CNN

Burris is an idiot hankering for publicity. No one is questioning his qualifications, but he is so drunk by the idea of Washington that he will do anything to get there. He looks like a total fool.If there is a cloud over that seat, common sense should say leave it alone until the cloud clears up. After such historic election he shouldn't tarnish the P.E's office or cause heartburn. Don't make it a racial issue. He said his appointment is not illegal, but it has unethical undertones. He had problems with Blago at first, then he ate his conscience and reached for power. He looks pitiful. He will fall on his own sword, because this will come back to haunt him. Keep him out.

Bobby Rush screams about 'plantation politics' in the US Senate while Blago is pimping him, Roland Burris, and any folks who are getting worked up and believe that other Senators wish to bar Burris because he's an African-American. It's not the color if his skin or lack of credentials that hinder Burris. He is, I believe, the first black person elected to statewide office in Illinois and has a wealth of government experience. Burris is also seeking to fill a seat recently occupied by two African-Americans; Carol Moseley Braun being the first, Barack Obama the second. The problem for Burris is the stink surrounding Blagojevich.

This isn't the first time that Blago has duped black folks with shiny objects in the form of political offices or promises. When it appeared that Illinois State Senator Rev. James Meeks (an African-American) was poised to run against Blago for governor in 2006, Blago promised Meeks that he would take major steps to revamp the school funding scheme in Illinois. Meeks promised not to run and Blago subsequently reneged.

Burris' push is not a move for civil rights when he and others are being had, hoodwinked, led astray, and pimped out by a shady white guy by the name of Rod Blagojevich.

It's easy for people that do not live in IL to say all this crap. Illinois is in total disarray, Blago is costing the taxpayers over $2 mil a day, and he doesn't care. He claims that he was elected by the public, that public is Chicago, not downstate.

Burris is just grand standing, getting his 15 minutes of fame. This whole circus is a joke,,,,, but wait a minute, this is what Chicago politics is all about.

I know the republicans have NOTHING to say. As corrupt as this current administration has been with Bush....PLEASE!!!!!!!

Republicans are just waiting to jump on some democrat hating bandwagon. Get a life!

Let Burris be seated

Jesse White has NO LEGAL GROUNDS to deny the Senate Seat to Mr Burris

Enough of the political theater and do you jobs.

We are tired of the wheeling and dealing.

Senator Burris was LEGALLY appointed and should be seated!

Burris should not be allowed into the Senate. The Dems need to stand their ground!

This US Senate aka."Den of Thieve's", is so pathetic,the founding father's must be rolling in their graves! Imagine,they won't allow a black man with experience in the senate.This is similar to:" seating in the back of the bus", with all the other "mum-bo-jumbo's" goings on is astonishing,...

ALL POLITICANS ARE CROOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blago tried to sell the Senate seat, so how much did Burris pay? Why would Burris want to listen to this type of insinuation about his integrity? Is Burris so desperate for the Senate seat that he is willing to see his integrity questioned? What a tool.

burris shoud just step down–why is he so pushy? i have no respect for him because of his attitide. if he backed out now, maybe in 2010 he'd have a chance to run on his own. his attitude is like blago's–i'll show you!

Democrats showing their ture racial colors!

There's a lot of talk about Burris being denied this position because he is black. The IL secretary of state who is unwilling to sign the necessary papers for Burris to take the senate seat is black.

The appointee simply has no honor. Period!

His appointment is not only TAINTED, it is actually STAINED with corruption.

I'd never let my father serve himself up for this sort of ridicule – for the sake of power.

So are you telling me that the Illinois Sec of State carries more juice than the Gov?

The evil that men do live after them. So, let it be with you, Burris. Oh, I forgot to mention Blagojevich. Heck. What's the difference between the two of them? All egomaniacs with no brains.

Good riddance, Burris. You are very much a crook as Blagojevich. Otherwise, you wouldn't have accepted the so-called appointment in the first place.

The certification was not signed by the Secretary of State (Ilinois) nor was it signed the Senators of (Illinois) – according to the rules/law it must be a signed document – I would think that a former Attorney General would know that and not show up like an a person with no knowledge of what is required.

Some people will do anything to feed their ego

Kevin, how much worst can we do than yo' boys just did.????? Be for real dude..

Knowing that the governor is being charged with corruption, knowing that the Dems (the party in power at the moment) were totally against ANYBODY Blago appointed, WHY oh WHY would you accept the appointment from him?
This is a legitamate question that should be posed to Burris

Burris should have known better.

We will all see who in congress knows what the U S Constitution about Now you will see,,,,. who will scream the loudest because it was done according to the Constitution.

Folks watch and see how well your representative stands up for you or will he be in the dark not knowing the law.

The great chosen one will have his way regardless of what the constitution has to say. ask the chosen one about his birth certificate and what is stated in the constitution on this subject

Shut up and go away!

we must be the laughingstock of the world!!!

, or is it Joe the Plumber, the last eight are so great. The countryKevin is in CRISIS mode.

You repub bloggers kill me. It is like an alcoholic "Hi, I am Kevin and part of the failed Republican Party and Presidency and I look stupid making fun of someone who has not even unpacked his socks. "

Hi, Kevin!!!!!

How naive are you? Do you really think that a Republican prosecutor who prosecuted "Libby" and refuse to go after Bush, Cheney and Rove is any better. Please!!! The Governor has been under investigation for three years and that's why Obama did have him speak at the Democratic Convention. Please remove your emotions, because there is nothing illegal about Burris appointment. I see if he appointed someone involved in the investigation; however, he did not. Has Blago been convicted? It's ironic that the prosecutor has requested 90 more days for his case. THE REPUBLICANS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO 2012 AND THIS IS ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT THEY WILL CAMPAIGN ON.

Burris has just sealed his "legacy."

It won't be for nearly 20 years of service to Illinois, it will be that he accepted a congressional appointment from Gov. Slobovich of Illinois, who has been arrested.

You know the story.

Last time I checked, Blago hasn't been convicted of anything yet.
So his appointment is perfectly legal.
The Ill. Sec. of State has no legal grounds to refuse signing the document.

To Blago and Burris Haters:

How naive are you? Do you really think that a Republican prosecutor who "Libby" and refuse to go after Bush, Cheney and Rove is any better. Please!!! The Governor has been under investigation for three years and that's why Obama did have him speak at the Democratic Convention. Please remove your emotions, because there is nothing illegal about Burris appointment. I see if he appointed someone involved in the investigation; however, he did not. Has Blago been convicted? It's ironic that the prosecutor has requested 90 more days for his case. THE REPUBLICANS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO 2012 AND THIS IS ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT THEY WILL CAMPAIGN ON.

Well why in the hell doesn't she sign it? I bet here is more in her closet than in Burris.

All these stupid, asinine comment that people make are unbelievable. Burris "should be ashamed", "tainted", "he shouldn't have accepted", "he's an oppotunist." NONE of this is a legal/constitutional argument to deny him a senate seat. EVEN if it's all true. Why are we even talking about them when it comes to whether he should be seated?

The Democratic Party in all it's glory!
And these people are in control of the government at a time like this asking me to trust them? You gotta be kidding!

Laura, correction; Blago has NOT even been indicted yet!

Jesse White seems to be one of the very few taking a stand for intergity.

Fitzgerald can not get his act together and these two clowns are having a field day. What is or who is supplying the fuel for this side show and then adding race?????

is harry ried now gov. of ill.and if blago was so guilty why do they need 90 more days to prove he is?

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." There is no mention of a secretary of state approval being necessary for any appointment .

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

This cat Burris is just as shady as Blago and Obama. They all need to be run out of town.

I just love the democrats squirming. They do great running this country the next four years, i'm sure.

With the way this moron is acting you would think he's a repuglicon. You know, I'm sticking to my idealogy no matter what is good for my state, the country or the average American citizen.
Stay home Burris, can't you see your not welcome thanks to Blago. Besides, if you do get seated nobody is gonna work with you in any way, shape or form. Is that your idea of serving the people of IL?

special election is the way to go, he can run like everyone else

It is unfortunate, having heard this man speak, how egotistical and self-selfing he sounds. Burris has no right to the seat, it should belong to someone selected by the people of Illinois, not the decision of a governor who isn't yet being tried because of doing the Obama administration a favor by waiting until after the President Elect's swearing in ceremony. The Illinois legislature should mandate a special election immediately, and let those who wish to hold office campaign for the people's vote: no more political appointments when so many appointing are neck deep in corruption.

remember it's Harry Reid claiming the right to block Burris because of Gov. Blago's corruption. This from a guy who has somehow remained in power despite his suspect real estate dealings and his well covered-up dealings with the mafia when they ran Vegas.

Blago has done something very cunning. And the Democrats are stupid enough to fall in the trap.

Blago has not been indicted, not been convicted, not been impeached. Therefore, at this minute, his appointments must stand. There is no officially legitimate reason for them not to.

Every governor appoints hundreds of people to boards and commissions, etc. Are the Democrats going to suggest that ALL of Blago's appointments are illegitimate and must be removed from office? Or is it just Burris?

So Blago has appointed this apparently squeaky-clean, highly-qualified and respected Black to the senate.

Rejection of Burris will not be tolerable.

Take that, Harry Reid and all you Democrats.

IF THIS WAS A WHITE MAN THERE WOULD BE NO PROBLEM BUT BECAUSE WERE TALKING ABOUT A BLACK MAN GOING TO THE UNITED STATES SENATE HE HAS TO GO THROUGH HECK AND HIGH WATER TO GET THE SEAT .THE GOVERNOR HAS NOT BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME SO WHY CAN'T HIS PICK STAND AND IF HE IS CHARGED A IS FOUND NOT GUILTY THEN WHAT . THE SEC. OF STATE IS JUMPING THE, YOU FILL IN THE BLANK !!!

I think that Burris should not have excepted the seat because the Govener is only out of jail on bail.

oh "muslim seeking justice" SHUT UP... waagh... waghh... waghh...

that is not the only news story on this planet. it's always all about yourself and those innocent lambs of hamas, isn't it?

Roland Burris' appointment to the Senate by Governor Blagojevich

The hypocritical pious posturing of the Senate's leadership over this appointment is sadly laughable. Every Senator sells his seat every time he accepts contributions from special interest lobbies and corporate interests and then votes their points of view. I doubt that any Senator hasn't asked, "What's in it for me?" in response to a lobbyist's request at one time or another, and that is all Blagojevich did. And these pious hypocrites are now frying Burris. Their motto must be, "take the pork but fry the chicken."

I am African American all them are corrupt in Illinois and the mayor of chicago is also... They should have a open election...This stupid who cares about Burris.......Let Michelle Obama take Barrack senate seat.

Michelle Obama for seante of Illinois

Thank you SecState.

Claire in NW Florida, just FYI, we lived under corrupt Republican officials here in Illinois for a LONG time before Blago got elected. Its not about Dems or Reps, its about bad, Anti-American people infiltrating our government, both at the state, and federal levels.

By "Anti-American", I mean people who act with other than the best interests of the citizens of the United States in mind. Whether that be a corporation (i.e. Cheney – Halliburton), another nation one is loyal to (i.e. Chertoff – Israel), or one's own pockets (i.e. Blago – The Blago Checking Account)

I agree with you JM, he needs to take this to court and force the secretary of state's hand. He will win. He is the legitimate selection. The secretary of state needs to be run out at the next election. Maybe someday the citizens will wake up to these politicians and their shenanigans and they'll start putting heads on poles.

Claire in NW Florida says, You democrats in Illinois, you're all corrupt. We may learn that Blago is the only honest official in your state.

Claire in NW Florida, you are kidding right? Or didn't you live in Florida in 2000. It must be ok to be corrupt if you are a republican.

This could happen in almost any state. Sorry it is happening in illinois. To the other citizens out there. Maybe it is time to look at what would happen in your state with your elected officials if they were to act like Blago. What happens if your elected official does something illegal? What happens between the time they are charged and being found guilty or innocent in a court of law? My opinion would be to have a better ethics clause somewhere that would suspend their responsibilities and duties if they have charges. It sure didn't take the feds long to suspend his credentials for federal security. Maybe we should follow their lead. Suspending an elected official's clearance to perform their duties.

Think about it. What happens if an elected official develops dementia or becomes so ill (physically or mentally) that they can not perform their job, but refuse to resign? Or in the case of Blago – is just a sociopath that thinks that laws don't apply to him????

It doesn't matter how clean Burris is. He was nominated by a crook. And he knew the Senate had issues with whomever was to be nominated. Burris has no one to blame but Blago here.

Good for you Secretary of State of Illinois!!

At least one Illinois politician – Secretary of State Jesse White - knows how to play by the rules!

There is just something about this whole appointment that doesn't feel right. Blagojevich (yes, I can actually spell it and don't have to resort to using Blago like some lazy people) apparently thought appointing a minority would guarantee acceptance because no one would want to be seen as possibly being bigoted or such. But Burris is just TOO anxious– TOO opportunistic. Something just gives me a suspicious feeling about the whole thing.
I think Burris is crazy to push so hard for this. It makes him look suspicious. If he wants to run for the seat in 2 years, then let him run. But it appears it wants it GIVEN to him RIGHT now and that just leaves me really uneasy.

wow, more corruption in the democratic party! this just doesnt stop. it just gets better and better when they even start destroying each others political careers. haha i mean i myself am a true conservative, there are very few of us left, very few who still hold true to american values. Ignorant liberals scrutinize Bush for a national debt, but Obama's plans will cause the largest increase in a single year ever, just in his first year of office! does 1.8 trillion dollars sound like an astronomical amount? well, probably because it is. this little appointment has little relevance in the big spectrum of things. the democrats already have a majority in congress, the nation's future has never looked more dismal. another Great Depression? who knows.

jrzshor– go back and re-read the article. The Secretary of the SENATE rejected the certificate because the Illinois Secretary of STATE had not signed it. Two different people.

The IL Supreme Court really has no choice but to force the Sec. of State to sign the order from the governor. At least for now, Blog is still the governor. He hasn't been impreached, convicted of anything and even though he was indicted that doesn't mean guilty.

In this country you are innocent until PROVEN guilty. So let Burris go to the Senate and for the next 2 years represent the people of IL. Then it will be up to them if he is re-elected (will then be 73)???

Burris has done nothing wrong and should not be penalized because the Governor MAY have done something wrong.

Yeah and everybody in Florida is good to go. How did Balloting go THIS year?

You are right on the money, Kenneth. Well said!

Delay, delay, delay! LOL, Burris has some hurdles to jump. Hopefully it will last until the next election or Blago being kicked out. I don't see how he thinks he can perform the duties without question considering the person that appointed him.

The Illinois legislature is setting a record for inactivity when it comes to dealing with this crooked governor. I suspect he has reminded many of them of the deals they have worked on together. He has perhaps mentioned to a number of them that if he goes down, he'll take them with him.

I could be wrong, but what else could explain the amazing silence of the Illinois legislature regarding this guy?

If Burris is really surprised over the controversy surrounding his appoint, then he really isn't qualified to serve. No one with that lack of perception is qualified.

On another more serious note, it's absolutely disgusting that some are trying to turn this into a racial issue. Burris is not being rejected because he is black. Anyone appointed by Blago would be rejected. If there is anything racial about this, it is that Blago delibrately appointed a black hoping to cloud the fact that anyone he appointed would be tainted and change the issue away from him. Unfortunately their seems to be a constituancy that is buying into this – and Burris seems to be among the leaders.

However, the Secretary of the Senate is willing to meet privately(unbugged room) to discuss Board of Director openings, or other paid equivalent positions, for her spouse..., oh wait!

Perhaps Hillary is interested.., oh wait!

I have one question for Mr. Burris.

Was Eve tainted once she accepted the forbidden fruit from Satan in the Garden of Eden?

Good for the US Senate. They have to follow the rules. The real issue is that the Illinois people and pols don't have the guts or the sense to impeach Blago... Blago has essentially thumbed his nose at everyone and they are just sitting around waiting for something to happen... Fools...

Lorna from NY is also an idiot.

Guess the senates have met their match. Blago and Burris did not back down from them, What now????

Over the weekend, various gatherings of 'people of color' / African American (sorry, I've misplaced my Political Correctness and Sensitivity manual so I don't know how to properly refer to various groups) popped up around Chicago. Now all of them are playing the race card. They totally ignore the real reason they won't seat Burris, and go for the angle that they're all use to: "If you don't support us, it's because you are racist." This has been the modus operandi of the Chicago African-American Democrat machine. Question is, now that their Golden Child, their Messiah, shall ascend to the throne of greatness on the 19th, how much will this be played on the national scale? Having lived in the area all my life, the answer is more than likely, a lot.

Playing the race card, from the bottom of the deck – that's the Chicago way!

Uh, can we fax that in?

Eventhough Burris is extremely qualified, he should have rejected the appointment. I think had he done that, he would have been the one chosen after the scandal. I think he is being extemely selfish and is not listening to the will of the people in Ill.. Are we sure he's a democrat, cause dems normally listen to what "We the people say".
Anyway, I don't think he should be appointed, and I really do wish he had rejected it from the beginning.....

So much for Burris being a stellar appointment. The man doesn't even know enough to read the freaking form to see who has to sign off. What a nincompoop. Couldn't follow simple procedures so runs off to file a Writ of Mandamus. Last week Burris looked like just another greedy political wanna be who was glad to make a deal with the devil. This week Burris looks like another greedy political wanna be fool. Didn't he think someone needed to sign that signature block? And this from an Attorney General. Nincompoop.

What a mess...

@a muslim seeking justice
----------–
While you are correct that the unfolding events in regards to Gaza is news, you must be a bit ill if you think you are going to find it be the ONLY news story here. Try the 'WORLD NEWS" section of this site and you just might find your story there.

And if you are too self-centered with what you consider should be the ONLY topic discussed..the appointment and acceptance of Burris in the senate is a VERY POLITICAL news topic, or does politics in the US not seem important to you? Guess what, it is to alot of those that come to read the POLITICAL SECTION!

You must be on some form of mission.....but who would have known with your 'oh so inconspicuous' handle?

JM
January 5th, 2009 1:16 pm ET

Take it to court Burris, you'll win.

No....Burris wont win. It's a mute point, but go ahead and go to court Burris – You're only helping dig Blago's grave.....but go ahead and go to court......

hahahhaahhahahahahahahaahhahahahahahaahahahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhahahahahahahahahahhaahhahahahhahaaaaaaaaaaaa

Why would anyone in their right mind accept the seat to begin with? Burris ran for Governor twice and lost, ran for mayor and lost, both losses by significant margins. This is a way for Blago to deflect media coverage off himself and a chance for Burris to stroke his ego, by accepting a seat, he would have never won in an election. This is pathetic and an insult to the people of Illinois. The only people bringing race into this is Burris himself. This is so pathetic it's actually quite comical.

Here is the idea, do not take a position where there are going to be questions about you taking it. Blagojevich was charged because he was going to sell the seat that you are going to fill. You are playing into his hands by putting up a fight about it. It was wrong for you to accept the seat and its is wrong of you to be putting up a fuss about it.

At the end of the day, you are casting a dark cloud over yourself for being so stupid for taking the seat and causing the nation to focus in your direction instead of what the government is going to do and not do to help its citizens gets the economy back on its feet. If you really thought about serving the state, you would of said said no.

The Senate should stick to what it claimed it would do – that is not seat any person appointed by blago. Burris came into this mess with a stellar reputation. Now, forever more, he'll be attached to our lying, cheating, crooked gov. It's so sad that he traded his good name for a shot at a freebie senate seat.

Burris appears to be getting punish due to the other B guy.... not fair. Sign the paperwork and lets move on will ya?

Nice... Blago is a scumbag, but he is still presumed innocent under law. So technically, he's legally able to carry out his duties as IL gov, one of which is to appoint senators in a time of transition such as this.

I say, Dirty Harry Reid should seat the guy... that is, if he doesn't want to be labeled... (wait for it)... "RACIST."

Gotta love it when liberals get their own bag of tricks played back against them. How you loving political correctness now, hippies?

Claire in Florida,

If Blago is a honest politician by Republican standard, the Republicans should get both Blago and Burris to change their party to Republican. Blago can be the chairman of the RNC, and Burris can join the Senate as a Republican, which is only logical since only the Republicans want him to be seated. This way, everybody wins.

Was he appointed legally? Yes. But clearly no one but Burris and Blagojavich thinks this appointment has traction and Burris'es conduct pretty much pegs him as a greedy opportunist. In an interview with him on NPR, he rudely defended his appointment strictly on the letter of the law without regard for the charges against Blagojavich. Had he shown more candor he wouldn’t have appeared to be a Blagojavich crony. As it stands, hes lost credibility and is probably just as self serving and egotistical as Blagojavich has been described as.

I want Burris in there just so it will get Harry Reid all upset. Let's boot Reid and Pelosi ! What a bunch of idiots!

Blago should never have appointed anyone and Burris should never have accepted!!! As for Rep.Bobby Rush to come out and inject racism is totally crazy! When Obama ran for the Senate, he didn't back him. So he doesn't have a pot to piss in!!! Personally, I think the seat should go to Jesse Jackson Jr. I'm interested in knowing whether Burris or Rush are included in the Blago tapes.

Blago doesnt like the color orange,he wants his jumpsuit in pink,thank you.

Nobody needs to be angry at the rejection of Burris nomination. he shouldn't have accepted the offer in the first place, because he is as stuborn and insubordinate as his appointer, for it was warned long before that Blagojevich's choice would not be accepted. They both chose to disregard the principle of justice and sanction against corruption and dishonesty. If he was not chosen by Blagojevich, he wouldn't protest the decision to reject the nomination of any one else chosen by him. Blagojevbich is not above the law and is a bad exemple for people to follow. If as a governor, he disregards the law of the establish government, how does he expect the people to respect the law. If he was a real politician, he should consent to his misdeed and accept the consequence of it and resign. His empeachment is next to be heard of. Even if he would nominate God to the seat, his appointment is just not a-c-c-e-p-t-a-b-l-e. Period.

To a muslim seeking justice, the solution in Gaza is simple, and has been there for years – throw Hamas out; they are a terrorist organization who targets civilians and fights behind women and children, using them as shields, If the Palestinians want peace, they need to toss out the Hamas terrorists. If you keep Hamas in Gaza and allow them to break treaties and fight behind women and children, then Gaza will eventually be leveled and turned into goat fields and gardens. Hamas has vowed to destroy Israel - I take my shoes off and throw them at Hamas - they are the reason why Gaza will never have peace. It is time for the Palestinian people to wake and realize they are being used by Hamas and Iran - who do not want peace. Why did Egypt give up? They realized that Hamas could not be reasoned with.

Burris stay home

a muslim – further note, perhaps you should police your own; if you want the Israel to stop kicking our butt, control the radicals!! I'm sick of the kid glove treatment terrorist nations get, and when someone retaliates, they want to show baby pics....too bad! If you don't want your kids killed, don't put them in harm's way but lobbing rockets at someone else!

Just like the Senate headed by the racists Harry Reid and his fellow Racists Democrat Senators. Where in the constitution of the United States does it say the State Secretary of States have to sign? Just like the first time the Illinois State played their games with Blago the Supreme Court is going to rule for Blago and Burris. Blago is innoncent until proven guilty (same as GOV Richardson of New Mexico) and Blago has nothing to do with the qualifications of Burris. The precedent being set here is BAD really BAD. What happens if the US Senate wins this and they get to set the standards for all members to be seated based on what they want. Soon you will have a corrupt party not allow any members of the other party to be seated. Look Burris is a good 2 year place holder in the Senate. In two years there is another election and the citizens of Illinois can decide (not Harry Reid) who they want to elect.

@a muslim seeking justice. Maybe those kids would still be alive if Hamas wasn't launching rockets from their neighborhood. Hamas hides among innocent civilians like cowards and then wants the world to condemn Israel.

There is nothing in the Constitution of the US that would prohibit Mr. Burris from taking the seat to which he was appointed by the lawful governor of Illinois in accordance with the constitution of that state. Sounds like he has a great lawsuit against the Senate and with all the trial lawyers in there I am surprised they have not jumped on it.

a muslim seeking justice – come on man, Obama's not ready to handle middle east mayhem....he's got a party to tend to...right now, there's only one president at a time! He'll continue to blame it on Bush!

It's really sad that Blago made an appointment, especially when he knew that my party was not going for it. I think he is guilty as hell and should step aside. I am really mad that he appointed such a qualified individual. I keep hearing non democrats and burris try to make this a racial issue. It is not. Blago is dirty and under scrutiny for it. No appointment he makes is going to stick. Burris knows that and he should respect the wishes of his party

Rejecting this appointment is the first step in booting Blago. PE Obama will have no part of a crook and liar like Blago. I hope MR. BURRIS will be placed in some position on the Obama team.

We have a new junior senator from Illinois, and to all those Senators in DC and beauracrats in IL who fail to understand the legality of the appointment, it is time for them (Harry Reid in particular) to resign

sigh...

you know... i have mixed feeling on this.... Illinois DOES deserve its full representation..... Burris (while a well know opportunist), 'is' above reproach regarding his ethics...

BUT... WHERE WAS THIS LEVEL OF STRENGTH FROM REED WHILE SIGNING OFF ON THE GARBAGE BUSH SHOVED THROUGH?

that question HAS to be asked.....

What ever happened to the fundamental right of innocence until proven guilty? A prosecutor does not a conviction make... not yet, at least. Let the process work its way through, but, in the interim, seat the duly appointed senator.

Despite what anyone thinks of Blagojevich, he's innocent until proven guilty and is still the Governor. As Governor, he has the right to appoint Burris as Senator and his appointment will be upheld in any court of law. What happens after he gets convicted is another story.

I think I'm going crazy. Everywhere I turn in politics today I hear the opening to Three Dog Night's "The Show Must Go On". Does anyone else here it?

Maybe he should nominate Bill Richardson... oh wait?

The IL Secretary of State has now willfully violated state law. This has now gone to the State Supreme Court, which will quickly order the Secretary to sign to document.

I have never seen so many lawmakers at the state and federal level who were so ignorant of the law, and so willing to bend it and break it. O was particulary disturbed – as should every Constitution lawer – over the remarks made by senator Harry Reid on Meet the Press on sunday, when Reid said "The US Senate (we) decide who will and will not be admitted and seated in the senate" In one short interview, Reid has turned the US Constitution and individual states rights on its ears by the abdurd and illegal posture and stance.

Blagojevich is just running game. He is effectively taking the attention off of his actions and placing it on the Senate. We all knew that there would be resistance to any appointment he made so he took the cowards route and appointed a minority believing that if denied he would stir up racial tensions that would overshadow his attempt to sale the seat. Burris and Congressman Rush should be ashamed at being used as pawns in this silly game. As a minority in America I am disappointed that two men who could have made a difference in civil rights have taken this position alongside such a "possibly" corrupt man. President-Elect Obama spoke against Blagojevich making the appointment so why would anyone with the best interest of the country in mind accept the appointment? This was a despicable self-serving act for all involved and I can only pray that eventually the "right" person will fill the vacated seat.

I don't blame him one bit...Blago was told not to appoint anyone and he thought he was above the law and could whatever the hell he wanted to....Burris knew this and hes trying to pull a fast one too....WHAT A BUNCH

Act 1 of the next 4 year Demo-drama.

Just send it over to me, I'll sign it for a price.

Excellent news! It's time for Mr. Burris to selflessly reject Blagojevich's appointment just like many well meaning Illinoisans and Americans have done.

The rules of the Senate are very clear on this. The appointment letter must include the signature of the Secretary of State in order for it to be accepted by the Secretary of the Senate.

You democrats in Illinois, you're all corrupt. We may learn that Blago is the only honest official in your state.

Good. If he gets appointed the people of ILL should protest.

what the hell is wrong with you cnn????...where is the main news?..are u guys deluded or trying to delude us into thinking all is well in gaza??...there is just one news item in your website currently and that too lamely lays the blame on hamas...atleast work with a little bit of conscience. Where is the breaking news about the 3 toddlers dying from the israel war????...why are you guys trying to hide it now???...pressured by the israeli lobby is it???? where's the no bias ,no bull crap now???? SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!

The devil is in the details. Bwwwwaaaaaaahhhhh!

The game is afoot!

Burris is an idiot!

this is political double speak.

one cannot not sign/certify something and then reject the very thing that they refused to sign/certify because they refused to sign it in the first place.

that is like me attesting to the fact that I might not know that I was arrested.

LOL...............too funny. I think Burris is probably more qualified than most of the yahoos in the Senate who are there.

That said, he seems to be selfish. If he really cared about Illinois and the USA he would stay home and not create a spectacle. I am saying this as an African American.

He is so looking stupid letting Looney Blago use him for his race.

At least someone in Illinois has some sense!

Good, he doesn't deserve it. When you have a criminal Governor, admitting on tape that he was trying to sell the senate seat to the highest bidder, nominating someone who on a good day would be the 9th or 10th best choice for that seat, as a political stunt – it's hard to make the argument that "this is the best thing for the people of Illinois."

Well, F' you Rod, and shame on you Roland from exploiting the situation for your own personal gain. Go away.

Blago and Burris are completely insane. They really should have Blago evaluated. Everytime I see him he looks like he's on edge and can't stand still.. ADD maybe?

Too bad these folk can't figure out how to go after and punish the "real culprit" here.

Take it to court Burris, you'll win.

Duh...