Maybe they didn't understand the question…. Burris was legally appointed. He should be seated with NO restrictions. Gov B shouldn't have made the appointment being there is a cloud of negativity around him( all his doing) BUT in our country, he is innocent until proven guilty, he still have appointment power. If we want to change our constitution so there are no appointments, fine. I think there should be special elections or have it so you can only run for one office at a time. until that happens, seat Burris. Move on to the real issues.

one must really consider the intellegency of Burris by accepting the nomination of our crook the gov. he should have waited for quinn to take office before even thinking about that position.

And things are goin just as i thought. The US senate says no no no and now ther are saying maybe maybe maybe, next week they will say yes yes yes. Have some balls guys stand strong this guy should not be in.

Our gov is having a field day with you guys

The 52% of Americans that say Burris should not be seated are using emotion not logic nor law to come to this conclusion.
Regardless of being selected by Blago- Burris's appointment is legal. Like it or not.

It truly amazes me how the US is becoming dumber and dumber. Stop reading tabloids and looking at video. Why don't you pick up a book? Even the Geico caveman would have gotten this right!

Fellow democrats join me in calling for Reeds resignation as majority leader. To allow this issue to dominate the news and the peoples attention during a time when our nation is struggling. A time when the people want change and our government to work Over the past two years Reed has proven he is incapable of dealing with any serious issues. Same old politics,! Seat Burris, fire Reed and lets get on with changing this nation.

Yeah… but we have laws. We don't govern by polls. They have to sit him. You just watch!

52% majority!? But isn't that a progressively defined mandate these days!!??

Anyone arguing against Blagojevich /Burris is about as useless as saying O.J. is guilt of murder. The court of law and the rule of law trumps hearsay and speculation.

Don't seat that guy!

I know, I know, the first black senator blah blah blah. Should the 'first' black senator really be an appointee. This is where the Obama that I voted for makes it all better….right?

This is ridiculous, if the Govenor has not been charged with a crime, then Burris should be seated, without any requirements or consessions. He might turn out to be a very good Senator for the state of Illinois.

Burris is totally covered in the **** that Blago is swarming in, and it would be a traversty if he is seated. However, if this should happen, the voters of Illinois should and must send a strong message and kick him out in 2010. Burris himself has shown such poor judgement and lack of ethics in angling for the position and while he may be qualified in other aspects, surely the lack of a moral character should disqualify him. So what if a republican wins in the next elections. These same democrats have shown that they are not worthy of any support from the people, especially when they try to bring the race factor into an already stinking sewer. If an African American cannot win on his own, but needs to do it the wrong way, then he does not deserve to be there anyway. NO to Burris/Blago.

I am a black American. I feel Burris acted shamefully and decided to tangled with Blago. He is an opportunist, and trying to add a racial tone to his appointment is particulary appalling. I am equally ashamed of the so said Gentleman Rush for bring the race to the issue. The Black American deserve more than burris desparation for the senate office. We need to grow above racial sentiments, and racialization of every thing including Burris opportunistic ambition. I don't support seating him as a matter of principle. If he is seated, consider that seat highly vulnerable in the next election. For me and irrespective of his good records, I will not vote him in the next election.

gene holmes— I to do not believe burris should be a loud to serve in the senate. I think the only reason he was considerd was because he is black. Also I can't understand when they want equal rights that there the ones to yell discrimination first. when will the white population get it through there heads and start claiming reverse discrimination.

Gene, did you even attempt to proof that crap prior to submitting it ? My guess is that you did but came up with the same trash.

What do the people of Illinois think? Who care about these stupid polls by USA /today. I think he should be seated and not accept any deal from anybody asking him NOT to run in 2010 if he is seated now. What a joke this has become, they say it's not about race, then what in heck is it about?

I think it is a problem for Illinois to tackle. It doesn't really matter nationally. Burris will have to stqnd for election in two years and the people of Illinois can decide. The problem is that the Ilinois constitution does not provide for a special election like many other states. I think the people of Illinois need to decide if they want to change that provision in light of the mischief that has developed with the appointing process.

Enough already with the outstanding politician phrase to describe Mr. Burris, in Illinois that phrase is an oxymoron. He may have served the state as the Comptroller and AG, but that was so long ago…and he has not been able to gain office since. The voters of Illinois have repeatedly gone to the polls and have not elected him to the various offices he has vied for. Good grief! when his name was announced I had to Google him to see if he was still alive. He should not be allowed in the Senate.

I agree with many others. Who cares what American's think Illinoisians should do about their representatives? The rule of law must be followed and this is why Peter Fitzgerald should never have compromised his investigation without having ALL that would've been necessary to obtain an indictment of the governor. If he had Blago on record, then he should've let him go ahead with the "sale" of the seat and notified Secretary of State Jesse White and the public prior to certification that the appointment was illegal; if in fact it would've been.

They should have seen this coming! Unfortunatly the people of Illinois have no recourse from this mess that our crooked Govenor has put us in. Burris is an egotistical" has been "and he knows he will never get re-elected in 2010. The arrogance he portrays in his speeches as he pats himself on the back is sickening. Shame on the Democrats for letting this turn of events happen. I know how I will be voting in 2010.

Any Senate appointment by Blago at this point should be viewed as illegitimate, this is why Burris should not be seated until this matter with the governor is resolved.

Now that the Dem's are in power they have an example to set. This is a great way to do it. Fighting among themselves. I agree with those from Illinois. It is there issue and they should agree on the course of action. Although I wonder about a man that is pompous enough to create his own headstone. Oh well thats Illinois's problem. They have thier hands full already with Sen "Turbin" Durbin.

legally, it looks like burris should be seated, but this man has lost his moral sense in accepting an appoinment made by a tainted governor. Morally speaking, nobody should accept blagos appointment. Burris may be very well qualified, but it looks like even a third grader has a better moral sense than he has.

I'd like to see a special election. The IL Dems smell so bad right now that it would be a Republican cake walk.

Why do they always bring race into something that has nothing to do with the issue? This appointment is TAINTED pure and simple. Why can"t they simply wait until the Gov is impeached or convicted or cleared of the charges. Why is Burris pushing this so hard, because he ran for the senate 3 times and lost and this is the only way he can get in.

The senate should simply put a hold on the appointment and wait it out and Burris should understand the issue if he's going to be a senator.

Don't know anything about Burris – BUT – because the
guy who appointed him made such a big deal of
'selling' the seat – or getting something out of it –
it just makes you suspicious as to WHY Blago
chose him – THAT is what I would want to find out!

I do not thing that Mr. Burris should or should not be seated at the Senate. Knowing where his nomination comes from he should DECLINE from being seated. It would give him credibility which at this point a good portion of the populations is questioning.

This is about race. CNN won't post my comments but then again CNN is so Pro Obama they can't see the forrest for the trees. The "race card". being played over and over, and over….again.

Allowing a senator appointed by a governor accused of a felony in relation to that appointment to sit in the Senate must be one of the dumbest acts ever committed by the US Senate. (revision of above)

CNN, as well as the rest of the media and the Senate, are being LAUGHED at by our crooked and sleazy Governor. He's now put the show over to the Senate Building and away from himself and you're all falling for it. Don't let yourself be controlled by this scum-bag. Put your spot light back on Blagojavich so he can't hide in the dark corners. And for goodness sake, cut those puppet strings that he is using to control you. BLAGO MUST GO!

Isn't this funny watching the democrats eat their own? Some unity Obama brought to DC.

Allowing a senator appointed by a governor accused of a felony in relation to that appointment must be one of the dumbest acts ever committed by the US Senate.

For me, it is so blatantly obvious that he wants the position more than life itself. I don't think it is politically healthy to be so anxious. Also, I would think there are others who should be considered.

Let's make a deal. We, the voters of Illinois, will refrain from telling the Minnesotans that are electing Al Franken as Senator, and the New Yorkers who can't even get their Govenor to appoint an overly connected and underqualified candidate, how to run their states and you will all BACK OFF! Illinois law is what will determine who our Senator is (Roland Burris) not the opinions of people that won't be represented by him. The choice has been made, Jesse White does NOT need to sign off on it and Reid better let him in. It's a new year and we have vacation time. I think that it is time to go to Washington and demand that the hypocritical Senators from other states get off their high horses and seat our Senator.

For Ken in Dallas: You're so right. Ignorance of the law (which includes decisions of the past) and just plain ignorance is the reason The Lord and Savior Obomber is going into the White House in just a few days. The democrats favor people like that because they can be so easily controlled with words (you know, pretty speeches, smiles, etc).

They should let him be senator till they come to a ruling on Blagojevich. If guilty, Burris can prove he didn't try to buy the seat. If not guilty, burris can take the seat with no questions.

It's not that Burris is a bad guy or unqualified. We really don't know much about him. The real issue is Burris demonstrated incredibly poor judgement by accepting the appointment from govenor Blagojevich. Based on the one decision I've seen him make, he's not fit to be a US Senator. We need someone who can help get this country going again and not a self serving opportunist like Burris.

One question is not being ask. Why would someone want a seat in senate that is awarded by a Gov. under suspicion of such criminal activity. Also, right after the whole controversy began, Burris claimed Racism which really made me angry. Is "Cause I'm Black" going to be the persuasive argument that seats this obvious racist?. If Obama really wants to be a leader he should denounce such racist claims by a man that obivously only wants controversy, or publicity. A real man of integrity would not want anything to do with the "tainted Gov", much less a senate seat awarded by him. Lets just put the seat on E-bay for gods sake.

Its not about race. Jesse White the Illinois Secretary of State who refuses to sign the certificate is black. Time will sort things out. We in Illinois have a legacy of corruption, of our last eight governors 3 have gone to prison, with the forth possibly heading there.

Not a slow guy……….just needs to work on his public appearance and posture

If it's 52 percent how can this be mostly republicans? The majority now are democrats Gary, haven't you been reading about the political shift and paying attention to the last few elections? This guy is a fraud and anybody with a brain can see this was a calculated pick to bring disarray to the democratic party, which it has. Burris is a fool that cares only about himself. Haven't we had enough of people like this?

For the record, everyone should look into Burris's resume

they have seat for you. In the Cuckoo's Nest….

I can't believe that as American's we continue to allow such behavior and this weasel Burris to become an American Senator under such underhanded circumstances. Burris should not be able to take out my trash.

Roland Burris would represent the people from ILLNINOIS. So we should only be concerned what those 13 million people have to say, not what the rest of the country does!

Who cares about polls. We are a nation of laws, not mobs last time I checked. The appointment was made legally, end of story.

what legal precident are they following? he was appointed by the current govenor, which under Illinois law makes him the righful successor to that seat. There is no clause in said law stating that if the gov is wacky, corrupt, or under suspician that this power is null and void. Until this comes to law comes to be, Burris is legally entitled to that seat. He should be allowed to stay there until a special election is held for his seat or proof of foul play by Burris in obtaining this seat is obtained and proven.

Why are so many concerned about Burris' tomb?
Considering it is located in a cemetary that at one time didn't permit African-Americans and now dozens of famous black people are buried in Oakwood cemetary, I think it is a very nice monument.
There are several people who are still alive that have reserved space and built their tombstones there. Albertina Walker's tomb is there and she is very much still alive. It's called planning people…and at the rate of real estate prices in Chicago rapidly increasing it makes good business since to lock in the price of a burial. I could have sworn when I saw the tomb last year, it was a joint venture between Burris and his wife, a noted educator. It's funny how the media conveniently chooses to leave out her portion of the tomb, right next to his, as well as fail to mention all of her accomplishments that are listed.

This poll isn't really relevant since it is a nationwide poll.

CNN should really be polling the people of IL, since after all it is their decision who their senators should be. My guess is that the numbers still wouldn't be in Burris' favor though…

I don't think Roland Burris should be seated, but it shouldn't reflect on him as an individual. He's qualified. He has a good reputation. He knows the state. He wants the position. And now he's between a rock and a hard place. If he turned Blago down, it's unlikely he'd ever be a senator, but by accepting he looks like part of Blago's "machine."

what a circus! when there are so many other tough problems in this world, we have to focus on this?

ROLAND BURRIS APPEAR TO BE TOO DESPERATE FOR POWER. HE KNEW THE SITUATION VERY WELL BEFORE HE ACCEPTED THE POSITION. HIS ACTION APPEAR TO BE ALL ABOUT HIMSELF.

Pretty much an irrelevant poll. The only Americans who will really have any say in the matter are the Illinois voters.

What CNN doesn't get, and never does, is that the target population for their polls don't count. For example, I live in Indiana yet teach in Illinois. Needless to say, I have an opinion here. However, my opinion doesn't count since he IS NOT MY SENATOR.

There is nothing I love better than teaching my students how to filter through the garbage on CNN, FOX, MSNBC, etc. by showing them how to recognize and ignore the 'objective' reporting they get. I tell them my opinion about all involved, show them how I came to it, and then tell them that my opinion is just that and theirs is more important because their vote will be the one that counts in Illinois, not mine. Of course, they all know that CNN doesn't understand the basic concepts of representative democracy.

Can the people of Illinois afford a special election in this current economy? Let the guy sit for a year and half and then when election time actually does roll around, pick someone else. He can't do that much harm in such a short period of time, especially because no one will pay attention to him anyway!!

As a Chicagoan, and Illinios resident I never voted for Burris and anything he ever ran for in this State. He might be legally appointed to be the junior sentator from Illinois, but he will never win re-election. I find it ironic that the same career self serving Illinois politicans, whom never support Obama are the ones who will benefit the most from his election. People of Illinios wake up we need new leadship, lets get rid of these old cronies!

Yeah, but who cares ?! Harry has claimed he will leave it up to the liberal cout in Illinois. That way je washes his hands of it and all blame either way will be directed towards the court. lools like ol' Harry still has Game !

How ridiculous. It makes no difference what Americans believe. The law is the law. And then there's the law. Burris must be seated eventually. Unless there is evidence of wrongdoing on his part, the Secretary of State of Illinois should sign off on him and send him to Washington. The voters of Illinois can then decided if they wish to elect him in 2010. This should have nothing to do with the possible impeachment and removal of Gov. Blagojevich. The U.S. Constitution gives the states' governors the power to fill a vacant seat in their congressional delegations, not the Senate and not the court of pblic opinion. If Blagojevich is eventually impeached and removed, the new governor may recall Burris and appoint someone else. So, considering all this, The "Bureris Circus" is just that – a circus and a rather absurd one at that.

At first I felt bad for the guy thinking he was being treated unfairly simply over the fact that the creep in Blago nominated him. But after seeing his press conferences I can see why the Senate doesn't want him seated. To me he seems like a loudmouth and an opportunist trying to bring the race card into this issue. This kind of conduct may work in Illinois but not in Washington buddy.

Anyone agreeing to accept Blagojevich's nomination to the senate ought not to be a Senator because of their questionable morality of not being able to tell what is right or wrong.

Roland Burris is a clown, it's obivous in his demeanor. I hope they don't seat this fool, they should leave it up to the people of IL

Rolland Burris by law should be seated and when their is an election we can vote him out of office. Everyone believes this man has a perfect record. This is the same person willing to continue prosecuting Cruz and Hernandez in 1992 for a crime they did not commit which shows you where his morals are at. Go ahead Mr Burris take the seat we will remove you at election time and as for Bobby Rush who is injecting race into this. Get life you hypocrit.

I guess it should hardly surprise us that Democrats don't want to follow the Constitution. .–Bill, Lewisville, TX

You've got to be joking. You can say that with a straight face after we've had eight years of Dumb and Dumber shredding the Constitution and using it for toiled paper?

Who cares? National opinion doesn't matter, this is a matter of law and senate rules.

The Republicans who want Burris to be seated are only supporting it so they can use Burris and Blago as an albatross around the necks of the Senate Democrats. They'll say "You have no legal reason not to seat Burris", but if the Democrats do allow it, they'll use Burris every chance they can as an example of Democrat corruption. Republicans don't care if its legal or not, or ethical or not, they just care that it is politically advantageous for them.

But I can't begrudge them that. They're as happy about this as I was about Jim Ryan dropping out of the Senate race in Illinois in 04 when his trips to fetish clubs were revealed, paving the way for Obama to get elected. It's a back and forth.

Regardless of how we might "feel" or what "opinion" we hold the law is very clear on this matter. This is a legal appointment. That is not even debatable. I am a Democrat and would not want to see this seat taken by a Republican in a later election, but so what? What I or the Democratic Party want in this matter is irrelevant as compared to our obligation to abide by the law as it is currently written. Don't like it? Change the law.

What kind of man accepts a position under these circumstances? Clearly he is more interested in doing what is best for himself instead of doing what's best for the people of Illinois.

The United States Government is a complete JOKE!!!!

Seat Burris, it's the law. I dislike it when ordinary people inject personal biases and judgmental prejudiceness into things like this. Let the courts decide. Polls mean nothing.

Corey, most people in Illinois would not even vote for him during a general election. What is that telling you? I'm sorry, the Dems should stop being punks because right is right. Blago was specifically told not to appoint anyone and both he and Burris realizes that they are out of order. I keep telling people, even if the fight seems small, sometimes you must handle your goons.

New media: Pretend this is a controversy between Blago, the Republicans and the Democrats to stir up readership and clicking so advertising prices are justified.

Reality: Burris will get his seat once a court orders Sec. of State White to sign the paperwork, but not before, because the Sec. of the Senate CANNOT certify him until that signature is present.

Result: There is no real controversy and the Dems are acting correctly, albeit on a technicallity.

The real issue is whether we should like Burris, since accepting Blago's appointment shows bad judgment in light of the circumstances surrounding Blago.

It doesn't matter what the majority of the nation thinks. We the people of Illinois have the only say on who our senators are. Although I am from the opposite party this appointment is legal and within the laws that govern this process crafted by the people of Illinois.

The only people who have any say in this are the citizens of IL. The law currently says the Gov. appoints the seat. If they want the law changed they need to make sure they're elected representatives do so. Until that time, Burris is the legal appointee. We need to stop making the rules up according to what political flag is in the breeze at the moment and, frankly, we need to stay out of IL's business. If the citizens of that state are as worked up about this as the politicos seem to be something will be done. If not, that is their business.

What 52% of Americans think on this doesn't matter. Same with the members of the Senate. It's an Illinois issue. Follow the law. In Illinois the Governor has the right to appoint the new Senator. No special election required.
I suspect that most of that 52% are Republicans who just want to take advantage of the situation and sneak one of their own people into office .

Mr. Burris shouldn't be seated …. Period. I support a special election.

Why is it taking so much time for IL legislature to start impeachment procedure against Blago?

Burris should be seated per the law. Blago is a jerk but he currently remains Governor of Illinois and has made the appointment which should stand. The law is the law, until someone changes it. Let the people of Illinois vote in 2010.

Incredibly poor judgement from Burris who should have known better then to accept a nomination to the senate by Blagojevich. I think he saw his chance to grab a senate seat and became a willing pawn of Blagojevich's power games. Burris legacy is now tainted by his willingness to reject the moral highground to satisfy his ambitions.

Why do a national poll on this? The only poll that counts is one taken of voters in Illinois. If they people of that state are okay with Burris as their Senator, then the rest of us should be too.

If you did a national poll asking peoples' opinions of someone like say, reactionary Utah Senator Robert Bennett or the highly unlikeable Senator McConnell, I'm sure the majority of Americans wouldn't think they deserve the job.

Truth is that Blago's got the right to appoint his successor. Had criminally indicted former Senator Stevens of Alaska won his close race, Sarah Palin would have been put in charge of appointing his successor. Under such a circumstance, rumor had it she would have appointed herself for the job. whether or not we as a country would have been cool with it would have been irrelevant. These laws are written a certain way for a reason.

As for Senator Reid's comments about Burris being about process and such, that's the worst thing he could have said once race got injected into this issue. The Senate Democrats have handled this issue poorly, and have helped to add to the mounting distractions that are going to cut short soon to be President Obama's honeymoon with the press and potentially the political capital the Democrats will have on the 'Change' agenda.

Out of curiosity, could the Democrats possibly find less charismatic leadership in the Senate than Reid and Durbin?

reid and durbin each will reap the rewards of there actions. come the next senate election. burris cant say this but i can my opinion is
that this is abount race also im white, retired, and a dem. im sure that others must see the color issue also. what a sad day for america
when egos rule instead of laws

What the majority think is irrelevant. Illinios has a constitution and it is very clear. In this situation it provides for the Governor to name a replacement and not a special election, period. That's why states have constitutions; to deal with situations like this.

Finally I am in the majority. I was suprized by all the people on this blog that thought he should be seated. I guess they are actually in the minority. IT really doesn't make sense. He made a bad judgment to accept the position in the first place. It is funny how Burris said one thing about Blago before and now that he was picked he is singing a whole different tune. He just comes off as desperate for power. We have enough of that already.

To: "Love Huckabee"

College degree? Really?

"Cheney and Bush has handle" (should be…have handled)

"He had nothing to due" (should be…do, not due)

Your post is full of errors! Stop putting other people down.

I agree with the Senators. This country is still a democracy the last time I checked so let the people of IL decide who thier congessional reps should be, not some slime ball gov…

Lets just seat Burris and get on with it. When he tries to run in 2010, a republican will take his seat.

Burris is a fool regardless of his reputation and I see no good ending to his future. He's swimming with the sharks.

This is utterly ridiculous! By law this man has the right to the seat HOWEVER, the DNC said he should not be seated which makes seance under the circumstances and regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation… ANYONE BLOGO appoints should NOT be seated. At least until AFTER he (Blogo) has been impeached. That said as an American and a woman of color…Ummmmm Why are there no other senators of color??? That way this clown would not have to be seated…

For those who keep crying racism, this has nothing to do with racism. Under these circumstances, if he were white, green, purple or yellow with blue diamonds he would still need to be seated. He was appointed by a governor who still has appointing authority. If the governor gave out an order for the national guard to act on a matter his order would be followed to the letter so stop the nonsense.

As a resident of Illinois, I object to Burris representing us. I question his core values in accepting the Blago appointment.

The Secretary of State in Illinois does not have veto power. Until Blago is found guilty it is his right and duty to perform the responsibilities of his office. The Secretary is a glorified notary public who put the seal on the document as a guarantee of the accuracy of the governor's signature. She is being insubordinate by refusing to sign.
Before the Senate tries to disqualify Burris they should purify their own membership. They did not throw Ted Stevens or Craig what's his name out. Harry Reid has no more right to refuse to seat Burris than he has to refuse to seat duly elected or appointed Republican senators.
Burris, unlike one candidate from NY, has alraedy held an elected office in his state. If he wants to accept an appointment from a governor who is under a cloud, that is his business, not ours.
CNN, the economy is a mess, There are crises around the world. Stop peddling trivial state politics. Many states, including MA, have microscandals. In my opinion these are not very different from the deal making in the Capitol. Cover the important stories!
cloakroom.

Illinois deserves more than a corrupt governor auctioning off this senate seat and then announcing his decision is Burris.

To make matters worse Burris, who has been the attorney general, didn't even look at his papers to see he needed more than the corrupt governor Blagojevich's signature. Hello! Burris–You are a lawyer yes? Didn't you notice that big fat blank on your papers? Or did you just think your corrupt colleague's signature was enough and Blagojevich had taken care of everything else too?

Sleazy.

The majority has nothing to do with what is legal. Wow, I would not want the majority as a juror for my trial. You have to deal with the facts not your ignorant opinions or emotions.

Grow up majority!!!!

Burris says he's not going to make a scene, HUH, WHAT DOES HE CALL WHAT HE IS DOING. Why is he pressing so hard, did he pay the governor something or promise him something on the side and not on the phone.?? If he's been in politics so long, why wasn't he ever voted to the US Senate or house??

Legally, ROland Burris should be seated as Illinois Senator. Blagojovich may be an arrogant nut, but he has not yet been indicted and has the right to choose Obama's successor. Whether Burris is qualified for the job is another question completely, but let's be honest, he has more qualifications than Obama had when he was elected Senator. I am amazed that the same Liberals who think Obama had the qualifications to be President are now saying Burris does not have the qualification to be a Senator. The hypocrisy of the Left continues

And let's not ignore that Feinstein is, again, proving she is an idiot. She argues that the Governor has the authority to appoint Burris. Correct. But she omits that the Sec. of the Senate does NOT have the authority to accept an appointment that is not signed by the Sec. of State. She can't have it both ways. The Dems are not acting out of bounds by refusing to seat him until there is a court order ordering White to sign his certificate. She's been playing rabble-rouser this week because she wants attention. Nothing more.

He should not be seated until the Governor of Illinois is no longer in office.

The majority of Americans also were in favor of violating international law and invading Iraq. The law is the law, he's the senator from Illinois regardless of what polls show.

The man should have been seated to prevent this media circus from occuring and to follow the law. Once Burris is seated in the senate he should be treated as if he is the "Invisible Man" I am quite sure he has read the book at his age..

"hey kyle, thats true, there should be an age limit for these reps. aged, may be one reason why so many bad decisions are made, talking about experience. the average age for the senators is 63. However, the law is the law, and Burris should be seated."

I am inclined to agree. Though I just want to say that I can't help but comment on how younger people who are legally old enough to hold office are not even considered because they don't have enough experience. I'm sorry, but look at all these so called seasoned and experienced politicians holding office. Now look at the state of our country and standing in the world and tell me where their so called "experience" has gotten us. I think it's time for the current generation to start leading. Because at this point, the generation of our fathers and grandfathers doesn't seem to know what they are doing. And quite frankly I fear that by the time they are through, there won't be much of an America left for my generation to live in.

Whether we like it or not, the U.S. Constitution, the Illinois Constitution and the law in general are not dependent upon a positive poll result from a CNN poll.

So, who answered the poll? Lawyers, judges and Constitutional scholars alone? Or was it the mouthbreathign numbskulls who normally participate in CNN polls?

This again, is proof of why giving the vote to every moron with a pulse was a bad idea and an idea of which our founders certainly were not in favor.

It renews my lack of faith in polls…

The only individuals who should have any wiegh-in on the Burris matter are Illinois citizens… My vote fro Barack Obama for Senate has become bastardized by Burris. He was never chosen by the poeple of Illinois for any other major political office for a reason – and he has not been elected for Senate now!

I have no idea where the pollsters come from, or what questions they ask to make their determinations, but they do the country a major disservice. There is nothing illegal in Bloggo appointing a successor to the Pres.-elect. In fact, it is the law that he do so.
It is only those that enjoy flouting the law when it serves them, and demand the law be followed when the lawbreaker is a Republican. I am speaking specifically of Harry Reid, who wouldn't know honesty if it struck him in the head.
These polls are telling the country things that cannot be morally true. No one wants somebody painted with tar if they did nothing wrong, as is the case for SENATOR Burriss. But the country believes them and slips further into immorality.

Since when does ANYONE in Washington care what the majority of Americans think?

Polls are irrelevant when it comes to seating Burris. The law is what matters and Burris was legally appointed. The Senate, and Harry Reid in particular, can't just decide not to follow the law. And worse, to ask Burris to commit to one term in exchange for seating him is more pay to play politics as usual. Just what got the Illinois Governor in trouble in the first place. Seat Burris and be done with it. America voted for changing the way they play politics in Washington, so let's get on with it.

Love Huckabee, before you tell other people how to spell, I would think most college graduates would know it is "He had nothing to do (not due). !!!

Shouldn't the law dictate whether Burris should be seated ? Or, do we make up the rules as we go ! Apparently so.

It was sad that Mr. Burris allowed himself to be pulled into this mess. I guess he wanted to be a Senator. Oh well. I think that he should be seated, but if in the process of this investigation it is found that he had contact with the IL Gov, then he should be removed from his seat. I am not from IL, but I do wonder if he made some type of offer that the pre-investigation did not catch.

So far as I can tell, Blagojevich is still the Governor and hasn't been indicted (or convicted) of anything. Everyone tried to remove him or remove his powers……..based on what??? You don't remove someone or remove their sworn in powers until they are proven guilty.

its beginning to look like it will turn out to be a bunch of nothing. Its looking like the trap was sprung too quickly ……..makes a person wonder what would have happened or who would have gotten caught if the "crime" had been allowed to continue until the end.

The Dems want him gone because he makes them look bad…….I have a feeling that this whole thing will either go away or alot of very high people will end up looking bad. Perhaps that is why it will probably just go away.

Somethings wrong with Burris, why can't he get elected in his state? I don't trust him, he makes Illinois look bad. He should NOT be setted, if he is, I bet he brings Rod with him in some manner, as a paid job.

The majority one time voted for Bush, who cares about the majority. I still be a slave if I relied on the majority. Burris' appointment is legal and America needs to stop being pity and immature. This man did nothing wrong. Bush is still appointing people and he is the biggest crook ever!!!

I wholeheartedly believe that Roland Burris is the legal appointee, however, politicians will do what politicans will do. Lt. Governor Quinn could end all of this nonsense now if he would publicly announce that he would appoint Roland Burris to the senate seat, if the choice was his.

Black and White. 1% Religion… 45% Production the rest Seduction….
Norma Rae (Movie)… Sally Field… How can you not love that Woman… Isn't she Beautiful…

WOW, Amazing to watch republicans still bitter over the election attempt to tie this to Obama. This has nothing to do with Obama. It looks bad for Dems, but thats thanks to Blago, Burris and Reid. Burris is an egotistical, camera-loving, puppet of Blag. The man even built himself a mausoleum, and left space to add more accomplishments. Who in their right mind does that? Blago is trying to deflect attention off himself, and Reid is trying to flex his muscles. This is sad, but has nothing to do with Obama.

I say seat him, let him serve with this cloud over him for 2 years, then watch him humiliate himself when he runs for election and gets crushed because of this.

Less than an hour ago, I submitted a comment to Chicago Sun Times that only 17 – 23% of Illinois residents want to have Burris seated. There is, whether you want to acknowledge it or not, a connection between Blago and Burris and it cannot be a good relationship no matter what anyone says. Blago should be pushed out of office yesterday. And if Burris is seated, I will vote for his opponent in the next election. Wrong is wrong and Blago and Burris are OPENLY wrong for Illinois and this country.

Meanwhile, it doesn't matter what the NATION thinks…it is the ILLINOIS senate seat. What do the people from Illinois think? They are the ones who will be represented by this man.

Seat him…….I am a conservative and originally from Illinois. I may not agree politically but Roland Burris always has been a honest person. He was the Illinois Comptroller when I was growing up and he was honest then. The Gov of Illinois is probably going to go to jail but who knows and until he is impeached he does have the authority to replace President elect Obamas senate seat. I did not vote for Obama either but I do believe in the rule of law.

This is to the comment from "Love Huckabee"…before you criticize someone’s spelling; I think you should look at both you spelling and grammar.

As for Burris, I think he's caught in a situation that is unfair to him. I agree with all the Blago has the power to do this and his issues should not affect Burris. I just hope the Dem's are smart enough to swallow their ego's and take back their statement to not seat anyone appointed by Blago and do the right thing.

words cannot describe how much i despise this man. to bring race into what is clearly a situation that had nothing to do with race, just because he wants that seat makes me ill, and i am black.

the only people i hate more is gov blagojevich and the media, who seems to be pushing a memo on these horrid ppls behalf.

Maggie SC January 7th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

THIS BURRIS GUY DON'T LOOK TO SMART TO ME. ARE YOU SURE HE IS NOT AN ALEIN?

Maggie…let me help you with this:

THIS BURRIS GUY DOESN'T LOOK TOO SMART TO ME. ARE YOU SURE HE IS NOT AN ALIEN?

Be sure you say something about a person's intelligence, PLEASE proofread!!

I must say that nothing about Burris has impressed me so far. The governor is legally entitled to appoint a Senator. I wanted Burris to be so good that he would overcome the dark cloud of being appointed by Blagojevich.

The public statements that I have seen him make on TV have convinced me that he might be a good city councilman in a small town, but I don't detect anything special about him. I could go to any shopping mall in Illinois and find 500 men just as smart and just as capable.

Just because Blagojevich has not yet been impeached by a legislature that is probably as crooked as he is should not be sufficient.

Mr. Burris could have elevated himself by standing up against the Governor's actions (which he initially repudiated) and declining the appointment. But instead, he opted to jump in the moment his name was mentioned, helping not only to validate a corrupt governor but to bring about the circus that has attended his nomination. It's self aggrandizement at the expense of the people of Illinois. I think the Senate should stand firm against seating him. Let a new governor reappoint him if he's the best choice.

WHO CARES that Burris was selected by Chicago Gov. Slime. Can we get about the business of fixing this horrible economy, ending wars, fixing the educational system. This does not put Reid or Polosi in a great position. Makes them look and appear to be foolish.

What's the matter CNN, you don't want to allow a post showing that this is really a non-controversy? That a writ of mandamus is going to fix the signature problem lickity-split and Burris will get his seat? Your so-called experts have avoided the realistic and likely outcome of Burris' case so you could continue to pretend this is all a big to-do.

Sure-fire way to not get posted: Explain why the issue is not a big deal and scare CNN that people might stop thinking this needs to be at the forefront of the news cycle.

It is just plain obvious to me: the governor has the right to appoint. No law has been in effect telling him that he is stripped of this right. He appoints Burris. Burris himself has been a lawfull citizen. So what is the problem?

It is silly! If our elected leaders cannot figure out such a simplicity, how can they lead us through the difficult (and complex) time we are in now?

legally he should be seated, morally he should not. burris is a failed candidate, with a huge ego (check out the mosoleum). if he is seated, i hope he looses the election in 2010.

One more thing …has anyone (Fitzpatrick) been asked if Burris has had any dealings with Blago? He should know this and come out with it if there's a problem. That would really take care of this.

He would have precluded any unnecessary animosity on both sides had he declined the appointment until the legalities of Blagojevich's governship has been definitely resolved. There is the chance, of course, that Blagojevich's successor would not honor Blagojevich's choice, but that's politics. It appears Burris has jumped the gun and has started a fooferaw that may take a Philadelphia lawyer to solve.

This is an issue for the people of Illinois. A national poll in meaningless.

Being a citizen of Illinois I seriously wonder what Burris was thinking when he accepted G-Rod’s appointment and when he went to Washington knowing he wouldn’t be seated. I REALLY don’t like this guy and I’m a die-hard Obama supporter.

Illinois should have a special election but the Illinois State Congress has so far failed to act because G-Rod has too much power and influence over state lawmakers

I think he should be seated but why in the world would he want to be involved in the mess.

And the Great Obama is silent and voting "present" as usual. The arrogant one wanting to be the only black man of importance. Some leadership from the newly elected Pres would be welcome, but do not hold your breath.

Sorry, I meant to say "Oligarchy" not "Oligarchal".

Illinois legislators didn't stop the governor, so according to the law his pick of Burris is legal. Blagojevich hasn't even been indicted yet. And why is Gallup polling America about this situation anyway? Only the Illinois residents' opinions count on this one. They know the players and all the facts, not just what the media wants to focus in on.

Doesn't matter what a majority of Americans want. What do Illinoisans want and why aren't they getting that done? Can't imagine they want a vacant seat.

This just isn't only an issue for the people of Illinois; it’s an issue for the rest of the country. This man will be voting on issues that effects the entire country. He might have been an outstanding man before this, but because he accepted the position under these circumstances is of great concern. He has every right to be the IL Senator, but his character is really questionable because of his accepting the position from a Governor who had every intention of selling the seat for personal gain. He may not have sold the seat and committed “no crime”, but his intentions were to make money from this appointment. I said it once and I'll say it again. If a terrorist plans to kill and destroy innocent people, but is stop before his plan is put into action. Do we let him go free because he never actually committed the crime? Anyway, this appointment is tainted.

Too much corruption surrounding this issue. Even if there wasn't there should still be a special election, we VOTE for our representatives and I don't know anyone who voted for Burris. To Independent Hillary – The majority may not always be right but welcome to a DEMOCRATIC form of government where the majority rules, you can't have it both ways. If you prefer a oligarchal or dictatorship then I wish you luck in finding such a place. Untill then you'll just have to be satisfied with a democratic republic.

52% of the people who think there should be a special election are probably right but this is after the fact. As it stands now the law is on the appointed senator's side. You may not like it but it's the law. I just people would get feelings out of this law is not based on feelings it is based or precedence. Once it is written and sign as a law it is now law. Don't hate Burris he did nothing wrong. You may not like the governor but guess what he is still governor with appointing power.

What needs to be considered in this case is the Constitution not the laws. Whenever they are in conflict the United States Constitution always takes precedence over the laws. In this case, the Constitution says that the Senate itself gets to judge the qualifications of the member–not just a cold demographic about whether they are a citizen at least 30 years old. It's not just about that, and the Senate gets to consider other factors such as the worthiness of the appointor. It's not a "legal" standard, but a political one–a political standard to be determined by the Senate.

I hope they do the right thing under the Constitution and refuse to seat him.

I live in in IL and to those saying they want a special election please dontate the funds for that election. I don't want it to come from my taxes…just seat burris.

he should not be able to play the race card to get the seat. the senate does have the right per the constitution to determine if he can be seated. all he is doing is trying to stir up racial tension, like it needs help being stirred up.

It isn't a matter of public opinion . It is the law and even worse
it is in our Constitution. It doesn't matter what CNN thinks or its
opinion polls suggest or even what Mr. Reid or Obama prefer.

The Senate Democratic leadership should check itself before casting the first stone at Mr Roland Burris. How in the world can CNN say that majority of Americans think the former Illinois attorney general should be blocked from serving. CNN must have been smoking something.

hey kyle, thats true, there should be an age limit for these reps. aged, may be one reason why so many bad decisions are made, talking about experience. the average age for the senators is 63. However, the law is the law, and Burris should be seated.

Until his paperwork is completely filled out with the necessary signatures he can't call himself a Senator or get his seat.

if we can't follow our own laws, then why even have them, burris has the law on his side, he needs to be seated.

@ Brian – Trinidad

Please. You should write for X-Files if you're going to live your life in a cloud of conspiracy nonsense.

If Burris is seated, will this have an impact on Blagojevich's upcoming battle to keep on as govenor? Can he say, "The fact that you let me appoint Burris means blah, blah, blah.?" There is something fishy about this whole thing and Burris should not be seated until this is resolved.

This is not a polling issue it is an issue of law. Burris should bring his case to court. The point the pollsters seem to be missing is the state of Illinois has done nothing to limit Blogos ability to make this appointment other than holding press conferences.

It is time to put the law to work and end this sideshow and seat Burris. It's about the economy stupid.

Absolutely Mr. Burris should not be seated. Had he had any amount of integrity he would have realized that he was being used as a pawn to distract. His race is why he was chosen, not the reason why he was not seated. He should have declined on the offer and suggested an honest approach. Because of the way he tried to slip in to a position makes him as questionable as that of the Governor of Illinois. The race card is so badly abused as it is. This one hopefully backfired. I had hoped once a black president was elected into office possibly it would remove some of the ammunition African Americans have learned to so freely use.

Gov. lost his right to appoint a senator as soon as he started talking about selling that seat. Plain and simple, Gov. Blago's pick should not stand. It has nothing to do with Burris, it has everything to do with the Governor being under investigation for this very same issue.

It's pretty simple. If indeed Illinois law REQUIRES the Sec. of State to sign the Governor's appointment of Burris (i.e., he has no discretion to refuse), then Burris will seek and likely obtain a Writ of Mandamus ordering him to do so. It's likely this is the case because the Sec. of State is probably doing nothing more than certifying that it is a true copy of the Governor's signature, etc., sort of like a notary would do (notaries operate under the Sec. of State).

If the Sec. of State actually has discretion, which is NOT likely, then Burris has a problem.

I agree completely with the majority! Burris SHOULD NOT be seated!

Burris should NOT be seated – goodness knows the politicians have done enough damage to the USA image! Let's start letting the politicians in Washington know that they're doing a terrible job!

this shows how stupid people are, he should be seated. get that SS of state to sign off on the cert. and then go to DC. If anyone fights him, he should go to court. He has every right to be seated. Reid has been out in the sun toooooo long.

The epitome of all things sick about our politics. It is not a question of qualifications – it is more a question of judgement. If Burris will sacrifice his good name and be stained by Blago's filth in order to represent his constituency, he shouldn't be allowed near the senate.

Senators please restore some dignity on the hill. Send Burris home.

Based simply on the facts then Burris should be seated. The governor selects the replacement and since Blagojevich has not been indicted and is actively performing the duties of governor then the appointment is legit. Senator Burris' credentials were in order and did not require any further signatures in accordance with the Illinois state government. This decision has nothing to do with race and anyone who believes so is delusional. The only racism comes from Blagojevich because he hoped his selection of a minority in good standing would place the Senate in a compromising position. Since there are those in the Senate dead set against appointing ANYONE that Blagojevich appoints then they are playing right into Blagojevich's hand. If the Senate continues on the path they are on and finding reasons to deny the appointment then racism can be viewed as a possibility. No one at this time including Senator Burris should blame this situation on racism. Place the blame where it belongs … on the shoulders of Governor Blagojevich.

who cares? How is a poll relevant to this issue? Isn't the law what is relevant?

Didn't Obama say that Burris shouldn't be senator?

Roland Burris called for Blago's resignation right after he was arrested. Why would he accept an appointment for someone he didn't believe should continue to serve as governor? Burris' intentions are suspect. The voters of Illinois have rejected Burris on several occasions. I wish he would have had enough dignity to turn down the appointment. It's a shame that he may be forced on us as senator.

who in the world are you polling.\, CNN? Everyone anybody know says this is legal and should go t hrough. Since when can the senate change the rules in midstream?

I hate to shock CNN but the Illinois legislature defeated the special election!!!! CNN ought to read its own reports instead of coming out with racially motivated reports.

Mr. Burris is a disgrace. The debacle he has brought upon the himself and the rest of Senate is very revealing about his character. Gov. Blago. is playing Burris as a chump. The ego maniac Burris needs a whole lot of therapy.

Burris is the typical hack politician from IL. He runs in every election and for every job, yet he can't get elected. chicago television reported he contributed $20,000 to Blago and then gets a $150,000 state contract. Now he gets the appointment. This is politics as usual in Illinois.
The next interesting thing to watch for is whether the Barack will allow the present US Attorney in Chicago to remain and continue the investigation or if he will replace him.

Since when did the nation and the national media start selecting US Senators?

Roland Burris is the puppet, and Blago is the puppetmaster. It's sad that Burris doesn't see that.

Since when do CNN polls become the law???!!!!!!

I am in total agreement! The people of Illinois are going through enough with a tainted Gov. and seating Burris in this Sen. seat would be fatal! If the people of Illinois don't want him, then he shouldn't get the seat. End of story!

Did anyone say why Burris is not a favorite. Just because he was picked by Blago (who by the way still has right to do so) does not mean he is not suitable. Did they impeach Bush for the wars in Iraq – No. Did they impeach Blago for gambling the senate seat – No. So what's the freakn problem? Hmmmm, something wrong with this picture? Maybe it's too colorful.

This man is so stupid to have allowed Blago to make a fool of him. Who has egg on their face? Burris!!!
Blago is sitting at home watching the whole thing, laughing his butt off, while Burris is in front of the cameras looking like an idiot.

What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Burris looks like a stand up guy who would do very well in the Senate.
Also you would think they have better things to do then this.

kyle January 7th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

"first of all there should be an age limit, com'on we dont old people to lead."

Kyle, your comment is very discriminatory and shows and incredible lack of intellegence. We can all learn from those with experience such as our PE who is surrending himself with very experienced individuals who are not young.

A majority of emotional opinions say he should not be seated.

A singular 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution says he must be seated.

Guess who wins in the end?

So much useless drama.

Special election is the ONLY way at this point to ensure the real desires of the people of Illinois are served. The continued efforts of Burris ONLY serve the intrests of Blagojevich. NO ONE ELSE. he only pushed the appointment to take the heat off himself. If Burris is allowed in it his (Blagojevich's) victory and a point on his side.

scott January 7th, 2009 11:40 am ET

"Wow!!!! One political scandel after another and Obama isn't even in office. This is a disaster in the making. Well, we reap what we sow and now we are getting it. So far the Dems have made Bush look like Lincoln. lol….Its going to be a rough four years."

Hint, Scott: watch something besides Faux News and listen to something besides Rush and you'll find the facts indicate NONE of the "one political scandal after another" you mention is directly related to or caused by or even reflects upon Barack Obama.

Then…while you have your head out of the gutter, go back through these eight "wonderful" Bush years. We'll be counting the scandals we don't even know exist yet for DECADES.

Buck up. Majority rules and you were overruled. Get used to it. Your party is right now about as dead as a political party could be.

i guess the fear of black demonstrations was greater than any polls would indicate.

the problem REID can't READ. and DURBIN reading to him is a concern.

Now this is the Democratic infighting I've missed!

Rachel January 7th, 2009 11:45 am ET

"Are the Repo's so afraid of one seat in the Senate. "

Why are you blaming this on Republicans? They are not the ones standing in the way…it the Democratic Majority Leader and other Democrats.

Nice attempt to spin this around into a false accusation and create time-wasting chaos, but not all of us are lemmings.

BTW – I'm a registered democratic. We need to fix our own mess to pave the way for Obama, he's got a tough road ahead.

I am amazed that so many poll answerers think Burriss should not be seated. Gov. Blagoyevich has not been convicted of an crime, has not been tried, nor has any grand jury found probable cause. He DOES have the constitutional right to do what he did. On what basis can Mr. Burriss be denied what has been an entirely lawful procedure? I think the Democrats are shooting themselves in their feet by making such a fuss over this when there are so many more important matters to address.

I guess it should hardly surprise us that Democrats don't want to follow the Constitution. Otherwise, gun control advocates would not exist.

Read CNN's Roland Martin's article today "Commentary: Deal with it; Burris is a senator".

Do I like Blagojevich? No. I think he should have resigned. But he didn't and he's still governor, and it would be unlawful, as Martin points out, to tell Blagojevich to do only some but not all of his job as governor.

Please keep up the good work Democrats, your reign will be short one as Bill Richardson being forced out has ticked off the Hispanics and you openly skirting the laws in not signing off on Burris is ticking of the African Americans so what would the party have left???

Indoctrinated college students who when polled on election day didn't know who the Speaker of the house was or who William Ayers was, what a joke.

The "selected one" has not even taken ofice and the party is imploding.

I like many in this country that did not vote for uh, uh, uh Obama, STILL WANT HIM TO SUCCEED, but you trolls NEED TO STOP running to the blogs when a DEMOCRAT or REPUBLICAN point out his brutal mistakes as in Eric Holder, Bill Richardson, Panetta and the outright LIE that he said about nobody in his staff being in contact with the Governor.

WE want him to succeed, but have some rational thought people.

Where has Rahm been lately?????

The 17th Amendment of the Constitution is clear. It's amazing that all of these lawyers are trying to slide around the law. Blago-hello no! Burris, YES!

Democrat Emploding, please learn how to spell. It's imploding. Thanks God I have a college degree, and I don't rely on Rush and Shamity to get me news.

I'm not a democrat, but the the way Cheney and Bush has handle most of the issues, I say I'd welcome Obama. All the drama has happen outside his camp. He had nothing to due with the Richardson, Burris, or Feinstein. This is egotisticism at its best.

Burris has been rejected repeatedly by the voters of Illinois. Why does this make him a reasonable replacement for Obama? The senate seat is well above his ability to fill. And why is Harry "the mormon" Reid negotiating with this perennial loser? Reid should exchange his daily attire for the clown suit he should be wearing. The dems have to get rid of this incompetent before his uselessness turns into damage creation.

first of all there should be an age limit, com'on we dont old people to lead.

It's mind-boggling that so many Americans are willing to ignore proper procedures and the law just 'cause they don't like the governor (which I don't either). He has not been convicted of anything so he's entitled to this appointment plus Burris is obviously qualified. If you want a war with an important constituency by this silly pettiness keep up this refusal of a qualified public servant. The Congress' vigilance over its members should end at the appointee itself, and not extend to the appointer.

The majority is not always right. That is why we have laws and law makers.

By the way, since when does the Secretary of State have more power than the Governor?

Agreed that he should not be seated yet. The delay in signing the certificate is warranted even though some say it's an illegal action. The final outcome should be determined by the committe that is ultimately charged with resolving the issue.

Nobody would have an issue if the Governor would order national guards to help during say a weather crisis if it hit Chicago and nobody had an issue with the Governor accepting the resignation of Emanuel. I certainly wish the Governor would have not appointed anybody so we could have avoided this mess but it is his right and nobody has had an issue with him performing his other duties as Governor so why are they able to pick and choose which responsibilities he should follow?

It doesn't matter what the nation's majority thinks. He meets the criteria of being Illinois new Senator duly appointed by a Governor who has not been indited or convicted of a crime as of yet. So the legality of him sitting as the next Senator is correct. It's a shame that the institution that creates laws does not follow them.

Thanks to the present administration,I dont think politics will ever be quite the same.They have awoken an angry electorate with a lynch mob mentality.The people of America want control of their country and the partisans of both parties better wakeup.

but ann coulter said according to the constitution he has to be seated.. and i thought she knows everything.. lmao

i could care less.. i am just foaming at the mouth to get a democrat in mel martinez's seat… 1 year and counting

Well, the good man should be inside, since 'BY TECHNICALITY OF LAW' all is alright.However Raid fundaments his 'NO', on the basis of the apointee is coming 'tainted'.

Ok, is understandable, 'tainted' is the comon denominator for CHICAGO-CORRUPTED POLITICAL SPECTRUM.

So, by that line of reasoning, people from there are not to be accepted.But here is the dilema, Obama IS PRODUCT OF THAT CORRUPTED POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE, AND YET, YOU COCOZOIDS, WACKADOOS AND GOOFBALLS DEMOCRATS ARE ACCEPTING HIM FOR PRESIDENCY.

So, where the blazes are your brains(if any)?

Is a MASTER MYSTERY, LIFE LATELY .

Ok, take it from there.

sincerely,
Daniel Cabrera
Merrillville, Indiana

Who cares about polls? We are a nation of laws and any first year law student would know that Mr. Burris is the lawful appointee to the Senate and must be seated. The Senate and Mr. Reid are not above the law, although they function as if they are. Whatever one feels about Mr. Blagojevich he has not been impeached or convicted, nor has he pleaded guilty. Clinton was impeached but his official duties were never called in to question. Stevens was convicted and not one Senator called for stripping him of his duties. Craig pleaded guilty and was thusly convicted but continued on as a Senator. As you see, the hypocrisy is staggering. For the sake of the Senate and the Democratic party the leadership needs to back down, seat Mr. Burris and get about doing the business they were sent to Washington to do.

Gee, you know sometimes the majority does not rule. The Illinois Consitution states that the Governor has the sole authority to the appointment of a replacement Senator. Does not say if the Secretary of State agrees with his appointment, does not say if the majority of the state lefislature agrees with his appointment, does not say if the majority of a national, state, or local pole agrees with his appointment.

Deeds done, its time to grow up. America, land of laws that govern, not opinion polls.

Blagojevich originally agreed to a special election, but Harry Reid and Obama wouldn't hear of it. They both wanted to work under the table to insure that one of their cronies got the seat. Now they have an honest African American, legally appointed, to deal with. We need an end to the corruption in Illinois, and from Obama and Harry Reid. The rule of law needs to prevail, which means seating Burris.

One more thing, A senator of NV or CA or NY or MN or wherever should not get to choose who represents the people of another state! That is ridiculous!

I smell a dirty, filthy rat and his name is Burris! why is this man so desparate to become a Senator when there is so much opposition against him? It's clear that his, soon to be, piers want nothing to do with him. Hmmm, go away you dirty little rat, scoot! MOVE IT!

There are many who say that, until proven guilty, Blogojevich is still Governor and has the right to fill this senate seat. Here's an analogy:

Suppose a teacher is credibly accused of abusing their students. Should they be allowed to continue teaching until a trial is over? Or should they IMMEDIATELY be removed from contact with those students, and restraining orders issued? We would find it unconscionable not to take drastic steps to remove any opportunity of further violations similar to those in the accusation. We would NOT wait until a trail to take these steps.

Blagojevich has been credibly accused of offering the senate seat and other positions, in return for payment. This is sufficient grounds to remove his ability to follow through until such time as he is found not guilty or the charges dropped.

For everyone calling for a special election, blame the democratic party. The Party didn't want a special election. There could have been a special election but the democrats didn't want one because they didn't want to take a chance to loose the seat to a republican. Now the seat selling scandal is out there they are afraid they will loose the seat because any Blago appoints is tainted.

They should have polled the citizens if they wanted a special election or gone with one anyone. The party dug it's own mess. And now it's trying to circumvent the law and the constitution. I say too bad. The law is the law and if you don't like it than make your prosals and vote on it. That is what the legislature is supposed to do after all, even though most of our congress has seem to forgotten that!

This silly man should NOT be seated under any circumstance. Senate Dems are proving to be a bunch of pushovers; 1st Lieberman, and now this mess. They'd better show their spine this time around.

I think you need to go recount your poll. Seat Burris.

Look in his freezer…i bet you find a bunch of cash??? Can you say DIRTY!

Being a Illinois resident and voter. I think we are the only ones whose opinion matters – not Dianne Feinstein and not Harry Reid. I want an election. If we had wanted Roland Burris, we would have elected him when he was running.

the man doesn't have the proper credentials…. what's so hard to understand about this?

Since the circumstances involve a corrupt process of appointing a federal legislative employee, the U.S. Senate has the right to weigh in on the process. Until the Senate determines the eligibility of a governor charged with bribery to appoint a Federal official, Burris is not and should not be deemed a gubernatorially appointed federal employee, i.e. U.S. Senator. See Article One Section Eight of the U.S. Constitution.

I know that those of you who were accused of a crime or under investigation, were glad that your employer didn't terminate your job because of the accusation or being under investigation. When teachers are accused of crimes against children, they are put on paid administrative leave until proven guilty or innocent. That's how the system works. Innocent until proven guilty. This is America and if you don't like it, there are plenty of other countrys in the world you can choose to take residence.

Public and personal opinions aside, is he legally eligible to be seated? That's all that should matter.

Public opinion will speak when he has to actually be elected.

I agree with them – Let the people of IL make the selection in a special election and if they don't have the money let the DNC and GOP make up any shortfalls…

Polls have no bearing on this matter, the Constitution has. Mr. Burris should take this up with the Supreme Court if it is not resolved, and soon, and I might add, without any compromise. Harry Reid et al right now are defying the Constitution and should be told to back off.
Mr. Reid has made a mistake and now should swallow his pride and accepts the appointment made by Gov. Blagojevich who is still the legitimate Gov. of Illinois, unless and until he is found guilty of the alleged crime.

I bet the whole world is laughing at us.

This shouldn't be about national polls. This should be about the law.

One should have already deduced, the people of Illinois and the rest of America would like for USA/Today to report the news, rather than attempt to creat news with their "Polled Survey".

If only the media folks would only get back to providing a real public sevice by reporting the news……but then there are those who revel in fun, confrontation, and Gotcha.

The phrase "We report, you decide" is a joke.

@ AJ in TX January 7th, 2009 11:48 am ET

Here's what I see: The white democrats in Congress turned away an accomplished African-American. Basically they said, "You are not welcome and you can't use our bathroom" Why not hang a sign outside of Congress that says "Whites Only"?

______________________________________________________

OMG…stop it. What does the fact that he's black have to do with his not being seated? His appointment is tainted by Blago, which the Senate Dem leadership already said they would block…regardless of who was picked, when the corruption story first broke. Thurgood Marshall could rise from the dead and they would block him as well if he was picked. It ain't about color…it's about perception. A Dem governor from our Pres-Elect's home state, accused of selling his former Senate seat? Come on…the Dem leadership is trying to do damage control.

Despite racial pressures . . . this is about Burris accepting appointment from a governor who said the Senate seat would be sold the highest bidder. Burris's response was dishonorable. The correct thing to do would have been to say no. Probably that's what several others had already done – hats off to them, but not to Roland Burris. He should have said no.

Like that means anything! The only ones that changed, and change, with the polls are the Clintons. Everyone else makes up their mind and sticks to it.

This case illustrates why we have the problems that we do in the USA. Too many people think that they can disregard the law when it suits them. Like it or not, this sleazeball is still legally governor, and legally has the right to appoint the Senator. The IL Secretary of State has no legal case not to certify. The constitution says that the Senate can deny someone membership if that person is judged as unfit to serve. The Senate is not saying that Burris is unfit, they are barring entrance because of the person who appointed him. They have no legal right to do this. This is a disgrace. We don't get to pick the laws that we want to follow. The Senate should know better.

When the law was made that the governor have the privelege of "selecting" the senator there was no condition if he/she is a likable person or if he/she is a suspected crook. What about the "selection criteria" of Caroline Kennedy, huh! Hardly ever voted, no political experience, but her name is Kennedy.

Unfortunately it doesn't matter if a majority of Americans don't think he should be seated- the lawmakers will do what they want anyway.

I agree with several people on here. Illinois should have a special election given the current circumstances. Blago did this to get the some of the spotlight off of him. I think from seeing his "resume" , Burris is just looking to be the only black guy in senate. He is doing this for race. Otherwise he probably would have not accepted the appointment. His ego is so big and out of whack that he doesn't realize what a problem this is causing. He is alienating members of the senate. I really really feel sorry for Illinois right now. To possibly be represented by a person like this. Hopefully by the next election (if he is seated) we shall all what a fool Burris is.

Who cares if it looks like this Burris guy paid Blago for the Senate seat? The appointment was legal and Burris should get what it looks like he paid for.

Who cares about national polls in a Senate race (other than Caroline Kennedy I suppose).

If doesn't matter what anyone outside of Illinois thinks about this.

It also doesn't matter what Harry Reid thinks either. Blago is NOT UNDER impeachment proceedings (Bill Clinton made appointments during his) and the US Constitution gives Blago the right to make the appointment.

The ONLY requirements for a US Senator are that he/she be over 35 and a resident of the state. If there were ethics, intelligence or morality requirements, we would have a different Majority Leader.

So while Pres. Clinton was being impeached nothing he did counted?

haha…too bad for the GOP…lord knows they wanted to make the Dems look bad for refusing to seat him, but this poll shows that irrespective of the legalities, the public supports the decision made by the Dems

The law is on the side of Burris and Blago. The dems should have called for a special election to eliminate any controversy or "taint". But they were afraid they might lose the seat. If this goes to court, Burris wins.

Were arguing about this guy,while Paulson and his gang pack their suitcases full of cash and ready their getaway.

Seat Burris, he unlike Caroline Kennedy has experience.

Its unfortunate that his selection is tainted by the hair club for men governor. The real question is when does Gov Blago start to sing about the Chicago Democratic Machine; how is he tied to Rezko, Axelrod, Jarret and Rhamn?….this wont be pretty.

Lydia writes :"Move on to whats more important." Lydia, if you lived in Illinois and had crooked politician after crooked politician foisted on you simply because there was a Democratic machine in your state, you wouldn't say "Move On" you would say "Enough is Enough" and don't let Burris take this tainted seat! I am sick of politicians walking all over the citizens of this state simply because they have the right connection – hell, Obama became Senator and 10 minutes later he was running for president – do you think he really did anything for the state of Illinois? It is time that the people of the state of Illinois get a fair shake and get someone in office who is there to help the citizens and not just grab a title (which, if you knew anything about Burris he has been trying to get a title for years!)

Michael Milken's a crook!

I feel sorry for Burris: he won't be able to add the date of his senate tenure to his tomb: there are written the dates of all his political accomplishments (very important when his body will be six feet under……).

Sic transit Gloria Mundi!

Unless there is some suspicion against Burriss other than him being selected by a Crook, move on. Blago will be deservedly hung up by his Buster Browns, what a complete sack of goo!

This is up to the people of Illinois…I would not have accepted the appointment…but I have morals. Chicago runs by different rules. But it is their choice.

sounds like something out of karl rove's play book…republicans have gridlock down to a T and all this started from a bush appointee…fitzgerald who does'nt have a leg to stand on as far a case against anyone blago or burris

It doesn't matter what people think. People don't know the law. Constitution clearly states that the executive gets to appoint. Well, that what happened, the executive appointed Burris.

Absolutely Burris should be seated. He obviously did not pay for the seat and IL governor, in appointing him, simply exercised his legal right to do so.

Not to seat him is illegal and an abomination.

This is not about the majority of the country but that of the people of Illinois he is supposed to represent.

it doesnt matter what poll you take, legally, Burris should be seated, period. Maybe all you brilliant voters should study your law and the constitution and your great pres elect as well

I think it's time for a FULL SCALE REVOLUTION!!!!!!!!!!!!

This government needs to brought down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel like everyone is taking crazy pills. We have recorded conversations of the Gov saying he is "selling the seat." How could anyone possibly want him to have control over who gets the seat? Everyone is saying that it is the law, well the law isn't always right. The law used to say that women couldn't vote, people realized it was wrong, and the law got changed. I propose a new law stating that any Gov who has been recorded offering to sell seats to the highest bidder shouldn't get to appoint senators. How about that law?

Joyce,

Read the constitution – it is not voters choice. Its your govenors -

The "God directed Blago to appoint me" comment and the bizarro resume-carved-on-a-marble-crypt-in-a-cemetery, I've concluded this guy is an egomaniac with a few screws loose. We're burdened with enough of those governing us already! Sheeesh…

burris is so self consumed he has no idea how foolish he looks.his only concern is self benifiting with no concern for rules and regulations.trying to by pas jump over. getting the position at any cost,no concern for the people he will be there to represent.his out look my way at any expense THIS JERK SHOULD BE SENT PACKING WE DON"T NEED HIS KIND OF GOVERNING

Burris didn't do what Barack did to win the seat. Why should he ride in on Barack's coattails? He's being used by Blago and EVERYBODY knows it. I hope the Senate, should they seat him, continue to snub him.

burris should not be seated,to many question marks already against him.he has not earned it.even when blago resignes he still should not be seated.

Regardless of what you might think otherwise,the appointment meets the requirement of the constitution and laws. Mr. Burris also appears to be a man of integrity and good intellect. He should be seated and I say this as one who would rather see a Republican in the seat. I believe it likely, given the state of Illinois politics, that a Republican would be elected. Too many people ,including our elected losers, are allowing their feelings(politics or other ) to determine the result they believe is appropriate. My feelings are irrelevant-the law alone is relevant.

What is really offensive is that Burris doesn't care what so ever about the "smoking gun" evidence against Blago and how obvious his guilt is. Innocent until proven guilty, but only to a point. We don't let murderers run around until "proven" guilty. So why should a slimmy scumbag like Blago be allowed to do work that affects the Nation after such obvious evidance against him is revealed.

Senator Reid is off his meds.

While they are trying to impeach the IL Gov, they need to impeach the IL Secretary of State while they are at it.

The IL Gov is STILL Gov and this is a legal appointment!

Cheers!

First, this isn't a national debate, this is something that belongs to the citizens of Illinois. Let them decide how to handle this.

Second, Gov. Blago has been accused of a very serious crime. While some might think that you are innocent until proven guilty, Gov. Blago has lost the trust of the citizens of Illinois and therefore cannot fully carry out his duties. You might think it wrong but stand behind a teacher and defend them next time they are accused of inappropriately touching children and tell everyone that it is their right to keep their job until the courts say otherwise. (For those that argue that safety is not at risk, remember that Gov. Blago was taped soliciting money from people. Do you not think our rights, public safety, and taxes are at risk from such shady people willing to buy their position?).

Again, let the great people of Illinois fix their own house and tell the media to turn their cameras back on Gov. Blago. His appointment of Mr. Burris was only done as a distraction from himself.

get Blago out first!

then consider Burris!

suggestion

While the Democrats can't quickly remove Blago from office – they can remove him as a "Democrat" – i.e. being a party member – this would force him to file as an "Independent "- it is doubful that the Republicans will take him…

this is a first "big step" in getting him out both politically and symbolically

If he really wanted to impress voters, he would have refused the appointment publicly and ask the Illinois senate to choose a replacement. That way he probably would have been chosen anyway AND he would have looked good to the voters. A politician should be more intelligent than this, even a scoundrel politician should.

I to do not believe burris should be a loud to serve in the senate. I think the only reason he was considerd was because he is black. Also I can't understand when they want equal rights that there the ones to yell discrimination first. when will the white population get it through there heads and start claiming reverse discrimination.

So what should we take from a national poll? I thought Senators were selected within the states. I don't think al Franken should be a Senator either, but it is not my call; it is the Minnesota voters'. Why doesn't CNN spend its time instead saying something rational.

I'm not sure why there is even a poll… according to the law he should be made senator. Sure, he's a crook, and so is Blago, and so is Obama…. the only difference is they WON their polls.

since when do "polls" have any kind of real-world relevance?

Gov. has sold the seat as he wanted. The "price" this time… to distract the media from his corruption to this circus. Burris has paid the price in full. Burris is either a amoral opportunist or a fool… neither trait will serve the people of Illinois well.

It is the decision of the voters of Illinois and not the decision of "all Americans". A poll of their views is the only one that matters!

People keep citing the law. I'm no law person but I've read of other laws that prohibit him from taking the seat.

I for one pray he isn't……a message needs to be sent. this isn't about race…….Bobby Rush is another BLAGO lover….Two face racist……They need to look into his stuff to see how much got tossed to him…Millions from what I read…Yeah he is soooo innoncent…….Please. I will NEVER vote in Illinois again if they do not stick to their guns and NOT SEAT HIM…….Blago is corroupt the whole darm state is CORRUPT…..Will someone stick up for us people who live here? I will NEVER NEVER accept Burris as my senator. mI see him as nothing more but PAWN. He is being used and is too vain to realize it………What a smuck, What kinda legacy is that…..Being used cause your black…….Thats what Blago did…………I am tired of ILLINOIS politics. SICK of them….Maybe you all need go. Thiusx whole thing is a joke…..Illinois is a JOKE….Blago is laughing all the way to his campaign funds……WOW! If they allow this, I for one will NEVER vote in Illinois again……Im done…..Our say does not count…..Most likely NEVER did……….

AJ from Austin TX January 7th, 2009 11:48 am ET

Here's what I see: The white democrats in Congress turned away an accomplished African-American. Basically they said, "You are not welcome and you can't use our bathroom" Why not hang a sign outside of Congress that says "Whites Only"?
__________________________________________________
WTH….I'm African American and that is crazy….Blago only picked Burris to start this nonsense for distraction. This whole thing stems from what Blago tried to do. Just the tapes alone should be enough to suspend foul mouth Blago of his Governor duties.. Burris is a little too desperate if you ask me.

This has nothing to do with race. The people that bring up race in this instance are the people that are keeping all races from coming together. Why must you bring it up, when it obviously has NOTHING TO DO WITH IT? The real man in question is the WHITE gov. from Illinois. Should we hang a sign that says "no white men from Illinois." Shame on your for bringing race into it!!!

Why don't they just seat Burris.I kinda felt sorry for the guy just getting kicked in the butt out in the rain.It's not his fault Blago is crooked.Reid & the dems don't have a leg to stand on legally anyway.

Sorry folks but Burris was legally appointed. The fact that he is "tainted" by the governor shouldn't stop the appointment. We can't, and shouldn't, pick and chose the laws to follow whenever they suit us best. If he truly is the right person for the state of Illinois his actions will prove it.

As long as the Governor has his seat he allowed to do this so just let Burris in the Senate. Move on to whats more important.

Maggie SC – "THIS BURRIS GUY DON'T LOOK TO SMART TO ME. ARE YOU SURE HE IS NOT AN ALEIN?"

You're an idiot, Maggie. Didn't your mother ever tell you to not judge a book by its cover? Didn't think so.

If there is no existing valid legal reason Roland Burris is unable to be seated as the junior Senator from Illinois he should be seated without conditions. We need to discontinue the practice of “interpreting” laws to coincide with a predetermined agenda. Regardless of the less than ideal circumstances surrounding his appointment, Mr. Burris has done nothing wrong.

Who cares what the poll says, seriously. It's what the law says. The law clearly states that Burris should be seated. Period.

The Dems. have screwed up by turning this into a circus. If it goes to the courts, he will be seated. The Gov. hasn't been convicted of anything yet and has the right to appoint him. By all accounts, this is a good, accomplished man who had nothing to do with what the Gov. supposedly did. The reason the majority of Americans are against him being seated is because, as usual, they listen to sound bites on their tubes and don't bother to think anything through.

It's hard ot make the leap that people responding to an on-line USA Today poll represent the general thought of the American public. It is deceiving to say that the results of a USA Today poll represent anything other than the 'on-line readership of USA Today'.

Lets not forget who this is all about. It's ALL about Blago. He's sitting in his office laughing his crooked butt off at the circus he's created. But the laughter will end. Let Burris be seated – he'll forever be attached to Illinois' worst governor – and let the impeachment get underway for blago. That's where ALL the attention needs to be.

We live in a sad time then when the majority seems to want to go by an opinion instead of the law of the land. The Illinois Sec of State needs to be run out on a rail for not signing. It is toatlly legal what the embattled Gov did to appoint Burris. He is still doing day to day work and the Sec of State has signed other bills that the Gov has since this broke out. Sounds like some political motivation by Sec. White.

I'm not the brightest, but I'm confused……are they short of chairs?

Thanks mr.Dupont for your 2 cents.

I have an idea — why don't we follow the law?

Shouldn't one quality be the candadte be intelligent? He looks like someone just off the boat. Perhaps he is from a country we do not know about. Surely if those people in Illinois wants him in they must not be intelligent either but then again I have not seen very many smart people ftom the state of illinois.

Get this guy outta here.

Danny Davis turned this appointment down first. If that doesn't tell you this is toxic, nothing else will! Burris wants to be a senator in the worst way and it looks like he just might be.

THIS BURRIS GUY DON'T LOOK TO SMART TO ME. ARE YOU SURE HE IS NOT AN ALEIN?

Burris should have been seated… Blagojevich is still the governor of IIIinois. This is all legal at the present time…….Burris is a good man and has great record. The Sec of State of IIIinois should sign the documents. Sentor Reid need to eat his words and give Burris a chance.

Seat the rat so everyone will know that he is not all that and a bag of chips. Why is this circus going on around him anyway.

It is the awful truth. The checks, balances, and policies of our government are designed to regulate people who are not sociopaths. Blegojavic is a sociopath. Any normal person in his position who had some sense of dignity and honor would have resigned within days of the investigation beginning. He has not. He is still the governor, therefore he can legally still appoint a senator. Burris has been seated legally, end of story. Stop crying about it. If anything be angry at Illini voters for reelecting him. He has been corrupt since day 1 and always will be.

I find this poll highly suspect. To think that most Americans believe a dully elected Governor – still legally holding the office and not convicted of any crimes – does not have the legal authority to appoint a replacement as his State's constitution allows simply because the media insinuates that he should not – is outrageous.

Erik in Real Pennsylvania, First thank you for bringing up the specific articles of the law regarding the case.
But, even if it's a lame excuse of the Dems to not allow (for whatever reason) Burris to be seated, procedures are procedures. If (as it seems to be the case) there is one signature missing to help Burris be seated as the new US Senator from Illinois, then he have the whole right to go to the tribunals to have that signature on his papers, and then he can be seated. All the previous US Senators that, like him, were not voted for the seat but ended up appointed by a governor, had to follow that procedure.
Why it should be different for Burris?

Dumb USA-today reading Americans that don't take the time to think.

This is a referendum on Blagoevitch … not Burris.

The man is still governor, if Illinoisians didn't impeach him, shame on them.

This appointment is legal … get out of the way.

watch out (always) where the media leads you……check the facts outside the media circus tent….what do you really know about anything except bits and snips of what we are told!

The general public gets to elect their officials, not change the Constitution via polling questions.

Article 1, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution states, "Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members." Section 3 says "The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State" and "No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen."

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

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

Therefore, Roland Burris should be seated as the junior Senator of Illinois. No missing signature of a trumped-up clerk can circumvent these Constitutional imperatives.

Listen to the people! The people of Illinois (which I am one of) want to elect their own senator. Combine this with the election for Rahm Emmanuals replacement in the House of Representatives.

Corey: You have a very good point. This is a state matter…not a national matter. This is our senator, our representation.

Burris should not be seated! The only reputable thing to do under the circumstances is to have a special election.

Here's what I see: The white democrats in Congress turned away an accomplished African-American. Basically they said, "You are not welcome and you can't use our bathroom" Why not hang a sign outside of Congress that says "Whites Only"?

Only 16% of Americans thing the law should be followed? Says all you need to know about this country.

We are a nation of laws. For better or worse, until (and if) the Illinois governor is proven guilty of a crime, the law states that he gets to make the appointment. The Secretary of State of Illinois is not given discretion as to whether or not to sign the credentials.

I don't like it, but if we are to be the nation that leads the world then we must follow our own rules, especially when breaking them would be self-serving.

From Illinois. Burris has been a very devoted servant of Illinois. Get the signature from the Secretary of State (whom has done our state good service, also) and let's get on with this. Are the Repo's so afraid of one seat in the Senate. Burris has a very good record and reputation. I don't concur that anyone from out of the state of Illinois should have any say so what-so-ever. This thing with Blago could last for awhile. In the mean time let Burris do his job and quit the crap.

I understand that Blagojevich is under investigation. That does not mean guilty. Until he is pronounced guilty, he still has an office and is legal to execute the duties thereof. If his choice for fill the seat is not qualified then he should not be seated. If his chioce is qualified, and I believe he is, then he should be seated. Anger over the appointment that is legal by law is a sign of uneducated people. Morally, the appointment might not should have been made. Legally there is no issue. Everything else is emotion and has no place in this debate.

If he had appointed you or anyone else that is qualified, I know that you or that person would have showed up for work just like Mr. Burris.

Blagojevich was certainly up to mischief with this nomination. He probably spent quite some time how he could create the worst possible situation. Surprisingly, Burris seems to have fallen for it. It wuold be quite easy to let it be known where it matters that he'd like that post but not from that particularly soiled hand.

who is going to pay for this special election? I'm glad I don't live in Illinois.
We had our governor waste money on a special election and i can tell you we wih we had that money back right now!

NO, Roland Burris should not be allowed to be seated.
He wants this seat for all the wrong reasons.

Wow!!!! One political scandel after another and Obama isn't even in office. This is a disaster in the making. Well, we reap what we sow and now we are getting it. So far the Dems have made Bush look like Lincoln. lol….Its going to be a rough four years.

The publics opinion of political affairs is and has been put in their heads by the media. The general public knows little of the political situation in Illinois in the past. It only knows what the media has put in front of us to hear or read in the past six months. Yes we all understand Illinois politics is a bit under the table and in SOME cases a little crooked BUT, beyond that we really haven't paid much attention because the crooked politics wasn't in our back yard. And now along comes this bad gov. of Illinois and all of a sudden we are big authoritys on how that state should run its business.. Whether any of us think so or not, the gov. of Illinois had the LEGAL right to appoint Senator Burris to that seat. It isn't up to we the people to have a say in that appointment and the media should suck it up and quit trying to run the government of the United States of America by gossip and inuendo… Why can't we give Senator Burris, who from all accounts has been an outstanding politician for the people of Illinois, a chance to do as well for them in the senate..

Headlines say the Dems opposition to this candidate are cracking. Do they EVER stand up to what they believe????? All polls show the majority of americans believe he should not be seated. The Dems are wimps and I will never vote for them again, do nothing coward politicians.

This is just what I would have predicted: Last week, the Democrats were getting nailed by everyone (including the press) for not seating Burris. Now, that he may be seated, everyone is going to try to nail the Democrats for seating him. This confirms what I was thinking all along–that many of the pro Burris or Blagojevich comments were actually coming from Republicans trying to stir the pot. Now, they are trying to stir the pot the other way. People need to start getting wise to this sort of strategy, or it is going to be a rough four years.

Burris's latest behavior disqualifies him from serving. He has shown a lot of nerve and very little intelligence. Accepting a tainted appointment, and going against the will of his would-be coworkers. I have more disgust for this guy than Blago now.

WOW!! Smooth move ex-lax!!!

I guess James Carvelle hit the nail on the head, the new administration is not even in the White House yet and we have already been hit with 3 ro 4 scandals. Put on your seatbelt folks, it's going to be a rough ride.

But the hypocrites, I mean democrats, will find a way to seat him.

The silence is deafening from those who originally said there should be a special election and from Obama who said no one that Blago appoints should be seated.

Like always, they didnt' think things through to the end and now have to revise their position.

@John in Ohio

If I followed your reasoning all I would have to do is ACCUSE someone of a crime, get a friend at the police station to arrest them for that crime and that person is therefore guilty.

that is interesting you should all listen to yourselves. In Gitmo we have people who were ACCUSED of a crime, never convicted never tried, and you cry that they should be freed and that gitmo is a terrible blight on the face of America and then in the same breath say that a man appointed LEGALLY by a sitting governor should not be seated because they are "tainted"?!?

idiots

It it. amazing how the media can drive an issue. AND THE MEDIA CONTINUES TO FOCUS AND DRAW THE ATTENTION TO RACE. IF THINGS ARE TO CHANGE WE ALL HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.

IN AMERICA ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO SUGGEST RACE AND ALL ISSUES THAT AFFECT ALL OF US TAKE A BACK SEAT WHEATHER MERRITTED OR NOT. JUST KEEP REPEATING IT ENOUGH TIMES.

The Middle East, the economy,fraud, health care, jobs etc. Burris is the story.

I AM DISSAPOINTED IN HOW ALL OF THIS IS PLAYING OUT. I AM A 70 YEAR OLD AFRICIAN AMERICAN , AND AFTER ALL OFTHE ACCOMPLISHMENTS BASED ON MERIT AND HONESTY BURRIS SHOULD NOT ALLOW HIMSELF TO BE PLAYED BY A ROGUE GOVERNOR.

NOW JESSE WHITE IS CRUMBLING. SAD, SAD, SAD, SAD!!!!!!!!!!

I am so glad that I don't have to rely on a CNN poll for anything… The negatives are so un-American, I'm not sure that Americans write them.

hmm, this is just more evidence that the majority has no clue when it comes to politics. that politics is all about perceptions (fostered via and/or by the media). i am sure that this same majority is in favor of kennedy becoming a senator.

brad pitt for pres in 2012!!! he's famous.

SEAT the man!!

I don't believe those polls!

Burris should be seated. End of story…why can't the Dems stop this and just get down to business. The country has too many other more important issues than this.

This will be the Dems downfall…and Obama's as well.

What should happen now is that Harry Reid and Dicky Durbin should be impeached for defying IL and US laws. Are they above the law just because they are democrats?

This is not about race people. Last time I checked, Obama is black too.
Blagojevich, being obstinate and in denial about his own corruption, has just given the state of IL and the Democratic Party a big F U. Burris has run a number of times for a number of positions and lost – senator, mayor, and governor. He's had some scandal in the news. His mausoleum shrine is perfect fodder for late night show ridicule. The Dem Party isn't keen on him because it makes Reps taking over the governorship of IL pretty high in 2010. That's why the Reps are pushing so hard for Burris to be seated.
Having said all that, I think he should be seated. If it is found that he was involved in the "buying" or influence for that seat, then he can be put aside at that time and another person appointed or special election. Personally, I think they should seat him and then find some great Dem alternative as the Dem nominee for governor in 2010.

Since when did the will of the people have anything to do with Senate?!?

That's why this country is a Repulic and not a Democracy.

This man was nothing but a defocus off this Governor Rod with all his corruption. This man Burris I guarteen he is getting paid to pull this stunt and could care less about being a Senator. He has not been in poliitical for over twenty years. I beat if you start to investigate he got a lot of shady background and it will surface.
See, I beat this Rod is using him for his benefit to shame President Obama this is to just keep up confusion which they are doing to as of this day.
I and all citizens should not buy into this illegal acts which are going on as of this date.

Innocent until proven guilty!

Like it or not he is still the Gov and he still has the right to appiont anyone he wants.

I wonder how many of you actually voted.

Note to rICK:

How can you say that refusing to seat Burris is "overiding the will of the people". Roland Burris was NEVER elected to the post; he was appointed.

The arguments against seating Mr. Burris just don't hold legal water. They do represent an argument for change of a broken system that more reflects the will of the people and lessens the greed of the politicians.

This has got to be one of the silliest, most petty and pointless public scandals we've ever seen. We won't throw out people like Nixon or Bush (oddly, both Republican Presidents) even when their avarice and lust for power split our nation apart and took us to unimaginably expensive and tolling wars, but we will find a punching bag for our frustration in a black man who has FOLLOWED THE LAW. Mr. Burris may circumstantially be connected with the unsavory governor of Illinois by virtue of living in Illinois, but there has been NO evidence of wrongdoing, and the law is the law. We will either follow the law as a nation and as individuals, or we will abandon the law and lash out at an available target. Try to explain your pride in doing that to your grandchildren!

Not what we think ,but what is actually law must apply here in the Burris fiasco. The governor, regardless of the allegations, is entitled to perform his duties until he is removed by the Ilinois legislature. We can't pick and chose what he can and cannot do. An immediate removal would have been the remedy, however those stipulations are not in place. Burris will eventually be the senator when the smoke clears. The governor may be replaced, let me emphasis 'may', because his charges does not include an actual act, only an intent. these type of charges are subject to vindication frequently. If there is not a history of illegal behavior, its extremely likely he remains the governor.

Obama is speaking now about restoring trust in government. Maybe he should consult with Reid.

Why can't they simply wait till Fitzgerald is done with his part with Blago to seat this guy???

Rick January 7th, 2009 10:39 am ET

Ken in Dallas,
Does the law say that Burris can be a duly appointed Senator without the signature of the Secretary of State and without the official state seal n the document?

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Yes. That requirement is Senate custom, but the Senate Rule II says that the Senator-designate may present additional credentials at his discretion. All the law says he needs is the Governor's signature. Illinois law, additionally, does not grant the Secretary of State discretion over whether or not he signs Senate-appointee credentials, so it appears that the Secretary of State's refusal to sign Burris' credentials is unlawful.

I love it – the Dems say one thing, then the race card is played and people complain about it not really being corrupt, and then oh, it's all okay. He's fine. No problems or corruption here.

I mourn for our country with this leadership moving into place.

The seat is tanted and an election should be held to fill the seat. This man has been proven time and time again that the people of Illinois do not want him to be anymore that a state repr. He has run for Gov. and lost and has run for U.S. senate and lost. The people do not want him to represent them in Washington. He will only be seated because he is BLACK and would replace a HALF BLACK senator!

The senate found out that cannot stop Burris, so now they are trying to make a dela with him, He will be seated if he does not run for the seat in 2010. I think it is time to impeach Reed. The Hypocrisy in the whole deal is unbeleivable. It is also time to get new Senators elected in 2010, these guys have been in the Senate too long

National poll or not, most Illinoisans DON'T want him. If they did, he wouldn't have lost the last 5 primaries, including for Senator – and for Governor and even for Chicago Mayor. He's a narcissistic egomaniac with visions of grandeur, with a granite monument to himself – even his kids are named Roland and Rolanda. This is the ONLY way he could get "U.S. Senator" carved into his "Trail Blazer" monument. That's why he wants it, even if it's offered to him by the very guy who's trying to sell it.

This is one time where I'm in the majority. The appointment was made by a compromised individual. I wouldn't let a suspected child molestor work at a day care while his trial is underway. It'd be no fault of the child or the day care, the individual is compromised in carrying out his duties.

I hope they remove Blago from office through speedy impeachment, and I hope the feds then try and convict him and send that crook to jail. And if Burris wants the seat, he can run in the special election.

Like it or not, Burris has been appointed to fill Obama's seat according to the law. The Dems have done significant harm by creating this circus. Burris needs to be seated and let's move on. Harry Reid should learn to pick his battles better.

This is hard to watch. Ever since Obama was elected President the Democratic party is emploding.
First Blagovich then Richardson, then Penetta and now Buress.

The Democratic party has no backbone and will not stand up for their own principles. Just a few days ago their was no way Buress would be seated and now he will be seated. Just like their leader(Obama) they change their mind every on every issue. The party is scared to stand up against people who use the race card in politics.

This is what happens when you elect a man to be President who has absolutely no experience.

I have not heard of any law to prevent Mr. Burris taking this Senate seat. It will be up to the voters in Illinois to return him to the Senate in 2010, or not, but right now those dimwits Reid and Pelosi have more important work to do and should let this man take his appointed place. ( I am a Democrat who worked hard to elect Barack Obama, by the way).

I understand that Mr. Burris has not committed a crime! HOWEVER…… here is the problem: since Blagojevich wanted money for the senate seat, and has been implicated in a criminal offense then Blagojevich has ….. morally….. lost his right to appoint any one! That's why people are up set!

BURRIS SHOULD BE SEATED.. EVERTHING WAS DONE BY THE BOOK NOW YOU HAVE ELECTED PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW THE US CONSTITUTION OR WHAT IT STANDS FOR TELLING EVERYBODY BURRIS SHOULD NOT HAVE THE SEAT..

REMEMBER GUILTY BE ACQUAINTANCE IS NOT A SIN. IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN EVERYBODY ON CAPITAL HILL IS QUILTY.

REID STEP DOWN…

They need to follow the letter of the law. If Burris' nomination follows the law, then let him in. If not, then don't. It should never come down to the status of who appointed him (after all, Blago is still the governor like it or not) or whether or not other Senators like him, or what his race is, or what the public thinks. Especially not what the public thinks.

Is Burris accused of any crime thus disqualifying him from being sworn in? Was he involved in attempting to buy the senatorial seat? Prior to this acandal was he not equally qualified to fill that post? Is the governor not legally and constitutionally authorised to make that choice? (accusations or not) When was the governor's constitutional rights revoked making him unqualified to exercise his right? Was the governor tried and found guilty? Why punish Burrisfor being qualified? Based on what constitutional ammendment is the senate acting to bar Burris from the senate? And why should he agree, if seated, that he should not run in 2010? Are there different rules for different ethnic groups who wish to be senators? What is the real reason for not swearing in Burris as the junior senator from Illinois? Just asking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rick said "Does the law say that Burris can be a duly appointed Senator without the signature of the Secretary of State and without the official state seal n the document?"

The law does NOT GIVE VETO POWER to a secretary.
The Secretary needs to be impeached for trying to subvert THE LAW.
The Secretary is basically acting as a judge and jury and making decisions based on "whims". We don't want "kings" deciding, we want the rule of law.

I wonder where Ried is now? Apparently after starting this whole mess, he has scurried back under his rock. the funny thing is, if Ried would have been a Republican, he would be labeled as a Racist by now. It's funny how those who throw that bomb out there everday against Republicans and Indepedents that do not agree with the Demoncrats, are not willing to use it so freely in this case.

I see that the Democrates will override the peoples wishes once again and seat this man because he screamed the sacred word…………….RACISM, you are white I am black thats why you wont seat me…….. I will never ever vote again because your voice isnt even heard because the Representitives that we voted in just do as they please……

Roland Burriss should be seated. I think it was horrible that he was turned away yesterday. I admire governor Blagojevich and his display of leadership by appointing Roland burriss and thus fulfiling his responsibilty as governor of Illinois. How can the senate and specifically Harry Reid not seat the gov.'s appointment? Constitutionally? How Harry Reid and the others attempt to get around that to me is worse than letting it be. For two tears and Roland Burriss has given no cause to question his creditals or character. Did any one stop to cinsider that Gov. Blagojevich was just trying to make a fair choice and he was coming from a place of good character in making his decision regardless of the accusations against him? Having we played loose with the cinstituion enough and has Governor Blagojevich been accused of something so reprehensible ?

I don't think he should be seated and I am black. It was an underhanded move between him and rod and Burris deserves everything he is getting today.

I hope the dems don't decide to seat Burris. Sure, he's probably perfectly competent, it's ostensibly legal, etc…. but it's a trick! Seat this guy and the republicans will be jumping with joy because they can keep the "dirty Chicago Politics" meme alive. Don't give them the satisfaction.

Just reported that the Dems will back down and seat Burris. I hope they plan a thorough investigation to be sure Burris is not involved in Blago's scheme.

For once I thought Harry Reid might be doing the right thing, but now it's busienss as usual – politics over integrity of the institution. What happened to the improer credentials of yesterday. Did the IL Sec of State suddenly sign and apply the state seal?

I'll bet the due diligence here is about as good as Obama's vetting of Richardson.

Just another example of how Dems feel they do nothing wrong. Here's hoping for a filibuster.

It stinks, but the Illinois legislature dragged their feet too long on this. I think maybe they should investigate this move to make sure no money was given to pay to play. But other than that, Blagojevich is still governor and he HAS NOT BEEN CONVICTED of anything in a court of law or other authorized ruling body. Due process requires him to have a trial. As it stands right now, people may not like it, but an accusation is exactly that. We don't need to set any more precedents that undermine our Constitution.

This morning Gretta on FOX said there is absolutely nothing that can stop Burris from being seated and wonders why all the to do about nothing, so lets get with it and get the job done. I am a Republican that votes like an Independant and I like the guy. So what if he has a Masoleum tha lists all his accomplishments; eat your hearts out folks…he worked his behind off to get there, so let him blow his horn.
Seat Burris.

The majority is WRONG

we live in a country of LAWS
we live in a country where you are innocent until proven guilty

The LAW states the Governor shall appoint a replacement to a vacant senate seat
the facts are GOVERNOR Blaqgojevich has not been CONVICTED of any crime
the SITTING Governor, still governor enough to call out the national guard in the event of an emergency, still governor to establish disaster areas in the event of a weather catastrophy, still governor to set the date for an election for a member of the house who has vacated his seat, in other words STILL AN ACTIVE LEGAL GOVERNOR, appointed Burris and therefore the Senate has no legal leg to stand on. the Supreme Court has ruled in the past that Congress cannot refuse to seat someone they disapprove of unless that person does not meet the requirements of occupying the chair (in that case it was a Representative). Clearly, with one minor exception, Burris meets those requirements. the exception, the secratary of state in Illinois has refused to enter the Governors selection into the Illinois records will be dealt with shortly as the Illinois Supreme Court has ruled in the past that the Sec. MUST enter into the records the legal orders of the Governor and they are very likely to rule the same way.

just because a mob has convicted a man does not mean that leagally the man is guilty, and since there is NO LEGAL reason why Governor Blagojevich cannot appoint Burris for this position and no legal reason why the Senate can refuse to seat him he will, eventually, be seated. Luckily for us the US is (or was until recently) a country ruled by laws not mobs.

idiots

I just saw something now saying they are going to accept him…

Well.. common sense to everyone. You can see Burris is desparate. Do you believe there was no discussion/negotiation between Burris and Blagojevich before the announcement? These two are collaborating all the way..

ITS A DONE DEAL ROLAND BURRIS IS NOW A SENATOR OF ILLINOIS,THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The law DOES NOT say that Burris the duly-appointed junior Senator from Illinois. The law DOES require that the Secretary of State of certify the appointment BEFORE he is the the duly-appointed junior Senator from Illinois. THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED!

Who would of thought that the Democrats wouldn't want to follow their own laws? Please just follow the rules and move on.

I wonder how much Blagojevich made off this appointment………I am sure someone got paid off!

There is somthing wrong with this Burris fellow. Nobody in their right mind, builds a shrine with all of their accomplishments scribed into granite while they are still alive. This has not been done since the great pyrimids. I think we need a psycho expert on this one.

And 92% of those who said he shouldn't be seated didn't know that Obama was pressuring Blago to appoint a certain person as reward for helping his campaign and Blago was holding out for more.The way this was reported it appears that out of the blue,Blago decided to make some money from this.Another Obama lie.Obama approached Blago,made Blago an offer in exchange for appointing Obama's choice.Blago held out for more.This is politics as usual and is reason #479 that Obama will be a worse president that Bush.

What we think is irrelevant. The law states that Blagojevich has the power to make the appointment. Unless the Illinois State government stepped up and stripped him of that power BEFORE he made the appointment … like Norm Coleman 2008 and Al Gore 2000, you cannot go back after the fact and attempt to change the rules to suit what you want them to be.

The same holds true for the Bush lame-duck appointments or executive orders. The time to strip that power from the executive branch is not when an unpopular president is doing what the law says he is allowed to do. The Republicans of January 2001 were just as outraged as the Democrats are today. The fact that Bush is not nearly the president that Clinton was does not change the legitimacy of these actions.

One more thing…..Why is Blagojevich still the governor and making other decisions and signing off on things on behalf of the state of Illinois that is considered lawful? How could this be? Either he is lawfully allowed to appoint or not! No inbetweens! Can someone say "IMMEDIATE TERMINATION" as would be the case of us "normal working people".

Who in God's name said that we should follow polls instead of the law?
Who cares what a USA/Today poll said?
In this country we follow the written LAW and not what any one snapshot poll purports.

He should seated. It was and still is a legal appointment made by the cheif executive of Illinois.

I totally agree with "Cititzen from NY". I might also ask why Burris wants to be involved in this circus? Why not turn down the offer to show that he wants his appointed seat to be given to him without any questions. He needs to chill out. I'm starting to think that he likes the negative attention and wants people to keep talking about race. He starting to make me ill!

Breaking News from MSNBC said the AP just said their seating Burris…so THERE YOU GO!!!

Do I think he should be seated, NO (and I'm an AA Woman) but it is what it is. I think they should have had an election…..

Thanks Media for blowing this story up!!!………..

Blagojevich wouldn't have thought about using this guy unless he was desperate. He was desperate, and forced to pick an honorable man for a dishonorable appointment.

We're sick of people like Blago and we're sick of dirty politics. Enough.

Illinois needs to get it's act together and impeach this guy so that the incoming Governor can appoint a legitimate Congressman or woman.

Ken in Dallas,
Does the law say that Burris can be a duly appointed Senator without the signature of the Secretary of State and without the official state seal n the document?

Obama told Blago to step down and he should. Just like in any job if there is an ongoing investigation a lot of people are off with or without pay until investigation has ended. Don't see why Blago is so different. Someone needs to put their foot down and overturn his appointment of Burris…..

No way Roland Burris should be seated in the U.S. Senate. He would be shunned by the entire senate and could never function as a senator due to being selected by Blagojevich.

Burris is in—the deal was made last month—-if Blagojevich appointed an African American, then Obama would pardon Blago when the flak died down—

That's the Chicago Way—

Its looks like burris intentionally became a part of blago circus. Burris looks like a big greedy fool.

Setting all the details aside, Blagojevich is still the governor and is still making other decisions and signing off on other things on behalf of the state of Illinois that is considered lawful. Why shouldn't Burris be seated. What really baffles me is how Harry Reid could not even stand up to Joe Lieberman for his actions and how Nancy Pelosi did not have the guts to proceed with impeaching Bush and now all of sudden they are so ethical. I am a dem, but I don't Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi have served the dems well.

I agree with Diane Feinstein on this one….Blagojevich i(sp?) s STILL the sitting governor of Illinois; he is NOT as of yet IMPEACHED, NOR has he been declared incompetent or convicted of a criminal act. That being said, he STILL has the authority to appoint Burris and Burris should be accepted into the Senate. The law is the law.

For better or worse, the law isn't a CNN opinion poll.

The law says Burris is the duly-appointed junior Senator from Illinois.
It's done now, we can't wish it away like rain (has anybody gotten that rain thing to work yet?)

Sixteen percent of the American public has the right answer on this quiz question. Maybe Congress should stop quibbling over Burris and do something about Americans' shocking ignorance of the law.

Are there any polls that focus only on Illinoisan voters?

I agree, he shouldn't not until Blago resigns.