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I concur with Kwame's statements made earlier. Burris needs to do the respectful thing and decline the nomination. It is an insult and a slap in the face to pres.-elect Obama and the plight of African-Americans, for him to continue pursuing this position under these circumstances. Please for my heritage and the rich history of this country, humble yourself and let your works exalt you...not your mouth.

Burris is such a fool to be used this way.

Sorry but innocent till proven guilty, Burris is right and the Dems are pulling the same BS as Bush. I am a moderate dem who has voted straight party line for the last 8 elections

Jim D – You are wrong. The fact is they just don't want to support and encourage laziness and fraud. In other words their hard earned money supporting big government thugs and welfare recipients who keep voting for the big thugs who support their laziness in exchange for votes. You went to public school, too, I see.

Jim D – You are wrong. The fact is they just don't want to support and encourage laziness and fraud. In other words their hard earned money supporting big government thugs and welfare recipients who keep voting for the big thugs who support their laziness in exchange for votes. You went to public school, to, I see.

The whole issue here is he was selected by a Governor who was arrested for soliciting bribes for this seat. Thus it can be inferred that anyone the Governor selects will be tainted.

The current Governor needs to step aside and let the Lt. Governor make the pick.

The only people to blame are the residents of Illinois since we elected the Governor, even though there were several rumors and talk of Pay to Play scandals and his alleged dealings with Tony Rezco. What were we thinking?!

Burris says, “I intend to be sworn in” .

yes you will be sworn in, right before you are asked to take the witness stand in the trial against the Chicago Machine bosses.

He intends to be sworn in ehh? Yuk, yuk, yuk. By who? The selection is not certified because all the signatures aren't on it, and won't be because it was Blahgoyowhatever who selected him. Shame on him for presuming the position he is in fact not yet entitled to.

Rick Sutter – you really are the epitome of a Republican, I'll give you that. Not an ounce of fact, but plenty of pointing the finger at others. If that's not an idiot Conservative, I don't know what is.

BTW attempting to talk smart is not the same as actually being smart. Your argument that "the more educated people are, the more Republican they are" is not only laughable, it completely flies in the face of common sense, which you seem short on. The more *highly* educated a person is, the more money they make. The more money they make, the more they don't want to pay high taxes on their money, therefore they vote Republican. Since this represents about 5% of the country, there is no way they win an election, so what do they do? They use wedge issues like abortion, guns, religion, war, race, and 'patriotism' to try and build a coalition of highly under-educated mostly southern and rural white people, who don't have the mental capability to realize that the Republican elites are using their simple-mindedness to basically steal from them, spy on them, and send their kids to die in the desert.

Idiot.

I'VE NEVER SEEN A DUMB BLACK IDIOT LIKE BURRIS GETTING USED BY A SERBIAN CROOK. THIS JUST AMAZES ME.

Yikes–the level of discourse on this forum is, well, disappointing...

What I don't understand about Burris, is why he would ever consent to be nominated under these circumstances... For someone who has spent his career developing an impeccable resume, you'd think he'd have better judgement.

interesting but i think he will be seated.

I'm front Illinois and I can honestly say beyond knowing his name, I can't recall anything Burris did that was notable when he was in office. He lost the last couple times he ran for office. He may be decent but we need more than just a warm body in the senate. He's an opportunist looking to make a name for himself. I know I won't vote for him if he runs for re-election and it has nothing to do with the color of his skin. If anything, when Bobby Rush called the race card he lost my vote. If you have to use your color instead of your credentials you don't deserve the job. I'm all for an African American having Obama's seat (and I'm white) but I want someone with substance. I don't see him being effective for us given how he is defiantly taking the seat. Not a great way to start your senate career. Who will want to work with him.

The Democratic Senate doesnt want him because they are afraid the controversy and anger over the Blago scandal will defeat his reelection chances, and thus surrender the Seat to the GOP in 2010.

I can hardly blame them.

Give me a break, another Jesse Jackson we do not need nor a radicla Rev Jerimiah Wright.

Willing to bet that anybody in the senate, who has anything to say, really has no business pointing a finger at this man or at any man for that matter. At this point the old saying seems to ring true, They have to be corrupt to get where they are. How sad is that? What will have to happen to find some decent people to elect. Term limits must be set.

I can't believe he and the others are allowing themselves to be played by Gov. Blogojevich. He purposely appoints a Black man that he KNOWS they won't seat because he was specifically asked to not make an appointment, because it would be questionable. Now they are staying true to their word in not seating him and they are predictably crying out RACE RACE RACE and low and behold....folks are paying attention to this mess and not Blog, now.

Good move on his part, but Burris and the others look like puppets.

As a Black woman, I am embarrassed for them.

we don't always get what we want.

This is not about race or gender... it is about integrity... sad, but true.

Burris needs to step down... or back... and let someone else choose the person to replace Obama. If Burris is such a good man, I believe he would be considered again. His stubborn stance on the issue is only hurting him in the eyes of the Nation.

Let the man in for crying out loud. Seriously, get over it. So many bigger issues right now.

Innocent until proven guilty still right? Or do our laws and constitution no longer apply. Gov. is still Gov. Get over it until he isn't.

Congress. Already. Announced. No. Blago. Appointee. Would. Be. Seated.

How on earth is that so hard to understand?

I say seat him. It's not his fault the person who appointed him was corrupt. I mean if you think about it, if we went by that logic, anyone appointed by a government official should not be seated.

....and let's hope you do Sir get sworn in. It's a legal appointment, right???

Burris is an opportunist and doesn't really care about putting country first, putting himself first is more his speed. It's really, really sad to see someone of his stature (?!), and I use the word stature loosely, would put himself and his state through this. Blind ambition seems to run rampant in Illinois.

This is the 'man' who wants to be a US Senator representing IL!? Even his state rejected him twice.....Oh Canada, how do I love thee.

The governor had the right to pick Burris. But Burris had to know that this appointment was not a good thing to accept. Burris may be above reproach but the man that picked him was not.

And Sarah Palin was ambitious?

These Senators are taking billions of our Tax money and bailing out bad behavior!
Thank you Blago for inflicting chaos on this selfish bunch who care about nothing but the sustaining of their own political careers.

as a person of color, I do not agree on having Buris seated. It is a shame that Buris is using the race card which makes no sense since we have a biracial president. Buris should not be seated because any appointment from Blago is tainted. Have a special election. let the people of Illinois decide their senator.

Mr. Burris should definetly be seated, Govenor Blagojevich has not been convicted of anything ,he is still the Govenor,and he only talked about selling the seat , never did it, will be hard to convict,why should Senator Burrisagree not to run again, he has every right to be a senator and run again and the dems should seat him.

this mr burris looks like a grinning WEASEL

Mr.Burris, you said that you are ready to service no doubt you have the expenrience, you also have High Expectations as well but WAKE UP A SMELL THE COFFEE COMMON SENSE,YOU ARE MAKING A FOOL OF YOURSELF, is this all about you What about you family!!!!!,what if this back fires in your face than what!!!

You people are so typical. Dumb and always basing comments off of inaccurately interpreted information. Buris never claimed race was an issue here at all. Another Congressman made that remark and Buris has repeatedly said that he does not agree at all with this man. If you watch the whole news cycle you would have heard that. All he is saying is that nothing in his credentials is preventing him from taking the position of junior Senator of Illinois. Period.

Did Burris say, "I intend to be sworn AT?" I think he will get his wish. Gov. Richardson is man enough to know when to fold his cards. May Gov. Blago take a hint from this.

Mr.Burris, you said that you are ready to service no doubt you have the expenience, you also have High Expectations as well but WAKE UP A SMELL THE COFFEE COMMON SENSE,YOU ARE MAKINGA FOOL OF YOURSELF, is this all about you What about you family!!!!!,what if this back fires in your face than what!!!

I see a lot of your postings in here, Proud American. They speak volumes about your education, or lack thereof. It's so amusing to see post after post from Libs calling conservatives rednecks, racists, white trash, angry old white men, etc. when, in reality, the more educated and informed the electorate, the more likely they are to be conservative. Why do you think the Libs are always behind the NEA? Answer: To keep their base uneducated and uninformed; easily swayed by the commercial media; easy to CONTROL.

Yeah, more of the same old Chicago politics. Government is full of free loaders, non achievers, liberals, and Al Franken? This isn't funny anymore.

You should be ashamed of yourself walking around with a big head just because you were chosen by a crook. If this selection was done correctly I would be happy for you, but it wasn't and you should have turned the offer down. It reminds me of someone trying to buy stolen property, you know it is hot but you still take it.

He won't get elected in 2010, count on it!

TO-LYNETTE IN CA January 5th, 2009 7:31 pm ETHe's already causing a scene!!! Any Blago pick cannot be worthy!
Maybe Blago shuld have pick YOU!!!

If Burris had any respect for his country whatsoever, he would not accept this appointment. He obviously knows how much choas and division this is causing, yet he still smiles and calls himself "senator". No self-respecting person in Illinois should accept Blago's appointment. And as for Republicans bashing Dems.....wasn't Alaska just about ready to seat their corrupt senator Stevens recently...and that was after he was actually convicted??? Burris doesn't need to go to the senate, any more than Kennedy-Schlossberg does! Let's get people to D.C. who are truly ready and capable of leading, not people who think they are entitled to lead!

mr Reid was unable to punish liebermann who abandoned his party and campigned for the other side now he wants to block Burris. this appointment is legal and i tell ya guys when it reaches the supreme court and the justices rule in his favour the congressmen will look really foolish and republicans will rejoice. the solution is to sit him and if the prosecutor or illinois legislature have a case they could proceed with impeachment of their governor but as of now he is not even indicted. Move on Burris you are clean.

Something very troubling about the guy wants the job too much.

After eight years of the Bush presidency it's nice to see the cool efficiency with which the Democrats are now leading the country. I liked the movie they made as well. The Keystone Kops.

Just like Bush "intended" to get bin Laden?!

Or, just like Bush "intended" to find WMD's?!

Tragic situation because Burris is a good man and a great public figure, and he probably is going to be "pawned" away due to Blagojevich!!!

Funny how the Democrats look like complete imbeciles even before BHO is in office. His historical win is already tainted by his corrupt political allies. How can you say you weren't chummy with Blago? Richardson was also in the running for your veep spot at one point????

Democrats are running this country into the ground and Pelosi is carrying the flaming torch as the rest of America burns.

Bozo, Bozo, Are you in here?

Let the man in the senate.....he has done no wrong.

can't tell you how much i am enjoying this disintigration of the dems and they really aren't in total control yet!!! just keep the likes of burris and franken coming and even you dems will be wishing bush was back because this makes all of you look so totally stupid!!! LOVING IT!!!!

To Brian:

Franken once said of a fellow Harvard grad that was killed in a gay-bashing murder that he was "glad" the (expletive deleted) was murdered.

Check out all the homophobic skits on SNL for the last 30 years.

Guess who wrote them?

Former wrestler Franken has some "issues" to deal with.

Hasn't Minnesota had enough wrestlers in public office?

Sometimes having "any" democrat elected is not a good idea.

To quote Clay Davis:

Sheeeeeeoooooeeeeeet! Pardner!

This man is delusional.

By playing into Blagdonvich's games, he should be shunned from polite society.

Over 70 years old? Time to retire, Burris!

He clearly is NOT the junior senator from Illinois. His nomination has NOT been approved by the Illinois Secretary of State, aand the man has no standing.

"In an effort to defuse the situation with Burris, some in the Senate’s Democratic leadership are considering agreeing to seat him if he agrees not to run for re election in two years."

What kind of quid pro quo is that? Those advocates are clearly overstepping the Senate authority. It is up to Illinoisans to decide who will represent them in the Senate. And so far, Blagojevich, crook though he may be, has legally and dutifully appointed an upstanding candidate.

The Senate has more pressing issues to deal with. Move on.

Burris will be sworn in as blog's lackie. Shut up Idiot your making us look like republicans.

I'm ashamed to tell people that I am from Illinois with these jokers in office

Why do we need this guy, or the many others . . . who say "they have OUR best interest at heart"

Congress Term Limits . . . 12 years, NO Retirement!

Burris, like many others, needs his 15 minutes!

The Senate does not recognize Mr. Burris, please have him removed from the premises.

Hey Matt....
Read your history books RE: Civil War....ask the South how that worked out for them....

A true man of character would have not accepted the appointment of a corrupt and criminal governor and would have declined. He should have waited for the legal process to be completed.

Hey...he bought it fair and square.....

Typical Democrats--they believe in entitlements.

I see that the Illinois attempt to skip the legitimate way to the Senate makes Burris look like a couple of other gad flies in the newyok Demo party. As an attorney you should try following the rules , If they ear legit you will honestly get there and receive the respect that comes with the legal process. Your actions at this time makes you look like the devious Governor who is grasping at straws and trying to take the spotlight away from him and his questionable antics. PLAY BY THE RULES IT WILL GET YOU FURTHER THAN THIS CURRENT CONTROVERSY.

Run him off, run Obama and Biden off and let's get this thing turned around.

If the Senate does not seat Mr. Burris, then they may as well all go home, considering the further loss of respect they will face.

I just don't understand this...the man who appointed Mr. Burris to the senate did so after being caught in the middle of a tidal wave of corruption, therefore accepting the appointment makes you look foolish at best. It seems to me and the entire literate world that waiting for the decision to pass beyond Blago would have been the right thing to do, then accept the position if nominated or elected. This being equated to racism is laughable.

The offices he ran for and WON were comptroller and Attorney General. He as also run for and LOST four attempts at Chicago mayor (once) and Illinois governor (three times!) Tells you something doesn't it?

Senator Burris now you know how democrats in congress fell about minorities

Larry and New Voter.. I co-sign!

Burris=Bum

Hey Matt, no not Civil War, it's called revolution.

I think "what's going on" has the more astute response of all. Americans need to have leaders they can admire and trust. If Obama cannot pull it off, our cynicism will simply deepen, and our will to unite will fade.

Kwame – I so hear ya!!

He's already causing a scene!!! Any Blago pick cannot be worthy!

You are right. We don't want you to warm the seat. We don't want you near the seat nor in the room Burris.

You are a joke Burris. An attorney general who presented a form that was missing the Secretary of State's signature. Did you even attend law school? What a complete dunce.

Danny Davis should be appointed, just for turning Blago down, if
nothing else. At least he's showing some honor and character.

Please don't get used by Blagojevich...... he is not worthy. Let the Senate do the right thiing PLEASE!

To Mike Syracuse NY: To your question that you ask me last night that if i belive that Obama was anointed by God to be president then Bush must have been to, and although i did not vote for Bush my answer to your question would have to be yes he was for whatever the reason and i do not even pretend to know Gods ways i can only speak on what he sometimes let me see for whatever the reason, but even when i cant see them i have to depend upon his word which say's that the nations are his and that he put over them whome he chooses. Like i said i did not vote for Bush but yes I prayed for him and i still pray for him because i know that a house divided cannot stand , and i will also pray for you for not only the comment that you made on this blog but also for the boyz in the hood that you made on another blog that is now closed, our country can not go forward with that type of thinking no matter who you voted for.

It is a shame to see Mr. Burris thrown under the bus of the Blago fiasco. Someone in the state of Illinois voted him into office, was he such an idiot then? What would be the response if this were a Republican fiasco? I think I can guess that one!

By the way, in response to the Lou Dobbs question of the night, does the Senate need another comedien? NO! There are enough clowns there now, one more popping out of the spend and tax car is more than too many.

But I guess Al Franken is as qualified to serve this country as Caroline Kennedy. Let the games begin!

Typical Illinois politiician...he knows there are $$$$$ in being a senator. Good salary, great health insurance, life-long pension!
Hope he doesn't have to share it with Blagojevich.

While I don't agree with the Governor's actions, Illinois should not lose represenation in the Senate for any period of time because of his issues and mistakes. The people of Illinois deserve full representation and unless the powers that be can show that Burris is tainted he should be seated. As the laws at present dictate, the Governor has the power to make the appointment as long as he is in office. They should have moved more quickly to remove him if they have the ducks aligned that make his guilt proof positive or they should have waited until they did so that this type of speculation would not occur. They could have had a special election. They could have done something.
.

Burris is just another old man looking to retire on the Hill, he won't make a difference to anything or anyone. Personally I think he's a senile old fool.

Rightly or wrongly appointed, Burris is an incredibly arrogant man. One wonders if that might be the reason the folks in Illinois turned down his previous election bids, and did so 5 times. Whatever happened to those in public office serving humbly, with the public's best interest kept first and foremost? It is NEVER possible to couple the phrase "public servant" with the word "humility" when "arrogance" is the defining characteristic of one's personality. Pride was the original sin, and it is certainly continuing on here in the person of Burris.

I advise Sen. Burris to show up early, before anyone else, and refuse to seat THEM!

well well well look here ? all the stupid people on here that know what is right and what is wrong.
you need to watch and learn reid will get his back side hung out for all the world to see how stupid he is on this

Burris will eventually be seated because a deal was made with Obama that as long as Blago's appointment was black, he'd get in. All the anti-Burris talk is just for the public's sake which again was hoodwinked.

A scene has already been made–by Mr. Blagojevich. Put Burris in the Senate with Franken and Caroline...and what a sweet mess we will have.

To Matt,

Just to clarify, Al Franken is a Harvard graduate. Idiot is liekly not the correct term. you may not like him. Heck, I might not like him. But the Ivy schools try their best to avoid admitting idiots, unless their father was the CIA Director

As for the legality of this appointment, I do nto think any previous legislature had the foresight to imagine a corrupt governor sellign the seat, ina situation like this. I do not doubt that Burris has served Illinois nobly. But that had little to do withthe appointment. Blagojevich appointed someone who woudl take the spotlight off of himself. Ironically, he shot himself inthe foot, because that role would have been so much more effecively filled by Jesse Jackson Jr.

Governors who are mentally and orally competent have the legal right to appoint Senators from their region. Blagojevich was clearly not one of those, and a case might be made that the second is not true, either. THe best bet is to allow the Lieutenant Governor to take his rightful spot, then make the appointment himself.

Why does the Democratic party seem on the brink of imploding?

I thought they were above this. Obama is not even in office yet and this is the face the party wants to show? Edwards, Blago, now Richardson. I thought corruption was limited to the Republicans.

Both parties are equally corrupt and if you try to say otherwise you are naive. This country has to come together as Americans and hold all of our elected officials accountable. Don't let either party make you sheep.

The difference betweeen Kings and common men ? The Crown... ...and he who wears it, as crooked or as full of tomfoolery as he may be...weilds the sceptre. Blako is a defunct King and Burris is his paper tiger.

Burris, stop making a burro of yourself and just go back to Chi-town.

.

Lets set term limits and a maximum age limit,this guy can barely tie his shoes.

Hi Mr. Burris. Please, don´t show up in the Senate as appointed senator. Don´t make fun of African-Americans like Rev. Wright did during the primaries! If you intend to pursue your political career in the US Senate you can run in 2010 for that seat.
I am proud of the President-elect OBAMA. His integrity, courage and capability to unite people should inspire you. Thanks.

Glad to hear you aren't falling prey to these Dem [?leadership?] strong arm tactics and "deal making", which sounds about the same as what they are accusing Blago of wrong doing with. UN B LIEvable.

Welcome to the Senate Senator Burris.

Do you think he would make a good poster picture for term limits?

Please go away your a bigger Idiot than the Gov. who appointed you. He's using you Idiot.

he wont win in 2010. neither will franken or kennedy. too much time between now and then for all of them to be seen for who they really are.

Burris is so stupid to even take the invitation to be senator after the democrates said they will not seat the person that nutcase picks. And am a black man saying this. Color don't mean anything. Just cause he picked a black man, he think they sit him.

Roland Buris' selection by the Gov is legal and should be seated unconditionally by the senate.
Harry Reid has a conflict of interest in this issue by his influencing Blago before his arrest. Reid made it clear to Blago that 3 AA are not acceptable to him but 2 white women are.
I am not sure the Democratic party want to loose their solid base of African American voters.

And people in Hell want ice water!

a "gentle man" does not act the way Burris does. The state of Illinois does not want him, hence they refused to vote for him many times before.

It will drag in the courts for the next couple of weeks and by that time Blago the Clown will be impeached and the new Gov will revoke the appointment

I love this. This is showing the whole country how crooked the Democrats are. It is also showing how week Reid and the other "leaders" of congress are. They can't even stand up to Blago and and old man.

I'm sure the terrorist are shaking in their shoes about the administration!!

First off I am a black male. And for anyone to claim racism post the election of the first black president is just plain DUMB! And we have enough dumb people at Capital Hill. After all the hardships black people before Burris suffered for Burris to pull the racism card in this situation is a slap in their face. Burris you should have never taken the seat from Blago to begin with, but after you did accept it, take the critisim for such a bone head move like a man.

I love it. Chicago style politics. I heard their pizza is also good.

You go Roland!! I am from Illinois and I say more power to you! Harry Reid ought to go back to Vegas. He is a dottering old senile man. Can't wait to hear you being sworn in.

Mr. Burris has ran for Governor and Senate before and lost each time – the only position that he has won state wide was Attorney General – I think that Mr. Burris " Ego" has taken over his ability to embrace his common sense.

The Secretary of State (Ill) must sign the document before the United State Senator person cannot allow an individual to take a sit in the Senate Gallay

This should be named a Burris move, to show up for something that everybody is in doubt is yours, and then declare it YOURS

This seat is legally his and if it was not him we are talking about then it would have be someone else. The gov still today has not been convicted of a crime so we need to give this gentle man a chance

Burris obviously is not a principled man. He simply wants to add the Senate seat to his resume on his big stone in his cemetery plot. After all, there is no way he would win the Senate seat in a general election.

this story simply shows that when you have an egomaniacal character like Blagojevich, one only begets another egomaniacal character like Burris who only thinks of oneself.

I am an Illinois voter who voted for both President Elect Obama and Senator Durbin. That being said, in the interview with Wolf Blitzer today, Burris said that he had never lost to a Republican. Well, that may be true. However, he also failed to mention the 5 times he lost during the Democratic primary, which would mean he never had a chance to face the Republican. 3 times running for governor, 1 time running for Senator, and 1 time running for mayor of Chicago. He has won election 4 times as he said, but 3 of those 4 were as state comptroller (the 4th being Attorney General of Illinois). Burris is a joke. The only way that he would ever become Senator is by being appointed. He has never even been a lawmaker at the local, state, or federal level. Blagojevich appointed him as a political stunt because he knew it would create friction between Chicago politicians and nearly everyone else. If I were Burris, I would bow out and live a lonely life in the countryside.

If Fizpatick has as strong a case as he said, why is he pussyfooting? Oh yeah – the accused has certain rights to make full answer and defence and to sue for malicious prosecution and for defamation.

Kudos to the Governor for honouring his OATH and carrying on his obligations and duties as Governor. The people of Illinois deserve no less. They ought not to be treated as second class citizens because of Fitpatrick;s UNPROVEN allegations!

I'm gonna tell you right now he's not gonna win re-election and he's too old-school to understand what's happening...I mean, WAY OLD-SCHOOL.

And I heard him talk to Don about it that he accepts the "challenge." No offense to Burris but what challenge?? Because the only challenge your gonna have is perception...is not his fault and he's right, it was legal but maybe he shouldv'e waited for someone else to name him instead of Blago...

I say sit him and do a full senate investigation with Fitzgerald. If any wrong doing is found then throw him in jail for life. If he was truly concerned about this country he never would have accept the appointment under these toxic conditions showing to me he is more concern with power which we have enough of these types in the senate already called Republicans.

burris,
desparation + un-thought out decision = drama

I am glad to see Burris stick it out and demand his rights. I still cannot believe how our elected leaders think they have a right to not seat him because they don't like Blago or have made themselves judge and juror over the allegations against Blago. Rick, below says it best....

Burris, you have GUTS. I like that!!

If the Sec.of State of Illinois has not sign off for Roland Burris to take over the seat in the Senate how can he be in that seat and who gave him the arthroity to say he has that right.

I think as Mr.Burris quoted on television today that he is the Miracle he needs to think about what Miracle he is.

If the Gov. Blagojevich has sign off on Mr. Burris and the Sec. of State hasn't and according to the Consitution he has to have her or his signature then how can he keep saying it's according to law when it's not and he has no seat.

Burris represents Jesse Jackson's generation. If race is a factor, then choose someone of Obama's generation. Burris is just an opportunist. The whole thing looks more and more suspicious that Burris and Blagojevich collaborating on this.

poor guy.

how can we trust you any more. if you accepted blago, we never know what future favor you promised to give him in exchange. as we all know by now, nothing is free with blago. you are doing this at our expense.

i have a hard time believing the senate approves you. i am not white but am against using the race card. obama won the seat through the statewide elecction. the seat does not have color. i would like to have a person in his seat who can win the statewide election on his / her own and have enough judgement to decline a tainted offer from blago.

Roland Burris. There's no fool like an old fool.

Aw, LIP, you are an adamant anti-Democrat. I know what little trick you are up to–trying to create conflict in the Democratic party. I think you need to worry about the conflict in your own Republican party.

ron and new voter- "HERE. HERE.!!

The State Courts will compel the Illinois Secretary of State to sign Burris's certificate of appointment. He does not have veto power over the Governor's appointment.

Then, the Federal Courts will compel the Senate to seat Burris. The Senate's power to exclude someone is limited to those who don't meet the minimum qualifications of age and residency, or those qho have been convicted of crimes. The senate does not have the ability to reject an appointee of a sitting governor just because they don't like the guy making the appointment.

Time to follow respect the law and follow the law, people. Burris doesn't have to agree to any limitations to claim this seat. It is legally his.

Good luck Burris ... Not

A smarter man would never have accepted a nomination from a corrupt loser like Blagojevich

But I guess when you can't manage to get yourself elected into office, people like you will jump at any opportunity regardless of the tainted nomination

Doesn't the stupid man get it? He's not wanted! Typical though, just push his way in and call racism.

This is what happens when you let Democrats run things.

@ Matt

Actually, it would not be suprising to see Burris seated, then Blago be convicted, then watch as we have to untangle the legal question of whether Burris' appointment should be considered retroactivelly null and and void. And this is leaving the impeachment question out of the equation.

The real point here is that Burris should be showing the restraint and good judgment we would want from a Senator, regardless of party affiliation. Damaging his own career and reputation by accepting an appointment from a seriously tainted Governor who is about to be impeached and has been indicted for corruption...NOT INDICATIVE OF GOOD JUDGMENT.

Burris knew that party leaders did not want Blagojevich to appoint anyone due to a specific charge, "selling Obama's senate set" you can see how guilty or not this charge can taint a selection.

Matt you can have your civil war you crave so much just rename yourself to unAmerican slime or domestic terrorist cause that what you sound like to me, in eight years I never heard anyone I know talk about a war were Americans kill Americans because there guy didn't win. as for me I wish all newly elected senators even Al Franken good luck, you'll need it with people like Matt praying for this country's demise.

When a government has ceased to be a reflection of the people and has become a tool against them the common man is left with only one option. ORGANIZE, VOTE, and Prevail but never threaten violence this is a democracy the fact you can spew your Venom without reprisal should be a reminder to you how great our country still is!!

More circus music.

I think I'm going insane.

Before I proceed, let me make CLEAR that I AM BLACK. It hurts me when I see intelligent black man like Mr. Burris makes stupid of himself in front of the entire world. THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU DUMMY. It was not secret that the Governor corrupted the system. Any conscious human being knew that selection of anybody, no matter if was BLACK or WHITE would be tainted. AND THEN HERE COMES THIS INTELLIGENT BLACK FOOL, WITH THIS STUPID EGO to be a senator.

If the rest of the country knew how highly Mr. Burris thinks of himself then no one would be surprised by his silly statement of believing he should legally be the next Senator from Illinois. This guy is a loose cannon that Gov. Blago picked because he knew it would shift the media away from him and it is working.

Everyone know Burris will never win an election so this compromise is total BS. The man has not held elected office in more than a decade and the couple of times he has run for anything he was soundly defeated. By taking this nomination he has lost all little respect that he once had. This man is a joke. It was bad enough that Blago the Clown is in the national spot-light, now we have ego-maniac looser Burris, and the Black Panther Racist Rush.

Culture of Corruption.

This is one big unbelievable mess! And please do not attempt to make this a racial issue, as it is not.

As a voting resident of Illinois who has to listen to the two egomaniacs carrying out this charade, Burris and Blago, I am disgusted with the both of them.

Get a clue Burris - no way can you get elected in your own right in 2010. And we don't want you as a seat-warmer for 2 years.

if he were 10 years younger he might not have been so eager to show up to a senate seat appointed by Blago

He is thinking this is his last chance

Mari,
No trial will ever come of this. Fitzgerald is busy misplacing the evidence and protecting big name criminals. By the time he is finished, Blagojevich will get off with a slap on the wrist because he knows too much and he can bring down the "O"val Office and many other political note-worthys.

Burris maybe a good man but his character and judgement should be questioned for accepting this nomination. The Dems will have to fold and accept him as it will be impossible for them to disqualify a man who represents a majory Democratic voting block. Sorry hands tied here Dems!

You know what...I kind of like Mr Burris. He has such a friendly demeanor and pleasant smile, that I think if I found him with hands in both of my pockets, I would simply admonish him and tell him to do a good job for Illinois.
Let the guy be seated and lets get on with the people's business.

Increasingly, I have come to believe that this is not, as Mr. Burris has implied, what is best for the people of Illinois. I believe it is what is best for Mr. Burris. I think he is so desperate to become a U.S. senator that he is willing to take the seat under questionable circumstances which makes me not impressed with him.

Burris you are obviously the Alan Keyes of the Democratic Party. Shut up about possibly being used.

What a mess

Burris is tainted by nothing.

Guilt by association is not the law; presumption of innocence is the law.

It is unAmerican to presume any person guilty of any crime without proof.

That goes for both Burris and Blago. Fitzgerald hasn't even indicted yet, and he could get an indictment against a (clearly innocent) ham sandwich. Fitz is also part of the Bush administration, so the whole accusation could be political chicanery.

Remember Don Siegelman, the Alabama governor ruined by charges that were never proven? We have only Fitz' reputation from the Libby case to tell us Blago's not just another political victim, a pawn being used to undercut the Obama administration.

Mr. Burris is a citizen and a respected official of Illinois, he has rights as an appointed Senator....why does he have to promise not to run for office, Is Harry Reid telling Clintons and Bidens and the other appointees to make the same promise not to run in 2010? Or is there going to be a different set of rules for People of Color now, who have the ability and quailifications to be appointed?

I don't think anyone can really say he doesn't have the cops for the job. My problem with him, is I just don't see how he can rationalize his viewpoint that the appointment is not tainted in any way. I mean the gov got arrested for auctioning off the appointment, how could anyone appointed by him NOT be tainted?

Mr Burris isnt the
senator from Illin-
ious yet,all he is,
Is a person that the gov would like
to the senator from
Illinios,Hes just a
person,until the
state Attny signs
on the doted line,
then and only then
Will he be the Jr
Senator from Illin-
ios.he should stay
in Illinios and try
to get the Attny
General to sign the
paper.then he can go washington and
they would seat him
without any thought
or conseirn if he
should be there or
not...

Guilty by association.....Next Candidate please....

Interesting that he emphasizes the 4 statewide races he won and ignores the ones he lost. Shading the truth to his convenience?

O.K. now this guy is a joke and needs to be sent back to his corrupt state! He has got to be kindding himself if he thought he would just walk into the capital and all would be forgotten. Plus...didn't he lose almost every election he ran for in his state?

According to public reports, Burris seems to be a good public servant, but he should not have let himself get roped into Blagojevich's circus. Blago used him as a pawn and now he wants to be treated as if the process was not tainted by Blago's corruption problem. It doesn't–or at least shouldn't–work that way. Burris is not a victim here. He played along with Blago knowing what was going on. Sad but true.

Matt you are a fool. Believe what you want about Franken, but Burris was definitely NOT selected "by the people" but rather hand picked by Blago.

It has been clearly demonstrated that the rat Blago has never done something for nothing!! So what was "exchanged" for this appointment of Burris? Do we not need to look further before we certify that everything is on the up and up? It isn't about color or race or qualifications anymore. It is about honest and ethical governance, and if we really want this, we must ensure that all is on the up and up and not sold. Everything that Blago had done was for some form of personal gain and are we to believe that at the height of this scandal that he has suddenly turned into honest Abe? We cannot and must not seat Burris until everything has been thoroughly investigated, for what good would it do for the people of IL and this nation if this turns out to be a bigger scandal than we is already out there.

The democrats have really showing there true colors ,,, lts brother al franensteal has cheat his way in minnesota ,, gov richardson is caught taking money, gov blog gets nail for selling obama seat....yes change we can beleive in ....

Come on Harry... you're not a "racist" are you? Are you Bull Connor, Harry?

Sixty years after Rosa Parks' brave stand and racist democrats are still making blacks sit at the back of the bus.

I didnt know the Senate now had affermitive action laws that required the seat to be filled by a black person. If a Black doesnt get the seat they will cry racism. Durbin and Obama both said it should be filled by a special election but after they thought about the REAL possibility of a Republican winning they shy away from it and accept the corruption.

Mari, the man is not tainted by being appointed by someone bad. If your boss at your job is a criminal and gives you a promotion before his trial, that doesn't make you a criminal. The logic on these boards are quite scary. He was legally appointed to the position. He has done nothing wrong. So what if Blago is "accused" of something? He has not faced a trial. Also, this federal prosecutor has been known to state things that he can't prove in court. I think everyone is judging Blago off of a few statements...believe me, I feel he should step down too. But I will not condemn his LEGALLY made appointment and that does not make this respectable public servant, this 71 year old guy a bad person or bad potential senator. I don't appreciate Blago's racial political games and dire need for attention, but those are mental health issues, not legal ones.

Here we go!!!!!!! The Congress is negotiating and compromising on the vacant senate seat because a black man has been nominated to that grand booby prize. What happened to their convictions of not seating anyone that Blago nominated? Their convictions are down the sink ever since the nomination morphed into a black man. Burris will be seated. The Democrats in Congress do not have a backbone when faced with a minority, no matter how tainted or filthy the whole affair. Can we get you some water Mr. Burris, that is, Senator Burris? How about a pillow?

sworn in, sworn at – it's all the same

How can Reid stop Burris from his seat. Read the Constitution. It says the Senate can only look at Burris qualifications. The qualifications are listed in the Constitution. (Citizen for 9 years, 30 years old and resident of state. Burris is qualified. As usual Reid has no clue what the Constitution says.

Without the signature of the State AG approving the appointment, the appointment isn't valid. Showing up and trying to brazen it out is inappropriate...well, I guess it worked for W in stealing and election but as the MN situation proves, America isn't going to stand for that any more. Like it or not, the main is tainted and he knew well in advance that he would not be accepted by the Senate. He's got a lot of chutzpah to be acted like HE is the injured party. The injured party is the State of IL and the United States of America. Let the seat be vacant until a special election can fill it.

Mari, the man is not tainted by being appointed by someone bad. If your boss at your job is a criminal and gives you a promotion before his trial, that doesn't make you a criminal. The logic on these boards are quite scary. He was legally appointed to the position. He has done nothing wrong. So what if Blago is "accused" of something? He has not faced a trial. Also, this federal prosecutor has been known to state things that he can't prove in court. I think everyone is judging Blago off of a few statements...believe me, I feel he should step down too. But I will not condemn his LEGALLY made appointment and that does not make this respectable public servant, this 71 year old guy a bad person or bad potential senator. I don't appreciate Blago's racial political games and dire need for attention, but those are mental health issues, not legal ones.

Without the signature of the State AG approving the appointment, the appointment isn't valid. Showing up and trying to brazen it out is inappropriate...well, I guess it worked for W in stealing and election but as the MN situation proves, America isn't going to stand for that any more. Like it or not, the main is tainted and he knew well in advance that he would not be accepted by the Senate. He's got a lot of chutzpah to be acting like HE is the injured party. The injured party is the State of IL and the United States of America. Let the seat be vacant until a special election can fill it.

The Democratic leadership and President-Elect Obama must stay the course and not allow Blagojevich to win this fight. Burris may be a good man and public servant, but he was a fool to of accept the nomination.

Sincerely,

Tyrone Brown
Proud Obamacrat

Very well said Matt...

It's a real shame for a guy like Burris who seems like a very nice guy who got tangled up in a real mess. The Democratic leadership is obviuosly concerned that he will not be able to retain his seat in 2010, hence their failure to want to seat him....

While I do agree that any appointment by the Gov. should not be seated. I think the "backroom dealings" by Pelosi and Reid are just as bad. Where do they get off trying to make decisions that rightfully belong to the voters in Illinois. Politicians are such hypocrates!

Mr. Burris lacks common sense.

As what?

THATS RIGHT GO AND GET YOUR SENATE SEAT . DON'T LET THESE RACIST PEOPLE TAKE FROM YOU AND AS FOR YOUR AGE,WHAT ! ONLY OLD BEHINE WHITE MEN LIKE STROM THURMON CAN STAY IN THE SENATE FOR 100 YEARS BUT A BLACK MAN OF 71 IS TO OLD . THEY DON WANT TO HAVE ANOTHER BLACK MAN IN THE SENATE HE JUST MIGHT BECOME PRESIDENT!!!!(( OH LORDIE WHAT IS WE GONNA DO !!!)))

Why would any self respecting man even want to join this circus?. I suppose it would be the same man who would go as far as to design his own grave monument to lists all of his accomplishments.

What is extremely bothersome here, is that Mr. Burris is being punished for something that Gov Blagojevich did. Burris never did anything wrong, and he was appointed legally (Blago hasn't been convicted yet, so he is still legally allowed to appoint people).

If senator Reid thinks he can get away with keeping a Black man from taking a seat at the table, he is in for a rude awakening.

Mr. Burris wants a good salary, free health-care (and at 71 that's important), and a lifetime pension.

Can it Matt. The Illinois SOS has not signed Burris' certificate. The Minnesota SOS has signed Franken's. Franken is 100% official, pending any legal action. Burris is not. Burris has not been legally appointed.

Matt, would you like a little cheese with than "whine"? Get over it!

Rightly or wrongly appointed, Burris is an incredibly arrogant man. One wonders if that might be the reason the folks in Illinois turned down his previous election bids, and did so 5 times. Whatever happened to those in public office serving humbly, with the public's best interest kept first and foremost? It is NEVER possible to couple the phrase "public servant" with the word "humility" when "arrogance" is the defining characteristic of one's personality. Pride was the original sin, and it is certainly continuing on here in the person of Burris.

This situation is a good example of why Senate and Congressional seats should not be temporarily appointed and special elections should be done ASAP. The states should be forced to have a special election at their cost to have the seats filled. That includes New York and any other state as well.

This whole thing is an embarrassment to all of America and an example of how corrupt our political system is. How can we promote democracy around the world when we do similar things as done in countries founded on communism and fascism.

And we intend for you not to be sworn in. Anything the gov. touched is suspect. Come on Ill. Do something right for a change and stop this man now

With all the comments I have read about Burris being tainted because of his association with Blagojevich, why is it that the followers of the "great one" (obama) go balistic when his association with Bill Ayers, Bernadine Dorn, Rasheid Khalidi and the now convicted Tony Rezko is questioned? Why considering those associations should he be seated. Is it a reperations thing?
Shed some light here on the double standard people.

Good grief. Seat the man, already. I'm a diehard Democrat, voted for Mr. Obama, expect him to be a great president, but these guys have painted themselves into a corner with this one. They should just gracefully acknowledge that Mr. Burris is qualified and let him in.

Promise the thuggish Democratic leadership anything they want, then ignore them and do what is best for the citizens of Illinois. What a revolutionary idea!

Blah Blah Blah. Mr. Burris give it a rest. Your legacy isn't that great in Illinois anyway. You have always been a legend in your own mind. Ran for Mayor...lost bigtime! Ran for Governor.....lost bigtime! Ran for this same Senate seat....lost bigtime! The only way you can go is to be appointed, because we would never elect you!

Blagojevich is up on corruption charges. If I were someone he picked I would wait until the House and others were on the same page. Burris looks really fishy right now demanding something he should wai for his peers to honor.

I've seen a society fall apart and it ain't pretty

I say off to jail for Blago, don't recognize Burris, hold the special election for Emanuel's seat and attach Obama's seat to it

And if I could wish: jail Bush, Cheney, Rove, Rumsfeld, Rice, Gonzalous, Ashcroft

They are a shinning example of abuse of trust

Is there any sense of honor any more? ANY?

These people are delusional.

He and his pal Franken should make an interesting pair. Now, if only Rep Barney Fife could get a Senate seat and we would be blessed with a for-real Curly, Larry and Moe.....

I hope he doesn't have his hopes too high.

Mr Burris the children are watching, you are really at retirement age, one day you blast the Blagojevich, next you are in bed with him, Mr Rush it is time you rode into the sunset, because snakes are snakes, this man has tainted the process by all measures, nothing racial, about the rejection, Our children see and hear all, just because Burris is Black, you are operating like Mugabee or some other 3rd world countrry, Burris you have done excellent don't taint it, go home that is part of what is wrong in America, we don't know when to go home be a grandparent, you also Mr Rush

I think the Dems and Harry Reid need to stand their ground on this matter. Reid made it clear that any person appointed by Blagojevich would not be allowed into the Senate and this should stand. I think that if Burris had any sense of public service then he should not have accepted this appointment.

I'd want to be sworn in, too, if it guarantees me a full senate pension for the rest of my life if I only serve for 18 months. Hmmm! I hope he has not promised anybody part of it in exchange for the position.

"When a government has ceased to be a reflection of the people and has become a tool against them the common man is left with only one option.

Civil War."

That's a LITTLE strong, don't you think Rob? My guess would be that vast, overwhelming majority of people in Illinois believe he should NOT be seated. Hardly the preconditions you're suggesting...are you one of the few people who actually believe he SHOULD be seated and his appointment IS legitimate?

Mr. Burris, I am not sure how much you paid to the governor, but seems like you need to ask for a refund because the senate seat is no for sale and we will not let you be inaugurated. Bad investment Sir!!!

Hey Matt, that is "Honest" Chuck Schumer for you. He is a beauty.

He seems able to do the job and is honest. Just seat him already!

No Win Position for Mr. Burris. The job is worse than a caretaker or lame duck position. Burris should walk away, keeping his good name.

Burris was LEGALLY nominated and as such IS THE SENATOR of Illinois and should be seated.

ENOUGH of THE CORRUPTION and WHEELING AND DEALING!

This is why so many Democrats are starting to get disillusioned.

The Burris appointment was legal and he is a good man who has proudly served the people of Illinois. So don't attack him!

There are plenty of people in Congress who need to be investigate....like RANGEL!

This guy is just way too excited to get in there. It makes me think that he might have a favor to give Blago in return.

If he was really the civil servant he purports to be, he'd understand how tainted his selection was and allow the choice to be made the right way. Pure and simple. Just another typical politician that cares more about his career than actually doing good.

One thing we don't need in government, another egomaniac. Burris is just that – he already has his own effigy carved in stone (who does he think he is, Ozymandias?

This guy's dirt, just like the guy who appointed him. Only a man with no scruples would have agreed to fight for such an appointment.

JJ's question above is my question as well. Maybe if the Senate agrees to seat him, then the signature will be given?

This guy doesn't get this idea of the taint that the current governor has. I guess he doesn't understand that until Blagojevich is either cleared or steps down, there is little chance that his appoint ment can be respected.

Proof that stupidity can cross political lines.

As an African American, I am so very very very disgusted with this has been House Negro I could jusrt SPI T! What he needs to do is go sit his old azz down somewhere and let the people of Chicago decide who should get the seat. I am further disgusted that some white Senators are afraid to somehow offend black constiguents (sp.) by not sitting Mr. Burris!!! What a freaking crock! News Flash White SENATORS!!!!!!!!!!!! We dont care if a black, white, asian, Latino, Mexican etc., is appointed as long as he is is QUALIFIED! To think that black people are going to March in the street if this antiquated relic isnt seated is EVEN MORE OFFENSIVE!!!!! I equate it equally offensive to those whites who think that most blacks voted for Obama because of his Skin. While I dont deny I felt a certain pride in doing such, we voted for the Best DEMOCRAT! Believe me we would have voted overwhelmingly for ANY Democrat as we have in past elections.

What is wrong with you People!!!!!! Why are some white people so afraid to stand up and say ..."I dont care what color this man is.....This isnt't Right and we as AMERICAN CITIZENS aren't gonna take it?" You'd be surprised at the Black Chorus that may Chime in with you.

I'm sorry I ranted.

Can someone please tell this man to stop? I feel embrassed for him. I am amazed that just two weeks ago he's telling the governor to step down and now he thinks he's going to be senator.

Maybe I'll just show up...then I can be a senator too!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha......It's like getting suspended from school and still show up for classes....Amazing.

Regarding Burris, so much is about "saving face." The senate does not want to appear powerless though legally its not clear if they have a case. I think he should be seated as he himself is not tainted and apparently desperately wants this job.

Jeanne/New Jersey

It seems to me that if the Illinois Secretary of State won't sign the appointment, then it's over. The requirement that appointments be signed by the Secretary of State is intended as a check against appointments made in situations where the governor isn't considered capable of making a proper appointment. It's just like how the president needs a confirmation from at least one other high ranking government official before they can order the use of nuclear weapons. The president has the right to order a nuclea strike, but a high ranking government official has to confirm the order just in case the president is high on extasy and planning to launch a nuclear strike to eliminate the bat cave.

Yes Blagojevich has the right to choose the next senator, but without that signature from the Illinois secretary of state, that appointment is as good as invalid.

Senator Burris you have our vote and our support.

All we ask is that you stand up for the best interest of Illinois.

Good luck to you sir!

Amazing isn't it that they will allow a complete moron like Al Franken in the senate and fix the election enough so his loss becomes a win and those same people that support Franken are attempting to block Burris who has legally been appointed to the spot.

This government had ceased to become a voice of the people and only exist now to keep themselves in power and above reproach. When a government has ceased to be a reflection of the people and has become a tool against them the common man is left with only one option.

Civil War.

Amazing isn't it that they will allow a complete moron like Al Franken in the senate and fix the election enough so his loss becomes a win and those sample that support Franken are attempting to block Burris who has legally been appointed to the spot.

This government had ceased to become a voice of the people and only exist now to keep themselves in power and above reproach. When a government has ceased to be a reflection of the people and has become a tool against them the common man is left with only one option.

Civil War.

YOU SHOULD TAKE U.S. MARSHALLS WITH YOU WHEN YOU ENTER THE SENATE. BUT, SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN AN ATTORNEY GENERAL, YOU WILL KNOW WHAT TO DO.

we all have hopes, he shouldn't be expecting an appointment from a felon to go through however, he is embarrassing right now for our political process, I feel dirty for his showing up to the Senate

“’We don’t need somebody to warm the seat,’” Burris said And therefore what the hell do you still seek in politics. You are 71 and way past retirement age. Please retire my friend, do yourself a favor.

The man should be seated for two reasons:
1) There has been no known or suspected connection between him and Blago on the pay for play charges against Blago.
2)BLAGO IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. As much as the pundits and the people who dislike Obama and Blago want it the other wayBlago is STILL the Governor of Illinois, it is still his responsibility, CONSTITUTIONALLY, to appoint the replacement for Obama in"any manner deemed appropriate by the Governor" (see the Illinois Constitution folks).

But like most things in politics impression is much more important than fact so lets punish someone else (Burris) for the possible misdeeds of another (Blago)...

idiots

How does he think he can get sworn in tomorrow without the Illinois SOS signing the certificate????

I pity Mr. Burris. He is obviously tainted because of the criminal Blagojevich. IF Fitzgerald has proof that Blagojevich did something criminal, let's have the proof and the trial!

Hope WON!

shame on u