CNN

He should sit down. What does he want, a bigger pension?He should be ashamed of himself. As an accomplished politician can't he just continue to to serve his state ? He is old! I guess he doesn't have a big enough forum in his state, and his ego needs that power so he is prostituting himself to gain it. It's not about race. In fact, how racist is it when Obama had that seat and was elected decisively? Wake up and stop drinking from the crazy juice jug! The Lord did not ordain this, or he would have confirmed this with others.

That can't be legal, can it? It certainly isn't moral.

He is way too eager, do a special election like with Emanuel's seat

I think Burris is acting this way because it is his last shot at 71yrs of age

He's lying Jesse White said the same thing, telling us he is going to be a one-term Secretary of State. To this day, he is still there. We had to pay license plate fees because of Him. In addition, electric rates went up (not his fault). All these politicians in IL sleep with lobbysts. WE need term-limits.

I remembered my Aunt came to visit me and she laughed at our roads. She told me that we pay too many taxes and our roads are horrible.

To CHANGE IN AMERICA. Learn the English language, then learn to type it. Your post was wacky and unintelligible.

There is no story here. Everyone in Illinois knows that Burris will never be elected to public office again. He has tried several times and has lost badly. All the man talks about is himself. This is a money grab and he is already wasting taxpayers money by flying to Washington when he knew he had no shot of being seated.

Burris would not get a lifetime pension. You have to serve in the Senate for at least 5 years in order to get that.

Yes Obama stepped in this one.

He should have done the same thing as in the past which has served him so well and stayed out of the Senate's business, since he is no longer a member.

Cuz, it is the law that the Burris will be seated it will just take a lawsuit to make it happen.

With Obama being a lawyer I would have thought he would known that.

If he were so tainted wouldn't he just lose in a primary. These are supposed to be our best and brightest?

Mr Burris is wrong for accepting the Senate seat in the first place. He should have declined until the mess with Blogjeivich is cleared up, and there would be no question of his elligiblity and seating with his tellow senators. He's anxious to get in and I can understand that but until there is no problem with his acceptance, he should stay where he is. All the antagonism generated by his acceptance now will only cause ill feelings on both sides.

"Members of Congress are not eligible for a pension until they reach the age of 50, but only if they've completed 20 years of service. Members are eligible at any age after completing 25 years of service or after they reach the age of 62. Please also note that Member's of Congress have to serve at least 5 years to even receive a pension."

Some folks on this thread need to educate themselves before mouthing off.

Or are you just repeating dittohead sound bites from Lush Limprick?

Oh, it's Bash. She's good at gossip.

If they ban him from running for the 2010 election, what incentive would he have at all to just not become totally corrupt, and uncooperative during his 2 year term?

I will be very upset with the Dems if this is indeed what is going on. What if he wants to run and the people want to elect him in 2010?

There is a very thin line between exchanging a senate seat for money and exchanging a senate seat for the promise of a vacant senate seat in 2010. Do the Dems not realize the hypocrisy in this?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH,

Democracy and the Democratic Party in action!

Are they crazy? Who are they to decide what Burris does with his life? Voters have always been the decision makers in any election, why must that change now? This is a lousy request. Burris must not buckle in to this.

As a citizen of Illinois, I don't care to have Burris as an interim Senator, or as a future Senator. He's a loser. He's run for Mayor of Chicago, Gov. of Illinois and Senator. He's lost everytime. A special election is needed in order to let the citizens elect a Senator. Why should we have to settle for someone who didn't have the dignity to turn down an appointment from Blago?

if the man is so unethical to take the position in the first place what makes you think he would keep a promise.

Burris: "Of course I won't run in 2010, if seated now".
2010: Burris claims he was distracted by a honking horn and didn't hear and thought they said "Burris, please run in 2010".
2016: Burris serves his state well and retires filthy rich like all smart Senators.

Looks like I called it right from the very beginning, when I said Burris and Blajoavich knew something the rest of us didn't: a deal had been struck with someone in advance of the announcement, someone who had the power to get Burris into the position even while the Feds were investigating Blajoavich...can you say Obama.

And people thought it was going to be a new way of doing things in Washington...the new way is merely changing the players; not the backdoor shenanigans

Molly, I don't think there would be a primary because he would be the incumbent therefor the dems would be stuck with him against whoever the repubs primary produces. A good idea is to have any seat that is filled by appointment rather than the voters of the state can be seated but must go through a primary at the next election cycle no matter what. That should be law and would solve a lot.

Burris as interim until 2010...that has been my hope since Blagojevich named him. For all of you "but he wasn't elected" people out there...governor appointments to mid-term openings ARE THE LAW. Also, speaking as an Illinois resident, if we held a special election, none of the likely candidates is a clear choice at this point. We could have six candidates, none with a majority of the vote. You'd have to take someone who won with 30-40%, or you'd have to have a run-off election. All of it would take a long time and cost a lot of money at a time when Illinois is in grave financial trouble. We'd "elect" someone by summer...but we'd then have another election in 2010, just a year away. The special election thing is A BIG WASTE OF ILLINOIS TAXPAYER MONEY. Let Burris be interim and bow out in 2010.

Burris as interim until 2010...that has been my hope since Blagojevich named him. For all of you "but he wasn't elected" people out there...governor appointments to mid-term openings ARE THE LAW. Also, speaking as an Illinois resident, if we held a special election, none of the likely candidates is a clear choice at this point. We could have six candidates, none with a majority of the vote. You'd have to take someone who won with 30-40%, or you'd have to have a run-off election. All of it would take a long time and cost a lot of money at a time when Illinois is in grave financial trouble. We'd "elect" someone by summer...but we'd then have another election in 2010, just a year away. The special election thing is A BIG WASTE OF ILLINOIS TAXPAYER MONEY. Let Burris be interim and bow out in 2010.

The democrats are going to have to make a deal on this one or Blago will blow the whistle on some of The Great Obama's dirty laundry.

What a dumb idea. Let him be seated and prove himself. If we want even a remote chance of him playing a useful role in the Senate, why take the incentive to try hard and perform well away from him?

H-ROD January 5th, 2009 4:12 pm ET – You are right. If Blago's pick had been white, then all of the African-American people who are demanding Burris be seated would be protesting saying that Blago's pick shouldn't be seated, Blago should be impeached, then the new gov could pick (an African-American).

Question: If a black person who works hard, on his own, and doesn't play the race card is considered an 'Uncle Tom', what do you call a black person who accepts an appointment from a corrupt, dishonest politician and then throws race into the mix when people don't want him seated? Well, I mean what do you call them besides an Illinois Democrat?

H-Rod, are you kidding me? If this guy was white, the media wouldn't cover it...how about, if Obama wasn't black, he wouldn't be president? He received more courting and favoritism than any politician has ever received. Blag's a criminal...take off the blinders.

TO–Stef January 5th, 2009 3:15 pm ET
Sure he'll "agree". Just like Obama "agreed" to use pubic campaign finance money***PE Obama did not sign any agreement RE the use public campaign finance money***

Hey, H-Rod. Try as you may, this is not a racial issue. The statement was made prior to his appointment that nobody appointed to the senate by Blagojevich would be seated. They did not refer to race in that statement, so nobody, purple, green or plaid would be seated.

Also, are you aware that one of Burris' stumbling blocks is that the Secretary of State Jesse White is refusing to sign the necessary paper admitting Burris to the senate. Mr. White is black, so explain how that is racially motivated.

Mr. Burris wants the full lifetime pension that he will receive as senator. This is greed. And as a resident of Illinois I do not want my taxes to be paid for a senator that is not duly elected.

Wow. So the Democrats want to do the right thing and not seat him...they're holding to their ideals and understand that....oh wait...okay, if we can make a DEAL with him, maybe it's okay.

The choice either has integrity or it doesn't. How can people feel like bargaining about it makes it okay? And how DARE you Democrats accuse Republicans of lack of integrity when this is so amazingly out in the open????

the Senate Democratic leadership is allowing Roland Burris to be seated in the Senate as long as he agrees not to run in 2010.
**They are allowing him to be seated ,because legally they can't block it Reid to do his resarch before opening that puss **

burris so far is free and clear of scandals the guy is sqeekly clean i say seat him with no condtionsafter all as an amerian he should be able to run for any office checkmate to the il gov

Gotta love the Dems!

I see the circus in Washington will continue...no matter who is in the oval office.

Martin – You "thought this would stop now that Obama is president"... seriously dude, you are one heck of a fool for believing that. Have you not noticed that since Obama became president-elect he has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he does NOT represent "Change"?? Do you not see that? Appointing dozens of old Washington standards to his cabinet and administration left and right... yes that's change all right.

Wake up.

@ Stef
Why can't you people open your stinking mouth without call on Obama's name. You are so pathetic. Go brush your teeth before calling Obama's name so that you don't leave dirts from last year meals on it. Gosh!

Reid is a wimp. Kick Burris out and kick Blagoboy in jail. Grow a spine Congress, come on.

Reid needs to go.

The democrats are all wet here. Blago has not been convicted of any crime and may never be. The dems are trying now to back away from outright denying Burris entry into the Senate chamber. Go, Burris, and protect your American Constitutional rights against those stupid liberal democrats.

Martin January 5th, 2009 2:57 pm ET
>>>>>I thought this kind of stuff would stop now that Obama is >>>>president.

Yea,, right Martin. You actually believed that?

Obama got elected, I accept that, and hope he does well.
BUT, that is exactly the problem, people fell for the god allmighty theory surrounding Obama which the media pushed. Way too many people actually believed this man could change Washington and the world.
CHANGE to BELIEVE in is what we heard.
Again, I hope Obama make this country better, even if he did not get my vote, but I honestly feel there will be a lot of people sitting around about two or three years from now saying,,, Well gee whiz,,, he is not the god we thought. Not much has changed in Washington.

HELL TO THE NO , DON'T PROMISE ANYTHING THE MAN IS STILL GOVERNOR AND STILL HAS THE RIGHT TO PICK WHO HE WANTS IF THIS MAN WAS WHITE HE WOULD NOT BE GOING THROUGH THIS FRAGGANACKAKLE BULL, YOU HAVE TO SEAT HIM AND THATS THAT!!!

Typical of the Democratic leadership to throw down a guantlet then backup in the name of "compromise". PE Obama, after supporting Reid's position, is now left exposed. Roland Burris' hubris will deliver him an honor he could never earn. Shame on him and shame on the Democrats for being such jellyfish!

The idea of allowing Roland Burris to be seated in the Senate as long as he agrees not to run in 2010 is not in my opinion a compromise but rather a political gester to save face or an inane idea that apparently no one could trump hence decided to use!

In my opinion, it's inanity at it's best, serving no purpose and having no sensible foundation or reasoning. Surely among the many educated, experienced, professional, members one would expect better.

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.

First we have Gov. Blago and all the dirty Chicago Politics

Then we have Rangel who Pelosi has yet to address properly

Then we have the New York Senate seat who Harry Reid and the Kennedys are trying to manipulate.

Let's hope Governor Patterson puts New York first and tells the Kennedys NO! New York should be more important than the Kennedy name. After all this is a Democracy not a Monarchy.

Enough is Enough!

The Burris appointment was legal so they need to seat him and focus on Rangel who has become a liability as well.

You can bet the devil is in the details. This is a shame. You can best believe they don't want another African American too close to the presidency.

If Roland Burris is qualified and did not "buy" his seat from Gov. Blago, then he should not have any restrictions. After all, he was legally appointed by a governor, who despite all the fuss, is innocent until proven guilty. If it is determined that Burris cut some sort of deal with Blago, then he should be removed and prosecuted.

The "option" of seating Roland Burris if he promises not to run in 2010 is so pathetic and political, one might have thought the idea came from across the aisle.

For all their indignation and bluster, the Democrats are showing that they are exactly the wimps we were afraid they might be.

Absolutely amazing, a triumph for the democratic system? Is ths country missing a few achronyms at the end US-SR! This is disgusting,appalling,incomprehencable,just to hard to believe,...

They should seat him, with no strings, another Dem can run againt him in 2010 that how a free country work hah good old boys system. It bit you in the butt.

This was the only way Burris would have become a Senator (handed to him). Apparently, he has never been able to win anything he ran for. Let him have the two-year seat. Then, he'll have to give up the seat when it's won in the next election.

Virginia, the mess was fully underway long ago – unless of course you have been living in a lap of luxury. Too bad that Obama has been handed the pooper scooper.

It is a sad day!

Martin, a few logic fallacies here.

1: Obama isn't the president yet.

2: The governor is still the one with the power to appoint the new senator so the senate can't simply ignore one of their peers. Remember he hasn't been charged yet.

3: Since the seat is vacant the new senator is appointed by the governor. This happens all the time he would not have been elected by vote any way. The problem here is that the governor is corrupt and doesn't have much credibility.

People, including the Idiot Senator from Nevada.

Read the US constitution, Blago (the CURRENT governor), may appoint who he wants and Reid CANNOT prevent this.

It is appalling that the dems are now using the very kind of Chicago political deal they rail against.

Hypocracy lives on in DC.

Hey Martin, Obama is president? When did this happen? I thought we had another few weeks. I think it is pathetic that the only person crying racism in this whole debacle is Blago and Burris themselves. Burris tried to run for Governor twice, and lost twice. He ran for mayor once and lost. Even if he did run in 2010, I highly doubt the people of Illinois would have anything to do with him. This is nothing but a way for Burris to stroke his ego by being appointed to a seat he never could win on his own, and a way for Blag to take some of the spotlight off himself. The Illinois voters are the ones losing the most over this whole debacle. Illinois has become the laughing stock of the nation.

That sounds like a good compromise.

Burris is qualified and should be seated. Just because Blago is tainted and accuse of wrongdoing does not have anything to do with Burris. And then 2010 let it be a run off!!

Thank you, Michael ATL GA, for your reponse. Can't say that the answer makes me happy! What a farce. I'm from Illinois and I really didn't mind not having two senators for a while. Then today Blagojevich sets a date for an election to pick a replacement for Rahm Emmanual's congressional seat. They could have done both elections at once!

Oooooohhhh, a promise from a politician not to run for office. Yeah, THERE'S something you can take to the bank!

Don't seat him. Period. Are you crazy?

I say that they make the deal. There are more important fights to be fought.

Kevin in Ohio...what a stupid statement. I guess you must be a Republicant with such a comment. Corrption is everywhere..we just got through with 8 years of it.

The problem is, Burris' appointment, as distasteful as the appointor is, may be completely legal. If so, the Senate may be ordered by the Supreme Court to seat him. I suspect that some cooler heads in the Senate now realize their leadership may have spoken too soon and are now looking for a face-saving exit.

Ready! Fire! Aim!

The real problem in all this is that the U.S. Attorney may have gone off half-cocked when he blew the whistle on Blago before he actually had a chance to DO something wrong instead of just talking about it.

Ready! Fire! Aim!

isn't this a bribe???

Anyone who believes a politician's promise to not do something, please stand on your head.

Burris? The man who made a deal with the devil in order to be a Senator? Yea this is a man who is worthy of trusting. This is a man whose word is worthy of believing. Blech.

A simple thing like appointing a Senate replacement gets screwed up by the Democrats.And you really thing they have a clue about how to change America for the better?

I agree with "Change in America" and wouldn't change a word – he makes it absolutely clear: "I am African American I dont agree with Burris taken Obama senate seat but this is outcry to American andybody could run for 2010 senate seat if qualified this is racism I hope African American protest in Illinois this stupid."

How can anyone argue with such an informed opinion?

Is there a difference between selling the seat for money and "selling" the seat for a promise?

Helloooooooo people. What Harry Reid and other Dems have just proposed is a clear PAY FOR PLAY gambit, and should be condemned as illegal and disgusting

Promises can be broken...I will not use contributions and will run using public financing

sounds like the democratic leadership is playing a little black mail. why the secretary won't sign the paperwork is just as juvenile, just like the dnc.

Hey folks maybe old "Blago" did the country a favor by proving that his party is just as bad as "the opposition". First they say "we won't seat him", that backfires so then they flip-flop but try to deny Mr. Burris's rights anyway. It doesn't get any better than this. Even Hollywood writers couldn't come up with a story this good!

Everybody always trying to make a deal. That's what's wrong with the government. Burris should have turned down the position when offered by Blago and went about things the legal way. Let Burris earn the seat. Have a special election

Now Harry Reid and the Democratic Senate are going to seat Burris if he promises NOT to run for reelection in 2010 in order that Reid and others "can choose" a candidate to run that is more appealing to them. Every registered voter in IL, including Barack Obama, ought to rise up in defiance. THIS IS A CLEAR VIOLATION OF IL STATE'S RIGHTS AND A BRAZEN ATTACK ON THE SOVEREIGNTY OF ILLIONOS. How dare Reid and other Dems say that get to decide who will represent IL in the US Senate. THIS ACT IS MORE EGREGIOUS THAN ANYTHING THE IL GOVERNOR HAS DONE

Only if he promises not to run, yes we should go with that because politicians never break their promises

Thats a farce requiring him to promise not to run for public office in 2010, he's a servant and citizen of Illinois, he has a right in America.

No, no, no... Do it LEGALLY. It's time to lose the back door deals regardless of party. Do NOT taint the situation further by making this man suspect...

Whether this guy is the perfect senator or not, the fact that he was appointed by Blago who is recorded saying he's going to sell the seat... Does anyone really think that Blago may turn out to be innocent? The Illinois legislature should grow some and address the issue directly – not stand back and make disagreeable noises and speeches.

Oh Please sour puss Reid don't seat him! Democrats in Congress invented racism

Anything to stop this from being a choice made by the people. The dems just don't want a election.

I think Burris should accept any deal he's offered. He can always change his mind because the agreement will not be legally binding. Politics and politicians as usual. Look at your out going president (Busch). He made some bad decisions that has effected the entire country and probably will be remembered forever.

Why would he be prohibited from running? He seems like a good man, he is qualified, let him try if he wants. It is up to the electorate after all. If the politicos and unions would stop screwing around with the process, we could see what the people in the state really want. I may be an idiot, but it seems that is what this representative republic is all about. Not about validating the political machinations of corrupt politicians and unions.

First things first. The governor of Illionois has been accused of being a crook, but has not been convicted to date. Secondly, the same governor has up the ante by appointing Burris in the face of all those calling for his resignation. Thirdly, Burris appears clean but all his talk about his appoitment being "ordained by God" has got to go. Enough with the religious nuttery.

Despite all this, I think they should seat the man till 2010 to enable the state of Illinois to fend for itself during these difficult times. I cant see how they can legally tell Burris that he can be seated as long as he does not run. This does not sound right to my ears and thinking. I think come 2010 the people of the state of Illionois should decide who is best to represent them. They don't need some parental political oversight telling them who is good or bad to represent them. Let the process unfold on it's own, and put the trust of this position in 2010 in the people's hands.

He should not be seated. Period.

Let's get this straight. He's too tainted to run in 2010, but not too tainted to have the job for 2 years? How does that work? Looks like the race card is working....again. OJ would be proud.

Hey Martin, Obama is NOT president until 1/20-give us these last few days before the mess gets fully underway!

What a joke.

It is sad the way this 2 party system owns the people, and the process involved.

Isn't this the same thing that the Senate is complaining that happened in Illinois. deals being made.
Why are they putting restrictions on Burris. They are taking away state rights. The Illinois constitution states that the Governor of the State wil fill a vacancy when ones becomes available until an election. Whether the Senate likes it or not, he still is the Governor of Illinois.

Joyce -

Yes he does get FULL pension for REST of his life, with all other benefits. These are avail to ANY senator that serves EVEN for a single day!!! Why do you think the man badly wants the job???

We knew the Senate leadership was crazy, but now it is confirmed! Can anything be crazier-they might as well have let Blago sell the seat like he tried to in the first place. Good grief, the damage this man could do in that length of time is unimaginable. Reid, get your head out of whereever it is you have it stuck!

As the man said let him have the seat for just two years, he is not going to do anything anyway and he is a good man.
Just what the Dems want in the senate!

Let the residents of Illinois decide.....after all, it's their Senate seat.

Obviously not who they wanted and they're not going to give the people a chance to re-elect him.

Where is the out-cry about this. Nothing like Reid and crew flip-flopping on this. Before it was, no matter what, whomever the governor puts in will NOT serve. Now it is, well, maybe he can serve out the rest of the term, and then when everyone forgets about it except for the Republican opponent in 2010, it will just be the Republicians being obstructionists...

Jesse Jackson Jr. has served 12 years in the House, and this former state AG is more qualified?

Where is the change that we were promised.

Even if he made that promise he would use the race card in 2010 to run again.

HOW VERY ARROGANT OF MR. BURRIS TO TAKE AN APPOINTMENT FROM A DISHONEST GOVERNOR WHO IS GUILTY OF PROBABLY MORE THAN WE CAN IMAGINE, PARTICULARLY AFTER BEING ONE OF THE FIRST TO CALL FOR THAT GOVERNOR TO STEP DOWN AFTER HIS LATEST PAY FOR PLAY SCHEMES. MR. BURRIS NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY, YOU ARE NOT DOING THIS FOR THE RIGHT REASONS, AND NO GOOD SHALL COME OF IT. YOU ARE CERTAINLY OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER. REMEMBER, THERE ARE REASONS WHY YOU HAVE RUN AT OTHER TIMES AND LOST, AND SOMETIMES THE EASIEST WAY IS NOT THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE YOUR AMBITIONS. YOUR CURRENT ACTIONS REALLY DON'T EXHIBIT THE GOOD CHARACTER THAT YOU CLAIM TO HAVE. YOU SHOULD REALLY EXAMINE YOUR MOTIVES IN THIS MATTER BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT DOING WHAT IS BEST FOR THE PEOPLE OF ILLINOIS, BUT SADLY FOR YOURSELF.

What happens if he turns out to be a GOOD senator?????

So the Democrats seat the "tainted pol" so long as he doesn't run in 2010. Shows you what's important to Harry Reid and co: winning the seat in 2010. Never mind bringing corrupt Blago's man into the Senate. Wow, more change we can believe in!

Sure he'll "agree". Just like Obama "agreed" to use pubic campaign finance money...

go ahead and cave dems. you are good at it.

This sucks!!! No deals, send the crook back to ILL. The Dems are crazy to make deals with this fool, I'm sure he's made a deal with the governor when he is seated, this is just plain BS!

This is a sick compromise a deal not a solution.. Work for a solution, eliminate MORE LOSE ENDS. AS IF YOU MESS AROUND LONG ENOUGH THE PROBLEM WILL DISAPPEAR.

I am Africian American and I DO NOT THINK THAT RACE SHOULD DETERMINE THE SELECTION. If you look at the circumstances surrounding this appointment ,Burris allowed himself to be used as a pond, wich I think is more of a travisty than no Africian Americans being in the Senate. To me the best way would be to have an election and both parties recruit minority canidateds for all offiices.

Burris is making himself appear very desprate.

Its really not up to the seated Senators. They have over stepped their self importance. Right now they are standing on a techicality, he did not have the signature of the Ill Sec of State, the Sec of State has no recourse but to sign the paper or resign he does not have the authority to do anything else. The Governor of Ill like him or not has has the Consitutional authorirty, duty and responsibility to appont the new Senator. The Senate has no authority to reject him unless he does not meet the Consitutional requirements of age, citizenship anf residency. Since he is old enough, an American citizen and a lifelong resident of Ill, he is the Senator from Illinois, thats the end of the discussion. They will now be one Senator short, Illinois will not be properly represented and the they will lose in the courts, PERIOD.

The rule requiring the signature of the secretary of state is a procedural guideline, not an enforceable law. So Burris has the proper papers. All he needs is proof of appointment by Blagojevich. - The Senate lacks the legal power to block the appointment, so the negotiation is really about whether Reid will screw up Burris's term by forcing the matter into the courts - which would eventually rule in Burris's favor, but cost him (and the people of Illinois) months of actual service while the issue is argued. - Senators are under the same pension rules as other federal employees, which means pensions are fully vested after 5 years, and vary based on the number of years of service.

What happened to the will of the people?

The problem here is that there is no much choice. If Blajoavich is still the governor Democrats can't do much the law is the law. Blajoavich hasn't been charged of anything yet. He still has the power to name the new senator.

What else can be done?

Martin January 5th, 2009 2:57 pm ET

This is purely politics as usual. I'm sick of this. I thought this kind of stuff would stop now that Obama is president.
___________________

Whoa, Martin!! The inauguration of Obama has NOT YET COME. Which epoch are you in, dear man – AD or BC ????

The Senate has the authority to deny him a seat in under the U.S. Constitution, but they do not have the right to deny any citizen the right to run for office. Besides, it means that Illinois' junior senator to be elected in 2010 would not have the seniority that the proper appointee would be entitled to. This compromise is illegal, unethical, and wimpy.

Kevin in Ohio-

Can you post ANYTHING else besides talking about all the Dem corruption? I mean, where have you BEEN the last 8 years? And correct me if I am wrong, but haven't there been way more serious corruption scandels involving the republicans?

Now I know that both parties have been corrupt, but to insinuate that Democrats are SO corrupt have been responsible for everything is just plain silly.

You can keep trying though....god knows you will....

Iam an african american also, and I feel that Burris is unqualified to be in the Senate, and Blagojevich is playing the race card. To give Burris Obama's senate seat is like a slap in the face.

Burris, see that you are being manipulated and used and refuse the position.

Article 1, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution states, "Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members."

Section 3 says "The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State" and "No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen."

Roland Burris of Illinois documentably meeets these age and residency qualifications, and the Senate acting as "judge" of these qualifications cannot possibly find otherwise.

Amendment 17 of the U.S. Constitution states: "When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies."

Therefore, Roland Burris should be seated tomorrow as the junior Senator of Illinois, wihtout conditions.

More hypocrisy from the smelly heap that fouls Washington's air.

This is how it should have been from the beginning. Blagojevich played the right note by selecting a qualified elder statesman with integrity. However, the elder statesman should have justified his acceptance by pledging retire from the seat after 2010.

Just like Delaware, where the stand-in will step down so Biden's son can have the seat. Aren't you getting sick and tired of this manipulation of the democratic system so that the "chosen few" can continue to rule? What's next, will someone have to hold a seat for Sasha?

This was always political. The more I listen to it, it seems clear to me that the Dems reached out to Governor Rod Blagojevich to get who they wanted seated and were met with Governor Blagojevich’s demand for something in return (which is typical of effectually all politicians, because of the way our system is setup), and the Governor said that he wouldn't give something for nothing. At that point, the Dems, acting in an imperialistic manner, used the U.S. Prosecutor to stifle Governor Blagojevich, in hopes of putting someone in there that the Dems approved, at least that is what the Dems thought. But, whatever else happens, the Governor out-smarted them and put them in a quandary for racial sorts.

I am a life long Dem, but the more I watch both parties, they all are the same. The President-Elect wants to give $500 (yeah, that'll go far) away so as to spur the economy. Now, if the $600 last year didn't do the trick, what makes them think that $500, will. As long as they our offering a few hundred dollars to average citizens, I am certain it is about Wal-Mart trying to get their hands on relief money (i.e. look out for the upcoming “bail-out relief sale”). If this were truly about the people, forget for a moment that in all likelihood that giving money away will hurt the value of the dollar, the government would be giving away $5,000 tax free, as opposed to $500.

Mr. Burris should not agree to any demands that he not run for reelection. These party leaders have become political gangster using Mafiosi style tactics for eliminating a person and their political career.

The dems are really starting to show their dirty faces. I think they know already there is no chance for them in 2010 or 2012. They have blown it before they have even begun.
CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN, YEAH RIGHT.

I do not know how in the world this guy Blog can get away with being so corrupt, and nothing thus far having been done. And to to everything off, he make an appt to the Senate Seat he wanted to sell..And then you have Burris acting as if this seat is really his and he earned it..I would have had more respect for Burris if he had done like the first canidate, and simply said " No", because it was the only moral and ethical thing to do. But I degress, i forgot who i was dealing with...tainted , you betcha!

Why doesn't Harry Reid just switch parties.? He back downs or votes against his party all the time. Most recently the auto bailout. He voted NO.

This is ridiculous. He knows the people of Illinois want nothing to do with an appointment by an obvious psychopath yet his own lust for power propels him forward without any thought to the people he represents. Slam the door in his face and put him on a bus back to IL

have a special election, he can run in that, anything Blago touches at this point is poison

Change in America: I am trying to catch your drift. Are you for or against?

Wow – the Dems changing their mind after they said one thing. Amazing, isn't it? Crooks helping crooks!

Wow. I wish i could say i was surprised, but with the spineless weasels that we call our Congressmen and congresswomen, this is all to predictable.

HEY CONGRESS, YOU SUCK!.

Grow a back bone and stick to your word.

"We won't seat him. We will block the doors to the Senate Chamber"

"We might seat him if he promises to not run in 2010"

Guess they got the memo that, as Burris put it, his nomination is "Lord Ordained".

Don't mess with god, or a black liberal, you racist bigots.

Wow..... soooooo, what happens when he decides to void the agreement. Typical democrat shortsightedness. And it enables more corruption. We'll just have to get used to that.

A senate seat shouldn't be negotiable. The laws are quite clear on how one gains a senate appointment. I think Burris made a mistake accepting the nomination from Blagojevich in the first place. I think his second mistake was trying to enter the senate floor knowing that he was missing the other signature required to enter. If he agrees to "negotiate" for the interim term then that will be his third mistake. I don't know if he's qualified or not but I do know that the way he's going about this is clearly not the best way to go about it...

Got to hand it to that snake Blago. He out "Clintoned" the Obama team.with this appointment....yeah, technically, it's probably legal.

Now they probably have better seat him, else more political pine tar on all of them.

This episode is funny, what is happening in Minnesota is not. it's a crime.

What the heck does that have to do with anything??? They screwd up trying to have cake and eating it too. The people should just demand a special election, enouhg of the bull crap, and I am an independent and voted for Obama. Enough!

If this goes through, then I promise you that in two years, when they come to him and expect him to uphold his end of the deal, he'll go back on his word, and then, surprise surprise, the race card will be dealt yet again.

Hopefully enough people in Illinois will come to their senses by 2010, and realize that the Democrats (especially in Illinois) can do nothing but run this country into the ground. Then they will vote them out, get in some Republicans, and then get the country on the way back up.

The whole mess with Illinois, and now the apparent victory (or should I say theft) by that loser joke Franken just proves that this Congress is well on its way to maintaining that single digit approval rating it worked so hard to get in 2007.

He should NOT be seated. Period.

This is purely politics as usual. I'm sick of this. I thought this kind of stuff would stop now that Obama is president. Shouldn't senators be there to do a job, not just be a placeholder in an attempt to retain the seat for the current political party? This is very disappointing. Does Burris really believe that he represents the Illinois people when he wasn't elected by Illinois voters?

cj
Oklahoma
I don't care what this man say I would not want him given the seat if I was in his state. All I hear is that this seat must be given to a african-American, not that he is the best person for the job. The people in his state have choosen not to elected him every time he has ran in the last 13 years so why should they now have to have him. THe state is going to have a special election because of some of the pres. elect other chooses, so why don't they let the people of this state just elect who they want. With all the problems this state is currently having why not let the people speak.

Hey, Caroline Kennedy might as well show up with him. I'm sure they'll seat her too. How much validity will his promise be when all he has to say is it was made "under duress" as they wouldn't let me have my job without the promise.

I believe it is against the law to petition someone NOT to run for office.

Blajoavich is a real toad for doing this. He calls it political maneuvering. I call it pure slime. This is a country, and constituent's interest we are dealing with. I wish politicians like him would stop treating the job of running this country as if it were a game of chess.

@ Joyce and @ Jeff in Illinios

Under both CSRS and FERS, Members of Congress are eligible for a pension at age 62 if they have completed at least five years of service. Members are eligible for a pension at age 50 if they have completed 20 years of service, or at any age after completing 25 years of service. The amount of the pension depends on years of service and the average of the highest three years of salary. By law, the starting amount of a Member’s retirement annuity may not exceed 80% of his or her final salary.

Burris would not get retirement or other benefits if he leaves
Congress in less than 5 years.

I can't believe this! First CNN reports that the Secretary of the Senate won't approve him because he doesn't have his documentation. Documentation that he should have since he was appointed by a sitting Governor.

Now they are going to accept him so long as he agrees not to run in 2 years. Who do these people think they are to try and stop someone who is qualified and meets all the constitutional requirements from holding any office.

This man has done nothing wrong. He accepted a position. If Caroline Kennedy is appointed are they going to hold her to only serving 2 years? Think about it!

NO WAY NO HOW NO BURRIS!!!

it has nothing to do with race. how can anyone say that after the dems fought so hard to get our new president.

it has to do with the fact the Burris is tainted and i wouldn't be surprised if he was the highest bidder.
Blaaaaaaaagh-ovitch is giving the middle finger to everyone. i can't believe congress would compromise.

But what about Blagoveich's wife? Michelle got the royal treatment on the board.., why not Patty??

LOL, Senate Dems back down – cry racism and you can win!

The Illinois Senate is a joke, and should have already started impeaching Gov. Blago, but politics got in the way, everybody wanted to be a Senator...

This Blago stuff is just downright gross

Just what gives the Democratic Party the right to make these lopsided deals, when they allow the traitor Joe Lieberman anything he wants, just so they can have his vote?!! Something just smells here.

How can someone (or a group) tell someone else that he or she cannot run for a political office? Did our flag change from red and white stripes, etc. to a red field with a hammer and sickle overnight or did I miss something?

Democrats of 2009, don't think that just because we won the white house and a few more seats in the Senate and the Congress that we can do what we want to do. The Republicans tried that and see where it got them. Don't tell this man that we'll give you the seat now if you promise not to run in 2010. As long as he is eligible, he can do what he wants to do and neither myself or the democratic leadership should tell him otherwise.

The more I hear, the sicker I feel! An I.Q. test, and yearly polygraph for all politicians should be a requirement!

promises not to run in 2010??? Have you ever known any, ANY, politician to keep even one promise??? The man is as crooked as Blago, he just hasn't been caught yet.

He accepted an appointment from a Gov who was arrested for corruption, is being impeached, and is going to be indicted soon!!! This says alot about this man. He is blinded by his desire to be in the Senate. I as a democrat do not want him seated.

Secondly, as a multi-racial person, I am appauled at Bobby Rush's injection of race. If he were so concerned about a black person being in the senate, why didn't he support Obama in 2004, he supported a white person. He speaks with forked tongue.

Burris should not be seated at all!

Sounds like the Dems can't do much to stop this appointment. Oh well, Burris will be 73 by then and probably should be thinking about retiring anyway. It may not have been a wise choice for Burris to accept the appointment in the first place, but at least he does have a clean and honorable work history. Oh Fitzgerald, looks like you really screwed this one up!

So democrats are more concerned about partisan perserverance than truth and justice.

Talk about party first!

That's ridiculous! Either reject his appointment or let it ride. How can any governing body tell a citizen of the United States of America that they can hold an office only if they deny their right to run for said office in the next election? Whoever came up with this idea should be investigated for corruption as well. Whether or not Burris is appointed and does a good job is irrelevant. I would sincerely hope that with his credentials he is fully capable of making appropriate decisions but when the voters have the opportunity to elect their representative then their decision is all that matters regardless of which party wins the seat. We need to get beyond these partisan politics and elect the best person for the job ... PERIOD!

They better do something fast. or they will have egg on there face. They dont have a legal leg to stand on to deny Burris this appointment.

The Dems are using their heads. That's change I can believe in.

I don't think he would win a Illinois Democratic primary in early 2010 anyway, no matter who ran against him.

so a guy shows up at the door without the proper documents from his state and the Senate will let him be seated??? What is this? Guess I will give it a try.

Take it if the rest of the Senate agrees to the same!

I think whether he runs or not 2010 should be up to him and his supporters.

The "new" congress starts Wed.
If the "powers" that be let him in.....then he can run a campaign in 2010,which would let whoever wants to run against him run.
The lit.Gov could "bless" his appointment.
Whatever they are going to do,should happen tonight.
This country is starting a "NEW" page.
Everyone ABOARD ??????????????????????????????????

Ummm... excuse me, but isn't that for the voters of Illinois to decide? This dem senate is a complete waste of taxpayer money. Burris is actually a clean candidate, despite our idiot governor. Can't say the same for Pelosi, Dodd, Frank or Reid.

That figures. How predictable.

I am African American I dont agree with Burris taken Obama senate seat but this is outcry to American andybody could run for 2010 senate seat if qualified this is racism I hope African American protest in Illinois this stupid.

Everybody always trying to make a deal. That's what's wrong with the government. Burris should have turned down the position when offered by Blago and went about things the legal way. Let Burris earn the seat. Have a special election.

If I were him, I'd take it. Serve 2 years, and get 100% income, with raises, for LIFE, and FREE TOP-NOTCH healthcare FOR LIFE.

Doesn't matter if he runs in 2010. Whoever ends up with this Senate seat doesn't stand a chance for re-election after this debacle.

Sounds good to me...an interim senator. Would he still get the full pension? Hope not.

Well, I'm sure that will be enough for Burris. He is just anxious to add a senate seat to the monument he has built for himself!! Ugghhhh, what a disgusting human being!

Sounds feasible to me....he actually would be an interim senator. However, I would be curious to know if he would get a full pension.

What a joke, looks like Blog wins.