WASHINGTON (CNN) - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid indicated Wednesday that the Illinois Supreme Court may be able to help clear the way for former state Attorney General Roland Burris to be seated in the U.S. Senate.
Reid said that he is waiting for a ruling from the Illinois high court on whether or not the Illinois Secretary of State needs to sign Burris's certificate of appointment.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has declined to sign the certification, siding with some Senate Democrats who say Burris should not be seated because of the cloud over Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who has been accused of trying to sell Obama's open Senate seat - and appointed Burris to fill it.
Reid also indicated that Burris himself could help remove any taint or question regarding his appointment by Blagojevich by testifying Thursday before a special Blagojevich impeachment committee convened by the Illinois legislature.
From CNN Politics
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Burris should not be admitted to the senate. When the Gov. of Illinois contacted Burris for the seat, Burris should have said "No!", due to the cloud of negative issues over your head.
Burris wants the seat too desperately. There should be a special election for Obama's senate seat.
As a Democrat, I say this with great affection. We've got to dump this guy as leader if he survives his senate race in 2010.
Hey Reid! What is the beef with Burris. He's been good for the state of Illinois long before Blago came to be. He is qualified and a hard worker. He's kept his nose to the grind stone and his linen clean. So are you basking in the spot light or doing what is good for the Senate.
Blago hasn't been convicted yet so by law he is allowed to perform his duties unless you are making a circus out of this. When his time is up the voters will decide. In the meantime all this time wasted haggeling over a vacant seat!
Seat this man- with no restrictions! What is this nonsense that Feinstein said seat him but only if he doesn't run in 2010?
This is still america correct?
I like the Dems but I hope this quicksand swamps Reid's head by Thursday.
There is no legal reason not to seat the man. We've had 8 years of Republicans bending the rules to suit their purposes.
It pales in comparison but yesterday, we heard Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin state that her daughter's Baby's Daddy should get a job even though he did not have the proper qualifications for it.
Is this what we have become ... a nation that doesn't play by the rules in the book ????
Bloggers ... please put the target on Mr. Reid.
Burris can't be seated yet... His check hasn't cleared the bank !
Impeach Harry Reid from a civil rights DEMOCRAT.
Hey Reid, you're a racist! You should be voted out of your leadership position!
Burris' credentials are not in order, so he *cannot* be seated. This is not "racial", this is not a "Democrat" thing, it is a matter of law. He has not been certified by the Illinois Secretary of State (who, by the way, is black).
That said, is is unbelievably arrogant for Blagojevich to have attempted to appoint him and unbelievably foolish for Burris to have accepted.
No seats ?? Well , let him stay up on his feet, i say
I would not be surprised if the governor of Illinois is found guilty of corruption, and/or impeached for this reason by his legislature. But until then, he's the one responsible for appointing a replacement for the vacant Senate seat. The worst part of the entire affair, for me, is that the seniormost lawmaking body in the nation is willing to circumvent the legitimate responsibilities of an elected governor before guilt or innocence is decided by a court or impeachment. This is a BAD precedent to set when we consider the broader issue of presumed innocence as a standard for our justice system. No cop, prosecutor or media circus should be able to take that away.
Granted, the governor seems a bit sketchy, but he WAS recently re-elected. Did the people of Illinois not notice he was trouble, or has be suddenly become a less honorable man?
Mr. Burris should be seated in the Senate. If the Senate then chooses to expel him, as is their Constitutional right, they can whip up a 2/3 vote and do so.
This guy rushes to comment on things before thinking them through. he must be a terrible chess player!! he keeps being forced to retract his positions!!
Go ahead and seat the man already. He legally is entitled to the seat. Reid needs to stop playing around with this issue. He's walking a fine line avoiding not to break the Constitution.
Harry, Burris appointment is legal. The Governor is a bad guy, okay? However, he is the governor and has every right to name Barack's replacement.
The alternative to not seating him is to deny Illinois one of its two seats in the Senate for at least a few months.
Americans are looking at the Dem leadership in Congress to see if it can really govern. Burris matter is making you look confused and weak. Get it done, then got on with the real work at hand.
Are the best interests of the people of Illinois being served here, or are the ambitions of Mr. Burris being best served?
seat burris, let reid go.
There should be an election for every Senate seat,enough with appointments,by crooks.
Please do not seat Burris. Seating his will only make Blagojevich thinks he has a leg to stand on. Burris shouldn't have accepted. Folks always ready to fold when it gets a little hot. Stand up to Blago. He should have been locked out of his office the day after those tapes were made public.
Let's boot out Reid! He is a immature, self-righteous old man! You talk about not being with the times, Harry is long past due. Why does this man keep on going. time for people to stand up and say enough of Reid and Pelosi, they are ruining the Democratic party! Get some people that are with the times and what is happening to our country. and oh yeah, that comedian Franken with you also!
Oh the humility of it all!!
Reid didn't strip Lieberman of Chairmanships ... which he should have ... but he can stand in the way of a duly selected Senator from the state of Illinios?
What's wrong with this picture?
What a joke Reid is. Burris is well qualified to be seated. But Reid is looking for someone that can raise him a lot of money for his incoming battle in 2010. Shame on Reid, at the end he will be sorry.
GM Boston
The Governor of Illinois has not even been allowed the opportunity to defend himself yet......he has not been convicted or proven guilty in a court of law. The Dems in Illinois and in the senate are basing their actions on allegations and not on the constitution or on a court ruling.
They are putting their own morals above the law....something they have criticized the GOP for doing for many years now. What hypocrites.
This man could be a saint, give him his seat !
Burris Corrupt??? No...
Blago .. Probably.
Chicago Politics EXTREMELY...
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Let Burris be seated and see what a fool he will make of himself because if he runs in 2010 he will not run. Tainted picked from a crook carries a lot of weight. Burrins should have refused. It does make him feel desperate for a seat but what the use of having the seat if you are getting picked by a man that has scam the people of Chicago. The next question would be whether Blagovich got the money he wanted for the seat?
bob in LA:
You ask,.."This is still America correct"
I would say that yes it is, but, only until 1200 noon on January 20,2009 then with Pelosi, Harry Reid, Hillary, Panetta and obama it will resemble Germany1932.
Burris for Majority Leader!! Now, let's seat Franken!!!
Mr.Burris should of been seated, Jesse White Sec ., of State, did not do his job! Now it's costing the state millions and a unwanted circus. White is bias because his friend Jesse Jackson Jr. was'nt elected senator he choose to not do his job. When will elected officals learn, that they do not own an office, they run it. White should be put on notice or terminated. Leave by the sword.....learn by it.
This is totally stupid. Can someone who really believes that Burris shouldn't be seated show me the law to back up the fact? On the other hand, Mr. Burris did not have the proper paperwork to get seated so that is something he has to take up with his state government to correct. Sen. Reid also has stay within the bounds of the law or he would be just as the rest of the public who's opinions are swayed by what is popular today. That is no way to run a country.
Reid is going to be the downfall of the Dems. Get rid of him. What has he done to date??????????????? Seat Burris and be done with it.
I'm an Illinoian, and frankly this is fustruating. Let the people of IL decide who their senator should be. Hold a joint special election for the replacement seat of Barack and Emanuel.
If it is based on mannerism and courage, Reid needs to let Burris take his seat.
he will get seated
I'm an Illinois resident. I am insulted by Burris' willingness to even accept an appointment from Blago. The Senate should absolutely not seat Burris. I would never trust someone who was willing to accept such a tainted appointment. The idea that Burris should be seated is an insult to Illinois voters and our democracy. If the issue is a desire to have an African American replace Obama, that's easy. Have Pat Quinn the Lt Governor appoint an African American after he takes over from Blago. But trying to make the current controversy a racial issue is insulting and illogical.
I don't understand why you people don't get it? Burris shuld be seated because he was appointed by the sitting GOV. of Illinois!!! This is all a waste of time!
If being in the senate is based on courage, mannerism and leadership than Reid should give his seat to Burris.
This is the democrats own fault. They could have had a special election but the democrats in Illinois said no.
Legally, Burris has a right to be seated whether you like how he got there or not. Since when does the senator from Nevada get to decide who the senator from Illinois should be? There is precedent for this and the answer is that constitionally Reid cannot stand in Burris's way. Again, doesn't matter if you like how he got there, it's all legal. They only have themselves to blame.
Wow, the gall of this guy. This is coming from Reid who is well aquainted with corruption with his shady real estate dealings and his well covered-up past dealings with the mob when they ran Vegas (and you actually thought 'ol Harry fought the mob!!!). Seat Burris!!
I wonder how many of the posters stating what they are about Reid would state the same comments about Obama WHO ALSO AGREED WITH NOT ACCEPTING BURRIS"S APPOINTMENT.... AFTER ALL, when Obama speaks, everyone should agree with him. He's not only the PRESIDENT, but the MESSIAH
So Reid threw it back on Illinois SOS and the Illnois Supreme Court. The SOS has said the Senate made him the fall guy. Well SOS I guess it's back in your court. Your turn!
And who said politics were boring!
burris did not have any respect for the senate or the people of IL, or pres. elect when he accepted the seat from Rod. He should not be seated.
It amazes me how blatantly racist people can be. Why are the American people allowing the Senate to pick and choose which laws to obey? Burris was appointed by the legal governor of Illinois. Blago has not been impeached. He hasn't even been indicted. The only rationale for not seating Burris is that he is black and everybody else in the senate is white...Racism. If people are so appalled that Blago exercised his right to appointment, why are they not questioning all of the other gubernatorial functions he has been carrying out. In the last 2 weeks, Blago has signed bills into law. Blago pardoned over 20 people. Blago goes to work everyday and no one says a darn thing about all the other state business he enacts. But when he appoints someone to the Senate, a group of "lawyers" choose to ignore the law and block Burris from taking his rightful place in the senate,
Burris should not be seated without the proper credentials. Blago only appointed someone (anyone) to get the spotlight off him for a few days. Burris should have respectfully declined, and waited for the legislature to approve the special election. He could win an election as he is respected by the citizens of Illinois (myself included).
Reid the media HOG should be deposed and appoint Burris
So now the only hold-up in seating Burris is the Illinois Supreme Court ruling? Nice try, Harry but that is some serious backpedaling that you are doing. Previously, there was no way Burris will be seated but now it's a "mere technicality".
Looks like Blago wins because if the democrats don't play ball, then all of The Great Obama's dirty laundry starts tumbling out the door.
The cover-up continues.
Change we can believe in.
I agree that Burris should be seated, but...there are laws. True, the IL senate is not acting lawfully, but until they do, the US Senate has no choice but to block the seating of Burris. They cannot seat anyone without both the giverner of IL and the senate leader from IL signatures. It's that simple!
If the governor's certificate for Burris lacked any form of legal acknowledgment (i.e. notarization), I think what happened Tuesday on the part of the Secretary of the Senate was correct, and indeed it is Illinois courts that must determine if the governor's unacknowledged certificate can be deemed legally acceptable. As for whether the Senate can demand that the Illinois Secretary of State be the only public officer that may perform the acknowledgment of the governor's signature for acceptability, while the rules suggest this, I think the Senate would be on more shakey ground to reject the certificate solely on that basis, as the state of Illinois has a right to equal suffrage in the Senate.
IF the Illinois Secretary of State hasn't given the thumbs up, is he the Junior Senator from Illinois?
I do believe that it is a bit more than just the appointment by the governor that is needed.
So I don't believe that Reid is out of line at this time.
When the appropriate time happens, I am sure that Reid would be more than happy to seat one more Dem in the Senate.
Burris may be a very good and qualified candidate. Unfortunately, he is caught in a bad position....The US Senate should not override Illinois State rules..IF the Illinois Secretary of State MUST sign...then that is a State matter not a Federal one.
Harry Reid's suggestion that the Illinois Supreme Court should decide is right on the money...not about Burris being a Senator or not, but if the Secretary of State from Illinois needs to sign the document for it to be valid.
If the Illinois Court says a signature is required, then the state officials need to pressure or replace the Secretary of State.
Burris should not be placed in the position of bargaining for the seat with the US Senate and accept a 2 year seating to forego a run for office in 2 years....that is meddling in the State's arena.
Are you all missing the bigger picture here?
Blago was required by LAW to name a Senator. He Did.
By refusing to sign the certificate, the Secretary of State BROKE the law.
Democrats in IL could have called for a special election to circumvent the Governor from appointing anyone...they didn't. By law, Burris is the Junior Senator from IL.
God help us all if the Senate and House can have the decision of whom to seat in the House and Senate. THAT would be destroying the Constitution.
Harry Reid should not be majority leader. He is so weak. Not that I am saying Burris should be seated but Reid is just looking like an idiot. First with the LIeberman thing saying he needs to be punished and guess what? No real punishment. Now he said No to Buris and guess what, he is going to have to suck it up again. Weak!
How can the Dems say Burris is unqualified yet say Chris Dodd is qualified to run the Senate Banking Committee when he accepted a favored mortgage from Countrywide which went under and cost the taxpayers billions?
Jimbo
And yet he can't make up his mind-says he might get seat (on CNN as of 12:12 p.m.). CHICKEN–he realizes his butt is in a sling and he doesn't want to dangle anymore! TYPICAL wishy-washy Democrat.
America is a state of law ...until the governor of illinois is impeached and/or convicted he has the legal right to appoint a replacement to a senate vacancy in his state. Emotion and theatre dont work in court. if the illinois legislature was quick to vote on a special election this situation would have been avoided but as they were afraid of a republican win they allowed the power with the governor and he has used it. Burris will be seated as a matter of law.
...and Reid along with Franks, Dodd and Pelosi should be invested for their part in the mortgage market meltdown.
Burris should be seated as soon as possible. The Senate and House should not have the option to refuse someone appointed or elected and the Secretary Of State should do his job or be let go. As a Republican I would love to see an election and have a Republican win in Illinois, However It is my understanding that no laws have been broken in this senate appointment and it should move forward.
I can not believe all of the people who seat him. WOW
Burris is not a Republican so he's qualified to serve the American people. Seat him.
The guy has no real federal experience, this is not at all about race.
What the bad part is, that this will cost tax payers more money if burris takes this to court, he should just stop trying.
Harry ! Will you please obey the US Constitution and seat Senator Burris. You should be ashamed of yourself. You are no leader at all to be playing games. Do you Job !
You cannot point to one legal step (appointment by a sitting governor) and then ignore another legal step (certification by the Secretary of State). If the power is granted, it cannot be relegated to a rubber stamp. Yes, the governor was within his rights to appoint someone and Burris was within his rights to accept, but these actions can both be deemed unethical and it is these types of situations that checks and balances were created for. Burris should not be seated, period.
Irregardless of what happens to Burris, Reid and Pelosi are "do nothings", no matter what the issue is. They fight everbody and everything and should be FIRED! I cannot believe that under the Obama Administration, that it will be more of the same with Congress!
I would seat him only but only if he agrees not to run for the full term in two years.
Burris is nowhere near Obama when it comes to intellectual rigor and ability. CHANGE must continue. Burris is a respectable relique of the past. He also clearly lacks any sense of self-respect and dignity.
We need to add to the CHANGE coalition not take away from it.
Harry Reid should hang tough. There is evidence of wrongdoing. It's the mere fact that Gov. Blagojevich was shooting his mouth off about selling this Senate seat to the highest bidder. This doesn't mean that's what happened – it's only circumstantial evidence. And sometimes evidence cuts both ways. But it is evidence. And Burris's racial status doesn't change this.
If Burris can get his paperwork in order, I do not think Reid has anything to stand on. He is in a pissing contest and he will lose. So why get involved in the first place? Let Burris fill the appointment on the condition that if Blagojevich is removed from office, so will his appointments.
j. dean really needs to read more he hasn't a clue what he's talking about
Both Ted Stevens and Larry Craig were convicted, Disorderly Conduct and Corruption respectively – and were able to keep their seats – Burris has not done anything wrong and is being denied only by being appointed by a Gov. whom is suspected (currently) of breaking the law.
Not allowing Burris a seat is not "according to law" it is instead, "according to politics".
SEAT HIM!!!
I'm so tired of Chicago............
I see US Senate Democrats( notably Harry Reid) cow towing to the black militant element of their party that has as its flag bearer former black panther Bobby Rush. Diane Feinstein has already been seen running for cover.
It is becomming more and more clear the only deal making now is harry Ried's wanting to say he won't run in 2010 so is this grounds for impeaching harry Ried ?
Reid is the most ineffective Democrat I have known
The Senate could appear as a friend of the Illinois court on Burris' behalf.
Harry Reid should be tried for treason. Why does anyone listen to this moron?
Reid is such a racist.
Burris is not a replacement for Obama...he is an insult to what Obama stood for.
Just real ridiculous to me. Everyone!! Burris, Blagojevich, Reid, and most efinitely Fitzpatrick (who everyone has completely forgot and started this crap). Each press conference makes Burris looks like an idiot. I'm sorry but he looks so out of place and if his record is what everyone says it is, then he can kiss that good-bye. It doesn't take this long to bring out a guilty party so something is up. Whatever comes out now, will most likely be 99% bullcrap. Burris should have never accepted the appointment. The governor was already tainted well before the appointment. Hello, has anyone forgotten about the financial crisis we are currently in?? Sen Reid is full of it as well. Did you all see the interview (Meet the Press) Sunday morning? Sen., we already know that paperwork is not needed for Mr. Burris from the state AG since this was an apointment by the governor not elected seat so what is the real issue? Personally, I would never go anywhere I'm not wanted. These are only my opinions and views. By the way, who would write up the rules that allows a "possible" jailbird to continue in power. I thought that only happened in the Mfia (no offense)
Asinine. That's what this game is.
Nevada realy needs to get rid of the Bail out King and get some one who listens and represents Nevada.
I am more concerned than ever that Americans in particular, don't seem to understand the difference between right and wrong anymore. Burris is 71 years old (as if the senate needs more old men), and is completely tainted by the dealings of a very corrupt Governor. Why should the democrats be expected to accept his appointment without a fight? It is obvious Blago is an egotistical maniac, and is probably suffering from some other mental disorders that have not just come out because of the Burris matter, but have long been present. Just look at how he (Blago) conducted business before he created this mess, there was always something going on with him. That should be the only proof needed not to take Burris seriously, and to try to keep that seat open until an election can be held.
There's evidence of corruption. It's Gov. Blagojevich stating he would sell the Senate seat to the highest bidder is evidence. That by itself is evidence. It doesn't conclusively prove anything . . . but it's evidence.
Who does the senate think it is? Who does the senate work for anyway? Mr. Burris was lawfully appointed by a sitting Governor and should be seated. The old mens club should not have the right to turn anyone away that has been elected or lawfully appointed. Allowing the senate to pick and choose who can be one of them is dumb. SENATORS GONE WILD is one of the main reasons people don't trust government. The senate is only going to look out for itself and it's values not their constituents. If this case has to go to court and waste time and money it will show that the senates comtempt for the law and the tax payers.
HEY DIRTY HARRY... JUST GO AWAY BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO CREDIBILITY ANYMORE. YOU WILL NEVER GET RELECTED, IN FACT, YOU MAY GET RECALLED.
Ozzy, he is obeying the constitution. The appointment hasn't been certified by Secretary of State of Illinois. He is doing his job legally. If the Supreme court of Illionis rulles in Burris favor, they will seat him. I take it you disgruntled Republican who wants to type before they read entire article.
No way Burris should be seated. If he was actually a man of integrity, he would have declined the selection and awaited the Governor's replacement. He is acting as shady as the fella that appointed him; can't be trusted!
First of all, not all the citizens of Illinois want Burris as their junior senator.
He is coming across as a vindicative old man, who wants and therefore thinks he should have. It is same problem we had with him, when he was Attorney General of the State of Illinois.
Did you notice who his friends were, when he was appointed? Bobby Rush, who at some point in the past backed a white man against Obama for that same senate seat. Smacks of disrespect to me.
As has been stated may times, what people think and what Reid thinks does not matter. Under the Illinois Consitution the Governor is the only authorized appointing authority, he is still Governor and he has made his appointment. And guess what, even if he were impeached tommrrow, the appointment was made by the legally elected Governor and would still be binding, so I recommend people just get over it.
love the lets throw out the racist card when ever we disagree with sometihng this is racist, that one is racist/ such is life ....whine whine whine with that cheese
Who does the senate think it is? Who does the senate work for anyway? Mr. Burris was lawfully appointed by a sitting Governor and should be seated. The old mens club should not have the right to turn anyone away that has been elected or lawfully appointed. Allowing the senate to pick and choose who can be one of them is dumb. SENATORS GONE WILD is one of the main reasons people don't trust government. The senate is only going to look out for itself and it's values not their constituents. If this case has to go to court and waste time and money it will show the senates comtempt for the law and the tax payers.
If those posting had listened to the live Telecast with Reid and Durbin they'd understand this issue.
Reid is not a Racist and spoke well of Burris whom he admitted he didn't know until the meeting today. The problem isn't with Burris or Reid. It's with the Senate Laws and the signature which both Reid and Durbin vowed to resolve as expediently as possible.
Why are some trying to make this a Racist issue when even Burris stated he did not believe it had anything to do with race!
How much insult must Mr. Burris endure before he is seated as the legally appointed senator from Illinois? This is becoming a three ring circus.
Erik in Real Pennsylvania wrote "Granted, the governor seems a bit sketchy, but he WAS recently re-elected. Did the people of Illinois not notice he was trouble, or has be suddenly become a less honorable man? " No Erik, he was bad but the Democrats here have a machine and they vote straight Democrat rather than for the best canidate – If you need proof, you should see who they voted in as the Cook County President – another crooked politician who is running the county into the ground. it is so aggravating – I just don't vote anymore.
Some of you commenting don't even know Burris, Burris was the first Black elected to an Illinois state wide office. He paved the was for Obamas' to be elected. Look at his record, and then judge. Burris is a good choice chosen by an enbattled person. Burris is wisdom Obama needs to be an effective president. We live in a country were we judge first before looking at all the facts.
CHANGE IS A COMING...The question remains...will it be a good change or a bad one. Unfortunately, only time will tell. The messiah has spoken, and even his words have changed since pre-Nov. Look forward to years of Trillion Dollar Deficits...straight from the messiah's mouth...It kind of reminds me of the pan and the fire scenario.
I'm just gonna speak up as one of the few who thanks Reid for what he's doing. The Burris appointment is an insult to the integrity of US politics and the Senate. Look at the vetting that's going on in New York. Sure, it's up to the governor, but there's a reasonable degree of transparency to the process. Burris, in contrast, was an out-of-the-blue appointment from a governor who is very convincingly accused of tremendous corruption. It's our tax dollars that would pay Burris's salary, and he would play a large role in determining US policy. Do we want that under these circumstances?
I also think that this is part of Governor Blagojevich's ongoing vendetta against Jesse Jackson Jr. According to the congressman, the governor went out of his way to say that he had denied a posting for Jackson's wife due to his refusal to ante up in the past. Now, what better way to prevent Jackson from getting a Senate appointment?
Harry Reid has no right to tell Mr. Burris he can't be seated. Mr. Burris has been appointed by the Governor of Illinois and once the paperwork has been certified Mr. Burris should be seated. Someone needs to tell Mr. Reid he's breaking the law and if he is not careful he may be named in a lawsuit. Most people think (and rightfully so) that this appointment is tainted because of the Blagojevich scandal but the law is the law and since we are a country of laws our political appointees need to follow them like everyone else.
MAJ - January 7th, 2009 11:38 am ET
Burris should not be admitted to the senate. ....... There should be a special election for Obama's senate seat.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why? The Illinois state constitution give sole appointment authority to the Governor.
And overhead clouds not withstanding, Blago's still the Governor and still has the legal authority and obligation to appoint a Senator.
Lexi January 7th, 2009 12:49 pm ET
First of all, not all the citizens of Illinois want Burris as their junior senator.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Well.....DUH!
Not all the people of this country wanted PE Obama to be President......but that's gonna happen, too!
The role of the Secretary of State has nothing to do with "checks and balances". This position is not a branch of government. The original purpose was, like a notary, to legally verify that it is in fact the governor's signature. (Makes more sense historically, less so in today's techonolically advanced world.) The intent was never to give the SOS veto authority over the executive, which is how it is being misused in this situation.
Blagojevich is corrupt, but even he agreed a special election was the best way to fill the open Senate seat in these circumstances. The corrupt man who refused to let that solution go forward because he wanted to make his own special deal for the seat was Harry Reid. Illinois and the country have Majority Leader Harry Reid to thank for the Burris appointment. And now watching the majority leader of the U.S. Senate do his best to thwart to rule of law and block the legal appointment of an honest African American is nothing less than a corruption scandal to equal the Blagojevich scandal. Blagojevich should be impeached and Harry Reid should be expelled from the Senate. Let's clean up the corruption before it destroys us!!!!!
Both de jure and de facto issues are considered, the Illinois Governor has the capacity to appoint a qualified and legally competent person to the vacated Senator Post. In this case, the appointee’s character and qualifications are not the issues to be considered. The Governor should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The governor, as a citizen, should be accorded proper hearing to determine whether he is guilty of the alleged offence. Until such time, the governor has been accorded a hearing and defended himself in a competent court, it is inappropriate to say that he is legally incapacitated to function as a governor. Any crime that may have been committed by the appointer should not be a ground for disqualification of Mr. Burris’ appointment unless there is a deficiency in the appointment process. Hence, Mr. Burris should be seated as senator as soon as his credential is put in order. Constitutional issues must have precedence over politics of the day.
And the Great Obama votes" present," as usual. I am not holding my breath for leadership from the new Pres-elect. If he has no opinion on the middle east, why should he have an opinion here?
hey Lexi, you are right; not all or majority of the citizens of Illinois may not want Burris, but remember this; the people of Illinois voted for the Governor to make decisions for them and not for the Governor to consult everyone of them before making such decisions, so let it go, he represented the great state of Illinois and legally selected Burris, who must be seated. Forget about Reid, he is like "Empty barrel make the most noise"
and this is why the Democratic party can never stay in the white house. You all look like a bunch of snivoling idiots with this crap.
senator burris should be seated because there is a law called the adam clayton powell law which states that no one can be denied aseat incongress and the senate. adam clayton was duly elected in the late forties from harlem new york . and because he was black denied entry into the congress and the congressional dining room so to deny sen burris the same because of the action of a jerk governor is to do thesame. this election was built on change .lets start living up to it.
Why don't any of you liberal nuts proclaim Reid to be a racist? He is the one who told Blagojovich not to send "either of the two blacks to the Senate" in reference to Burris and Jesse Jackson Jr. If those words came out of the mouth of a Republican he would immediately be condemned as racist. Liberals are complete hypocrites. The Democrats want the power to seat anyone they want when that power resides only with Blogojovich as the acting Governor of Illinois
Don't waffle on this, you spineless jellyfish.
To all those who claim this is somehow racist....
If it really matters to you....do you have any idea what Secretary of State Jesse White's skin might be? Or is it just racist when it's convenient to spin it that way. He won't sign the document, so he must also be a racist.
It's certainly serving the purpose of taking the spotlight off our esteemed (crook) governor. Maybe Jesse White has a keen understanding of what a crook Blago is and his arrogant play is way off base.....just starting to hear about the interminglings of Blago and Burris....that should get interesting
Reid is an idiot!!!!!!
Burris MUST be SEATED.
Why? Because he is the current legally appointed junior Senator of Illinois.
Do the right things America and stop messing around. Seat him now Illinois or loose him. You may not get anyone like him.
It is time for Mr. Burris to step up and NOT pursue his senate ambition. He has been selfish .... he needs to think about the broader ethical standards and bow out!
This is a no-win situation.
If Burris was nominated and the Democratic leadership did nothing, there would have been a huge outcry that the appointment was tainted.
When they deny him seating as they stated their intention prior to Blago making the nomination, they are accused of everything from racism to ignoring the constitution.
Too bad, Burris could have turned down the appointment but still indicated his interest in the position, and possibly have been appointed later.
I guess having lost the primary for governor (3 times?) and the primary for mayor of Chicago, he couldn't take the chance that the Dems really meant it when they told him before they didn't want him....
This is a no-win situation.
If Burris was nominated and the Democratic leadership did nothing, there would have been a huge outcry that the appointment was tainted.
When they deny him seating as they stated their intention prior to Blago making the nomination, they are accused of everything from racism to ignoring the constitution.
Too bad, Burris could have turned down the appointment but still indicated his interest in the position, and possibly have been appointed later.
I guess having lost the primary for governor (3 times?) and the primary for mayor of Chicago, he couldn't take the chance that the Dems really meant it when they told him before they didn't want him....
Seat Burris then EXPEL him. The Senate can do this.
Can we get back to talking about the Governor...you know the guy who they claimed tried to sell the seat. I'm tired of hearing/seeing Mr. Burris or Senator Reid.
To Billybayou
I hate to break it to you but the Fascists have been in charge for the last eight years!
What do you think all this "expanding of presidential powers" and demonizing people who are not religious was all about?
All we need now are the stormtroopers and the "brown shirts". Oh wait. I think we have had them too! Doesn't Cheney remind you of Himmler?
let the circus continue!!!
Dear Harry Reid,
Please submit yourself for psychiatric examination asap.
what makes reid think he is above the law. seems like durbin is willing to jump under the bus with reid ! obama with polticians like reid, durbin who think there egos are above the law its going to be hard to get people to belive in goverment. or does it even to you ?
The democrats are eating each other alive. I love this!
Reid's opinion on the matter is irrelevant and always has been. At this point, it's up to the courts to decide if the secretary of state is within his rights to refuse to sign off on the appointment.
My skin crawls when I see Reid.
Are you kidding? Our entire Government is a JOKE!
Has there been a more inept Senate Majority Leader than Harry Reid. After proving that he has no spine in his lame attempts to hold Bush accountible, he just got absolutely schooled by the worst govenor in the country. Reid, do your country and the Democrats a favor and step down as Senate Majority Leader.
So now it's just a matter of the technicality of a missing signature? What happened to 'we will not seat a Blago appointee'? Looks like FLIP-FLOP time. Oh, that's right, they can't afford alienating the black vote.
Unfortunantely, I think that Reid doesnt have a leg to stand on. Blog has not been convicted, he is still the Govenor, I dont see where the appointment in illegal. I may not like it but it doesnt look illegal. Reid should be out on his ear, he IS PART OF THE PROBLEM.
John January 7th, 2009 11:45 am ET
Burris' credentials are not in order, so he *cannot* be seated. This is not "racial", this is not a "Democrat" thing, it is a matter of law. He has not been certified by the Illinois Secretary of State (who, by the way, is black).
That said, is is unbelievably arrogant for Blagojevich to have attempted to appoint him and unbelievably foolish for Burris to have accepted.
____________________________________________________
It is not required for the Ill Sec of State to certify it for the US Senate to seat him.
He just refuses to accept defeat. What a blooming idiot harry reid is?
Sen Reid is a bigot and should be kicked out of the Senate.
Reid is right in this.
Didn't Sen. Reid declare the seat was lost?
Harry Reid needs to be impeached for breaking IL and US laws.
RULE II of the Standing Rules of the Senate, section 2, "The Secretary shall keep a record of the certificates of election and certificates of appointment of Senators by entering in a wellbound book kept for that purpose the date of the election or appointment, the name of the person elected or appointed, the date of the certificate, the name of the governor and the secretary of state signing and countersigning the same, and the State from which such Senator is elected or appointed."
As such, the rules don't require the Secretary of State to sign the Certificate of Appointment, but rather require the Secretary of the Senate to record this information from it (if such information is provided would be Burris' argument). Nevertheless, the certificate must be a legal instrument under the laws of the State and acknowledged as such by the proper authority (which could be the Secretary of State and always is, but I would have thought Burris's lawyers would have considered attaching a notary's jurat to the certificate in the absense of Jessee White's willingness to do so to give some other legitimacy to the certificate).
It is Blagojevich's responsibility to give Burris a properly executed certificate in order to make the appointment effective. It was foolhardy to send him to the Senate without one, I think.
Reid, you been skunked. Not the first time, not the last time. God help the Democrats if this knucklehead is the best the Senate can barf up.
@Susan, Macedon New York:
Don't go skippin your doses. It isn't worth the savings when the hallucinations start up again.
Reid, you need to be un-seated.