Dems: We won't seat Blago pick

Posted: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:26 PM by Carrie Dann
Filed Under: Congress

From NBC's Carrie Dann
Senate Democratic Leadership just issued this statement saying that Blagojevich's appointment of Roland Burris "will ultimately not stand." In the sternly-worded response to the governor's surprise move today, Majority Leader Harry Reid et al. write that Burris -- regardless of his own record -- would be "plagued by questions of impropriety."

"Under these circumstances," the statement continues, "anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus."

Here's the full statement:
"It is truly regrettable that despite requests from all 50 Democratic Senators and public officials throughout Illinois, Gov. Blagojevich would take the imprudent step of appointing someone to the United States Senate who would serve under a shadow and be plagued by questions of impropriety. We say this without prejudice toward Roland Burris's ability, and we respect his years of public service. But this is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat. Under these circumstances, anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus.

"Next week we will start one of the most important debates of the year - outlining an economic recovery plan to create jobs and invest in America. And in the coming weeks, we will be working to protect homeowners and consumers, make America more energy independent, strengthen our national security, and improve health care and educational opportunities. There is much work to do and a lot at stake. It is thus critical that Illinois and every other state have two seated Senators without delay.

"We again urge Gov. Blagojevich to not make this appointment. It is unfair to Mr. Burris, it is unfair to the people of Illinois and it will ultimately not stand. The governor must put the interests of the people of Illinois and all Americans first by stepping aside now and letting his successor appoint someone who we will seat."

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Comments

Notice that it says he won't be seated "by the Democratic Caucus." That only means he can't attend party meetings of the Democratic senators. They know they do not have the power or right to block him from becoming a senator, as long as he is validly appointed, and meets the minimum qualifications in the constitution.

TKD (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:44 PM)

Harry Reid et al. write that Burris -- regardless of his own record -- would be "plagued by questions of impropriety . . .

Questions of impropriety?!? You've got a guy in the senate that committed manslaughter. You've got an ex KKK member. You got two California Senators shoveling government contracts to companies their husbands own. You're soon to have a complete nit-wit named Franken show up on the Senate floor, and soon to have politcal recluse be appointed to the NY Senate seat. And Reid is talking about "impropriety"? We're long past any "impropriety" in the Senate Harry.

Reid Nelson, MN (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:50 PM)

The grand-standing from the Democrats has started. They just need to get through the next week or so with this little charade, and by then the Obama inaugeration will take center stage. All this little messy stuff with Illinois and Burris will be forgotten by then, and the Democrats will have their Illinois Senate seat filled with yet another liberal Democrat.

CM Briggs, Chicago (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:53 PM)

Wow! What a mess this has become.

John Doe, Middletown, DE (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:56 PM)

FR: Senate Democratic Leadership just issued this statement saying that Blagojevich's appointment of Roland Burris "will ultimately not stand."

Then apparently the Senate Democratic Leadership hasn't read the Constitution and the other laws that govern the country. If they ever bothered to, they'd see there is nothing they can do to stop the appointment.

Justice Deserved (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:56 PM)

Burris is a political hack, who has become a political joke with his chronic campaigns. Remember by dividing the Cook county vote in 2002 he deprived Paul Vallas the then Chicago School CEO of the Democratic nomination for Governor. Blagojvich ran strong downstate due to heavy ad buys. Vallas won in Cook County and only lost by about 30-40000 votes statewide, mostly due to black votes that would have went to Vallas in a two way race. Blago is rewarding an old pol with a last hurrah in the US Senate for making him Governor

Jim Pratt Chicago, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:57 PM)

Truly sad for American politics...with so much uncertainity facing our citizens, we need to stay focused on these issues and not let this joker divert our attention. When can we put "Rod" on a one way trip to the Isle of Elba?

Cary Lindsay (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:57 PM)

Just who would they find acceptable? a Republican? This is a short-sighted decision. I think Blago just put the Democratic Party in Illinois and nationally over a barrel. Guy may not be so dumb after all. Any body else think this is one of Blago's bargaining chips for a deal?

BB, Oak Park, IL (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:58 PM)

This has to stop, I really think now the Gov is being very selfish. He already knew that the Senate Dem would not seat whomever he appointed. But I'm a bit curious now, would Blagojevich out of spite appoint a Republican. And if so, will the Senate Republicans seat the appointee

TJ (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:58 PM)

Recall what that the Democratic led Illinois legislators said a couple weeks ago when Blago was arrested. They said that the first order of business was to pass a law that would prevent Blagojevich from making the Senate appointment. As usual, the Illinois Democrats are full of it, because that law never made it to a vote. In fact, it was never even introduced.

Jim T., Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:59 PM)

Those pesky Democrats and their disregard for the law...it is not the right of the senate to set standards to seat members...this is a constituitional issue...but

Hey, the Reprehensibles, especially the Bushleague of incompetence didn't seem to care about the constitution either so what goes around comes around

Dearth Vader (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:00 PM)

Democrats are finally doing the right thing here and should be acknowledged for standing up to corruption. They need to continue the process to uncover all the dirt and deeds of all connected that we are not aware of yet. Crank up that old Watergate investigation crew and go for the truth.

Kathy, Charlotte (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:01 PM)

The fact that Mr. Burress would even entertain excepting such an appointment from Gov. Blogojevich calls into question his judgment. Under the circumstances it is a very foolish thing for the governor to try to appoint someone to the US Senate, and it would be even more foolish for anyone to accept the offer. By aligning himself with Gov. Blogojevich, Mr Burris will be effectively ending his political career.

And, Chicag, IL (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:01 PM)

Local reports in Illinois are saying that former AG Roland Burris actively sought the appointment but was never seriously considered by Blagojevich. Then, immediately after hearing of Blagojevich's arrest, it is reported that he redoubled his efforts to seek the appointment from Blagojevich If that is so, notwithstanding his otherwise good reputation, one must question Burris's judgment.

David W., Wadsworth, IL (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:02 PM)

It's a shame that this is even allowed to happen...to waste taxpayer time and money. I understand the concept of "innocent until proven guilty" but in matters like this there should be safeguards in place to remove or postpone an elected official's power (in such matters of importance) until such time as guilt or wrongdoing can be confirmed or rebuked.

Dean Olympi, WA (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:02 PM)

Attempting to sell the Senate seat in Illinois while not right. One tends to wonder how the presidency was chosen all those days in the back, smoke filled rooms. What is obscene is the amount of money it takes to run a Senatorial campaign. Just look at the most recent presidential campaign and see the millions that were spent. What's the difference asking for million's for a bridge to nowhere? I'm sure over the years million's have been spent on pork barrel projects all over the country. I'm sure the governor of Illinois isn't the first elected official to try to get something for nothing.

norb jackson michigan (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:03 PM)

Illinois lawmakers are making the right decision to not support Blago senate pick. Even if Burris is a good candidate for the seat, why would he let himself be appointed by someone surrounded by allegations of corruption? Blago should not only be impeached, but tried and convicted on his felony charges.

Jeff & Ruth Gary, St. Louis, Missouri (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:05 PM)

Clinton was impeached, and he kept working. No one challenged any of his appointments. How is this different from what Blaojevich is doing? He (Blago) hasn't even been impeached yet.

Spy Glass (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:05 PM)

I think it strange that there is no presumption of innocence with Blagojevich. He is the Governor of a real state, and he seems to be accused of making political deals. He's not even indicted, and one of his constitutional responsibilities as an elected official is being taken away from him because of, what? In other states, look at the machinations taking place over who gets a senate appointment. Questions come up about whether the prospective appointee has served his chops, supported enough party bigwigs in the past, made enough previous financial contributions to the party, been around long enough. It is bad enough that the folks who got the country into the shape it's in today are actually being looked to to clean up the various messes, but it is unseemly for them to be so self righteous about the fact that not all of them were tossed in the last elections. They're all honest, right. Where is the beef. How much was Blagojevich ask, get paid, solicit, in his scheme. Did he do more than just talk about wanting tit for tat? Who came up with the money, and who's got it now.

Raiful Tompkins Marlborough MA (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:06 PM)

I am curious what ever happened to "innocent until PROVEN guilty?" Just because the appearance of guilt is overwhelming; and just because Blago could appoint someone just to be a jacka$$ - how does anyone KNOW without a doubt that he has done anything illegal? Seriously.

TZ, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:07 PM)

Good for Blago, fight back. I agree with the other posts, there is no way Reid can talk about impropriety with all of the other senators that have their own shady pasts. Half of Congress would be gone if impropriety had anything to do with it.

Kate, UT (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:09 PM)

Jim P,: good observation about the political "payback" angle.

David W., Wadsworth, IL (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:10 PM)

I think it strange that there is no presumption of innocence with Blagojevich. He is the Governor of a real state, and he seems to be accused of making political deals. He's not even indicted, and one of his constitutional responsibilities as an elected official is being taken away from him because of, what? In other states, look at the machinations taking place over who gets a senate appointment. Questions come up about whether the prospective appointee has served his chops, supported enough party bigwigs in the past, made enough previous financial contributions to the party, been around long enough. It is bad enough that the folks who got the country into the shape it's in today are actually being looked to to clean up the various messes, but it is unseemly for them to be so self righteous about the fact that not all of them were tossed in the last elections. They're all honest, right. Where is the beef. How much was Blagojevich asking, getting paid, soliciting, in his scheme. Did he do more than just talk about wanting tit for tat? Who came up with the money, and who's got it now.

Raiful Tompkins Marlborough MA (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:11 PM)

"Justice Deserved" should read the Constitution. It is true that congress can do nothing to stop the APPOINTMENT, but they certainly CAN make it "not stand." A two-thirds vote of the senators is all that is needed to expell ANY member.

Renee (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:11 PM)

To the individual that referenced the Consitution and what the Senate can't do ...you should read up on the case of Senator Reed Smoot(UTAH), of the famous Smoot-Hawley Act. The Senate held up him being sworn into the body for about 3 years, with him only holding a provisional seat for this time.

Cary Lindsay Texas (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:12 PM)

By not seating Burris in the Democratic Caucus, I suppose this means he will not be appointed to any committees and will not attend the caucus meetings. Thus, Burris will be isolated and powerless for the next two years, making him totally ineffective, just like the Illinois government under Blagojevich.

David H., Salina, KS (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:13 PM)

Illinois Republicans aren't clean themselves with the former Governor George Ryan {R}sitting in a prison cell in Wisconsin. The people of Illinois are sick of corrupt politicians, especially the Governors!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 1:57 PM)

=============

Diane, you're a little out of touch. Ryan is not in Wisconsin. Besides, Illinois doesn't have Republicans and Democrats, it just has people that are corrupt. Ryan did the same thing every other politician did in Illinois, pay-to-pay. In fact, Ryan ran to the liberals when he got in trouble by commuting all the death sentences to life in prison. Ryan was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. Didn't work, not enough political cover was generation for him, and he went to jail.

Jim T., Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:14 PM)

Harry Reid may be the biggest clown in congress although he has plenty of competition.

Tim, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:15 PM)

Apparently the earlier posters don't know the constitution - the Senate does have the power to reject someone. Article I, Section 5 states:

"Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members"

This means that the Senate gets to choose if they will let a member in. It has been used several times before. The senate can absolutely stop him from becoming a senator.

Kolby, Columbus, OH (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:16 PM)

I See Nothing: '... Obama had no knowledge of what corruption was going on around him. Barack Obama is the Sgt. Schultz of American politics....'

right, we need someone like George Bush to clean this up
You've chosen YOUR name wisely, I See Nothing

Then try….

Jack Abramoff
Tom DeLay indictment and resignation
Mark Foley and his Congressional pages
Bob Ney and his corruption
Curt Weldon and his daughter's government contracts
Rick Renzi'e land deals (and fist fight with John McCain)
Don Sherwood's strangling his mistress
Rep John Sweeney, wife beater, but ‘Family Values’ advocate
Jon Porter's illegal fund raising
Crooked Richard Pombo and John Doolittle's friendship with Jumpin' Jack Abramoff
Jail bird 'Duke' Cunningham (top gun?)
Rep. Vito Fossella, drunken playboy
And don't forget 'Wide Stance' Larry Craig
and Senator 'Crooked Ted' Stevens
Sen. David Vitter, ‘Family Values’ playboy with a hooker girl-friend

to say nothing of the Bush White House....
Alberto Gonzalez , politicizing the DOJ
Monica Goodling, politicizing DOJ hiring
Paul Wolfowitz , draft dodging ‘chickenhawk’
Karl Rove, firing Federal Attorneys for political purposes
Scooter Libby , outing a CIA agents
Fake WMDs
Fake yellow cake
Abu Ghraib
Guantanamo
torture
Habeas corpus
global warming
intelligent design
ad nauseum...

THOSE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO BELONG IN JAIL
Many of them ARE in JAIL

Did you See any of THAT ?

Obama always kept his distance from Blago
Illinois politics is rough and tumble,
But Obama stayed clean

You rreall do 'See Nothing', pal

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:16 PM)

US Constitution, Article I, Section 5 "Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members."

This means, simply, that the Senate can judge the qualifications of Mr. Burris to serve, and can reject him as unqualified, and there's nothing anyone else can say about it.

Eric M. (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:16 PM)

It is my understanding that the Senate DOES have the authority to not accept an appointment made by a governor to an open seat. I could be mistaken, but I do recall this being discussed not too soon after the whole Blago affair busted open.

Jon M (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:16 PM)

Burris is not a political hack. He was the Illinois attorney general, not some idiot. Vallas was not entitled to the Democratic nomination, and Burris had more support downstate. (Not everything that happens in Illinois happens in Chicago.) I feel bad for him that Blago appointed him, and I hope he decides to withdraw his name. Blago is a crook, but not everybody who serves in Illinois is one.

Angela, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:18 PM)

Actually if you read the consitution they are perfectly within their right to not seat him. The Senate has sole authority to deciede whom makes up their ranking, they have refused to seat people before, and as long as they get the votes they will be able to do so again.

If all 50 Dems stand by their pledge than they only need 10 Republicans to vote with them, and there is no way they won't get those 10 vote because you know the Republicans don't want him there either.

Vinny (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:18 PM)

See? This is what happens when you take long Christmas breaks!! Can't do much from the sofa now can you guys??

Let's rethink the amount of vacation you guys have, maybe this stuff wouldn't happen if you were working! Or maybe it would, we can't tell anymore. There seems to be no difference whether you're there or gone.

Di/Allentown, PA (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:18 PM)

So, the Dems decide to fight the appointment. That'll take at least some time, a few weeks. What'll happen first, a court decision on the Senator or Blago's impeachment? If he's impeached, does it affect the appointment? Does Burris just fill out Obama's unexpired term, meaning, he stands for re-election in 2012?

Not all Chicago hits take place in garages! (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:19 PM)

Too bad the mob won't do the people of Illinois a favor and take Blago out. He's obviously crazy or an SOB- either way he's a black eye on the state of Illinois and proving how inept the elected state officals are because they won't move to remove him!

windycitykitty, Chicago IL (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:20 PM)

Welcome to the Divided States of North America.

Andrew Goforth, Salem Oregon (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:22 PM)

Regardless of what anyone thinks of either Blagojevich or Burris, the Senate does in fact have the right not to seat him. Section 5 of Article I of the Constitutions states that "Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members..." And if that isn't enough, the very next sentence says that each House may, "with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member," presumably for any reason it wants. So the threat from Reid is very real and powerful.

LAK, Brookfield, WI (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:22 PM)

Reid Nelson, MN: '.... And Reid is talking about "impropriety"? We're long past any "impropriety" in the Senate Harry....'

Yo, Reid Nelson, MN !!
Didn't your forget CROOKED Ted Stevens ?
He got caught taking bribes

How about 'Love Boat' Larry Craig ?
He of the 'rest room rendez vous'

If you're looking for impropriety, try torture of prisoners by Bush

Or how about this:

Then try….

Jack Abramoff
Tom DeLay indictment and resignation
Mark Foley and his Congressional pages
Bob Ney and his corruption
Curt Weldon and his daughter's government contracts
Rick Renzi'e land deals (and fist fight with John McCain)
Don Sherwood's strangling his mistress
Rep John Sweeney, wife beater, but ‘Family Values’ advocate
Jon Porter's illegal fund raising
Crooked Richard Pombo and John Doolittle's friendship with Jumpin' Jack Abramoff
Jail bird 'Duke' Cunningham (top gun?)
Rep. Vito Fossella, drunken playboy
And don't forget 'Wide Stance' Larry Craig
and Senator 'Crooked Ted' Stevens
Sen. David Vitter, ‘Family Values’ playboy with a hooker girl-friend

to say nothing of the Bush White House....
Alberto Gonzalez , politicizing the DOJ
Monica Goodling, politicizing DOJ hiring
Paul Wolfowitz , draft dodging ‘chickenhawk’
Karl Rove, firing Federal Attorneys for political purposes
Scooter Libby , outing a CIA agents
Fake WMDs
Fake yellow cake
Abu Ghraib
Guantanamo
torture
Habeas corpus
global warming
intelligent design
ad nauseum...

Does any of that count as an "impropriety", Reid ?

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:23 PM)

what a sorry A$$ state. this state is full of the "friend of mine". when will we elect qualify people, instead of "friend of mine"?

Johh doe 5 (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:24 PM)

I really think he has lost the little bit of mind he had left. Why would he do this knowing they won't seat him or try to block his appointment. That was dumb. Burris should have denounced this appointment. They will not trust him even if he is honest.

Bonita, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:24 PM)

Article 1, Section 3 of the US Constitution(http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html): "Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members"

Check it Out, NC (Sent Tuesday, December 30, 2008 3:26 PM)

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