CNN

Let see, A conficted fellow from Alaska run for office ( Ted Steven) no one said anything about it but a legitimate appointment by the Gov of ill has deny to take the senate oat. That so funny.

This is so UNFAIR – Burris is getting penalized for that stupid Gov!!!

SEAT BURRIS.... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

GET RID OF REID & PELOSI!!!!

They pushed this old man out into the freezing cold, bitter rain. This is 71 year old man. Did they know this man can catch cold or pneumonia.

Why does this have any connection to race. He's not being held off because he's black, it's because he's been appointed by a pretty shady character. Don't cloud this with racism.

To some of you out there if you don't live in Il you have no idea how much people dislike and distrust the Gov. We know he is a crook. He said that he would not seat anyone but like always he lied. He could appoint a dog and the people of Il still would not accept his choice.

"Why is it necessary for all of this, so many seats filled by appointees. Why not have elections and let the people decide their representatives? Why are Democrats so afraid of this idea, kinda reminds me of the Soviet Socialist Republics when only candidates of one party were allowed."

Because the law states that governors fill vacant Senate seats, for the remainder of the term. So the Democratic governors in question are merely following the law. There's no law that says a special election *must* be held for a vacant seat.

Not sure why some people think this: They did NOT seat Al Franken on Tuesday. He doesn't have a valid certificate because Minnesota requires that legal proceedings are complete before all signatures are made. Al Franken knows better than to try to be seated under the circumstances and is not making a fuss over it.

morons!

The 'rule of law' is collapsing in the United States. One is no longer innocent until proven guilty, senators can violate standing laws, elected officials can refuse to perform their legal obligations.

One point that many are glossing over (I don;t recall seeing anyone bringing this up) Burris is not the legally appointed senator from Illinois. Illinois Secretary of State, Jessee White, did not sign the certification and thus the process has not been completed. Until Jesse White signs the cert, Burris isn't legally anything. This also has nothing to do with race. Reid and Durbin were quite clear long before Burris was appoint by Blago that they would not accept anyone that Blago appointed. It is also the Constitutional right of the Senate to reject members and not allow them to be sworn in.

Burris is also a campaign contributor of Blago's. While it was only 14,000 contributed, it still lend to the dark cloud that would hang over him. While I do think he would probably make a great senator as he as already served my state quite honoroably and with great distiction, I don;t think he should be seated. I would say that democratic senate leaders are handling this as they should. I commend then for having a spine and standing up and protecting the honor of the senate.

"I applaud Jesse White and Harry Reid for their stance regarding Mr. Burris. Rather that taking the cowards way and hiding behind the law"

Following the law is the "cowards way out", according to repubs???

And repubs do not understand why they have a disconnect with the majority of America?

You might want to start by reviewing such statements as the on above.

I predict that Democrats will lose this senate seat in 2010 because of their stupidity and backboneless behavior.

My dear Fellow Americans:

The democrats are willing to seat AL Farnken without a certificate but they are not willing to seat Burris. What is wrong with these people?

Hope Reid will be kicked out of his leadership position.

BB Illinois is not that stupid, after eight years of republican screw -ups why would they want to go back to Republifascism. The worst Dem in the world is still Mother Theresa compared to Bush, Cheney, and the most ignorant broad in the world Sarah you bet'cha nut-case Palin.

Carl: You got it better than any one. Law cannot be changed or interpreted for Reid or Durbin’s wishes. I am not crazy about ILL Governor but he is the governor. We have saying in USA. No one is guilty until it is proven in a court of law. Well all the hard work people did to get Mr. Obama elected have to watch this circus. SEAT Mr. Burris

@Richard. Gov. Richardson hasn't resigned as Gov. at the first sign of impropriety; he only stepped aside from his nomination as Commerce Sec. He only did that at the urging of Obama's staffers, not because he wanted to.

@Susan Canna, why are you surprised? Put Democrats in charge of anything and it becomes a 3 ring circus. Why do you think the Democratic Congress is even less popular than Bush?

@AJONES "We didn't vote for Senator Obama because he is Black. "
Thanks, that actually did make me LOL.

Reid, Durbin and any other senator that opposes Burris will find they will lose this battle if Burris keeps pushing it,
If necessary the supreme will seat Burris if they do not go crazy like they did when they appointed Bush as president.
I hope they have enough sense to follow the constitution. When the court make mosts of is decisions on 5 to 4 count they are not looking at the constitution, they are following their own beliefs or at least those who have supported them for the job.

They are also a bunch of crybabies. Roberts is hollering for a raise. He must have known what the judge's salary was before he said yes to the job. WHAT DOES HE THINK ABOUT THE SALARIES AND WAGES OF 80 PERCENT OF AMERICANS WHO MAKE CLOSE TO 20 PERCENT OF WHAT HE MAKES. WHO IS GOING TO GIVE THEM A RAISE???????????????

State rights trampled on by the Federal Prosecutor and the Federal Senate! The Governor is innocent or presumed innocent. Fitzpatrick's unproven allegations have not been specified, as Ed Genson clearly pointed out, and the overreaching prosecutor has not does advanced this matter so as to allow the Governor to defend himself or to make full answer and defence. Some system of Justice eh! So much for the fairness doctrine!

Wow...... Now this is priceless........ The Senate Democrats WON'T swear in Burris who has been a loyal democrat during his tenure. But..... They took back that TURNCOAT Senator Lieberman (who spoke ill of our President Elect right to the bitter end) with open arms?!?! Give me a break!

I applaud Jesse White and Harry Reid for their stance regarding Mr. Burris. Rather that taking the cowards way and hiding behind the law, they have chosen a higher route and made a decision based on integrity and honesty. These men have taken action to begin cleaning up a mess that has plaqued Illinois for years, a situation that Illinois appears unable or unwilling to address. Governor Blagovich should resign just as Gov. Richardson stepped aside at the first hint of an impropriaty. Mr. Burris should have had the integrity to decline the appointment by a dishonored man but put his own ego and selfish interests first. Mr. Reid and Mr. White, you are doing the right thing, stay the course!

Tee hee hee! As a conservative, I have to say that Blago is the gift that keeps on giving. Legally, he has only been accused of something, not convicted of it… so technically, his Senate appointment is fine and dandy and yes, legal.

But, tastefully, the guy is like a crap sandwich, and any appointment he makes is only going to taste like a condiment worthy of a crap sandwich.

Through no fault of his own, Blago's fully-legal appointment, Burris, has become an albatross around the necks of Congressional dems. And not just an albatross, but tinged with racism, too.

So Congressional Dems, you have a choice… uphold both the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions and look sleazy beyond belief in the process (see "Chicago politics"), or violate the Constitutions of both, and look racist instead. Like I said, Blago is the gift that keeps on giving. That said, I'm going to pop some popcorn and enjoy the show! Woo hoo!

This is an absolute dispicable situation, with all that's going on in the world, it appears to me that the Democracts are starting off sending the wrong message to what is in our future. This should be a time of absolute joy and celebration for Democrats and yet they are making a spectable of this entire situation. Senator Burris has nothing to do with issues of the govenor and Why doesn't Barack put a stop to all this foolishness......This is not sending a bad message of his ability to run a country when he can't or doesn't step up to put an end to this circus. Who could believe that the democrats are stepping up to challenge one of their own when all the bad conduct the country put up with Bush and none of them stepped up to challenge the republican party. This also makes it easier for Republicans to deny Al Frankin.

That was very gracious of Sen. Durbin. If Mr. Burris had any sense however, he would get some therapy and work through that inflated ego of his. He is a disgrace and would be a disaster as a U.S. Senator.

This is disgrace to Illinois and African American I dont care what Senate committee say about Burris who give anybody rights to shutt the door on a political figure who want to represent the people of Illinois that like saying that I dont have rights to go and talk to my congress about issue in my community.....Illinois is going to lose demoncrate base......I hope the chicago African American community would chose there powerful leader to represent Illinois if it white or black.

The Democrats finally have control and all they can do is this. Pick better battles idiots. Blago and Burris are with in their legal rights. I know it stinks but the leadership needs to let this drop and get on with getting this country back on track.

If they keep this crap up the Rebulicans will take controll again in 4 short years

Nice chester on his part, good to see not all Sentor's are "Aholes". My question is why on GOD's green earth would Burris accept the appointment from Blagovich? Why did he not tell Blagovich that if the Lt. Governor nomatnated him he would accept. It really would had speard America and the State of IL all the DRAMA.

The Senate should seat Mr. Burris. He was appointed in accordance with the law. While I do not support Mr. Blagovich, he is still the sitting Govenor of Illinois. We live in a country that still allows everyone to have their day in court. As long as Gov Blagovich remains in office, he has a responsibility to carry-out all duties.

Go for it Senator Burris! Reid is out of his mind!

Has Blagovich been convicted? No. Has Blagovich been tried? No. Has Blagovich been inditated? No.
Seem people don't mind if Blagovich fills Emanual's seat or if the Governor continues with state business and contracts.
Let's call it what it is, a lynching of Burris to punish Blagovich.

Scary stuff.....according to the exisiting laws he must be allowed to serve.

What happened today reminds me when in 1963 Democratic Gov. George C. Wallace stood in the doorway at the University of Alabama trying to block two blacks students from entering there and then again blocking the doorway when four black students tried to gain admission at a Birmingham school. He then proclaimed, "segregation today,segregation tomorrow and segregation forever"! Harry Reid is the 2009 version of George Wallace!

Are we going to acknowledge and uphold our laws or not? I am not a fan of Blago, but he has not been indicted, charged or impeached. According to the laws of the State of Illinois, he is still a sitting Governor.

So why is a Senator from Nevada allowed to tell a legally appointment Senator from Illinois that he can't be sworn in and take his rightful seat in the senate. How is it that the Secretary of State of Illinois can over rule a decision by the sitting Governor of the state?

I think the Democrats are treading on very dangerous ground here and they better clean it up quick , or just stand back and watch the African Americans (which I am one) just ship, and take a long look at what the Modern Republicans have to offer to Minorities. We didn't vote for Senator Obama because he is Black. Don't take us for granted please.. IF Senator Reid is going to be the face of the party, we are starting out with the WRONG FACE for 2009!!!

Why did Senator Reid ask the Governor of Illinois to consider not recommending Jesse Jackson, Jr, or the other two possible candidates who just happend to be African Ameicans? Something just does not feel right here America.

Until we change the laws, lets please obey the ones we have. Roland Burris should be seated...

Lastly, while I don't want to take this in to a racial area, it does seem strange that Senator Reid only asked that three African Americans not be considered to fill this senate vacancy... HMMMMMMMMMMM

Where in the law does it state such, that it is against the law to seat him, This appointment is tainted and has yet to hear the words discrimination, but it has been hinted at so just wait, Mr. Burris or his attorney will utter those words and you can bet on it.

Dear JF,

Please don't even try to blame Republican for Illinois. You have over 1000 state representative indicted over the past 10 years, 3 governors doing time, and a corrupt political machine in Chicago. All Democrats.

Seat Burris! This is crazy, unless you are ready to remove Blago from office he still has the power to appoint. The Sec of State of Il is out of control. She does not have the power to veto the Gov so she should have signed the proper paperwork to begin with. Now this mess is going to DC in time to taint the inauguration. Way to go Dems.

What relevant matter are you folks commenting on here? Are your jobs secure after the mess of the past 8 years?

I think that Burris should do the honorable thing and step aside until the Illinois congress reaches a decision about Blago. But Burris is doing this for his 15 mins of fame and so he can etch another stupid thing in that idiotic grave he erected for himself. He is just another version of Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton. They use race and publicity to get what they want, but they ultimately make themselves look dumber and dumber. I feel sorry for the voters of Illinois having to possibly be represented by this guy. Good Luck Illinois!!

Well at least someone in the senate have some manners!

Burris only [i]thought[/i] he was past the age of sitting at the kids table during the festivities, LOL

While these morons posture, the American people are suffering because of their incompetence in running the country. The latest waste of taxpayer dollars in the news is the $700,000,000 embassy in Iraq that covers 80 football fields. I've watched our government piss away the peoples hard-earned money for 50 years and I'm sick of it.

Kinda mean isn't that? It's like saying you can't have any ice cream, but you can watch me eat mine!

The Senate is showing its true colors, both republican and democrat. Regardless of whether the Governor of Illinois is guilty, he is presumed innocent until proven so. That being said, the democrats in the Senate are trying to play GOD with Burris who they have no fault with, other than the fact that Gov. Blagojevich appointed him to the seat. And until he is no longer Governor of Illinois, he has a right to do so. Is it any wonder why the average American is fed up with both parties, republican and democrat?

The sad reality is the entire nation looks bad in this whole situation. If the governor's pick wasn't going to be excepted the should have taken his powers away. They didn't and Burris doesn't seem to have anything to do with the governors allegation so he should be seated. For all we know this could be the RIGHT one for the job. If he's not he won't get re-elected anyway.

The more Reid struggles with this fairly cut-n-dried situation, the more damage he does to himself and the party.

Harry Reid, your efforts to keep Burris out of the Senate is like flailing around in Quicksand ... and right about now you are up to your ears in it!

Burris should have declined the invitation from Blago. He knew this whole thing was one big tainted escapade. Blago is using him to do an in-your-face to the system that is now on the verge of indicting him. Burris should have known better than to be a willing participant to Blago's circus.

Seems to me that this is another waste of tax payer money. They should have let him in and got on to other important matters. I am sure the courts will eventally rule in his favor. This is why I for one vote the Congress, and Senate are the worst in History. Typical.

If Durbin thinks his creditials are in order then he should be seated regardless of the stink surrounding the person who appointed him. This is getting ridiculous, seat the guy and stop holding up everything based on symantics. Principle for principle sake and not actual facts about the person doesn't serve any one's interest.

Durbin is no prize either........first he tries to get the former governor (Ryan) out of jail having been found guilty of CORRUPTION, and now he wants Burris to watch. He obviously is a politician.......and not very skilled. He has lost my vote and any future donation next time around!

They should sit him; his appointment was legal and has nothing to do with the legal issues that the governor is going through. If the senate wants to change the constitution of the United States, they should amend so this would not happen in the future but this appointment is legal, like it or not.

Susan Canna

It's your own precious party doing this...quit trying to drag in more of your hypocritical viewpoints. The Democrats actually had the audacity to invite Burriss to a swearing-in ceremony where he won't be sworn in...but can sit in the bleachers and watch! This is absolutely priceless...right Susan? Come on, you have to at least smile and see the comedy in this! Both parties need to conduct a firm house-cleaning of corrupt and idiotic representatives RUNNING OUR COUNTRY!

Obama should just come in with his belt and put a stop to these shenanigans

"Is against the law of this land and we will consider our options"

I find this statement very ironic because Burris is shut out from the Senate because he has been chosen by a governor who broke the law of the Land!

Is Burris another "clean" politician from Chicago?

Or is that even possible?

The cries of racism are completely without merit and, quite frankly, disgusting.
Burris is a self-serving, arrogant, immoral, opportunistic fraud.
His behaviour and statements regarding this entire matter has been truly sickening and I sincerely hope he does NOT get seated.

sg- you have some issues. read some of these other comments...we're not all racists, just people that believe in what is right. there is no reason to bring the color of a man's skin into focus

If I were Blagovich, I would throw away my Democrat membership card and sit as an independent Governor. Burris can solve his problem by changing his affiliation to that of a Republican or an Independent. I am a Nevada Democrat and I am ashmed of Reid. He will not get re-elected. I don't like bullies.

ashamed to be a democrate and disgusted with my self donated money to this party . thanks reid and all your fellow sentors. so much for laws

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.

Durbin, that stinks of separate but equal, watch me from the gallery, wow. Senators are a real arrogant bunch of snobs. Thanks, but no thanks.

Is he crazy or senile.?

Reid is incompetent. His emphasis on "proper certification" is a weak pathetic argument. What will he do when a court upholds Burris' challenge? He should take a principled stand and stick by it instead of waffling as he did on Meet The Press.

On the matter of refusing a "brother" a seat, it disgusts me to see blacks play the race card as if the mere fact of Burris' ethnicity qualifies him to a seat in the Senate. They are stupidly rushing right into the trap Blago set for them: "I'm naming a black so don't lynch him because of me." I'd rather see the Senate without a black than one who denounced the crooked governor before getting his nod for the Senate seat and then turning around and allowing himself to be a pawn in a sinister game.

Why is it necessary for all of this, so many seats filled by appointees. Why not have elections and let the people decide their representatives? Why are Democrats so afraid of this idea, kinda reminds me of the Soviet Socialist Republics when only candidates of one party were allowed.

you can go to the party but you can't have any cake or ice-cream, and you can't play any games.

So Dick Durbin has elected himself the new "Drama Queen Diva" of Congress I guess.

Why else pull a stunt like this unless you are just trying to keep the media around.

I agree that it's not really worth fighting this, but come on. This doesn't have anything to do with race.

They need to go ahead and admit him. Obviously, the appointment is tainted, but for the country's sake, lets move on. Burris is obviously qualified, and as he's stated (and is correct), he is the legally appointed junior Senator from Illinois. Until this impeachment business is over – and whether anyone likes it – Blago is the Governor & he has the authority to appoint Burris. Enough is enough!

Burris shouldn't be there, and Burris knows it. That's why he is making such huge scenes, even after being forewarned of what was going to happen. Franken's seat is more legit than his, yet you don't see Franken going to Capital Hill trying to force his way in, do you?

I'm black and democrat, so spare me the racist crap. I know the racist card when I see it, and Blago is playing this like a conniving machiavellian. Burris needs to go home and try to figure out why no one in Illinois voted for him the 5 times he's run for statewide office.

The Senate democrats are trying to avoid Burris running in 2010 and losing the seat to the GOP. I think that makes perfect sense.

He is not an elected official and in no way shape or form "deserves" this seat. Its not about him, but its almost like he wants to make it personal and about him. He knowingly put himself in this situation...and now he is looking for an easy way "in". To bad...I think the people of Illinois spoke when they didn't elect him the several times he ran for offices.

Mr. Durbin, did you not know by bring Mr. Burris to Washington that he wasn't going to be sworn.

That may not be racism but it dumm. Why make a candidate for the Senate office come to be sworn and he knows that it's not going to happen.

Stop being stupid to the fact, that the world don't care what color you are , they only want to know if he know the law and how to Represent to the Amercian people.

Now thats just mean!!!

Yes, please come to our party. Just don't eat.

Nice to see all this change.

Why deny this perfectly quailified, good man, a position in the senate. I think it is a disgrace! He is not responsible for the actions of the Governor and they should not reflect on him. Good, honest, men are very hard to find in the world of politics and to deny Burris the proper respect is not fair to him or the people of Illinois.

This was all a racial ploy initiated by the Illinois gov. I'm glad some people had the guts to stick to their guns and not allow him to be a senator.

HA,HA,HA Burris and Blago and friends trying to play the American people. Ha, in your face.

Burris' love for himself totally overshadows Blagojevich's idiocy. Did you notice?

Great political move B.

So, let me see if I have this straight? The Democratic Leadership in the Senate FINALLY decides to use the Sargeant at Arms – to deny entry to a LEGALLY appointed Democrat?! Did the thought ever occur to them to use him to grab Harriet Meyers, Josh Bolton, and Carl Rove instead? Maybe he could arrest the current White House occupants who are also war criminals!? As a life-long democrat myself, it appears to me that what we are witnessing is nothing less than a pathetic charade! I personally don't agree with Gov. Blagovich appointing anyone, but it's done and until he is LEGALLY proved GUILTY, than he is innocent and can make this appointment! If the Senate can give a 90 second long Standing Ovation to a member who is a CONVICTED FELON (Alaska ring a bell?) then I don't think they should have such a lofty opinion of themselves, because I know the majority of the American people don't!

The Durbin staff can assist Burris in laying the groundwork for Blagojevich's pardon. They're up to speed, having just lobbied the Bush White House to pardon Blagojevich's predecessor (George Ryan), who is currently entering just the 2nd year of his 7 year sentence.

If there was no signature on his certificate then no he should not be sworn in without it. Why didn't he check to make sure he had the deal sealed. Maybe his partner who elected him wanted to make a fool out of him in public. He knew it was not legal without a signature.

sg – this is not a racial issue and your attempts (along with a few other more public figures) to make it so are despicable. Anyone appointed by Blago would be in the same position.

Obama has set the table for African Americans to have sense of pride in going from the bottom up with a sense of decency Look at the political Drama that Roland Burris has created for himself i feel like i want to hide myself from the world because unless some of us create a scene we don't feel we can be scene or heard

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.

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.

Burris got this situation on himself, before accepting the offer he would have thought about moral and ethics instead of just legal.

We now know the depths of how cruel politicians can be. No, you can't be sworn in but you can watch me be sworn in, and then come to my party to celebrate me being a Senator. That's just cruel.

Let's be realistic. We are talking about the Great State of Illinois, and politics. Republicans have done a diservice to this great state for years, I don't think they will climb to the top so fast. What the Governor has done is dispicable, but Burris is watching this from the side lines, for he has nothing to lose, and is unlikely he will run 2010.

I think Illinois voters will elect a Republican once the Special election is held, forget two years.

Ha Ha Harry! Looks like your plot to keep a black man out of YOUR senate may fail. What's wrong Reid – Can you smell them fom a mile away? Is that what bothers you? Reid you nothing but a freakin racist pig!

just go home and stop ruining the democrats

Sen.Durbin,another spineless leader for our change candidate to squander yet another opportunity to a brother! What's next? Oh,I see affirmative action a rising,...

Burris should tell Durbin to take his invitation and shove it.

The democrats are going to mess this up trying to look good. This is silly. Burris' apointment is clearly legal and he should be seated forthwith.

The offer of the gallery seat reeks of "separate but equal". While I'd love to see the Reid Gang have their heads handed to them by the Supremes, I'd rather see a prompt adult settlement of a fairly easy legal issue.

Why can't the Dems simply say that all appointments are on hold till the Federal Prosecutor has completed his investigation, presented his case and the illinois legislature takes any action they choose??? It would remove the onus from the Senate by preserving the grity of the investigation. Simple solution since time is not of importance at present with all the issues facing our nation. We must keep the nation as the priority not Burris' ego!!!

Denying Burris his seat is clearly "against the law of this land". Senate leadership is going to look very foolish when the courts order Burris seated.

We're just getting rid of a President who showed contempt for the constitution and laws passed by Congress. Now we have Democrats at all levels, from the Illinois Secretary of State to Democratic Senate leadership all showing equal contempt for unambiguous constitutional law. Their behavior is contemptuous.

Cue anti-Republican remark (in an article that has nothing to do with Republicans) from "Proud American" in 3... 2... 1...

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………….

If Blago is still Gov. and is doing the work of the Gov. of Ill. then the man should be seated. Shame on them for blocking him.

I really think Burris should've not allowed anyone representing him in this debacle to pull the race card! I also feel that no matter what Burris may have thought the law of the land could, should or would do that he is looking desperate trying to slide in on the coat tail of this scandle! According to NPR last night he hasn't even been in the political arena for a while because of lost battles to be elected into office! He's been a lawyer and PAC member, which raises an eyebrow with me, how 'bout you?

Burris should be seated. Then the Democrats should take on the real issues facing the country. But first Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi need to be replaced as leaders. They are incompetent and represent the petty politics of the past. They will be a major road block to Obama's attempt to bring the country together and govern from the middle.

Burris show some patience!

You will be respected more…and not been seen as a "political prostitute"...like Belgo

Get Blego OUT first and then get Burris back IN

"Durbin and other Democratic leaders have said they do not personally oppose Burris, but rather believe his appointment by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is tainted because of the governor’s alleged ethical lapses including trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat."

Let the abuse of power begin!

So what happens if the majority party decides an election was "tainted"? Will they not seat that person too?

This is wrong. Gov B. has not been convicted of anything. What happened to " innocent until proven guilty"? This is pure power politics.

Well that's a slap in the face..."you're not welcomed, but you're welcomed to watch from the sideline"...priceless.

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

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

I'm sorry I ranted.

Amazing how the Democrats wont allow Burris to be seated but Harry Reid wants Franken seated!!! Harry Reid is upset because his "chosen people" were not picked. Didn't take long for the Democrats to show themselves! All out for themselves and not the people. I can only hope that Obama puts Pelosi and Reid in their place and have them working for the people!

Wow! So he can't be sworn in, but he can come watch everyone else be sworn in. If that isn't a slap in the face and a kick in the balls, I don't know what is.

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.

This game needs to stop. We have very important issues to deal with. Like two wars, the economy and people losing their homes. Please get to work on America's business!

I am from Illinois, and I have no problem with Burris individually, but I think he should recuse the nomination. He is not helping our state or our President Elect because he is grasping at a dream he has never been able to accomplish in his own right. He has run for govenor and senator, and the people of Illinois have repeadly 'not' elected him. He does not have the appropriate certification, and Jesse White will not sign that certification, so he, in fact, should not be seated. The Senate seat should not be sold, but neither should it be a consolation prize to an aging politician, who is past winning it, and couldn't be re-elected even if he did run in 2010. Illinois doesn't want a place holder in this seat.

Actually, I find this entire circus despicable...We now have a House and Senate that believe they are above the law.

According to US LAW, the Governor's job in IL is to name a Senator. He did. Now we have a Democratic Sec. of State in IL refusing to do HIS job.

A House and Senate that have the MEANS to remove a Senator by law AFTER he becomes Senator.

As a Democrat. I am ashamed.

That must be one hot seat....Let me sit in it.....

What a circus!

Any sensible person would not have accepted the appointment in the first place. Secondly, this guy should not have wasted his money and time to travel to Washington.
What an idiot.

Boy, this guy Burris has a lot of nerve. I can't imagine I would want a job where my fellow workers have plainly stated they don't want me there. Obviously all this guy cares about is adding another line to the list of accomplishments he has already written on his grave site. And why he would even accept the appointment when he knew the senate wouldn't seat him. I think his actions clearly indicate a lack of intelligence and character and in themselves should disqualify him.

I am so happy that the eveil Bush empire has finally crumbled and the GOP is in ruins. Happy days are here again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also hope old cheney's ticker stops if you know what I mean

We love you Barack Obama!!!!!

It's our world now repubes, deal with it HEE HEE

Illinois will elect a Republican Senator in two years after this stink stirred up by Burris and Blagovich. You Bet'cha.

Illinois will elect a Republican Senator in two years after this stick stirred up by Burris and Blagovich. You Bet'cha.

I don't believe Blago would have given the seat to Burris if he WASN'T tainted – I think by association, Burris is guilty. Its awful to say, but I just can't see Blago doing anything "for nothing" – so what has Burris done all these years to get what he got?

That's a nice gesture of Sen. Durbin. Now Burris needs to just chill and let what happens happen. No need for attorneys. It will work out better if he stops stirring the racial pot like is so obvious in all the posts.