Senate leaders move toward seating Burris
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, after a 45-minute meeting with Burris today at the Capitol, praised him as candid and forthright. Other Democrats predicted that Burris would be seated soon.
We dont have a problem with him as an individual, Reid, a Nevada Democrat, told reporters. Theres going to come a time when the entire Senate is going to have to act on this. And that day, I hope, would come sooner rather than later.
Earlier today, Obama told a news conference that Burris is a fine public servant, though the appointment is a Senate matter.
The appointment of Burris is in dispute because Blagojevich is charged with trying to auction off the seat for cash or other favors. Burris wasnt allowed to participate in yesterdays swearing-in of new senators and has gone to court in Illinois in an effort to compel the secretary of state to certify his appointment.
Burriss attorneys asked the Illinois Supreme Court to act quickly to resolve the impasse, calling yesterdays rejection of the appointee extraordinarily arbitrary and unlawful.
Proper Signatures
This has been a rule in the United States Senate since 1884, said Durbin, its second-ranking Democrat. We have never, ever waived this rule for any election or appointment.
Burris later told a news conference he had a great meeting with Reid and Durbin. He said has no knowledge of any pay to play linked to the Senate vacancy, joking that none of that would involve him because I have no money.
Burris also said there was no mention at his meeting with Reid and Durbin about his refraining from running for the Senate seat in 2010 should he be allowed to take the seat now. They werent talking conditions, Burris said.
Reid noted that Burris is due to testify tomorrow before the Illinois House committee that is seeking to impeach Blagojevich. Burris has submitted an affidavit to the panel.
Once thats done, well be in a different position to see what we are going to do, Reid said. We have to be totally open and aboveboard on this.
Democratic Senators Ben Cardin of Maryland and Patrick Leahy of Vermont said Burris would be allowed to take his seat once the proper paperwork is completed.
Once the certificates come in, he has to be accepted, Leahy said.
Recent comments
Democrats would certainly want to know the exact lineage of each of...
Half Something or Other | Jan. 7, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
The wording of the 1.5.1 is very clear. Its for certifying elections,...
@to WRZ | Jan. 7, 2009 at 3:59 p.m.
"first half-white pesident (not being racist at all - I'm just tired...
Anonymous | Jan. 7, 2009 at 3:19 p.m.
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling 1:19 a.m.
- Brems outlasts 2nd round of votes 1:04 a.m.
- 2 families divided over slaying 1:04 a.m.
- Teen shot in scuffle with trooper 1:03 a.m.
- Nature's Way leaving Utah County 1:03 a.m.
- 'Grandfamilies' a growing trend 12:31 a.m.
- 'Cyber Monday' sales top records 12:29 a.m.
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game 12:26 a.m.
- No drugs in driver of Am.F. band bus 12:15 a.m.
- Governor Mansion to begin free tours 12:14 a.m.
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
- Y. student vanished in China
- Utes won't respond to Hall
- Max Hall issues apology
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
- Cougs begin bowl preparations
- Teen shot in scuffle with trooper
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling
- Matthews passes new Jazz tests
- Daughter: Mitchell fed me my pet
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
898 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
481 - Max Hall issues apology
379 - Hall reprimanded by MWC
370 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
316 - Utes won't respond to Hall
257 - BYU is champion of the state
140 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
121 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
120 - Religion in politics is tiresome
110
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
There are some games I love not on your list. Arkham Asylum for one.
Our parents made my brothers help kill and clean our rabbits before we ate...
Why would you keep it open? I would understand if there was a lot of amazing...
The government will run our health care well? Read Reader's Digest, November...
TCU stomped on the MWC so they are naturally ready to crush Florida, Alabama...
could you understand Dave Locke any more than my mom does and she is not even...
Attending the ND/BYU game 3 years ago in south bend, a couple of things stuck...
I missed the game, actually i heard a little bit of Locke on the radio (man...
quotes were good: Article was dumb and unnecessary.
I believe the art depicting Joseph looking at the plates may possibly be...


