chamber have no authority anymore to prevent Burris from taking his seat.

As the user below me mentioned, the Illinois legislature should have acted quicker to remove Blagojevich from his position in order to inhibit him from making any sort of appointment. They did not do this, however; thus, the United States Constitution cannot be circumvented. Please read the first comment for this article. The Constitution is very clear.

I am sure if Blago picked a white guy they would seat him. They are just trying to keep a brother down. Once Obama got out they thought they could keep it... well you know.

And what would the topic and discussion be, if the Illinois Governor had pick someone from the PE Obama's list?

Would we say that it is was a good pick because PE Obama has good judgment, and because of his good judgment in choice, the Gov. could not have made a tainted choice. PE Obama sat in a church which many disapprove of for 20 years, but we hold the opinion that the Reverend words were not those of the President Elect? If a father commits a crime, does that taint his son/daughter future who is doing good in his/her life. Why should we decides someone's future based on someone else's mistake. I believe we were told not to "judge" one another.

Why is Mr. Burris being punished for what "Blago" ALLEGEDLY did? I always thought better of the democrat party.

Harry get used to it. We are about to have four to eight years of corruption ala Chicago style politics courtesy of the Obama team.

Change we so desperately need, that along with huge tax increases, safer world (NOT) with his style of kumbaya negotiations with Iran, Palestinians, Russia and others. I think he will say things like Rodney King did, Why can't we all just be friends, and be shocked when they don't buy his brand of kool-aid.

Reid doesn't have the constitutional authority to block the appointment. Illinois should have acted quicker on the impeachment and conviction of Gov. Blagojevich to prevent this mess. Reid and the Dems should read the Constitution.

I won't believe it until I see the Senate majority stand up to this charade of race baiting. This is just the sort of thing that they will cave in on. Blagojevich knew they would quiver and blink twice if he appointed an African American. Blago is playing his few remaining cards just right. Only problem is that a 71 year old black man with a distorted moral compas will be caught in the headlights and brought way down into political nowhere land. I will have a new respect for the Senate if they do what they said they would do and deny an appointment by the tainted Blagojevich.

Burris has not done anything wrong. Blago has not done anything wrong, he may be obnoxious & brazen but that is not a crime, he's still the Gov & has the power to appoint, Reid is wrong, Blago has'nt been convicted of anything, there are other politicians that are not squeaky clean either & they are still in power.

Sen. Reid, along with every other sitting U.S. Senator, took an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. That Constitution is very clear in allowing the Governor of any state to appoint a temporary Senator to fill a vacancy, until a special election can be held. Like it or not, crook or not, Mr. Blagojevich is the sitting Governor of the state of Illinois and, absent a resolution to the contrary by the state Legislature, has the right and the duty to make this appointment.

It also says that "no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate." So , if the IL Secretary of State does sign off on the appointment (thus affirming the state's consent), the Senate leadership has no right to deny Mr. Burris his seat in the Senate.

My personal hope is that Secretary White listens to the apparent will of the people of the state, and follows through with his threat to refuse to affirm the appointment. But the Constitution is clear, and unless some disqualifying factor on Mr. Burris's part is found, no member or group of members of the Congress has any say in the matter.

Period.

This is a political landmine. If the senate accepts Blago's appointment, they will be giving hime political credibility. If they deny his appointment, they will be racists. Hmmm... what to do?....

I hope that Burris is intelligent enough to realize that he is being used by Blago as a distraction from his own problems. That entire press conference Tuesday was a sham. The people of Illinois deserve better.

I am long time Democrat. However, I have a feeling that within four years, the Democrats will be in the same position as the Republicans find themselves right now. And I guess that the really sad part of it is that the Democrats have been there before, because prior to Bush's last term and the economic woes, the Republicans were popular and invincible. But I guess that power is intoxicating. You would think that the Democrats would have learned their lessons. It appears that they didn't. This entire issue with the Illinois Governor is a bit much. As an attorney, the alleged evidence doesn't really establish a conspiracy. I don't believe the Governor has even been indicated yet. Furthermore, we all agree that Mr. Burris has nothing to do with the Governor’s alleged problems and that Mr. Burris has a long resume of public service, which means that he more than meets the minimum requirements (age, U.S. residency for at least 9 years and state residency) for a Senator. This entire claim about the "appearance of impropriety" is a farce. That concept of “appearance of impropriety” is as amorphous as it is arbitrary and capricious. Look the sitting Senators’ long standing relationships with lobbyist for the current companies they allege to regulate appears to be an “appearance of impropriety” but those Senators say they aren’t. I don't even think the Senators know what the "appearance of impropriety" really means. I believe that they think that it means "opportunity".

Oh, just let the man serve in that Senate seat and let's move on. Like him or not, Burris is right. How can you not seat a guy just because you don't like the guy who appointed him. AND, why did the prosecutor release all that info on Blago like that. He didn't even have an indictment yet. I don't see them releasing all the details about Coleman for example and his investigation. I am back to thinking Blago was a political hit, especially since the prosecutor is now saying he needs more time.

DO NOT seat this fool whose blind ambition has clouded his better judgement. Due to this he will not make a good US Senator.

As far as I'm concerned Burris is demonstrating to IL and to America that he is not capable of making good sound decisions. No wonder although he aspired to higher office, he never made it.

Listen to the citizens of ILDem Senators, they were the ones that kept him from higher office, they know this man better than you do and I believe it's evident that there is something lacking in Burris..

I can't stand to see that cheshire cat smile of his, makes me clench my teeth....ggggrrrrr!!

Reid thinks he can get more money for the Senate Seat.

While I appreciate Reid's insistence, I'd rather he show it once in a while against Republican Obstructionism. It's rather frustrating to see him find a spine against fellow Democrats, but inevitably cave in against the other party.

This is Illinois problem. Mr. Holy Reid has to stay out of it. All those politicans have their own dirty here and there!

Burris should kick Blago's hind parts for screwing up his chances for appointment. Tarantula forehead needs to be placed on house arrest so he cannot stir up anymore controversy......

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 will be exonerated. He 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 "

It's only been 24-hours since Burris stepped up to the microphone to accept Governor Blagojevich's appointment and man alive has it called down the thunder. I hope Burris understands this is tarnishing a lifetime of professional conduct to align himself with the governor, who will be indicted next week. Is he that greedy to be a Senator that he is willing to throw his credibility and standing in the toilet? I hope he re-thinks this decision and rescinds his acceptance. As some point you have to decide what's important: your reputation and character or your aspirations.

Given that Burris (for whatever reason) chose to accept the governor's nomination, the Senate can still chose not to seat him since it isn't done by election. The Senate can chose who it allows. I would think that it wouldn't do it that often because most of the people who arrive are elected. Burris isn't elected but appointed which makes all the difference.

Don ; Harry wouldn't know whats right if it bit him on the posterior! How did Reid ever get elected in the first place?

Hang in there, Harry!!!Don't let them use the "race" card to try to stampede you. This is definitely an example of an official who has and is misusing his position. By standing up to his shenanigans, you can send a message that others can take to heart...the American people are not going to tolerate such blatant abuse of power, no matter who tries to wield it.

Reid is nuts!

Reid your popularity and your comrade Pelosi's popularity ratings are about as low as they can go, half that of Bush. Do us all a favor and just get out of the way of our country and let the country solve its own problems. The more you Democrats get involved in our lives the worst our lives become.

With Barack I fully expect a huge move towards Big Brother trying to solve all of our problems, instead of just letting us work through on Main street our own problems with lower taxes and more jobs.

Name just one time that government has improved our economy with stimulus packages, etc.. You can't because economic historical data not only inthe US but around the world has never shown it helped the economy, not even once.

Are we going to be a country of people all having our hands out and nobody working with your artificially created jobs stimulus package. What happens when the stimulus money runs out? Does everyone that got their artificially created job, get a pink slip? This is insane and our children will have to pay for it big time (further shrinking their economy). Just look at how left wing policies work in Michigan and the democratically run state of California.

As I said America loses.

The U.S. Senate has no business getting involved in this matter. Good grief...why are we tolerating such foolishness?

Racist, redneck Democrats

Will you guys in the US Senate just shut up already and let the people of Illnois settle this problem – seems to me that your plate is pretty full with giving 100's of billions of dollars to folks on wall street are bigger crooks than Blago could ever be. None of us are so naive as to believe that the stuff that he is accused of has not been going on forever – almost no politican has ever been elected that did give something or get something on his way in. You set up there in your ivory offices and make deals that help the few and feather your on caps – so just shut up.

If you find anyone who believes that the objection is based on the Governor's low credibility and not that the nominee wasn't Obama's choice,stamp 'IDIOT' on his/her forehead.What a Nixonian crook Obama is turning out to be!He wants to have his supporters rewarded with senate seats in New York and Illinois.It's the Governors' choices! Isn't it crooked to bully the Governors to pick his guy/gal?

They are all spoiled brat lawyers on a power trip.

I'm in full support of this guy not being seated. ILL better have a special election and soon.

Don't tell him he is dong the right thing, he will change his mind. Of course if he called for a special election it would really be the right thing.

Good.
The next senator from Illinois needs to be someone who can come into the office without the slightest hint of a stain. To do any less would be....well, so Republican.

Stick to your convictions Senator Reid and block Burris, it's about the integrity of the Democrat Party which we have all worked hard to restore. Don't let Blago or anyone else think they are so powerful to throw dirt at our party. Stop Blago now and his appointee.

It is not right that the people of ILL are denied representation just because there is a cloud over Blagojevich's head. It appears there are no allegations of corruption regarding his choice to replace Obama and that being the case he should be seated.
Reid needs to sit down, shut up and seat Burris until the people of ILL can hold a special election and name someone else.
Burris has done nothing wrong and Blagojevich has not been convicted of anything. I must say it doesn't look good for him but in the US people get a trial before they are found guilty.
I think Reid just likes to hear himself talk. We have laws that dictate what must be done and Reid is not bigger than the law.

Sounds like Rush and Burris have taken Obama's "I don't look like others on the dollar bill" comment up a notch or two.

Lookout Blago,you could end up like poor Mike Connell and miss the runway the day before he was due to testify about how he rigged the 2000 and 2004 elections with his computor skills.

Keep the goons out of power.

Who cares about the actual citizens of Illinois?

Hey Bobby Rush, Just shut the hell up moron, this is not Black Panthers era, Go back to the Southside of Chicago and help clean up the gangs and reduce the number of driveby shootings. You sound so stupid, illiterate, thick headed, and ignorant. This is from a pissed off black person, you are making this whole thing into a race issue which we all know it is not.

BOBBY RUSH YOU SUCK, WHAT AN IDIOT.

The Democrats have shown America once again ineptness, corruption and protected minority status trumps decency and logic.

They have no cause to deny Sen. Designee Burris full priveledges of the Senate. What are they trying to protect? The senates reputation? HA, HA HA HA HA...

Thanks Blago, King Kong has nothing on you!!!!

Hell! We need to unseat the likes of Reid and his fellow Anti-American socialists.

Glad to know that with everything else that is crumbling around us the Democratic Party is hard at work this Holiday Season to sure up the economy..wait, I mean fix the stock market...or, um...get foreclosures under control...opps, I mean they are making sure unemployment decreases, wait no they are hard at work getting our troops home..oh thats not right, they are devising a plan to cut spending...no, they are worried about 1 possible person sitting in the Senate and messing up all their hard work, I mean their lack of work.

Please everyone, just follow the rule of the law for once!!!!!

How about blocking the Bush pardons that are upcoming? How about holding him accountable for war crimes? How about being truthful with the people about why the House refuses to impeach, after pleas from millions of Americans? Those issues are far more important than one Senate seat, aren't they?

The Democrats are spineless (and stupid). Seat Burris and then unanimously vote to reject him. This process is constitutional and will serve the same purpose as blocking him (except that it will be much cheaper)...

People should be outraged that Senate Democrats are doing this! The governor is an elected, sitting official with a constitutional obligation to appoint a Senator. He has not yet been convicted of a crime and has not yet been impeached. The Senate has no right to stand in the way of Blago's appointment, but what is even more troubling, is why are they doing this? Do Reid and others really feel they are acting in the country's best interest by blocking this appointment? I think we all know that they are not thinking of the people, they are thinking of themselves. This would be a good time for true leaders in the Senate to step forward and speak out against this reprehensible behavior of the Senate.

I have to wonder why this man would even consider taking an appointment from this tainted Governor. I guess he could not do it through the election process and this is, in his mind, is his only chance to get where he wants to be. In my opinion it does not say much for the character of this individual and wonder if he would be a good choice. Anyone who would take a position in this environment has a I want to be in power no matter what the cost or consequences attitude. After all the people would not elect him.

Happy New Year
Greg

Its time the people started to take back their gvt. Corruption is unacceptable and in any other job, he'd have already been fired.

We need the ability to fire gvt leaders, and to stop them from doing things like appointing people to seats when they are under investigation for corruption.

Though Burris may be qualified, any appointment by Blagojevich at this time is suspect for corruption and should not be allowed to take a seat.

This is getting rather comical. I think somebody should make a reality show - "Mr. Burris Goes to Washington." We could watch him being kept off the Senate floor and later wandering around the Senate office buildings trying to find the office that he just *knows* should have been granted to him by now.

Dont give up Harry!!!!!!!!! Stand by whats right!!!!!!!!

The U.S. Senate should seat Mr. Burris if all they have to go on is that he was appointed by the current Gov. of Illinois. There are more important things for them to spend their time on.

Most of the Congresss could be considered tainted if you use linked to lobbyist as a yard stick.

If they do not seat Mr. Burris, it is my hope he files suit to get a legal decision on this matter.

Again to suggest that anyone appointed by the Gov. is unacceptable is down right stupid.

This whole blagojevich situation is just a giant distraction FROM THE MISSING BAILOUT MONEY! Don't get sucked in by the american media. WE THE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN STRAIGHT UP ROBBED BY OUR CONGRESS AND OUR GOVERNMENT!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!

Only a crook will accept an appointment from a crook. And, only a crook will come out and defend another crook. While play the race card, Bobby? You are a despicable human being for making those racial comments. As an African American, I've always wondered why many of your angry generation always have to play that race card. Why can't we be Americans first? I hope and pray that someone challenges you for your house seat so you can permanently go and sit down and chill on your race bated, hate-filled pills.

Now we know Burris built a monument for himself at a cementary, honoring his achievements! This guy is a nut just like Blagojevich. He should never become a US senator.

Spare the Rod, spoil the politician.
They can and they must block this disgraceful idiot's appointment and then proceed with his empeachment. He was told long ago not to appoint anyone because he was under investigation for fraud. He should have complied with such order. If he had appointed someone before the order, then they might not be able to block it, now they can. He is a stuborn and a disgraceful member of the democrat party, and he must be expelled to safeguard the integrity of the party, if not, the republicans will surely choose this fact as a campaign issue against democrats in futur elections. For this reason, this idiot has got to go.

Of course, again the Constitution does not apply to the United States Government and legal experts are ignored at the expense of the rule of law. No matter the charges against Blagojevich, this much is certain:

a. Everyone in this nation is provided the privilege of being presumed innocent until proven guilty.

b. Blagojevich is still governor of Illinois.

c. The Burris appointment is Constitutional and Burris meets all qualifications necessary to be a United States Senator. Thus, the Senate cannot judge him on his "qualifications" beyond those explicitly defined in the Constitution.

d. Any attempt at expulsion of Burris from the Senate chamber, on the other hand, may only consider Burris' actions. If he is found to have violated the law or been engaged in unethical, unlawful behavior that is unbecoming of a United States Senator, only then he should be expelled.

Oh wait, Ted Stevens got a standing ovation his last day in the Senate. I guess once you're in office, you're above the law and above the constitution.

Sure, expel Burris for being appointed under completely Constitutional boundaries, but let Stevens serve even after he's been convicted. The contradictions and paradoxes are nearly unfathomable.

This United States government has failed to act as a body of reasonable and reasoning men and women. It has become a joke.

Why didn't Blagojevich just appoint a horse?

Solution: The Illinois legislature removes Governor Psycho from office, replacing him, in accordance with Illinois law, with Lt. Governor Quinn, who then, as Governor, appoints Burris.
That could be done TODAY.

I am a Democrat but I may never vote for another Senate Democrat if they continue to focus on this absurd issue while people are losing their jobs at a rate of 1 every 5 seconds.

If the people of Illinois don't want Burris to represent them in the Senate they can recall him or vote him out of office in 2010. The appointment of Roland Burris to the US Senate is an issue for Illinois voters not a bunch of out of touch Senators.

The Senate Democrats need to be working with President elect Obama on a stimulus bill, getting our troops out of Iraq and ending tax cuts for the super wealthy. Instead, these nitwits are spending precious time debating a senate appointment while people lose their houses left and right.

Furthermore, doesn't it seem odd that the senate democrats are more outraged about this appointment then they are about the fact that billions of tax payer dollars were given away with no accounting from the banks who got the money.

Once again the Democrats are preparing to lose their Senate majority in 2010 by obsessing over issues that have no effect on the lives of every day citizens.

I really wish someone would make a law to block the stupidity of people like Harry Reid. Burris will be a billion times better Senator than you ever will be. Enjoy your last few years in office Harry there is no way in hell you get re elected.

Sounds like Burris will fit right in the Senate since most of them already there are also not effective representitives of their own states-starting with that cadaverously creepy looking Harry Reid.

This is so stupid why not just let the man have the seat he's not the one who was arrested. And by the way has the govenor been indicted if not simply being arrested does not stop you from doing your job. We have something in this country called due process. All of these senators are acting like they we innocent it's just their dirt has not been exposed yet.

I hope they are successful. Illigitimacy cannot be allowed to rule.