(CNN) - Senate Democratic leaders think Roland Burris, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's pick to fill President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat, will likely show up on Capitol Hill Tuesday for the opening day of Congress, according to a Democratic aide familiar with Senate Democratic leaders' plans.
They have prepared a contingency plan in case he does, the aide added.
Burris will not be allowed on the Senate floor, according to this aide and a Senate Democratic leadership aide.
Watch: What if Burris shows up?
The aide familiar with Senate Democratic leaders' plans said if Burris tries to enter the Senate chamber, the Senate doorkeeper will stop Burris. If Burris were to persist, either trying to force his way onto the Senate floor or refusing to leave and causing a scene, U.S. Capitol Police would stop him, said the aide.
"They (police) probably won't arrest him" but they would call the sergeant-at-arms," the aide said.
When asked about what would happen if he shows up and tries to be seated, Burris told the Chicago Tribune that he's, "not going to create a scene in Washington." He added, "We hope it's negotiated out prior to my going to Washington."
Burris told CNN that, "We're certainly going to make contacts with the leadership to let them know that the governor of Illinois has made a legal appointment. And that I am currently the junior senator for the State of Illinois. And we're hoping and praying that, you know, they will see the reason in appointing me as a very qualified, capable, able and ready-to-serve individual."
Coincidentally, the senate sergeant-at-arms, Terrance Gainer, served in the Illinois government at the same time as Burris. Gainer was the director of the Illinois State Police from 1991-95. Burris was the Illinois attorney general from 1991-95.
Senate Democratic leaders, who consider Governor Rod Blagojevich a loose cannon, also have discussed what might happen if Blagojevich shows up on Capitol Hill Tuesday, said the aide familiar with their plans. But the leaders see that move by Blagojevich as unlikely at this time.
This would be a "radioactive" situation, according to the aide, because Senate Democratic leaders could not deny Blagojevich entry, as sitting governors have floor privileges in the Senate. Governors are allowed to walk around the Senate chamber or talk with senators while on the floor, though they cannot vote or formally address the Senate.
Blagojevich is aware he is allowed access to the Senate floor, his spokesman Lucio Guerrero said, but "the idea of going on Tuesday was first raised by a reporter," not Blagojevich.
The governor is not planning on going to Capitol Hill at this time, Guerrero said.
From CNN Politics
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Burris should not be allowed to enter the senate doors. Burris and Blago should not be allowed to compromise the integrity of the democrat party. STOP THEM NOW.
The governor acted inappropriately but has not been removed from his position yet therefore the appointment is legal. Any attempt by Democratic leadership to prevent Burris from executing his duties as a Senator will be illegal.
That is the most pitiful excuse for stopping a duly appointed replacement as I have heard and sounds even worse than 6 year olds squabbling over a toy or something. What legal grounds do they have to refuse him entry other than they don't like Blagojevich? The democratic Senators sound like they all need to be replaced if they allow these actions to occur.
JUST GET THE MATTER RESOLVED. STOP THE ONSLAUGHT.DO NOT VOTE ANYMORE SERBIANS INTO POLITICS.THEY ARE CROOKS.
The meeting of US democracy and the World Wrestling Federation...
Why would Burris even want to be tied to Gov Slobovich of Illinois?
Why doesn't the media ask Burris what he paid for Obama's Senate seat?
Burris, you don't do your reputation a favor, and you don't do your race a favor.
People who do this stuff are called "cheap."
Why create the drama? Let Burris in. Instruct the Senate not to count his votes, and/or get a 60 vote majority to expel him. He'll sue in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will decide. This is stupid to cause all this drama. It is a legal matter. This makes the democratic leadership in the Senate seem so petty and stupid. Grow up.
Democrats ALWAYS have some plan to get out of some bad situation they ALWAYS find there selves in--Typical Democrats
This just sounds so ridiculous to think the senate would actually bar Burris from the floor. Burris has not done anything wrong, Blago has not done anything wrong so how can that legally stand ? The senate is wrong, & hopefully they will get it straight so Burris can be seated.
The Democrats in the World's Greatest Deliberative Body seem to be talking a bit thuggish. Why not debate or liitgate instead?
Roland is in a bad spot...but he should have enough respect for the citizens to know that they want an official who wasn't appointed by a Gov. under suspicion of fraud...if he causes a scene, he will lose whatever respect he currently has...he should not have accepted the nomination KNOWING that it would be tainted....this wasn't abt his wanting to HELP the citizens..he wanted to help himself....
THE DEMS HAVE A PLAN BUT BURRIS HAS A PLANE OF HIS OWN.
HIS PLAN MAY BE AS HONORABLE AS THE MAN WHO APPOINTED HIM.
This is slowly building into a huge firestorm. I hope for PE Obama's sake that it does not attempt to overshadow the coming historic events. If I weren't afraid of rodents, I'd throw a dirty rat at Blago's head. Remember when old movies' James Cagney used to say: "You dirty rat, you!" with such meaning?
BURRIS ACTS LIKE THE CAT THAT ATE THE CANARY.
THE WHOLE THING REEKS OF FRAUD.
BLAGO FOUND A TAKER FOR HIS PAY TO PLAY !!!!
BURRIS MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY.
THEN WE CAN SEE IF HE GETS HIS $$ BACK.
What a stupid situation! What an idiotic political showdown! What pure hubris!
Burris is proving himself totally unworthy of the responsibility and dignity of a senator. He was an egotist and a fool to accept a tainted appointment from Blagojevich, and he is an egotist and a fool for forcing the situation on the world. He is trying to exploit a loophole in an ugly little political fiasco for his own very very very selfish gains.
One can only hope that Burris' Titanic ego has hit the Blagojevich iceberg and is going down, down, down.
I'm thinking Burris should go to jail too.
What an a$$. He looked so smug kissing up to Blago at that press conference.
And the mausoleum he had erected in his own honor? What an ego.
This guy needs to go.
As an AA I am completely disgusted by Bobby Rush using yes finally the right situation where the race card was played, and just as disgusted by Roland Burris for accepting this seat, he is being used as a pawn by the governor blago. This tells me, that Burris is a oppertunist and he just wants to add this to his grave throne he build for himself, even if it is for two years. I hope that the senate dems. find their spines and stick to what they said two weeks ago before they knew this qualified oppertunist would be choosen. I just want the Dems. to keep focused on their original statement and go from their and knock down this non-sense about race.
John, it is not a legal appointment. The Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White, has yet to certify the appointment documentation. This lack of certification means the appointment is not legal.
Burris filed a motion in court to make the Sec. of State certify, but the court hasn't heard the argument.
Burris has no right to enter the Senate floor due to a lack of process.
On a personal note, Burris is a nut job and is completely ignoring the will of the people of Illinois. We have spoken and by a 75% majority (according to polls) we have asked that he not represent us.
Burris though may not necessarily tainted, he is being appointed in circumstances cleverly manipulated by a crafty Governor. It is unfortunate for Burris but he should have known better. He should withdraw his appointed to uphold the integrity of the process.
It will be horrible for the Senate and the Democratic party if they try to stop Burris, let alone have him removed by the Capitol police! I'm wondering what stops the Democrats from doing this to anyone, even someone who won an election with no controversy, just because they don't like the person or don't want him/her seated? The IL gov. is still the IL gov. and the appointment sure looks legal even if it isn't politically palatable to the Senate leadership.
Do they really want to have the pictures on CNN of Harry Reid et. al. throwing out the currently only African-American Senator? How do they spin that one for the folks in Peoria?
y tats crazy to try to stop mr burris you are puttin
te orse be for te cart my keys are jamed...sorry be you get it.....!!!!
I don't know a thing about Roland Burris, but I hope he knows he's being set up.
well Cheney will swear in the new comers, Burris will take his seat, but it looks he won't be able to speak from the floor. what a bummer, Burris will have to sit out till 2012 or hopefully the court will take him out before febuary??
Too late Farrell Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi already did that.
I googled Blago and saw where he voted for Reagan.Doesnt that say it all.
That is freaking crazy!!! If this happens, the democrats will have definitely sunk to a new low!!
DRAMA, AND MORE DRAMA!
By the way, President Obama "DON'T DO DRAMA"
I hope that he shows up!! It will be an amazing sight to see them turn this black man away!! LOL!
I sincerely hope that the Senate will not add another act to this circus. The alleged behavior of the Gov. of Illinois, will be adjudicated, but until he is removed from office, he does have the power to appoint a replacement.
By adding more acts to this "circus" will only make this situation more impossible. By all accounts Mr. Burris is qualified to serve. He should be seated until the Illinois Supreme Court deems his appointment illegal. Everyone needs to wait until this is handled through the courts.
What if: The Senate refuses to seat Mr. Burris and if he is forcibly removed by the Capitol Police, won't everyone look really stupid if Mr. Burris is deemed legally appointed by the Courts? HMMMM!
Good for you! But remember, we have elections every two years and every four years. Don't punish the messenger. YOU GUYS are becoming more arrogants than Republicans. Ask them why there are where they are today! The Gov is still there in Ill and can make decisions.
Good for you! But remember, we have elections every two years and every four years. Don't punish the messenger. YOU GUYS are becoming more arrogants than Republicans. Ask them why they are where they are today! The Gov is still there in Ill and can make decisions.
If Burris have any ounce of decency, he would not attempt to plow his way into the senate. His acceptance of the seat only shows how extremely desparate he is. I know that MOST politicians sell their soul to the devil...and Burris proved to be one of many.
Too bad the Senate Dems could muster the same outrage over a war based on lies and the President's blatant disregard for the Constitution.
What do Burris, Blagojevich, Ayers, Rezko and ACORN have in common? You guessed it..............Obama.
There's a nasty odor coming from Chicago and it's coming from Obama's district. He keeps hiding behind 'one president at a time' but the odor is getting stronger.
"Change we need" has become "same-old, same-old".
Obama is angry because Blago went against his wishes, but Blago may have the trump card here. Not because of his appointment. Because the good money says he knows dirty little secrets about the former junior senator from Illinois.
Burris must NOT be allowed to enter the Senate Chambers- it would be a disgrace to the integrity of the United States Senate. KEEP HIM OUT!
Wow this is rich! The party that is going to save and improve America ???
Thanks God he should never be seated.
There are going to be serious problems if Burris is denied access.
If there is proof that Blagojevich acted improperly and unlawfully in the process to find a Senatorial appointment, fine, he will bear the brunt of his decisions. However, without cause to suspect that this new appointment of Burris is also unlawful, it would be completely undemocratic for the Senate to turn Burris away. Illinois has a right to be represented, and the Senate has no constitutional power to turn away a duly elected or appointed senator from any state.
CP, Maryland: I couldn't agree more with your comment. Maybe it's time to vote those who stand in the way of progress out.
As far as this appointment, why would Burris even accept. Very strange and interesting to watch it play out.
To Farrell in texas " WHAT INTEGRITY"
Lets ask Blago what he knows about the late Mike Connell.He could have some facts.
This could turn out to be nasty. Why Burris accepted Blago's appointment is beyond me. Well, not really, I do know – blind ambition! He'd been salivating for years about higher office. The people of IL denied him twice, remember?
Guess this brings new meaning to – "by any means necessary".
DID BLAGO GIVE BURRIS A DISCOUNT & IS THERE
A REFUND IF THE SENATE DOESN'T SEAT HIM ???
Is this racist? I think not. But let the democrats, for a change, find out what it feels like to be called racists, where there is no racism. This is something republicans have been accused of for decades. Now the shoe is on the other foot.
If democrats usurp this legal appointment, they usurp the constitution. The democrats screwed up on this one, because Burris has the constitution behind him.
Blago, (Pay Rod), has played this political game like a surgeon.
Botton line is Burris is an Idiot and can't see he's being used by the Village Idiot of ILL. Blagojevich would use his mother to serve his own purpose.
By the same logic as followed by Dem Sentors the whole Senate is tainted by Senator Stevens' conviction .However, they gave him a standing ovation and lauded him for his exeptional work! Burris has a good record and has not praised Blagojevich. My, my ,my how strange things work in DC? I wonder how all of this is going to set with Obama's base?
Remember, it was Emanual and Obama who masterminded Blago's first campaign for governor in 2002, saying he was the honest change to Illinois politics the state needed. Sound familiar? Also,even though it was well known that the FBI was investigating Blago, Junior Senator Obama in 2006 actively campaigned for his re-election. Now it looks like George Wallace type Democrats will once again be blocking entryways.
I really hope Blagojevich gets a lot of prison time for what he has done.
His arrogant and willful attempts to disrupt and subvert democracy deserve the absolute harshest penalties.
If Mr. Burris ever had any integrity, he has certainly lost it in pursuing, at any cost, this appointment. The process is tainted and, by extension, he is tainted. As well as having an inflated sense of self (just look at how he describes himself on his own mausoleum ... LOL).
I hope right-minded people will see this for what it is and not allow it to happen. Mr. Burris should be ashamed of himself. If you want a seat in the Senate, then run for it honestly and let the people decide.
Did somebody just say 'integrity' and 'democrat' in the same sentence?
Hey CNN... this is crappy story that you threw up here. Lets talk about how Iranian students are volunteering to be suicide bombers in Israel.
Or lets talk about Israel/Gaza.
You all put these gossip stories up when there are better things to talk about. There are bigger things going on in the world than this or that Obama's hotel is historic.
Give me a break.
Republicans are such Idiots...
It was a legal appointment albeit by a disgraced Govenor, so Burris should be allowed in the Senator chamber. Do I want the Dem Senators to block him, sure I do, he should not have accepted the appointment. He has no morals.
Hope there won't be demonstrators and this thing turns into a nasty racially charged gathering.
Until, or unless he is confirmed by the state of Illinois, he is not officially appointed. Blago's "appointment" was just the first step in the process. It would be completely appropriate for the senate to not allow Burris to be seated if he is not confirmed by Illinois.
WE USED TO CALL PEOPLE LIKE BURRIS A PARTICULAR
NAME IN THE OLDEN DAYS. BUT SINCE IT IS A NEW DAY
AND WE HAVE AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN TAKING OFFICE &
IT'S GOING TO BE A WONDERFUL YEAR, I'LL STICK TO SLEAZY.
* * * HAVE A HEALTHY & HAPPY NEW YEAR AMERICA.* * *
The Senate doesn't have to seat Burris, and even if I am wrong, it doesn't matter. The matter will have to go to the courts, and that will keep things in limbo long enough for the next Governor of Illinois (Quinn) to name an alternate candidate, who WILL be seated.
Burris is just a pawn in Blago's game to save his own butt. It really doesn't matter what happens to him.
Governor Rod Blagojevich's is still the Gov.......and Fitzgerald is just taking his time from 2 weeks to months like it or not Rod is still GOV....therefore the appointment is legal
Burris could have demonstrated that he had an ounce of polical savvy and turned down the appointment from Blagojevich. Then, if he was truly interested in the office, he could run in the next election. Insted, he serves as a source of momentum for the "Blagojevich circuis". Blagojevich is using the whole situation as a side show to deflect attention from his own problems. Blagojevich's silence immediately after his arrest and charges were made substantially damaged his credibility. His appointment of Burris in that context looks like an act of despiration. Burris should apply a little common sense and turn down the appointment. They could hold a special election and let Blagojevich have his day in court.
"Lynched" your handle says it all. I'm willing to bet you dress up in sheets at night. Funny you of all people speak about racism. Idiot
Quite impressive ! The U.S. senate is apparently a private club which members are allowed to refuse entry to whomever they don't approve of. I don't care much about the situation in Illinois involving their governor, but doesn't the constitution allows a state to send a representative of their choice to the U.S. senate ? This is a legal appointment to the senate by a governor who has the legal authority to appoint, notwithstanding his legal woes. That's the problem when you live by rules written more than 200 years ago. Sometimes Federal and State rules run afoul of each other.
What a sad tragic mess. The "founding fathers" must be turning over in their graves.
If this is a legal appointment, and it appears to be so, it doesn't matter what the Gov. of Illinois has or has not done. This man should be seated. To use the Capitol police to stop this legal appointment sets a very bad precedent. If they are allowed to get away with this, what will stop them from blocking any future appointment with which they do not agree? Like it or not, it is a legal appointment and should be handled accordingly. If the people of Illinois don't like it, then they can have a special election and elect a different person.
chuck– you're a dimwit for the comment you made. You should be ashamed of being the raving bigot you obviously are.
So Dick Cheney is still the president of the Senate, Joe Lieberman has his committee chairmanships, and Ted Stevens was given a standing ovation on the Senate floor ....but Roland Burris is the one who is in trouble.
Senate Democrats don't have brains or spines. It's a wonder they can get themselves dressed in the morning.
At least Obama got out of that cesspool.
If Mr. Burris had any integrity, he would have already discussed the situation with Democratic leadership and attempted to figure out how best to handle this obviously flawed promotion. In fact, if Mr. Burris had sense, he would have refused the position.
RIDICULOUS!
First let me say that i wouldn't trust a Blagojevich appointee as far as I could throw him/her and think he is a sleaze BUT....until he is convicted, Blagojevich has a Constitutional right to make an appointment to replace the seat of President Elect Barack Obama. So technically, Burris' appointment (for now, anyway) is legit.
What makes this RIDICULOUS, moreso HILARIOUS, is that these are adults that we have elected to high offices of the land.
Both the Democrats and Republicans are acting like children. They all need a TIMEOUT!
~Lawrence in Denver
Unrelated to this article but wondering why CNN is not covering this story......................... IS THIS THE CHANGE THE MAJORITY VOTED FOR?????????
WASHINGTON - A 50 percent increase in gasoline and diesel fuel taxes is being urged by a federal commission to finance highway construction and repair until the government devises another way for motorists to pay for using public roads.
The National Commission on Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing, a 15-member panel created by Congress, is the second group in a year to call for higher fuel taxes.
Not so hard to believe that after giving themselves a pay raise the Demotwit led Congress is offering this up to the struggling American people...
Is this drama a comedy or a tragedy? While the old saw about "where there's smoke there's fire" concerning Blogo and while he has been accused of pretty low-down actions he has not been indicted much less convicted of any wrong-doing, it seems to be rather shady BUT... He is the duly elected govenor of Ill. and their legislature has given appointment power to the sitting guv.
He is well within rights to appoint who he feels will best serve the people of the state – even if there is some subterfuge going on. And no way should the senate try to block the seating of Mr. Burris, who is by all accounts highly competent to serve. Even if he is being driven by ego and ambition. Name me one senator who isn't.
If, in two years the people of Illinois choose not to return him to the senate then so be it but for now they deserve representation. And that process has been put into place.
I had suspected that Sarah Palin might appoint herself to replace Ted Stevens had he won re-election but found that the process in Alaska had been changed because the previous guv had appointed his daughter to fill an empty seat. The American system usually works – we elected Obama to replace a failed regime didn't we? – and should be allowed to work, even if it takes some time
Republican are such hateful Idiots, and what's sad they couldn't run an aminal shelter(Already Proven). Republicans you lost and are still losers.. Move On
Burris and the dumb governor are showing arrogance and stupidity worthy of Bush and his henchmen.
To clarify:
1. Like it or not, Rod Blagojevich is still governor – unconvicted and unimpeached (yet). Therefore he has the power to appoint the new Senator under applicable law.
2. The Senate does not have the authority "not to seat" a Senator chosen under applicable law of the State. The Supreme Court has said so in the past. Burris will win his case.
3. If anything is found to be wrong with this appointment, Mr. Burris can be removed. But before we do that, there will be some kind of trial to prove the relevant facts. That's something we do in a democracy.
4. Unlike the governor who appointed him, Burris is a good man with a good history of service. Although his acceptance of the appointment shows bad judgment, bad judgment has never been a disqualification for or removal from office.
5. Extremely troubling to this lifelong Democrat is the fact that the response by Senate Democrats (and the Democrat Secretary of State of Illinois) to the unbridled lawlessness of the Blagojevich administration has been a similar and convenient circumvention of the law.
At times like this, we need more than ever to have faith in our laws and to make sure we follow them in every detail.
Gee, surprise me; let's make this all about "race"..... This card has been played and Burris should not be allowed on the senate floor and any decision should be made after they decide how to deal with Blagojevich!!!!
I don't know Illinois Law but if the governor hasn't been removed, then he is still the governor (idiot that he is) and his appointment would be legal. When they discovered what he had done, he should have been arrested immediately and his power taken away. Now it is a mess. This governor is such an arrogant idiot that it just boggles my mind. He is snubbing his nose at everyone, making a sham of the government and our laws. When something like this happens to a governor, all his powers to appoint should be frozen until it is proven he didn't break any laws. Also the people of Illinois should really decide and if I were Burris and wanted a politiocal career, I would get as far away from this governor as I could.
If the Burris appointment is legal by the Illinois governor, then why not sit the Senator from Illinois. This whole Illinois governor smear just does not seem right and to me there appears more under the surface than a governor run awry.
If we really believe in the rule of law, the Governor must be allowed the presumption of innocence. And until he resigns, or is removed under existing constitutional procedures, he is entirely within his rights to exercise the powers of his office.
Absent any evidence (or even any suggestion) that there was any impropriety involved in the Burris appointment, there is no legitimate reason for the Senate to refuse to seat him. If impropriety is ever proven, he can be removed.
I know that this is the boring way to handle the problem, and that it doesn't satisfy the thirst for blood that many folks have. But the last eight years should be adequate warning about the consequences of having public officials who think that the rules are for someone else.
While I don't think Burris should be allowed to take the Obama Senate seat I note that some of the same ones of you who are tearing him apart are the same names who think bush is a great president. Da! Not the best, but the worst! in both cases?
I was watching Anderson Cooper 360 and they were discussing the
New York senate position and who could be appointed.The commentators name escaped me but he said the Governor of New York
is probably asking himself what the potential candidates could do for him in return for an appointment.That's just politics but I guess its OK in New York but criminal in Illinois.
Sure, they'll allow William 'Cold Cash' Jefferson to stay in congress, and they'll let Charlie 'Tax-Evader who writes Tax Laws' Rangel stay, and even Edward 'The Swimmer' Kennedy and Robert 'Grand Wizard' Byrd, the list goes on and on, but here is where the Democrat leaders draw the line. The 'Most Ethical' Congress, is going to actually enforce ethics? Now? Someone must have pressured Harry 'Bridge to his Property' Reid.
Oh look, our country is falling. All the kings men couldn't put it back together again. You all that are against this appointment are in direct violation of the constitution. Rebuttals won't mitigate a difference.
@buddhawest,Please tell me the last time you saw anyone say they were ashamed of what they did,especially a politician in D.C.Many of them of a complete distain for those that elected them.This is 2009,Honesty and Shame are 2 things you wont find near the capital,im sorry to say.
Senator Burris has the right to be there on Tuesday. The current Democratic leaders are so stupid and pathetic.
So, the folks who made testimonial speeches and standing ovations for a seven-time convicted federal felon – Senator Ted Stevens – are denying the Constitutional rights of a man with a sterling reputation and stellar and unblemished career because of their dislike for some third party?
Hypocrisy, oh how we never got to miss you in Washington because you never left us alone!
Roland Burris is the legal and constitutional Junior Senator from the state of Illinois.
Gov. Blagojevich is the second term elected governor of the state of Illinois. He has neither been indicted on criminal charges nor been found guilty of committing a crime. His work should not in any way be hindered outside of the due process of law.
It makes me wonder what the Democratic Party and the honorable Barack Obama (a former law professor) stand for when the Constitution and the rule of law aren't considered in their actions.
I think its wrong for the Democratic leadership to not seat Mr. Burris simply because he was appointed by Gov. Blagojevich. I believe the man should be judged on his merits, rather than the sins of another. I was an independent who became a democrat this year, primarily because of the Dems message of inclusiveness, and working together for the good of the country, and frankly I'm a little disappointed in the party over this. If there is any evidence that Mr. Burris payed for the appointment in any way, then by all means, keep him out; but if there is no evidence of improper behavior, Mr. Burris should be seated. I hope the Senate Dems come up with a way to make this work out, otherwise they could lose some hard won favor and ground.
It's a shame that Roland Burris has been caught up in this. He seems like a decent and deserving man. However, that doesn't matter. No choice that Blago makes should be honored because that choice will be tainted. Even if Burris didn't "buy" his seat, he is a pawn in an extremely unpleasant game.
Shame on you Burris. When you accepted Blagojevich's appointment to the Senate you spent every last cent of integrity and destroyed the reputation you earned over a lifetime. Of course the governor can appoint you, but this governor has been arrested and is out on bail. Next week he will be indicted. As an elder statesman you should know the fire storm any appointment would create. Politics does not exist in a vacume. You made a deal with the devil and it has cost you in public opinion. In our eyes you are professionally bankrupt. Now go away.
Mr. Burris unfortunately allowed his ego and ambition to put him in a compromising position. He didn't care about the degree of manipulation by Blago, he placed his bet that he could take the job and run, fighting and declaring it legal. One (more intelligent) black man had already declined Blago's appointment but Burris swallowed the bait and now he'll choke on it. But with the size of such an ego, I'm sure he'll turn things to his advantage eventually. So don't feel sorry for him, at the least he'll probably get a lucrative book deal and an infinite number of speaking engagements. All of the rest of us are the losers in this situation – the American citizens. Thanks to Blago, this situation has taken a ridiculous amount of time and resources from us and our PE that need to be devoted to more important issues.
If you think this is funny,you should see how Crocker in Tenn. and the Senators of Kentucky and Alabama got their seats.
To all Republicans today is the first day of a brand new year and the beginning of some your eyes have never seen. Leadership in the White House. Mr. Obama is ready to tackle the mess of the past 8 years created by someone who isn't qualified to run the local 7-eleven, let alone the United States. Get on board and watch progress and please keep your hate to yourself. If you hate Dems or the incoming admin that bad I hear China is looking for a few good idiots. Happy New Year!!!!!
This is to perfect. I don't think a Republican could have scripted this any better. First the Democratic party nearly rips itself to pieces over the primaries, and now they can't even trust their own governor to appoint someone to finish the term of the Democratic Messiah. Why? Because he is being accused of corruption. *Gasp* a corrupt Democrat, NO WAY. Now because this Governor is accused, not convicted, of selling a Senate seat to the highest bidder. The Dem's are going to bar him from even entering the Senate floor. So ultimately who gets to decide the fate of anything in a "Democratic" run government? The top of the Democratic party? Wow now if that doesn't sound like Communism, what is? They get to decide who is in and who is out? I thought this was all suppossed to be decided by the will of the people. Since a Senator is suppossed to be chosen from among the people to speak for the people, why not take this time between the election and inauguration to hold an election so the people can decide who they want to represent them in the Senate. But I guess that would be to much like what our country was actually founded as, a "Republic".
Here hoping that Mr. Burris will stay in Chicago until all the legal issues have been resolved. The State has not certified his appointment – therefore he is not allow into the chamber – So he should stay at home/informed the Governor he does not want the position.
They should end the drama and just seat Burris. He was legally appointed. in 2010, they can run someone against him in the primary. Somebody who could win. It is silly, especially when this could drag on indefinitely, with Fitzgerald asking for more time and all. What has he really got??? Just seat him. He gets to be Senator for two years. Big deal.
reid and his cronies will get overturned by the courts.
they will also come across as anti-black.
burris is qactually black and obama is a bi-racial candidate with no 'slave' blood.
Article 1, Section 5 of the Constitution gives the Senate the authority to reject the Burris appointment:
"Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members ..."
Considering that the same governor who was caught illegally trying to sell the very appointment that he now granted Burris, the Senate's position is ironclad.
How long has congress had the authority to refuse to seat someone
legally appointed just because they do not like the appointer.
The governor of Illinois, like him or not, is still a sitting governor and
has the right to appoint someone to an open senate seat.
When was Harry Reid given the authority to just toss out somebody
he doesn't like.
If I had my way I'd toss out Harry Reid because I don't like him.
I realize this appointment has to be certified, but Harry Reid is not
the "King" of the senate. He is nothing but a lowly public servant just
as all the other disgusting members of congress are.
The congress is supposed to be working for all the people of this
country and not deciding who is going to represent us. That is our
job.
Why not just have an election to fill the empty senate seat?
Oh yes I do realize why that must not happen because certain people
would lose some control, but it would be the best thing for all the
voters in Illinois, if they had an open election.
One way to start to put an end to this corruption in congress is to set
term limits. The time for action on this is NOW!
There was a Dem who had a spine
And Blago was his name oh B-L-A-G-O
B-L-A-G-O And Blago was his... GFY!!!
If Reid pulls this idiot move, then he's taking it to the Supremes. He'll get no love there, since the precedent has been set by the 1969 Powell v. McCormack Supreme Court case.
The Senate cannot legally block this appointment, not even physically. For the life of me, I cannot fathom the Dem logic here, except wishful thinking.
this man did nothing but get nominated and you are already jumping on him as he has done something wrong. Less you forget people. Christ did not die for a group of people he died for everyone. For all who have SINNED.
What I want to know is why the press and the public seem to think the idea of the senate refusing to seat a legally appointed black man is more interesting than the idea of the entire congress illegally seating a constitutionally ineligible black man for predident.
Why is enforcing the constitution at the expense of a black man "racist", but violating the constitution at the expense of a black man ok? Seems to me that it is not as much a racial issue as an observing the law issue. Constitution violaters are OK, but constitution protectors are racists.
What I would like to see is Blago, who has senate floor privileges open the door for Burris and help him take his seat. Then, when Cheney takes out the electoral college ballots to count them, for Burris to be the senator who objects to the Obama ballots on the basis of his not being qualified as a person born with dual citizenship who's US citizenship is far from settled.
The supreme court has so far chosen not to grant any injunctions or stays in any of the cases challenging Obama's eligibility, yet the right side of the court keeps scheduling them for conference. Apparently, the constitution provides for the congress to remedy any eligibility issues by having one senator and one representative object at the time the electoral college ballots are counted. If they object, hearings are held to resolve the objections.
The Supreme court has scheduled the next conference for a case challenging Obama's eligibility for the day after the ballots are supposed to be counted. If nothing has come of all this by the 12th, it will become far more likely than it already is that Obama will perjure the oath of office to uphold the constiution and be perjured in.
It will be very interesting to observe the face of the Chief Justice of the United States as he takes Obama's oath to protect the constitution in violation of the constution.
I cannot see how anyone could expect to have the confidence of the public after accepting an appointment by Blagovehich. I am not sure what Burris is thinking, this will most definitely cause a blow to his reputation and integrity.
I love how the Obama haters are trying to tie all this to him and nattering on about "dirty little secrets".
I guess that, since the birth certificate "scandal" turned out to be a big fat nothingburger, they have to latch on to something new. Pitiful, really.
Watching this drama unfold and reading these comments is better than watching a good movie!
I'm gonna go get some soda and popcorn!!
What a freak! Is he seriously that stupid? Does he not see his nothing more than a pawn in this horrible scheme? How sad for the state of Illinois!
Wow. The Dems aren't even seated yet and they're struggling even getting people into office. I'm already expecting less from the upcoming government.
Why do Democrats want to deny Burris' appointment. Burris is at least (if not more than) as qualified as then Senator Obama. The fact that over 95% of African Americans blindly vote for Democrats for half of a century whether Democrats represent their interests is very sad. Is it the democratic intention not to seat a single African American senator?
File the proper documents and let the courts decide. Stop any progression by Burris, through the proper channels, until a decision is made through the courts.
We all know the Senate has more important matters to attend to, without being bogged down by a decision made from a renegade governor.
The whole question to this appointment is based on Governor Balgo and his right to fill this position. Is he still the acting Governor of Ill., or has his right to act as such been removed by his criminal intentions? I've heard it both ways. If he doesn't have the right to perform as Governor, then why hasn't he been replaced until this matter is resolved. Seems to me the Judicial System has failed it's duty. This problem should have never evolved.
Burris has a valid appointment from a sitting governor. Even if the Senate has the ability to weigh in on his qualifications, they have to take a vote. They can't deny Burris due process altogether. It's not the doorkeeper who decides if a senator is a senator.
Blagojevich has decided to play a game of chicken using Burris' reputation. It is hugely unfair to Burris, but NOT the fault of the Democratic party. To a degree, Burris would also be culpable if he decides to go to DC for swearing in with Blagojevich under the cloud he is and knowing how precarious his appointment is from such a man.
Blagojevich is trying to manuever people like chess pieces, and this reminds me of almost Tudor-like plotting. Burris would be best off staying home rather then finding himself in the Lady Jane Grey position of taking a title in dispute and putting his own head on the block because of the ambition of another.
Perhaps he'll awake sometime soon, realize he's a pawn & do the gracious and right thing. The race card – no matter how hard he tries – is simply not gonna fly/nor should it.
It would be good forAmerica if Kennedy,Frank,Poilcy, Derben, in fact all the hate blame America socialist bottom feeding toilet dwelling left were bared from air and water boarded but without water use puke.
For those of you here still trying to link this to Obama ..... why don't you go out this weekend and do some volunteer work for the better good. Shameful that you're chomping at the bit hoping for an incoming President to fail. Don't you realize that he's your hope as well? You've got nothing else right now. In the same boat ya'll. Smarten up for goodness sakes and get out of yourselves!
Help me understand why the senator who was appointed by the sitting governor would be removed from the Senate floor, why would the capitol police be called to remove a senator who is legitmate, when we have an Illegal Ailen who is about to take over the Oval Office, You would think that the FBI and the Immigration police should be called to remove Obama from the White House until he present a Long copy of his BIRTH CERTIFICATE, proving that he is a NATURAL BORN UNITED STATES CITIZEN, now that is a reason to have someone removed from the Oval Office, Senators and Congressmen, you are refusing to uphold the U.S. Constitution by allowing a Illegal Alien to take oath for President of the U. S. I hope all your constituents vote you out the next election. You all are SCAMS.
I grieve that a wonderful man of COLOR will nor be admitted by
the White Folks of the Senate. He is a man of integrity and Honor.
Moreover, He is NOT a friend of the Gov. of Illinois. Being a supporter of the President Elect, I can NOT understand why just ONE man of
color is not acceptable on his on merits. Senator Ried, Have you NO
SHme? Is the Nominated Senator from Illinois not Qualified to SERVE?
Again Aenator Ried, Have You NO Shame?
As a Democrat in Florida, is it your intent to bring in a person that you and others feel compfortable? Why is it You wish to keep the Senate AL WHITE?
This is a SLEAZE job to keep the Senate all WHITE.
Chappy
As far as I know Burris is not a drunk, was not charged with rape, did not kill anyone with his car and was not cought cheating in college. How is he not better than kennedy. A fireman goes into a burning building to stop the fire how is he tainted by the fire. Also what makes Blago worse than Kennedy. A water board for all of them no water pig urine. They should all share kennedys cancer. We should throw all of them under a trank repeal all their laws and start over with the Tem Commandments except this time Zionist Jews must obey the Commandments also. The United States Of America can fail, the scialist left is heading us their.
Just perfect! Leave it to the Democrats to prevent the only Black person from taking his seat in the senate. He was legally appointed. Get over it. How Shamefull......Blacks should rethink the Democratic party. They have to proud a history to put up with these racsist.
It's a legal appointment. This is what blocking elections can get you. But what are Democrats complaining about? Burris is no more of a jerk than any of the rest of them.