January 11, 2009
Posted: January 11th, 2009 06:32 PM ET

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Senate-appointee Roland Burris' fate could be decided on Monday.
Senate-appointee Roland Burris' fate could be decided on Monday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - The fate of Senate-appointee Roland Burris could be decided as soon as Monday, Democratic sources said, as the Senate's Parliamentarian and legal counsel worked over the weekend deciphering Senate rules to determine if Burris has met the requirements for admittance.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White cleared the main road block to Burris' appointment by submitting a new document to the Secretary of the Senate on Friday that contained both his signature and the official seal of Illinois, two elements which were missing from the official letter of appointment by Gov. Rod Blagovich, a Democrat, in December.

The new letter was also submitted in conjunction with a revised version of Blagojevich's original certificate of appoint. The date of the revised certificate was changed to January 09, 2009 and the space for White's signature was removed.

White's new document states:

"I, Jesse White, Secretary of State of the State of Illinois, do hereby certify that the attached is a true and accurate copy of a certificate of appointment made by the Governor of the State of Illinois and duly filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of Illinois."

Sen. Dick Durbin, currently the lone Senator from Illinois, told reporters on Sunday, "This thing changes by the day."

Durbin spoke at a private meeting of Senate Democrats for thirty minutes to explain why the new document is important and "what all this means."

"This isn't easy stuff," Durbin lamented. "This thing just keeps gnawing at us. Everyone's being asked about it at home, and I just wanted to give them as much information as i could."

Democratic leaders say that now that the papers have been submitted, the next step is to wait for a decision by the Senate Parliamentarian. This could be followed by a debate and vote of full Senate.

Filed under: Roland Burris


Elsworth Gottlieb   January 11th, 2009 11:39 pm ET

Harry Reid and Dick Durbin should stop playing games with Mr.Durris. Like it or not he has met every legal standard and should be seated without delay.I can understand this kind of action coming from weasly Harry,but Iexpect much better performance from Dic Durbin.I sincerely hope that democrats replace Harry with a leader of substance.Bush has made corn meal of him often enough.

Kevin   January 11th, 2009 11:23 pm ET

I know that Gov. Blagojevich appointed Burris to this seat, but Burris is a very nice man. He wants to do the job and was smart enough to take it ....because he knew no one else would. I hope he is successful and if he there for 2 years -so be it- maybe he will do well enough to get elected.

However, please don't arrest Gov. Blagojevich. Don't take him off the scene. Everyone else in the Democratic Party has their stuff together. This is the funniest man on the planet (He's Smart and Funny) keep him around. It takes our mind off this week economy.

Nick   January 11th, 2009 11:20 pm ET

I do not particularly like Burris, however there is seems to be no legal right to keep him from his seat. He should be seated immediately as the Junior Senator from Illinois. "We don't like the guy who appointed him" is not a relevant legal impediment to Mr. Burris taking his rightfully appointed place in the Senate.

Sylvia   January 11th, 2009 11:07 pm ET

How can a corrupt governor appoint Burris to be senator after the people of Illinois did not elect him as senator, mayor or governor when he ran for those positions? This man is self centered and is not thinking about the people of Illinois because otherwise he never would have accepted the position. Blago's wife got a job through Burris's firm and this does not look good. In addition, Google Rolando Cruz to find out how dishonest Burris really is.

J   January 11th, 2009 10:56 pm ET

Why vote? Stop treating him like a little kid! Show some respect please! Isn't it enough to back in the rain! Durbin and Reid stop being racist!!!

chris@stl   January 11th, 2009 10:51 pm ET

Go home, Mr. Burris .... have some decency, please. Quit. Quit. Quit ...

Charles from Atlanta   January 11th, 2009 10:49 pm ET

Again.. legal or ethical, choose one, you can't have both in this case.

Intelligent American   January 11th, 2009 10:42 pm ET

What's there to decide now? The only thing they said was missing is no longer missing.

cornelius mcclure   January 11th, 2009 10:40 pm ET

roland burris should have been seated when all the other senitors were

Michael Murdock   January 11th, 2009 10:39 pm ET

No, it changes nothing. He's a great man that was unfortunately appointed by a crook which means there should be an election and no appointment as the seat was tainted. Sorry folks not right.

Shabazzz   January 11th, 2009 10:35 pm ET

Please seat the Brother!! He's qualified, and very capable of being a very good senator for Illinois!! This appointment was legal and senate Democrats aren't looking to good by trying to deny this fine gentleman. I encourage anyone who's interested in Mr. Burris to please persuse his background and I am sure you will be impressed!

Perusing-through   January 11th, 2009 10:34 pm ET

HOW SENATOR HARRY REID MADE THE U.S. SENATE LOOK BAD

This is an issue that should have remained an Illinois state matter. But Senator Harry Reid dragged the Blagojevich-Burris garbage into the Capital when he threatened to block any of Blagojevich Senate appointments. Apparently, Harry Reid did not know he does not hold any Constitutional Rights to block any "legalized State Senate" appointments to Congress.

tmess   January 11th, 2009 10:24 pm ET

Well this moves things a step closer to completion. If the Illinois Supreme Court is correct, Illinois has fully complied with the law of the land in certifying the appointment. It would now be up to the Senate to determine if this facially valid election is "void" for a different reason.

If the Senate believes that the Illinois Supreme Court erred in finding that a proper certificate of appointment is not requred by federal statutes, I guess Senator Burris could ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review that federal question and reverse the decision of the Illinois Supreme Court and order Secretary of State White to complete a proper certificate of appointment.

Nee   January 11th, 2009 10:18 pm ET

I for one, am happy to see the process play out fairly. This man has nothing to do wih Blajove-cheat.

JimS.   January 11th, 2009 10:17 pm ET

The headline reads "Burris's fate could be decided Monday". He's not being sentenced to live or death, you ninnies.

His serving in the Senate might be decided. I'd hardly call that "his fate"!

Moderator Deletion   January 11th, 2009 10:16 pm ET

and who is going to fill the posistion in Obamas cabinet of Secretary of Common Sense and Corruption Control ?

Marc   January 11th, 2009 10:13 pm ET

This guy should NOT get the seat because he was given the seat from the guy who has been caught trying to sell the seat. Period.

Ken in NC   January 11th, 2009 10:09 pm ET

I wish they will get over this mess and get on with the business of trying to repair the economy. I along with probably of millions of other Americans are getting tired of this petty game of, "You Are Not One Of Us Unless You Can Prove It."

James   January 11th, 2009 10:02 pm ET

I'm guessing it will go something like this: Harry Reid: "As you all know I'm an utterly spineless wussbag, who always yields after any story stretches out a week, so I am backing down on my resistance to Burris, because I am strategically incompetent."

Adam from Ohio   January 11th, 2009 9:56 pm ET

Idiocy, plain and simple.

Independent for Obama   January 11th, 2009 9:51 pm ET

Talk about bowing to political pressure. The blogs and columnists have routinely stated this guy is a political weak link, and isn't qualified to be a U.S. Senator. What the heck happened to waiting till the Governor mess cleared up? Is there a deadline to get the senate seat filled that nobody mentioned? If Minnesota can wait for another couple of months to seat Al Franken, it seems Illinois could wait to get this mess cleared up before seating a poor choice.

Med Sec   January 11th, 2009 9:45 pm ET

Ok, now that all of the criteria has been met, there is no sound reason for stalling anymore. Seat the Gentleman from Illinois and move on. The Governor played you like a fiddle, accept it and move on.

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   January 11th, 2009 9:42 pm ET

Let the man be seated. This is the same Senate that gave Stevens a standing ovation. Who are they trying to kid?

Moderators of Deletion   January 11th, 2009 9:41 pm ET

so who is going to be obamas cabinet Secretary of Common Sense and Corruption Control ?

Chris   January 11th, 2009 9:28 pm ET

This how all the Senator's certificates should have been signed since the first Congress. The Secretary of State is not the appointing authority, his signature is only to certify the document as an official record. A certified copy of the record is what Burris got, something White can not refuse, and this is what Burris should have requested in the first place, and which Congress would be very, very wrong to reject. It was silly of him to expect to get admitted into the Senate with a plain signed piece of paper, no acknowledgment or certification or seal of any kind.

mike   January 11th, 2009 9:19 pm ET

the second "i" should be capitalized!

"I just wanted to give them as much information as i could."

mmd   January 11th, 2009 9:09 pm ET

for 71, Mr Burris is a good looking man.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   January 11th, 2009 9:04 pm ET

Now I understand completely. Doctor the documents and let the dimwit Democrats save face after their stunningly stupid disregard for the rule of law under the influence of their newly acquired political power.

Jon   January 11th, 2009 9:03 pm ET

It's official. The Democrats have now officially become no better than the Republicans. In the past 4 years that's two governors resigning, onhe impeached and about to be removed from office, a corrupt governor installing a Senator to flaut the law, a governor who had to withdraw his name from cabinet contention due to inappropriate land dealings, one House member caught red-handed in a bribery scheme, another ousted for adultery, after he ousted a Republican over an adultery scandal, and now an incoming administration installing neophytes into cabinet positions and promising to spend like money grows on trees. The Democrats came in telling us all they were going to be different, that there's wasn't going to be a culture of corruption, that they were going to be better stewards of our finances, our institutions, and our nation. The LIED to us!

Desert Rat   January 11th, 2009 8:59 pm ET

Burris just looks like a little weasle. He already paid to play with the campaign donnations and job offering to Blagojevich's wife

EBC   January 11th, 2009 8:47 pm ET

Geee... what a bunch of "sissys". These men are nothing but a joke. Burris included proved to be biggest CLOWN of them all.

Viet   January 11th, 2009 8:37 pm ET

Its sad, Burris threw Morality, judgement and old fashion common sense out the window by accepting the position from a corrupt Govenor for a brief period in the spot light, what ever chance he may beleive or think he had on wining a statewide election went out the window with his common sense, he will never win an election His tenure will be short lived.

carol   January 11th, 2009 8:31 pm ET

Can we just seat the man and get it over with, this has been a fiasco?

Rick   January 11th, 2009 8:24 pm ET

Just like the Obama administration and the Democratic ran Senate changing the rules to suit themselves. If they confirm and seat him I wouldn't be suprised. Tainted Governor, then we will have a Tainted Senator to go along with a Tainted Senate so everyone can see where this administartion is taking us and then New York will gives us anothert name with NO Experience.

Kevin Wires   January 11th, 2009 8:23 pm ET

What other appointment requires the vote of the full Senate. Why are they making this a dragged out dramatic affect. If he has the credentials why isn't he being allowed his seat like all of the other freshman Senators. If this seat falls to the Repubs or this drama helps sink part of the recovery Reid and Durbin should be held accountable.

Jennifer   January 11th, 2009 8:21 pm ET

Wonder what excuse Reid will come up with now to refuse his credentials? Is there nobody on his staff that is willing to point out that his actions on this make him look bad?

BTW did the Secretary of State sign the credentials of the other Illinois senator? Is there any way to get copies of the credentials Senators provide? It would be interesting to find out if every other Senator had his credentials signed by the SOS.

Rich   January 11th, 2009 8:20 pm ET

If Obama can not contain the political fire storm in Illinois, how can we expect him to gain control of the Mid-East situation? One must be able to manage small problems before taking on the larger ones.

Jeff From Jersey   January 11th, 2009 8:19 pm ET

What thing changes?It's just political manuvering.....AS USUAL!Everything and everyone becomes a political football.No matter how big or small the politicians and the media turn it into a sideshow.No wonder this country is" going to Hell in a handbasket" and it gets there faster every day!

Francisco Cardenas   January 11th, 2009 8:14 pm ET

Congratulations Senator Burris!

Proud to Support the President Elect   January 11th, 2009 8:12 pm ET

Democrats bend-over once again. Old News.

Jan Illinois   January 11th, 2009 8:10 pm ET

Obama said so, and it will be done.

Anonymous   January 11th, 2009 8:08 pm ET

typical politics as usual there are rules to abide by and when you cant abide by the rules you change to wording to suit your situation. I just dont understand how anyone could allow this type of crooked politics to happen, it makes everyone loose faith in our government when a corrupt governor can get away with appointing someone to fill a vacant seat under shaddy suspicions. How much did burris pay for the appointment or what was promised in return?

sonnie2   January 11th, 2009 8:07 pm ET

ROLAND BURRIS SHOULD DECLINE THE SENATE SEAT THAT OFFERED TO HIM BY GOV BLAGOVICH #1 IT IS TAINTED #2 HE IS
TOO OLD,BY 2010 HE WILL BE 73 YEARS OLD TOO OLD TO BE
RUNNING FOR REELECTION,RIGHT NOW BURRIS IS THINKING OF
HIS ACHIVEMENT NOT OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
PLEASE STEP ASIDE AND GIVE A YOUNGER PERSON A BREAK
MOREOVER HE WAS APPOINTED BY A CROOK, AND HE KNOWS THAT COMES 2010 HE WILL BE A LOSER DEFENDING THAT SEAT
HEY!! STEP ASIDE OLD MAN

inuk of the north   January 11th, 2009 8:02 pm ET

So much for color-blind. Reid and Pelosi need some professional help.

Paul   January 11th, 2009 8:02 pm ET

As a matter of principle, the Dems should withdraw all support from this man. He should be treated as an independent.

Chris E   January 11th, 2009 7:57 pm ET

I hope they seat Roland Burris he might be the man to help make IL government better than what it is. I say give the man the seat the GOV og IL was doing his job when he appointed him I say let seat him and get on with doing your job to get this country back where it need to be

Mike, Syracuse NY   January 11th, 2009 7:56 pm ET

Reid will cave and seat Burris. He as all the guts of a worm.

bimmer   January 11th, 2009 7:55 pm ET

Let the guy have his seat. He did everything legal.

Also what the Illinois Gov. did had been done by other Govs.except that they were much more discreet and clever about it. That's US politics work..

DanielF   January 11th, 2009 7:54 pm ET

Let the man serve! He's done nothing wrong. Not letting him serve is not only unjust, it accomplishes nothing good.

Marc M   January 11th, 2009 7:54 pm ET

Watch the dems fold!

They are going to seat this weasel.

Allen   January 11th, 2009 7:54 pm ET

Shows just how much people in the government talk. they said there was no way they were going to sit burris, yet after a week they said o.k. everything is o.k. go and do what you want. sounds two timing to me right?

nyla ferrell   January 11th, 2009 7:53 pm ET

I think Burris should be confirmed as Illnois Senator despite the all the trouble regarding the Govenor.

Joe the Drummer   January 11th, 2009 7:50 pm ET

I think Burris should stay, Blagojevich putting the senate seat up for sale to the highest bidder represents the way Amercian politics is conducted. Lobbyists give large campaign donations in return for special bills and legislation, so actually most of the senate seats have been sold to special interests all ready.
If Burris gets rejected and Blagoyevich booted out why not boot em all out!

Simmy   January 11th, 2009 7:49 pm ET

It's become a mockery. SML, Harry Reid, should be ashamed of himself. If they plan to be examples for the rest of the country and the world they must obey laws set forth.

bsmith171   January 11th, 2009 7:49 pm ET

harry reid rule:

NO blacks need apply.

Michael   January 11th, 2009 7:49 pm ET

Blago is playing everybody and it's a huge distraction. All involved speak to the integrity and dedication of Burris...seat him and move on to more important business.

JohnCynic   January 11th, 2009 7:41 pm ET

The fewer GOP representatives in the Congress the better off we'll all be. The Democratic party can see Americans looking for representation that will concern themselves with helping Americans in America first. Simple reasoning that GOP members just don't understand.Tell your representative "NO" to Congressional salary raises (not even their two cents worth, they haven't earned a raise).

Erik in Real Pennsylvania   January 11th, 2009 7:40 pm ET

Granted, the governor of Illinios 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? I would not be surprised if the governor is found guilty of corruption, and/or impeached by his legislature. But I am troubled by how quickly the Senate wanted to invalidate the governor's Constitutional responsibilities before these proceedings occur, because of popular media-encouraged sentiment.

Mr. Burris should be seated in the Senate. If the Senate then chooses to expel him to spite Gov. Blagovich, as is their Constitutional right, they can whip up a 2/3 vote and do so.

Cindy   January 11th, 2009 7:38 pm ET

She is going back to hunting Moose, right?

Independent Steve   January 11th, 2009 7:38 pm ET

Not sure why Reid is still delaying the seating of this man! The dem leadership is looking very silly over this battle that did not have to be fought!

THE OLD TIMER   January 11th, 2009 7:33 pm ET

fire Harry Reid and the trouble will be over

Bill Charlotte, NC   January 11th, 2009 7:32 pm ET

Seat him! He couldn't possibly be any worse than the ones already there!

Scully   January 11th, 2009 7:26 pm ET

Finally, some common sense has prevailed. This be a good start for the new administration.

Chicago Bobby Burns   January 11th, 2009 7:26 pm ET

Jesse White Signed Off!! Holy Illinois CORRUPTION!!
What did Jesse White and his tumblers get for that??

David   January 11th, 2009 7:23 pm ET

My personal belief is we need an amendment for all States that removes the power from government appointments and calls for a special election to replace members of Congress. The people own the seat, not the Governors. We are the ones who should decide our representation. This will alleviate any potential for scandal scandal. The only reason a special election did not occur in Illinois is because the state legislature was afraid a Republican might win. Who cares? It is the will of the people to decide who will represent us. This is not a knock on Burris. I have no qualms about his qualifications and he seems like a respectable person. I do feel he is being used by others as a politcal pawn though.

David   January 11th, 2009 7:23 pm ET

My personal belief is we need an amendment for all States that removes the power from government appointments and calls for a special election to replace members of Congress. The people own the seat, not the Governors. We are the ones who should decide our representation. This will alleviate any potential for scandal scandal. The only reason a special election did not occur in Illinois is because the state legislature was afraid a Republican might win. Who cares? It is the will of the people to decide who will represent us. This is not a knock on Burris. I have no qualms about his qualifications and he seems like a respectable person. I do feel is being used by others as a politcal pawn though.

Irritated in Fl   January 11th, 2009 7:20 pm ET

Wow. You just have to marvel at the gall of Chicago Ploitics. I guess the secretary of Illionis finally got his pay off.

Messiah watch   January 11th, 2009 7:17 pm ET

Sen. Turbin should do what he and other Democrat party folk find hard to do, and that is obey the law of the land by stepping aside and watching as Burris takes his lawful seat in the Senate.

Ann   January 11th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

Quit looking like fools and seat him and get it over with. He is going to get it anyway, so why Democrats, are you making a spectacle of yourselves?

Anonymous   January 11th, 2009 7:13 pm ET

This is actually very absurd, I am disappointed in all players here, particularly in Mr, Burris. This once untarnished individual has now shown his true colors as an egomaniacal narcissist willing to place his own interest ahead others. We can reward this attitude in the next election.

Joe Lake   January 11th, 2009 7:07 pm ET

Burris's fate could be decided by Monday...

We are a nation governed by laws, not (wo)men.

Joe Lake, Chicago (Bucktown)

tony   January 11th, 2009 7:03 pm ET

Congrat to Mr. Burris. You have just become a top target for the Republicans' advertising campaign for the 2010 election.

MOVE ON !!!!!   January 11th, 2009 6:56 pm ET

Durbn And Company......seat the GUY and move on

Dave   January 11th, 2009 6:55 pm ET

Pathetic. Why do they keep wasting our money on this fiasco. Seat the guy and move on – they will do it anyway – what a con-job on Illinois citizens. Not the first and won't be the last. Sadly, we are a country of you scratch my back ....

Lee   January 11th, 2009 6:50 pm ET

Seat him! Move on. Blago is still the governor.

Try him later if the evidence is there. Burris did nothing wrong.

Getr done with this and attend to the business of the country!

gcbfred   January 11th, 2009 6:50 pm ET

Seat the man. Lets move on already!.......

Whatever   January 11th, 2009 6:47 pm ET

The whole thing stinks. Another political predator wins and the people lose, thus further diminshing the morale of the American people.

Thanks Burris and Blago, I hope there really is a hell.

Mike in Montana   January 11th, 2009 6:44 pm ET

The Governor of Illinois got the last laugh on everyone in Illinois. Too bad Burris doesn't mind being a pawn in the big game of one upsmanship!!

A Woman In California For Obama   January 11th, 2009 6:40 pm ET

I say this as a black woman. Burris is just like looking at a 1940's Hattie McDaniel movie. We have moved beyond this kind of role playing. Why didn't he just let the people of Illinois decide? I know he is enjoying his 15 minutes but enough already.

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