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I agree with Feinstein. Let Burris be seated. The governor of IL is never going to be successfully prosecuted anyway. The prosecution botched the case by not waiting until an actual criminal transaction occurred. It's not exactly fair to the public, but it's the law and we have to deal with it. So let's deal with it and be done with it. Welcome Senator Burris!

Wow, look at all the Dem bloggers go after Feinstein. You guys really do eat your own don't you?

@Texas Teacher, you do know she's a Democart don't you wingnut? Just checking, since your ranting about Republicans (as usual) and this article doesn't even mention them. Time for your anger management class deary.

DiFi is a rogue. CA voters need to put her out to pasture.

She (Feinstein) is probably correct. we need to stop beating the dead horse....quickly get onto business – this infighting is draining and distracting....and then....what is the alternative and how long does that take??? Gotta get to business – Burress seems clean...may not be the best in the west but I don't know the politicians in Illinois.

Like I say this is not how we should be acting life is short and the big ticket items are waiting .....waiting...waiting.....etc.

How much power do Senators have? I heard they will accept Burris nomination, if Baglojevich is impeached and Burris promises not to run. Wow! it's like States don't have any rights anymore. How big does the Federal Government have to get before America gets mad enough to say enough is enough!
Last time States rights were infringed cannons rang out at Fort Sumter. Let's kick all these morons out before that happens again.

If Blago is still gov has not been impeached and Fitzfgerald is still assing around ......seat Mr Burris and say goodbye to Nancy and Reid

Before all you neo-cons and bible beaters get all self righteous over the Burris appointment, you may want to get your own house in order as you leader McConnell has said he will do exactly the same thing to Franken.

Feinstein is right. Burris should be seated. Illionois needs two sitting senators now to fight for it's share of resources at this diffiult time. Come 2010, the people of Illinois can decide whom they wish to be in Washington, be it Burris or some other person. While the governer of Illinois has been accused of being a crock, he has not had his day in court yet nor convicted. Furthermore, no one can say Burris is compromised in any way other than he was appointed by someone who was accused of a crime.

Careful Dianne, remember what happened to Leiberman when he started being a free thinker.

screw feinstein
i'm as conservative as they come and i applaud the democrats for denouncing blagojevich from the beginning and sticking to their guns. they called blago's bluff, they said they would do all within their power to keep him from appointing someone, and they stuck to their word. with congress having approval ratings even lower than bush's, it's time we got rid of feinstein and reid and pelosi. we all know they are the ones in charge, and they will be the ones in possession of the rubber stamp when obama takes over.
illinois politics is as corrupt as they come. centuries of tradition here. it doesn't just go away because of speeches about hope.

who cares if blagojevich has the legal right to appoint the seat? so what? our govt has checks and balances and there are laws that can be maneuvered to also prevent his appointee from sitting, which is perfectly legal too.
there is simply no way to trust any appointee from someone who tried to sell the seat. and this is NOT about "innocent until proven guilty" – ignorant americans just parrot what they hear on tv, like the people who repeat "free speech" like a broken record and don't even understand what it means. innocent until proven guilty is reserved for criminal court, where it can stay. as his employer, the public is perfectly within their rights to demand he be fired and actions be rejected

Why it is so hard to some people to understand that Mr. Burris is legally appointed? Unless you have other motivations against him, every one has to accept this man as the junior Senator of the state of Illinois, like it or not. The law is certainly not perfect, but it is the law. It is applied to every one, and it should be a crime if going against it.
Some people are saying that Mr. Burris shouldn't have accepted the nomination because of this or that. Frankly, it is not fair and honest to say such crap. Only a stupid or a naive person wouldn't have taken such extremely rare opportunity.
I am not sure about you, I wish I was so lucky to have such opportunity. Of course, I would have accepted it, and I would be thanking GOD with all the energy I have.
I am glad that more than 96% of this country are not racists and believe on equal opportunity for every one. The rest would eventually abandon their hatred and activism against people who doesn't look like they wanted him/her to look.
Please, stop going around the Constitution in order to express your unfairness.

I am not a fan of Rod Blagojevich or Senator Burris, but I deeply supported and voted for PE Obama in order to have change and fairness.

Well Finally, 1 out of 99 US Senators understands the rule of law, and is keenly aware of the illegal assault on individual states' rights that Harry Reid has launched by refusing to seat the duly appointed Junior Senator from IL. Kudos to Senator Feinstein

sounds like Diane is a crybaby !!

Feinstein--you don't live in Illinois. This is an Illinois problem. Until the Illinois Secretary of State signs off on the appointment paper, Burris cannot be seated. Thank goodness for Jesse White, IL Secy of State.

@Independent_me January 6th, 2009 8:14 pm ET
I agree with Ms. Feinstein. The Demorats are being very stupid and shortsighted about this. They are throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Don't punish Burris who – from all that has been said about him – is an honorable man. Punish that rotten-to-the-core blagovitch or whatever-his-name-is.
Seat Burris, you dumb fools. Do you really want to give the Repugs a chance of gaining one more seat???*** I'm going to bed now .... You Are SOOOO Right You should run For GOV or Senator

Looks to me like blago wants to force people's hands in his desperation to remain gov.What a waste blago.To be electected gov and throw it awway like that? Whata waste!

And we should worry about what Feinstein thinks... turn coat democrat.... a republican wolf in democratic sheep's clothes.... "Get thee behind us, SATAN!" I'm not even a Christian!

I am shocked to hear this from Chrwn. Feinstein, but I agree. I have said it before, it's about the law. They can protest and attempt to humiliate this gentleman all they want, but he will be seated. It's not like Gov. Blago.. is the first corrupt Gov. Officials have had more than enough time to change the laws, to that these bad guys could be booted out quickly. The possibilites for this type debacle should have been addressed before Blago. The pencil broke, that's all she wrote.

Feinstein is right on target.....the Senate leadership should follow the law....got a feeling that our new congress still doesn't get it...follow the law ...not one's political desires......I hope Obama can set the example for them to follow....if not....were in for another long four years....democrats will lose their majority in two years if they don't "get it" soon.....David in Minnesota

What game is burris playing? Does the phrase "fruit from the poisoned tree"not ring any bells at all? An honest person will wait till blago is cleared from any wrong doing before accepting anythingfrom him.Even if it were wrapped with antibiotics.

Burris should have did the right thing and refused the appointment in light of all the negative vibes surrounding Blago's charges. He choose to do what benefited him. He seems to be more interested in getting in front of the Cameras for free publicity than working for the Illinois people. Maybe Palin would be interested in hiring him.
Onward with Schummer! The sooner the better.

Forward with Schummer! The sooner the better.

If Burris was a man of integrity he would have did the right thing and refused the appointment in light of all the negative vibes surrounding Blago and the charges that he will be facing. Instead, he choose to do what would benefit him irregardless of the commotion he KNEW it would set in motion. I always thought a Senators position encompassed humanitarian aspects and working for the good of the people. He seems to be more interested in getting in front of the Cameras for free publicity than he is in working for the Illinois people as Senator. Maybe Palin would be interested in hiring him.

Texas Teacher, you're not really a teacher are you, you're just kidding about that right. Look up what party Feinstein belongs to

Yeah, well, I don't like this. I don't like this at all.

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO glad she is not in my state.

She's next out of the door.

I'm sick of OLD, RICH, WHITE WOMEN thinking they know what's good for me or my country.

This PUMA crap is old and over. And so is Dianne. Bitter old bitty.

Yeah, I'm mad if you can't tell. Who does she think she is? Hillary?

What the heck is bugging Dianne Feinstein? Does she want to perpetuate corruption or she just looking for attention?

you'all just do not get it. He is going to be seated no doubt, but they had to make it seem as if they put up resistance to his appointment given the circumstances. I agree the guy should be seated as he has been duly appointed, but this gives them the cover to play it back in the faces of anyone who says he should not be seated. So after Franken who will get seated after Burris is in things will be as they were supposed to be.

I "GRUDGINGLY" AGREE WITH DIANNE FEINSTEIN (ON THIS ONE).

Don't trust that snake Blagojevich and very disappointed Burris did not follow the lead of seven other Illinois Senate candidates who turned Blagojevich down once U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald blew the whistle. But Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. or U.S. Attorney Lisa Madigan would have been perfect replacements for PE-Obama Senate seat.

In short, Blagojevich called Senator Harry Reid's bluff. Blagojevich punk Reid. Blagojevich & Burris knows the Constitution and the Law are on Gov. Blagojevich's side. Therefore Senator Reid needs to cut his losses and drop this skunk-smelling mess – - – NOW!! The 'Blagojevich-Burris' rotten-egg stinks badly and the only thing Reid has done was to pour accelerant on the mess to make it worst.

How do I or anyone else know if Burris cut a deal with Blagojevich. Stop the racial crap. I am an African American and it is a disgrace that some of you are making this about race. I would not care if Burris was green. I would not seat anyone appointed by the current Governor of Illinois. Everyone clams that Burris is an honorable man. Burris failed miserably in several elections in Illinois to win elections for various positions. The only way he could get any position in Illinois was being opportunistic and being appointed by a corrupt governor. Just because something is legal does not make it moral. If I lived in Illinois, then I would not accept him as my Senator.

Congress has no right to deny Illinois of its senator.
It is not the congresses job to say who should and should not repsresent Illinois. That job is left up to the people of Illinois.
Congress has truly overstepped its authority.

shannon January 6th, 2009 8:28 pm ET
Feinstein is a great woman, and we need leaders who speak out.
____________________________

I TOTALLY agree with you, "shannon. "

chuck January 6th, 2009 8:31 pm ET
THIS IS NOT A WOMAN TO TRUST ANYMORE.
_________________________

And just how do you know this, "chuck"? Please be specific. If you can't be, just hush up!

That's my Senator – way to go Dianne, we Californians are proud of you – thank you for your service!

Feinstein is absolutely right on this. Blagojevich is the duly constituted governor of Illinois. The fact that he has been indicted does not in any way reduce his constitutional powers. In a case such as this, it is the Secretary of State’s job to certify and sign the papers. He does not have the power to act to veto the governors’ action.
For the Senate to try to interfere with a governors’ constitutional powers will set a precedence that will come back to haunt them in future.

Harry Reid is the dirtiest of the dirty....he makes Blago,Richardson, Spitzer and Edwards look like choir boys. Placing him in the national spotlight is finnally exposing this. The boogeyman is going to get him in 2010!

What Sen. Feinstein is neglecting to take into consideration is the dark ethical cloud surrounding the nomination of this man. You would think the members and nominees of the U.S. Senate would always have to be above rapproach as a minimum! Of course Sen. Feinstein has been in the U.S. Senate so long that she wouldn't recognise ethical behavior if it bit her in her substantial backside!

Leadership?? What leadership??

Congress does not have leaders. It has dictators!

Throw the bums out!!!

You fools need to get over the Obambi love-fest; he was "selected" already, congratulations.

Even when Feinstein, Biden or another Democrat points out an error in the "chosen ones" actions or thought processes, you attack them as being ego driven.

Just BLEEPING stop it, it is beyond rational thought and frankly makes you people void of any real substance beyond "Hope", "Change" or he is the "one we have been waiting for", BASED ON WHAT EXACTLY?

He will make mistakes people and he did with Panetta, Holder and Richardson, but he has made some good to GREAT selections INCLUDING the Surgeon General, that is called rational and substantive thought, you Obamabots should try it sometime.

Feinstein really misses one significant point, why did Burris seek and accept the appointment after knowing the problems and that most everyone was against the Governor appointing anyone? Not only is it tainted by the Governor's actions but also just by the question of Burris' motivation.

Diane, you are such a maverick!

THIS IS NOT A WOMAN TO TRUST ANYMORE. OBAMA WILL FIND THIS OUT HIMSELF.

An experienced politician is the LAST thing we need.There are far too many around already.Just look at the Governor that appointed him!

Let's all vote the way Minnesota does.Al Franken and Jesse Ventura the tag team for America.

Feinstein is a great woman, and we need leaders who speak out. I know many Obama supporters like those who supported Bush, don't want any challenges or questions directed at their leader. It's not supposed to be how democracy works, and thank goodness for people like Feinstein. With Bush if you asked questions you were a traitor or un-American, now with Obama, if you dare question him, you are called a racist. Both terms are thrown out there to intimidate and stop the public and the press from asking questions. It worked wth Bush and we got the war, hopefully we all won't be as intimidated with this administration, and we will question what we don't agree with.

Good for you, Senator Feinstein! This Californian applauds you.

Funny when people use "it's within the law" to defend Burris' appointment.

It's also within the law for the Senate not to seat a new member ain't it?

Burris will be seated unless he withdraws. If he keeps fighting for the seat, he courts will tell the senate he must be seated as a senator from Illinois. That is the law, he was duly appointed for senator, the constitution gives the governors the right and obligation to appoint an empty senate seat and the governor has done that,
The governor has not been indicted, he has not been able to tell his side of the story, he has not been convicted of anything and apparently the charges are thin at best for the prosecutor has ask for ninety day extension to bring charges instead of the normal thirty.
Get used to the fact Burris will be the junior senator from Illiinios.

I can't believe it. I agree wholeheartedly with Senator Feinstein.

I think I'll go out and buy my lottery ticket now…

The law is the law – he has to be seated. You don't like the law get it changed.

ps – this nonsense about a counter signature is a load of hog wash. I don't particularly like the guy but he is the legal senator.

I agree with Ms. Feinstein. The Demorats are being very stupid and shortsighted about this. They are throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Don't punish Burris who – from all that has been said about him – is an honorable man. Punish that rotten-to-the-core blagovitch or whatever-his-name-is.

Seat Burris, you dumb fools. Do you really want to give the Repugs a chance of gaining one more seat???

"Mr. Burris is a senior, experienced politician. He has been Attorney General, he has been Controller, and he is very well-respected. "

He held these offices more than a decade ago. Since then, he has done little but try to be a "spoiler" in elections by running as an independent.

Perhaps he is stillplaying the "spoiler" today?

Don't take the bait. Impeach Blogoyavich!

soundslike she is trying to be another Joe Lieberman. Who is she to decide who the Persident-Elect want in what p[osition. He has his reaqsons

she's just trying to make a name for herself. she's practically a republican like lieberman.

Burris is a self-serving and me-only politician and is overlooking the serious ethical problems of him being seated. Diane Feinstein is trying to stick it to Obama for "not consulting her" for the CIA director position. Diane, what happens when Blago is convicted down the road? Eh? Can't wait for the "old-guard" to retire and let Obama build new democratic party of the future.

Looks like the Democrat's Prince Charming Obama, isn't.

What changed her mind?

Obama has made a huge mistake with being friendly with this woman. She has her own agenda. The fact that she broke rank and protocol and went whining to the media to release a statement about her dismay over who Obama (You know, the PRESIDENT) chose for the CIA appointment is proof of that. Since when does he need to consult with her? Then, releases a statement after talking with Biden and Obama basically letting everyone know that they kissed her behind? She doesn't need to be consulted. He can choose whoever he wants. She can take a long walk if she doesn't like it.

What's worse, is that they yielded to her! That is unacceptable! Stand your ground Obama. If she doesn't like it, so what.

As for Burris, again, she's breaking ranks trying to make political gain. The problem isn't with Burris (Who by the way made a point of saying that he felt ole Sellin' Seat Blago was wrong, yet had no problem taking a nod from the guy he said was unethical) it's with that slime Blago. He just wants a show. Impeach the clown and get him the hell out of there! Stop wasting time. The guy is a slimeball. No one that this loser appoints should be seated. No one. I have no doubt that whomever takes his place, they will appoint Burris, but if they allow this to go through under Blago, then they are saying it's okay to sell government. Stick to your guns Democrats as well as Obama. Stop this nancy pansy stuff and get tough!

Darryl said it best. It's a sin and a shame that the senate controlled by the democrats who said that they'd be different during their campaign 2 years ago, would wind up being the same type of politicians that their predecessors were. One should look in the mirror before casting stones at a glass house. Shame on you Democrats. I would've expected this type of behavior from the Republicans but I'm appalled that you would stoop this low. Get on with the business of this country and seat this man who has demonstrated throughout his career how ethical a politician should really be. Makes me wonder how many senators are quaking in their boots at the thought that this man will really make a difference through his actions and not campaign promises whom no one keeps.

Blago has not been indicted yet and he is still the governor. Therefore, he has the power to appoint a senator. It's as simple as that. We need mature politicians, please. No time for democrats drama.

Burris is also a politician the Illinois voters turned down for the past three or four offices he ran for.

Feinstein seems to be struggling for relevance in the past two days...ot is she still upset that Hillary didn't win??

I agree 100% with Senator Feinstein. She is the sole voice of reason in the senate- Not seating Burris would set too ugly a precedence- what's next, refusing to seat someone legally elected by the people because the powers the be disagree with their views?

And for those still belittling Senator Freinstein's complaints that she wasn't consulted about the CIA-head choice, note that VPE Biden acknowledged that this was an error, and that the transition team discussed the choice with her at length today.

If that's her view why doesn't she give Burris her seat and

step down?

Dianne Feinstein is a disgusting human being. She couldn't have voiced her displeasure in private? Feinstein is a media pig who cares about no one but herself. Can we give her to the republicans and let them deal with her?

Darryl,

Senator Feinstein is right. The governor is tainted but he is innocent till proven guilty. Moreover, there is no cry on the special election for Emanuel election. We are ok with that authority of the governor. If we cannot accept his nomination for senate, let us go for a special election. Why, I don't see any democrats opting for it?

Let us look at Obama as a human being and realize that he can also make mistakes. This idea of supressing anyone talking against obama is really insane.

Thanks for saying the obvious. Does Reid think he is Czar of the Senate? Follow the law. The Senate is bigger that both Reid and dirty politicians from Illinois.

I am a life long democrat and Obama supporter. However the senate under the leadership of Reed is a disaster and incompetent. The first thing that needs to be done is to get rid of him as majority leader.

I ‘m not concerned about Illinois politics or their governor, however it is his right to appoint whom he will as long as the appointment is legal and the appointee is qualified. Which in both cases it is. We have an economy in ruins, two wars, trouble in Israel and Reed makes a none issue an issue and will possibly divide the party.

Seat Burris and lets all meet in Washington on the 20th and then began the work of fixing some of these major issues.

When will these Republicans realize that they LOST.... we don't really care what they want or feel about anything... we have to work together, but that means, they have to be very considerate!...

When did the Republican Congress reach across the aisle! * don't make me laugh* Seriously.... what a joke! They are now in the minority! Why is it that Republicans always feel that they deserve consideration.... but they have NONE for the Democrats.... I, for one, am sick of this double standard! Get back in your caves and watch a real administration in action!

First Carville, now Feinstein blasting President Obama.

Carville + Feinstein = Hillary People trying to scheme against the President any chance they get!!!!!!!!!

Feinstein needs to take a pulse of the African community which is appalled at Burris making a spectacle and fool of himself.

Intelligent America, Darryl, involves disregarding the law when you feel like it?

Sounds very similar to the Unintelligent America we have been living in lately. Are you sure you haven't been duped?

Feinstein is right.

So it would appear that the democrats believe that the law only applies when they want it to. I thought they were the ones promoting the rule of law and doing away with the elitist ways of the congress.

I agree with Dianne

Diane is going rogue.

if law is law.....than why do the democrats let all those illegal aliens stay in our country?

isnt it against the law for them to be here...hence the word illegal

Politician=hypocrite=self service

reid put him self out on a limb. come next election i belive he will be hearing the sound of the limb snaping. these polticians with large egos always manage to look like fools in the end.

I like Feinstein. But does she have to jump in front of a camera every ten seconds to make a headline?

Ms. Feinstein is legally correct, and the U.S. is a nation of law. (Just don't tell the Bush Administration.)

Good for her. Finally a Democrat who is not willing to shoot the party in the foot. Democrats haved failed in the past when they splinter and fail to support the party effort. Barrack needs all of the Dems he can get in Congress to pass his legislation in the first year in office otherwise he could fail and then the neocons will march on the scene once more to drag this country further down the tubes.

She's right to break away from the racial crowd in Congress

I UNDERSTAND THAT THE SEC. STATE OF ILL. HAD TO CERIFY MR.
BURRIS APPOINTMENT AND HE DID NOT GET THAT.
D. FEINSTEIN MUST KNOW THAT ISN'T SHE AN X ATT. THANK YOU

Concerning this whole Blagojevich deal, what exactly happened to "innocent until poven guilty in a court of law"? Is this another right of an American citizen suspended by this criminal administration? If so any decision/ appointments made by Bush, Cheney and the whole lot should be considered tainted by lawmakers and the American citizenry as they are clearly guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity in addition to waging an unjust war.

.... Diane Feinstein is swaying whom?

I still say that it is not about race or gender... it is about integrity!

Blago is criminal.... no one he would appoint could be without the taint of his criminality! Seriously.....

Even though this article has nothing to do with Republicans, cue ignorant anti-Republican remark from "Proud American" in 3... 2... 1...

I'm from Illinois and I don't want anyone appointed by Blago to be my senator, short of Jesus Christ himself. Why? Simple – you think Burris' name came to Blago as a vision? Of course not. Somewhere down the line Burris did something for the Guv, most likely running for the Governor's office in 2002 and splitting the minority vote away from the Schools Chief Paul Vallas. This is a lifetime achievement award for Burris for past help. He was not chosen because of his credentials. And above all, when 50 senators send you a letter saying DON'T APPOINT ANYONE TO THAT SENATE SEAT (which they sent 24 hours after his arrest), and you do it anyway, that is arrogance. What this disgrace needs to do is resign and let someone else make the appointment.

Dianne Feinstein is behaving like a snotty brat starving for attention, after she was passed over by the Obama team who decided not to listen to her expert advice. Now all they're hearing from her is sour grapes!
"Give it a rest Dianne, take a deep breath and give us a break. We hear enough complaining already from the losing side, and your insistance to make more speechs is annoying. Try doing the right thing, and keep silent, or use that favorite politician catch-phrase, 'No Comment!' "

Darryl: Feinstein is a Democrat who backed Obama so quit trying to attack the messenger instead of the message. Add something intelligent concerning the content of her message instead of engaging in the fallacy of argumentum ad hominem.

Thanks for speaking up Dianne! This should have come from the black leaders in the black caucas.

This Senate seat was not about RACE until Harry Reid and Blago made it in their conversation on what candidates should NOT be a replacement for Obama - like Jackson, Davis, Jones (all black leaders). It's amazing how the black votes matters to the Democrats but serving in a leadership role is not. Wait until 2010!!!

We all know the trick Blago is playing but he still is the Governor. This pick is legal and Burris should be seated. There is no more of a cloud over this position than the Minnesota to be Senator. The MN race is a joke and who ever win the people will not be happy – similar to FL 2000.

GET THIS MESS OVER! We got bigger problems in the country.

I've disaggreed with this woman on many, many of her views in the past, and probably will again in the future, but she's dead on here.

BTW- whose Obama going to blame for the unforced error about not contacting her on the Leon Panetta...Biden maybe?!?

Panetta's a horrible choice for the security of this country...great for BO though...pun intended.

Well said, Darryl

Very good move by Senator Feinstein. Hopefully her voice will add some credibility to this and end it before major damage is done to the party...

This is another of Harry Reid's mistakes in his capacity as the voice of the Senate.. The DEMS need a new face in that position.

As a Californian from Senator Feinstein's district, I want to personally say "Thank You" for stepping forward.

Finally someone cares about the law!!

at least feinstein is being objective, and upholding the law with wanting to seat mr. burris. this qualified candidate has done nothing wrong, and legally he should be seated. harry reid didn't want to seat two other african americans either. this is starting to smell of racism!

I respect Feinstein, but I strongly disagree with her on this matter. Burris should not be allowed into the Senate and I think the Senate Dems should stand their ground!

Until the Govenor of Illinois is ousted, his appointment is legal. There is nothing in place to prevent his appointment from being seated.
This is American, can't we abide by our own democratic laws?

“The question is really one, in my view, of ethics," How come no one ever cares about the ethics of a situation, is it not important to follow a code that keeps us honest that keep us from using our race as a crutch a code that protect us from opportunism, from inside dealings, no that would be to much for her to consider.

"Burris is a senior, experienced politician."

Why, Senator Feinstein, I guess since he is an "experienced politician" that makes all the difference doesn't it?

Unlike the comedian Franken, who has no experience whatsoever, but certainly has an army of Demmie sleeze lawyers who are becoming more adept at stealing elections by only counting the votes for their candidate (and by golly sometimes counting those votes twice).

Politicians are sleeze as are the "journalists" who cover their every sneeze.

As my sister would say....You go girl!

It always takes a woman to have the courage to say it first!

I agree he has to be seated, we can't undermine existing law...again, this is a democracy and must be respected by ALL our leaders.

Saying that doesn't mean I agree 'he' is the one who should be representing Ill. ..that is for that states citizens to decide. I never liked the idea of a Govenour appointing...an immediate or reasonable timed special election should be held for any state facing this situation. The states need to change their laws to reflect this.

No surprise here.....This is a play to upset the success of the Obama Administration. Note that she also made a stink about her feelings being hurt about the Leon Panetta CIA appointment. We've got bigger problems to deal with, and worrying about your feelings being hurt isn't one of them.

"This is a much more "intelligent America" Diane, either grow up, stop scheming for the political gain of your own allies, or go home and leave America to those who want to see us move FORWARD".

I agree with her. Since the governor was exercising his right, the appointment should stand, as long as Burris wasn't involved in a pay for appointment scheme.

Well who stuck a burr up her ?

hmm....Feinstein changed her mind...wonder what Rahm Emanuel or Obama promised or threatened her with....

That liberal biotch will do anything to help Obama and his chicago cronies cover themselves.

I agree with her.

This appointment is legal.

The Democrats displeasure with Blago should NOT be misdirected to Burris.

Burris has the experience and credentials for this Senate seat.

Illinois will need a Senator on January 20th.

And the sooner the Dems get behind Burris' appointment and allow him to be seated....the sooner this part of the Blago scandle goes away.

Why give the GOP and Hannity and O'Rielley more ammunition.

Don't hurt our Party over this.

Seat the man and be done with it. He has been legally appointed. If there is any fighting to be done, it should be done in Illinois, NOT in the U.S. Capitol.

There is no discussion about t. Mr. Burris is honest and qualified. The governor, according to the constitution, still still has the power the make the nomination. Therefore, Mr. Burris must be seated. If the democrats refuse to seat Mr. Burris, they will regret it soon.

Poorly done, Diane. Tit-for-tat is not how the people of our nation want politics to continue. You show clear signs of a crybaby from not being informed about the Intelligence nomination.

burris is one of the chicago players like current governor, jesse jackson jr, obama, rezko.... so he is not to be trusted and now that obama is prez., i pray to god that he watches over our country.. so shame on Feinstein, she needs to stand up and block the corrupt chicago machine...

Everyone keeps looking at legalities. Yes, those issues are certainly there, but the psychological aspect far outweighs the legalities. If the Democrats would have unquestionably let Burris in or implied anything like, “Oh, well, we know he was appointed by an egomaniac, but what can we do?,” they would have looked far more ridiculous than they do now. This is one of those cases where they had to go with the lesser evil. By not seating Burris, they are conveying that they do not unquestionably sit by when even one of their own (Blagojevich) acts up. And, I imagine they fully expect Burris to sue and have no problem with it. They would much rather say their hands were forced to take Blagojevich’s pick than say they had to take Blagojevich’s pick because their hands were tied.

To CNN: </ the bold tag on the main ticker page! It bothers eyes.
To Ms. Feinstein: If you're trying to grab the spotlight with your little arguments, stop.
You didn't suggest anyone else for Panetta's post, either.

As usual, Senator Feinstein is one of the few Democratic leaders with good, common sense. Good for you Senator Feinstein for standing up to Harry Reid and his co-horts! Seat Burris now and then let's get on with the more pressing issues this country is facing.

To CNN: </ the bold tag on the main ticker page! It's bothers eyes.
To Ms. Feinstein: If you're trying to grab the spotlight with your little arguments, stop.
You didn't suggest anyone else for Panetta's post, either.

WHY OH WHY can't Diane Feinstein just SHUT UP.
I guess no ones been paying attention to her, whats up Diane, Nancy grabbing all the publicity from you.
As a San Franciscan and a person who had to deal with Diane feinstein as a Union Rep she is a cold cold B–tch, and is only in it for the lime light. Now she is going agaisnt her own Demo group to support what Burris, I thought it was said that all the Demo were agaisnt accepting anyone to that Senate Seat before he was picked. Now she is starting to try to stir things up, trying to get back at Obama for not telling her about Leon Panetta, which he didn't have to do either. How do people like her continue to get elected to high positions(she's a dough-girl) Rep in Demo clothing.

Much as I am not a fan of Feinstein, this is not an obviously insane position.

I'm shocked at these reasonable words from this lady. She's right, for the first time in her life.

Thank you Senator Feinstein for offering a reasoned & balanced statement. Once you take all the bs & posturing out of this, it really does come down to the question of the law. Does the gov have the legal right to appoint? Yes he does, it really is that simple.

This will come back & bite the dems in the butt.
They are not the only ones who can refuse to seat someone.
This will bite Durbin real soon, he's up for relection pretty soon & the AA community has a very long memory..

Thank you Dianne. How often do you think it is that our country's politicians do not know the Constitution of either the United States or their respective states. My guess is over 50% do not have more of a grasp than a first year law student.

If Illinois politicians had any guts whatsoever(!)–they would have moved for impeachment already and avoided this! He's on tape for cryin' out loud! In the mean time, the U.S. Congress...Demos and Repubs...need to keep quiet...because they LEGALLY can't do a darn thing about it!!

Yes they definately need to seat Burress. He didn't do anytihng wrong and is actually a well respected man in Illinois. Harry Reid and the Democrats need to get their heads out of their butts and realize that they have no legal grounds on which to deny this man that senate seat.

And by contrast: Feinstein has little to NO respect...she sucks as a politician, she has certainly done NOTHING for California since I've lived here my entire life. She's a waste of flesh and oxygen!

What's her problem – this is the 2nd time in two days I've been reading about her. Is she feeling ignored?

da*n i HATE agreeing with feinstien, she is usually such and idiot but this time.. gosh I hate doing this... it just doesn't feel right it almost feels as bad as agreeing with the liar hillary.. but here it goes

I agree with Senator Feinstein

ugh that was tough!

Let's see what Charles(call me Chuck) Schumer says. Diane Feinstein(nee Frankenstein) has always been a panderer to nth degree.

I think I need to bathe in holy water or something I have agreed with Diane Feinstein twice in as many days...I feel so dirty.

DiFi is right. Senate Dems. need to seat Burris asap. Stupid move to try to block a perfectly legal appointment.

Way to go Diane, let NoBama know that you do do drink his poison Kool Aid. Barack Obama stole the presidency bid, he is an Illegal Ailen, he is hiding his Birth Certificate, he will be Led out of the White House by 2010, when all the skeletons fall out of Obama's closet.

Yes there seems to be little choice but to seat Burris–he is more qualified than Obama–maybe just make him President. Then
let's see, we can appoint an indicted guy to run Commerce, and
maybe a professor of something or other–well let's make him the
head of the CIA. The whole Obama thing is looking like the funny farm.

what's wrong with Feinstein lately?

she's becoming more and more sensible

Feinstein is feisty. I just wonder why this is coming out now, as she is leaving.