Burris says he's ready to take U.S. Senate seat

CHICAGO — Defiant and upbeat, Illinois U.S. Senate appointee Roland Burris said Monday that upon arriving in Washington, he plans to tell Democratic leaders: "I'm here to take my seat."

But Burris faces an uphill battle on Capitol Hill, where his fellow Democrats have pledged not to accept anyone appointed by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill the seat left vacant by Barack Obama's election as president.

"I am the junior senator according to every law book in the nation," Burris said Monday, chalking up the controversy swirling around him to "politics and theater."

Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on federal corruption charges that include allegations he tried to sell or trade the Senate appointment to the highest bidder. He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, has steadfastly refused to resign and announced Burris' appointment last week.

Burris, a former state attorney general, reiterated Monday that his appointment is legal and the governor had the authority to make it. He has threatened to sue Senate Democrats if they refuse to swear him in.

Earlier Monday, paperwork naming Burris to the seat was received by the U.S. Senate secretary but was not formally accepted, according to Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero.

The paperwork, delivered by an official representing Blagojevich, lacks certification from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who also has refused to sign off on any Blagojevich appointment.

Burris has asked the Illinois Supreme Court to force White to sign the paperwork. He said Monday he is not angry with White, whom he called a friend.

"I'm not angry with anybody," Burris added. "As a matter of fact I'm happy. I'm enjoying this on behalf of the people of Illinois."

He was leaving for Washington a day after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the chances of Burris being sworn in are slim. But, Reid said he expected to meet with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky on Monday evening in hopes "we can solve this issue on a bipartisan basis." Reid added, "I'm an old trial lawyer. There's always room to negotiate."

Burris said once in Washington, he planned to tell Reid, "I'm here to take my seat."

Opponents say Burris' appointment is tainted because it was made by Blagojevich, who is accused by federal authorities of offering to sell the vacancy to the highest bidder. His supporters say he qualified and legally appointed, and note that he would be the only black member of the Senate.