WASHINGTON (CNN) - Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris, named by Illinois' controversial governor to fill Barack Obama's Senate seat, arrived at the U.S. Senate Tuesday morning for the start of the 111th Congress.
The secretary of the U.S. Senate on Monday rejected Burris' appointment because it does not conform with the Senate rule requiring that the secretary of state - in this case, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White - must sign the certificate of appointment along with the governor.
White has declined to sign the certificate, siding with some Senate Democrats who say Burris should not be seated because of the cloud over Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is accused of trying to sell Obama's Senate seat.
From CNN Politics
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legally there is no reason not to seat him, morally he has not been tied to anything illegal so seat him, politically well i guess this must be the overridding concern! Seat the appointed Senator! The constitution gives the Senate the right, if someone does not meet the requiremetns to be a Senator to refuse them but under no other circumsstances do we REALLY want the Senate to decide who getw seated? I can see the Republicans now... they someday have a majority and refuse to seat ANY democrats.. (or vice versa!) seat the leagally appointed Senator!
idiots
Good luck w. that , Burris, you old fool.
This guy Burris is a joke. Has anyone else seen him on these news shows acting like nothing is wrong? He is in total denial and he has an attitude and a smirk with it too.
He needs to chilll – just hold back and stop creating all the havoc. His mere PUSH to be in the news is causing me to have second thoughts about him. It's his ego, not the people, that he's concerned about.
Enough of the drama "queen" crap.
All of this drama could have been avoided if Blagojevich had just kept his mouth shut. He should have never been allowed to appoint anyone.
Awww he's come such a long way, might as well give it to him.....Ha ha ha ha ha....This guy is a hoot.
Should not, would not, could not. Even though Blagojevich is under a cloud of suspicion, he has not be convicted of anything. His appointing Burris is legal and binding whether dems like it or not. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game, just ask Hillary!
Yeah...? We all know that he was going. You might have wanted to wait and see if they seat him, since that would be the news part of this story.
Blagojovich has played this one right. He has a black candidate who can't be seated because a black secretary of state in Ill won't certify him because a black President-elect dosen't think that he should be seated. Burris wanted to be a senator so bad that he didn't mind becoming a pawn in the Blagojovich's game. As an African American I find Burris allowing himself to be used by this criminal appalling and it indicates that he is not fit to represent the state in the senate. If Burris can't see the ethical issues of being picked by this man and the obvious racial overtones Blagojovich is trying to exploit then he clearly isn't intelligent enough or independent enough to serve.
What is up with this goofy cell phone video coverage as Burris enters the Senate building. All you see is flashes of the floor, the steps, the ceiling and everyonce in a while an unrelated person. It looks like the cell phone owner is dancing in circles.
Enough already!
Oh to be a fly on the wall...
What a spectacle!! Burris must be relishing being on the national stage and I guess, due to his blind ambition, doesn't mind being a pawn. He's just milking it for all it's worth.
I do believe statements around this circus are becoming out of control though. Talk of an "appointment from God", "don't lynch him" etc....
Way too much drama! No one here deserves an academy award!
I'm from Illinois and I DO NOT want Roland Burris or ANYONE that he picks. Roland Burris was never popular in Illinois politics or he would have beat his opponents over the years. Now appointed by a criminal who I voted for but betrayed me, I hope goes to prison for a long time. Burris gave money to Blag so this is payback, what an arrogant creep!
I bet the stone carvers are adding this to his monument to himself right this minute . What a schmuck...
I am greatly dissappointed in the Democratic party for not handling this situation during the Presidential campaign to pick Obama's and Emanuel's replacements should they win the election to continue the theme of a seamless transition. It is shocking that the first glitch in the new era of politics ushered in by President Obama should come from his own party reinforcing Republican claims of a party not ready to govern. Why must the Democrats traditionally snatch defeat from the jaws of victory???
Governor Blagojevich has not been found guilty of anything yet. He is still the governor of Illinois regardless of what anyone may think of him. It is his legal right, as the governor, to appoint someone to the senate seat vacated by PE Obama. He made his choice.
There is no evidence or even speculation that Burris does not meet the minimum requirements to fill the seat for two years.
Illinois SOS Jesse White has no right to refuse signing the appointment certificate.
Reid does not have the legal authority to deny Burris.
All of the above equates to the appointment must stand. When people in positions of power begin bending the rules/laws to suit their own personal sense of right/wrong we the voting public lose big time. The fact that some type of compromise is being considered is insane. To "negotiate" Burris' appointment would place Reid in the same company as the Blagojevich being accused of trying to "sell" the senate seat. Either way you cut it, to "negotiate" or "sell" a senate seat is just wrong. Like the old cliche states "two wrongs don't make a right."
On a side note, I really wish Burris had not accepted the appointment under the current circumstances but he did. His appointment, by law, must stand.
I told him it was OK.
Let Burris be seated. He couldn't be any worse than any of the other Senators currently occupying space in Washington. If it turns out that he paid for the seat or traded it for favors, then someone can investigate him, which is what will probably happen anyway.
This is becoming nothing but a black eye for the Democrats. All this grandstanding has to stop. Lets be clear, what Rod Blagojevich has been accused of and arrested for is wrong however, he has not been tried or found guilty thus "innocent until proven guilty". In the mean time the Illinois' Legislature has neither impeached him nor have they removed him from office so he continues to perform the duties of the office of Governor. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and Harry Reid need to shut the F*&# up and do what they have been elected to do. Roland Burris by all accounts is an upstanding citizen, completely disconnected to the Governor of Illinois and is by many accounts qualified to be a U.S. Senator. It is totally wrong to let ones personal feelings get in the way of doing what one is suppose to do. If they have heartburn over all of this then they need to step aside and let someone else get it done otherwise they look like a couple of cowards trying to be "politically correct".
Burris is not legally appointed... what's so hard to understand about that????
Um Burris, you should get lost.
This man has done nothing wrong.
Blogo has erred. But Blogo has not been convicted.
So why treat Burris like a criminal?
Does it really show the careful and ethical judgment we want from a Senator to accept an appointment from a Governor who is about to be impeached and likely convicted of corruption charges, rather than showing restraint by refraining from engaging in a dog and pony show to push the appointment?
Hint: NO.
Mr. Burris is the LEGAL SENATOR of Illinois and should be seated.
Can anyone say "hypocrites"? I cannot believe how hypocritical the Dems (of whom I am one) are being with respect to this appointment of a fellow Dem. They know they stepped in deep doo-doo when they came out with their bluster when Blago was arrested, and now they have left themselves no face saving way out of the quaqmire. Stooges. What really amazed me was to hear Reid on MTP on Sunday openly admit that HE sticks his nose in the process in every State to make suggestions on who would be an "acceptable" choice for a replacement Senator. Does anyone else remember annointing Reid or anyone else in the Senate the advocate for all of the State's on who may become a replacement Senator? I certainly do not. We now know with certainty that pay for play is more than a Chicago problem or New Mexico problem, apparently the Senate itself is knee-deep in some very shady back room dealings. What does Reid promise those Governors in return for his "blessing" on their appointments? I'd certainly like to hear those Fitzgerald wiretaps of Blago now that we know Reid talked to Blago as well about that State's appointment. Did Reid really steer Blago away from appointing any AA to the position? It would be easy enough to learn the truth if those tapes get released. For all of his problems, Blago certainly was a genius to muck things up for the Dems, the Senate, the State of Illinois and everyone else in the new administration by making this appointment. He now gets to sit back and enjoy the fireworks. Genius, pure genius.
Burris looks like an old fuddy duddy, surrounded by a bunch of court jesters. Unbelievable!! I can picture Blago watching this and laughing his head off.
I wonder how his family feels about this? Aren't they ashamed?
And the hero in this whole matter, the Illinois Secretary of State.
I am watching the news and I don't know who looks more stupid – Burris or the Press.
Why is this such a big deal? Because the Press has found an easy target.
We have kids dying in wars and the Press is covering this e-gossip. Shame on all the Press, and shame on Burris.
Why the rush to seat Franken, but not Burris?
We need to impeach Senator Reid so the Democrats stop this Burris Soap Opera and get on with the critical issues facing this country. We are in a deep recession; we have lost millions of jobs; our banking system is in tatters; Wall Street is corrupt and there is no oversight; we have two wars going on; the Mideast is exploding. Seat the rightful Senator from IL who was legally appointed and stop playing politics.
Senator Reid is incompetent. He is playing God and thinks he can tell IL who should represent them in the Senate.
IMPEACH SENATOR REID AND THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP
Burris should be seated. The governor has the right to appoint him and he did. The Democrats are always shooting themselves in the foot. I get the feeling they will fail and be tossed out of office by 2012. And, I will be going the way of a real progressive or Green Party, again.
Just say you never knew anything...worked for Obama.
If the Dems wish to keep the political fallout to a minimum, they need to simply allow Mr. Burris to be sworn in and seated. Any hesitance will only make this circus more unbearable. If he is not a good senator, and performs badly, then in 2010, the people of Illinois will send him packing. End of story.
This is not rocket science and since Gov. Blago has acted within his legal authority, the most painless way of dealing with this issue is to simply follow through with the appointment.
So much drama with the Democrats these days. It makes me feel really secure that these morons will be running the country soon. They can't even manage themselves.
Poor Burris,hes a pawn and doesnt even know it.
Exactly, seat the man, he's not linked to any illegal activities and he's qualified, so I don't see the problem.
The Dems are making more of this than they should, it's going to cause them problems, but what's new, they always pull this stuff.
Seat the man!
"oh boy, is this great?"
The weather is cold and wet and dreary, just like what is presently unfolding.
I have heard good things about Burris but so far he is showing himself to be no better than Blagojevich.
The Sec of State has not signed off, so until he is forced to by the Illinois Sup Court, they do not have to seat him. This will be in courts for a couple of weeks but by that time Blago the Clown will be impeached and the new Gov will revoke the appointment. So stop wasting everyone's time and money Mr. Burris and go home!!! You knew they were not going to seat you but you have to be in the spotlight, do have no shame?
Oh PLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! seat him. he will have to run again in 2010 if illnois want him they will reelect him and if not he is out. end of story.
I agree with boered1.
This guy could have earned point all the way around by treating this with dignity and respect, and waited for all the questions to be ironed out before attempting to get sworn in. Instead, he's showing that he could care less about anything or anyone but himself and his own agenda. THIS is the type of politician that I expect out of Chicago: self-serving and self-advancing, taking advantage of illegal activities to forward his own cause while denying any appearance of impropriety.
He's not even sworn in yet, and already I don't trust him. That must be a new record.
What a stupid situation: a childish power play by the egotistical patsy of an egotistical, vengeful soon-to-be-felon. Stupid.
Yeah the guy said he wasnt going to start nothing but he is doing nothing but that!! Having the press there he knows they are not going to seat him so showing up is only causing a problem, then giving a press conference?? WOW this guy really wants this job for some reason!! I think he need to back down NOW!!
The man lost five elections. One for senate and the people of Illinois rejected him. This is not representative of a government for the people, by the people and of the people.
Too much time is being spent on this matter. It is not a priority nor should it be the main concern. Our economy is the main concern. Stop throwing this garbage in the mix and lets get to work.
Seat the man. Reid is an idiot. He's starting up a fight when his approval rating is in the toilet. Burris has impeccable qualifications and will only be serving a less than 2 year term. As usual, the Senate democrats are wasting time.
Doesn't anyone notice the bigger picture here?
We NOW have a Senate and House that believe they do not have to abide by the law.
Our founders warned against too much power. We apparently have not listened.
whats the difference, we will end up with a corrupt Chicago senator in any case. I don't care what party they are from Chicago breeds corruption. since the days of Capone corruption has been a daily fixture in IL. IL is a state that has a terrorist teaching at a state school and they think that is ok. I am disgusted with this state. What moron sat down one day and said, you know, what we need is a man that bombed the capital the pentagon and a police department to teach our kids. You all complain that bush should be in jail but are silent on the fact that IL has not had a break from corruption in 70 years.
The law in this country as given by the constitution says inocent until proven guilty, charges do not stop or render uninforcable legal decisions made by elected officials, If Senator Burrius is denied his senat seat then the congress has violated the most sanctified elements of the constitution and must either apologize to the people and correct thier mistake or be held accountable as trators to this country.
Senator Reid has crossed a legal line and he should immediatly seat the appointed Senator from IL. Reid is trying to circumvent the law for political reasons only. What he is doing is illegal. What he is proposing is both illegal and unethical. I think the Senate should bring Senator Reid up on charges. There is no reason to delay. There is way to undo the appointment. Senator Reid is playing dirty partisan politics while ignoring the business of the Senate and the mounting crises facing this country.
I agree that Senator Reid should be impeached. IL is not longer the problem or the embarrassent - the problem and the embarassment now rests squarely with Senator Reid and the Democrate controlled Congress
Seat him and lets get on with dealing with our economic problems, DEMS & REPUBS--FIX OUR COUNTRYs PROBLEMS! You all got us into,
boered1: The reason for not seating him is that the Illinois Secretary of State has not certified him, which is a requirement. Without the endorsement, he has not been legally appointed.
Unlike the Bush administration, the Dems don't want to pick and choose which laws to follow and which ones to ignore.
The appointed senator was appointed by a man who is charged with trying to sell the senate seat. They told him long before burris was appointed that they would refuse to seat ANYONE who blagojevich picked. So the way I look at it, even IF burris is qualified, he should not be seated. His name is now tainted thanks to blag.
Please seat this fool! On a plane back to his arm chair in Chicago. Our governor has made a travesty of our legislature because they were too afraid to strip his powers because they know he would start naming names, probably theirs. Burris has stepped in a mine field. We won't elect him in Illinois. If we would we would have done it when he ran for mayor, governor and the senate.
It is not up to Jesse White to decide who should be seated and who should not. While he is entitled to his personal opionion, it is his duty as Secretary of State to sign off on the certification and allow this process to move forward. There is a Constitution which dictates how this needs to be handled. Jesse White, do the job that the people of the State of Illinois are paying you to do. It may be your job on the line next.
SHAME ON, HARRY REID! I thought America was the country that had a a peaceful exchange of power. The circus outside the Capitol reminds me of scenes from the 60's during the civil rights movements. Senator Burris, a 71 year old man does not deserve to be treated this way. He was appointed by the Governor of Illinois and he is the Jr. Senator of Illinois.
Democrats we have come to far to begin making our own drama. Seat Burris and worry about 2010 in 2010. if the economy does not turn each seat up for election will be in jeopardy
Maybe Burns should really think about what is going on around his pick and why everyone is so angry. Burns needs to watch the tone of his voice and what he says. I for one didn't like the idea that the race card is being played as a reason for him not be sworn in as a Senator. What everyone should realize is that yes we don't have an Afician American in the Senate but by Burns being there will not make a difference. Now what he should do is either do what he is asked or wait his policital term in 2010. People we have an Africian American President let's not try to get everything Africian American.
Send him home until his appointor is cleared of any wrong doing. If he plays the race card, send him to jail because the same treatment would have been applied to any white appointee as well.
I didn't think the Senate Dems had it in them to actually stand their ground, but I am impressed. I do not think they should allow Burris into the Senate. Blago is a fool and the people of his state deserve better! Burris may be a good man, but he should have never accepted this appointment and a special election should have been held.
I think he should be seated. The senate should investigate his appointment though to make sure he didn't pay to play. They should not declare him guilty by association. That will take us back to Bill Ayes and Obama.
Sadly, Sen Harry Reid just showed Sen. Designee Burris " to the back of the bus" by having him shoved off the capitol grounds for his news conference. Oh, and by the way, when Harry Reid suggests that Mr. Burris not seek reelection if he were to seat him in the senate; isn't that seeking favors or in the least trying to interfere in an election process? If Senator Reid can say this openly then what did the Illinois Governor do thats any different than Senator Reid.
Ramsey Tercero
Agusta, GA
I wonder what he promised Blagojevich?
The idea of Burris being a "victim" of racism (as he's already implied) is absolutely astounding, given that Barack Obama just was "promoted" to the highest ofice in the land. The Jackson/Sharpton spin machine has finally sputtered out – thank God!! Just weeks ago, Burris said that anyone appointed by the embattled Gov would be "tainted" – I guess he wasn't referring to himself.
If he hasn't done anything wrong, seat him! Investigate him fully, and seat the guy! Innocent until proven guilty...
Looks like they've got The Great Obama over a barrel on this one. Either Obama deals or Blago and Burris sing like canaries and expose Obama's extensive dirty laundry.
Change we can believe in.
Could be worse...could have been ALLAN KEYES who was appointed.
So....an African American (Jesse White) will not sign the certificate for Roland Burris, also an African American.
Today Senators said that Minnesota should decide THEIR senatorial race between Coleman and Franken.
Well, ILLINOIS should decide who the next senator should be. If Jesse White has not signed off.....then Burris should NOT be seated at this time until all agree and are on the same page.
Without the needed signatures why is this even an issue?????
Liberals and corrupt Democrats yelling at each other, calling each other terrible names, accusations of foul play, racist comments, etc. And no Republican or conservative to blame (yet!).
It is shameful for the democratic leaders to be so ignorant of the law
that they would deliberately and with premeditation block Burris
from taking his rightful seat in the Senate.
Is this what our military has fought and died for?
Starved for attention much? Burris can't be an effective Senator without the right committee appointments, he may as well be a Senate page. The people of Ilinois must be so proud!!
If Burris wants to help embarrass the Democratic Party, he might as well become a Republican. Let's see how many people will still support his appointment if he becomes a Republican.
Once again the Democrats form up the wagons in a circle and seize defeat from the jaws of victory!
Incompetent fools. Democrats AND Republicans alike.
Sue those idiot Dems in the Senate. Can't they see that Burris was legally appointed? That idiot Reid is going to lose this in the courts, and he is cementing his reputation as a racist to boot.
It is always dangerous when either party whether Dem or Rep decides which laws they will follow.
The law does not allow the Senate to refuse seating a lawfully appointed Senator simply because the Majority leader feels the appointment is "tainted". So, now there will be a long and costly court battle the majority of which we the taxpayer will pay when Burris is eventually seated. Reid and Obama should have kept their mouths shut before mouthing off without reading the law.
I would have thought the Dems would have realized this after the shrub did so much overriding of the law and deciding the ones he would or would not follow.
Apparantly not. I certainly hope the republicans are happy with the precedent that they have established now for the dems to follow.
Sherrol in Canada, "Blind ambition", why does that apply to Burris, did he lobby for the seat, pay anyone off, anything Sherrol?
He has every right to be seated, but I am relishing the Democrats destroying their own and their own party will pay dearly down the road as many African Americans are rightfully ticked.
Bloggy is he Democrats gift to Republicans that keeps on giving.
With people like him, Rahm, Richardson, Edwards etc, etc, etc you liberals can get off your ethical high horse and "ride em' dirty".
Your stay in power wil be a real short one.
Now if we could only find some moderate Republicans to run he show and not right-wing crazies, moderates, even moderate Democrats that support he military will do.............
I don't think this is good publicity for Burris. It's just showing desperation.
Sherrol in Canada, "Blind ambition", why does that apply to Burris, did he lobby for the seat, pay anyone off, anything Sherrol?
He has every right to be seated, but I am relishing the Democrats destroying their own and their own party will pay dearly down the road as many African Americans are rightfully ticked.
Bloggy is he Democrats gift to Republicans that keeps on giving.
With people like him, Rahm, Richardson, Edwards etc, etc, etc you liberals can get off your ethical high horse and "ride em' dirty".
Your stay in power wil be a real short one.
Now if we could only find some moderate Republicans to run he show and not right-wing crazies, moderates, even moderate Democrats that support he military will do.............
More of the dem. corruption. Ha what a joke.
When Blago has to quit or is impeached, Il better appoint another Serbian since politics now is all the race card.
The culture of Chicago comes to Washington. Thanks Obama..
What a show! I disagree with the CNN moderator who thinks everybody will feel sorry for the old man out in the rain. No appointment by the Illinois governor should be seated. Burris is only seeking the limelight. It seems like the only readers that want him seated speak of "Dems" with a disgusted tone. Is there a special reason for this?
Burris ought to know better than wasting his time coming to Washington on a fruitless effort. The Illinois Secretary of State did not sign his credentials and how then did Burris thinks the Secretary of the Senate would recognize him? It bewalders me.
Democrats should reconsider Harry Reid as Majority Leader. He fumbled this issue from the very beginning. The fact is that a tainted governor selected an honorable man to replace Obama. Blagojevich's taint doesn't rub off on Burris. Reid should cut his losses and seat Burris.
In all good consciousness, Mr. Burris SHOULD NOT have accepted this appointment. Why would you want to be appointed by someone who is being investigated for illegal activity? Mr. Burris knows this appointment is an "in-your-face" move by the delusional Governor Blagovejich. The media should just stop broadcasting live coverage regarding this issue. Use print reporting; no more free publicity.
STOP THE PITINESS SENATORS! THIS MAN DID NOTHING WRONG AND IF HIS BACKGROUND IS CLEAN- SEAT HIM!
YOU'VE BECOME A LAUGHING STOCK ON YOUR FIRST DAY!
SO MUCH FOR CHANGE
I live in Illinois. I have no sympathy for Roland Burris. He may be a good man. He may have a clean record. He may be an honorable man. But he has shown himself to be an opportunist. He has accepted an appointment from a governor who is not a good man, has a dirty record, and is not honorable. When one accepts largess from a dirty source, the dirt covers everything.
iTS IS CONSTITUTIONAL FOR BLAGO TO NOMINATE and also constitutional for the secretary of state to sign your endorsement. I am so disappointed in Burris. After all you self acclaimed contitutional standing point. You didnt do all your home work right. Went to senate with an unsigned certificate of nomination. DEM or GOP morally wrong to be in the middle of a nationwide scandal. Everyone warned Sen Steves from Alaska he wouldnt listen depite being convicted still didnt remove his name from ballot he got the greatest loss for the GOP in Alaska. Next time get a clue!
For the records you are not nominated or appointed by God...you were nominated by Blago or Bozo dont know...unless you call him god
BOY! the democrats are not even in power yet and they're a joke already.
the more i read about this , the more i'm convinced that burris should be seated, if blagojevich is still allowed to do all the other business that has to be done as governor, then how is appointing burris any different, the law is on burriss side, i say seat him, no more double standers.
It is very dangerous when the Congress assumes the power of the judge, jury and executioner!!!!! Mr. Burris should be seated. The federal prosecutor will indite Blagojevich. Burris is not involved... What a side show as we all await the historic Inauguration of Obama.
Obama, please put a stop to the madness. It is not helping the country at this time.
In the mean time,Blago is heading for his jet,and flying to Chile where they cant legally have him returned.
Mr. Burris has been appointed by a man who has the legal authority to do so, despite his–Blagojevich's–moral failings. What right do the democrats have to block this man? Why don't they conserve their energy for fights that could keep the country strong? Burris seems like a good man. Just last week the democrats were saying that Blagojevich had to be removed from office because he was denying Illinois adequate representation by NOT appointing anyone.
This, from the part who reaches out to minorities and those who are left behind? This, from the party that wants to tax the middle class and the wealthy so they can give handouts to all those poor illegal aliens? Shame, shame, shame!!!
Rick – you're an idiot. This has nothing to do with Obama.
It is about Burris and Blago – two egos that want their names all over the place.
This was once the State Attorney for Illionis – isn't he aware that the Secretary of the State of Illinois has to sign the certificate of appointment? Wasn't he aware that without that signature he could, should and would be rejected by the Senate? If he was not then what kind of State Attorney General was he?
send him home he is making a specticle of himself and the senete and the gov. should be stiped of appointing power
If Blago is found guilty of these serious charges involving appointments he's made they should ALL be subject to review and reversal. Even is Burris gets himself seated under these questionable circumstances he'll probably just be "unseated" later on.
Mr Burris is between a rock and a hard place. While it was a great honor for him to be selected to go to the senate he is showing his lack of leadership by putting his ego before the reality of the situation. How can he possibly accept a post bestowed on him by a sad excuse of a politician under indictment? Mr Burris is tainting everything Obama stands for and he is playing right into the hands of those that wish to see this new president fail!!!!
Burris should be seated. The Senate should attend to the MANY issues facing this country and not be bogged down arguing the legality of any Governor's appointment....which could go on for months, if not years!
Cripes! Is this what our Senate believes is important? Not high unemployment! Not Iraq! Not Afganistan! Not India and Pakistan! Not Hamas and Israel! Not our financial institutions! Not business bankruptcies! Not the failure of millions of home mortgages! Not our crumbling infrastructure!
Reid's actions only show Americans that our government is completely broken and unable to deal with the issues we want them to address! Instead Reid wants to tie up the Senate with political manueverings...I, for one, am sick of it!
He'll get seated eventually. I doubt if he'll get on any committees.
All he'll have to do is vote once in awile and collect his pay check.
Rules are rules. That's the whole problem with this country's Justis system. Now you are guilty before even going to trial. What happened INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY? The media has anyone charge for a alleged crime already convected and judged and put away..Burris is no way connected to the dealings or actions of the Governor. Seat the man like the law states they have to do. Are the Democrats breaking the constitution like Bush and Cheney did? Harry Reid and the rest of them should not throw rocks at glass houses when they live in one themselves. In times like this I'm ashamed to call myself a Democrat. Reid and Pelosi make me vomit.
@Rick – WHAT – you are really sad to still try to link PE Obama to this – that's all I have to say – I have nothing but pitty for you and those that think like you. Pitty the fool.
You might hate Blago, but Burris is a good guy and he was legally appointed. Seat him in the Senate NOW! The Senate needs a black person NOW!
Looks like they've got The Great Obama over a barrel on this one.
Huh? What does this even have to do with Obama at this point? This is a matter for the Senate to resolve. And in case you haven't been paying attention, Obama is no longer in the Senate because he's PRESIDENT!!! I swear, some of you right-wing haters will try to turn anything, no matter how far-fetched, into "oh, this is really bad news for Obama!!!"
Morons...
Watch out! I have seen many people who during the election clearly identified themselves as conservative Republicans intentionally post pro Burris or even Blagojevich comments just to stir the pot and try to create friction. At least after today it becomes a legal issue. Still, I am glad to see the block was at least attempted. Could you imagine the reaction if the Senate just said: Sure, Burris was appointed by an egomaniac and then some, but, what the heck can we do, come on in Burris?
@ Rick...... you are a typical far-right-nut, listening to Limbaugh the comedian for too long. DO you REALLY think that with ALL the wire-tapping, all the angst by the GOP against Obama...... that anything worth exposing would have been exposed or do you REALLY think SO little of your own......party and government? Fool.
Burris should not have accepted a senate seat that is tainted by the Blagojevich scandal! He is another fool.
No.... Blagojevich has not been found guilty yet, but Fitzgerald has plnety of evidence to convict him!
The dems are smart not to seat him, and this is coming from a republican. He is currently nothing but trouble, and even though his seating is completely legal, it is better to have drama regarding blocking his entry into congress rather than finding out later on that the congress seated a guy that paid for his seat, as if it were some movie ticket.
Burris should be seated, he has done nohing wrong, Blago has done nothing wrong, if he has why has he not been impeached, he is still the Gov, & has the power to appoint Burris, senate should seat Burris
Hello people this is not an isolated situation Al Franken is in the same position and cannot be seated without the Secretary of States signature on the certification. In Frankens case, although recognized he won't be seated until any and all legal challenges are completed. Burris is not being treated any different.
Burris NEVER should have accepted the appointment. Anyone who accepts anything from Blago puts himself in a very compromising position!
Burris acts as though there is absolutely nothing wrong with his 'appointment'. The fact is that if someone is accused, arrested, and released on bond that is far more serious than simply an accusation or suspicion of wrong doing. As a former attorney general, he ought to know better than most how serious this is. Of course since he is the benefactor in this case, he obviously refuses to see what everyone else sees. The IL governor has compromised his office which has in turn, compromised his senatorial appointment. Burris is an embarrassment to IL. I am glad they sent that POS packing. The new IL governor can and hopefully will find a more suitable candidate to fill Obama's seat.
All you IDIOTS that fell for the smooth talk of Obama are now finally seeing the type of people he hangs around with!!!!
You tell Republicans to "get over it"........well, it's time all you who were put into the trance by Obama's words "WAKE UP" and see what you elected.......just another crooked Chicago politician who does nothing but pick former Clinton people!!
There is NO CHANGE coming people......just same ol USA Politics!!!!!
Burris is appearing to look a bit like a modern day Don Quixote tipping at windmills there on Capitol Hill, attempting I think to prove to the American people you can indeed fight City Hall? We shall see!
Personally, I feel the man should be seated, we have enough on our plates in this country now to be consumed on the media with a unnessecary sideshow, the governor of Illinois is still the Governor no matter how anyone feels about it and he was appointed by him legally, so seat the man and get on with the more serious buisness that this country is facing!
Hope
This gentlemen should not have associated himself with the Governor who has manipulated him in this situation. Everyone is talking about this instead of the other corruption allegations against the Governor. That is what he wanted. Mr. Burris could have said "thanks but no thanks" and if the Governor had any class he would step aside temporarily or resign and then the new Governor could have appointed him with no scandal. The problem with Mr. Burris is that he is friends with the Governor, he and his wife have donated a lot to his campaigns and therefore many will wonder if there was anything discussed before his appointment. He should have known better than to get caught up in this. It is taking away from the focus on the economy, foreign affairs, etc. Maybe the Governor will be found not guilty legally (doubt it) but even if he does he is guilty of immoral behaviour and very bad judgement. Everyone with common sense should distance themselves from him. Mr. Burris now seems desperate to get this seat at any cost even though he is hurting his party and his reputation.
Who cares about this they are all crooks and this we know. I need to start getting my check soon or I can't pay my bills
The secretary of the U.S. Senate on Monday wisely rejected Burris' as his appointment was by a Governor who should be impeached. It is time that we take America back on what it is known for – HONESTY AND MORALS! Naturally, this move by the Secretary of the U. S. Senate will be called a racist or something like that. So what!! The Secretary was honest and acted accordingly. Kudos to the Secretary of the U. S. Senate. God bless America and one nation UNDER GOD forever.
I would feel sorry for Roland Burris, if he weren't so cocky and smug. This Burris circus makes great TV, but the previous posters are right–Burris is not the man for the job. The real losers, though, are the people of the State of Illinois. Illinois government is an unmitigated disaster. Where to begin?!? The Illinois Democrats put their own interests above those of the people. They blocked a special election, simply because the people of Illinois might choose a Republican. The USA takes a huge step towards making race irrelevant by electing Obama, but Illinois "must" send a person of color to the Senate? How about sending the hardest-working, most qualified, most honest person we can find, whether they are black, white, yellow or GREEN?!? Wake up, fellow residents of Illinois! Demand that your elected officials fix this mess. Hold them accountable, and maybe by the time our children are grown, "Illinois" won't be a punch line for the rest of America.
Roland Burris has an unblemished record in Illinois, with years of experience under his belt; that said, he should be seated accordingly, regardless of the current Governors legal predicament in Illinois. Washington Democrats are wrong to shut him out of the process. Burris is an upstanding person of good moral character who is more than ready to assist this country in the vital tasks' at hand.
Please seat Roland Burris!!
Rick, what's this nonsense you're speaking of?
I have neither heard nor read anything questionable about Mr. Burris' past. I see no good reason for his not being seated. The governor may have some personal motivation for his selection but as long as Mr. Burris' past is untarnished, we need to move forward with seating him. So Senators, President Elect Obama and others who have been opposed, let's move over and allow him the seat; the next senatorial election in Illinois will allow the people an opportunity to keep him or replace him. Like it or not, the governor still has some authority. If not, then I assume if Illinois were to experience a catastrophic event and the governor immediately called in, for example, the National Guard we would block them at the door because this governor made the call. Get real people and focus on something important that maybe won't resolve itself over time such as this will.
There's more reasons not to seat Burris than the Secretary of State thing...he ran for the Senate seat and lost miserably and he's being a drama queen about it. Plus he has a major ego problem: his kids are named Roland Jr. and Rolanda.
lunatic !!!! go home !!!
Do you believe Burris is totally innocent on this matter? Do you believe they didn't have deep discussion before the announcement of appointment? Folks, it has been a complete collaboration between Burris and Balgoviech. They play legal game, race card,.., to get what they agreed, no ethics needed. If Balgoviech is convicted, and do you believe Burris might be the highest bidder?
The senate is full of lawyers i am sure they know that what they are doing is not legal.To make an old gentleman feel scared and to drive him out into the cold and threatening storm .This is the worst kind of politics and the senate needs to be ashamed of its self we are Americans what ever happened to doing the right thing and working together to solve problems this never should have taken place.i must say i am ashamed of our government for there cold and calased treatment of Mr Burris .
Seat the man! Who cares anymore. Seat Burris, seat Franken and GET TO WORK!! Who cares about the Illinois Governor and his BS. Who cares about Norm Coleman and his lawsuit over the Minnesota Senate seat. SEAT THEM AND GET TO WORK! I'm not a Democrat nor a Republican. I'm a PO'ed citizen who is fed up with what seems to be never ending political controversy. It's always something. My god, if I did as lousy of a job as the political hacks in DC, I'd get fired!
Cnn you are not posting anything I say . I,m taking my name off.
Mr.Burris is a"good man", and has been appointed by a "bad man", but as a black man he is being denied his interim seat for senator of Illinois. Reid, and company say the," SoS of Ilinois" must also sign off to ligitimize the transition, which by the way he refuses to sign. But, get this, if Mr. Burris signs a sworn statement "refusing to run in 2010 for his senatorial seat", the powers to be, will allow him to be seated? Mr. Burris is not damaged goods,or a tainted product because of Blago's selection. He just so happens not to be (Axelrod) PE& Reid's best selection for their agenda? One last point about Illinois politics. It's always been corrupt ,and under the dictatorship of one family,"one-at-a-time" thru-out the last hundred years? The fact of the matter,is that Blago pushed the envelope alittle to far,and got caught, but sorry to say,every Illinois politician probably has had his/her fingerprints on it! Now Mr. Burris,please go sit in the back of the bus, and don't dare drink out of any public water fountains ,not labelled for your kind,..
Its so funny how easily this could have been resolved. The Lt Gov could have come out and say that if the scenario plays out where he would become Gov he would then choose Burris. This is becoming a big mess and it annoys me beyond belief that Jackson Jr is crying racism in regards to this. This country is a long ways away from racism going away (one could argue that it never will) but joining this particular situation to racism is just grossly wrong.
this is dumb...
Why is Burris claiming that the Senate won't seat him? He thinks he should be a Senator and he doens't even know the law, which states clearly that the SECRETARY OF THE HOME STATE MUST SIGN THE APPOINTMENT LETTER FROM THE GOV OF THAT STATE AND THE SEC OF STATE IN IL. REFUSED TO SIGN THE CERTIFICATION FROM THE GOV; THEREFORE, THE US SENATE COULD NOT SEAT HIM, EVEN IF THEY WANTED TO...
Poor guy should realize he's just a pawn and move along with his life. As for his statements, he proves he's woefully inadequite and unversed in the laws of the land...
Old fool...
How can you be so concerned about illinois politics when our entire government system is corrupt? It's not just Illinois politicians, it is ALL politicians. All of them lie to your face to get votes then do whatever the hell they want once in office...and proceed to get re-elected through some kind of scheme... Clean up the corruption at the source, Washington DC
I think the Democratic leadership is showing a lapse in good judgement and respect for the law. What must be realized is that the governor of IL was wrong in his conduct in trying to solicit the senate seat of President-elect Obama but the fact remains that he is still Governor and has not be impeached or convicted as of yet. He still have all the powers of Governor and could appoint anyone one he likes until the power has been stripped from him. Secondly the senate can not designate whom they want for senator to represent IL. The law states that a sitting governor for that state can appoint a senator of HIS choice to fill the seat. Seat Mr. Burris and move on. There is too much other important business to be conducted. As for Harry Reid, I feel his leadership in the senate will not be much longer. Not a thoughtful or deliberate guy. Makes alot of decisions that he has too back track on. Trust me this will be one of them. The LAW is the LAW.
Harry Reid must think he is the King of America. He is Judge, Jury, and Executioner. These elected servants of the public have gone way beyond arrogance.
This is a legal appointment. The senate leaders are picking a fight they cannot win.
With all due respect to Ronald Burris, the impression I get is that he's someone more interested in the limelight and his legacy than anything else. He says be against the appointer but don't hold things against the appointee... Huh? One of the reasons the appointer is getting so much flak is because he was trying to sell the position he is supposed to appoint. With that one little fact, the seat is tainted, whoever he chooses. And final thing I find really weird and makes me think he's just interested in adding more to his legacy, he has a mausoleum built in a cemetery that lists his accomplishments... I just gotta saw... wow... and not in a good way.
The SOS of Illinois can sign that piece of paper if he wants to, or use it to wipe his butt, it makes no difference.
He does not have veto power over the appointment made by the governor.
Just obey the law and swear him in and swallow your pride, then just try to slink away into a corner and avoid those pesky reporters when they stick a microphone onto your face to ask you why you're so stupid.
Sucks to be you today, Harry Reid.
Take heart...this didn't happen to you, it happened because of you.
Patriotic, Law Abiding Bloggers ....
Please train your "guns" on Harry Reid.
Concerning Burris’ appointment to the US Senate, it is important to remember that they are rules that need to be followed unless the entire system is going to collapse.
1. Before Burris can be accepted into the US Senate, Burris must present his credentials to the Secretary of the Senate to be formally entered into the Senate rolls. Anyone who does not possess the appropriate credentials can not (can not, not should not) be accepted into the Senate. There is no leeway or ambiguity. cf Senate Rule number 2.
2. The Senate credentials, in order to be complete, needs two signatures. One of the signatures is the Governor of the State. The other signature is the Secretary of State for that state. Again, in accordance to Senate Rule 2, there is no leeway or ambiguity in this.
3. Illinois Secretary of State White has declined to sign Burris’ credentials.
Given these three facts, Mr. Burris can not be accepted into the US Senate at this time. To do so would be to break the Senate Rules.
Notice that this has absolutely nothing to do with Mr. Burris’ race, but everything to do with following the rules. If the rules were broken, there would be an uproar of protests.
If anyone has a gripe about this, the person to look toward is Illinois Secretary of State White. The question to ask is: Does Secretary White have the authority not to sign the credentials? The decision is made by Secretary White. That is where our questions need to be directed.
cnn you are just foolish for never posting my blogs
PLEASE SEND ROLAND BURRIS DOWN THE HILL AND BACK TO CHICAGO.THIS GUY HAS GIVEN NEW MEANING THAT BLACK MEN CAME FROM MONKIES.