Status on Burris and Franken

Posted: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 10:45 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress

From NBC's Ken Strickland
Roland Burris and Al Franken will not be seated as U.S. senators today, nor will they be allowed on the Senate floor. This is because both men have yet to produce election certificates approved by Senate rules.

Under Standing Rules of the Senate, Rule II, the "recommended" certificate of election and appointment should include the signature of both the state's governor AND the state's secretary of state. (One Senate staffer made a point to note the word "recommended" and not "required" as a possible point of contention for Burris' argument to be seated.)

In Burris' case, the Illinois secretary of state has refused to sign the certificate because of the Blagojevich corruption scandal. Yesterday, according to Sen. Dick Durbin, Blago's chief of staff came to Washington and submitted Burris' "certificate of appointment." The secretary of the Senate rejected the paperwork, citing the absence of the IL secretary of state's signature.

As for Franken, Minnesota law requires that all legal proceeding challenging election results be completed before an election certificate is given. Franken's opponent, incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman, has promised to file a lawsuit today. Senate Democrats believe Franken will ultimately prevail, but have to let the lawsuit(s) run their course.

Oddly enough, Coleman can be on the Senate floor today if he so chooses. Senate rules give former members floor privileges. Coleman's term officially expired at noon last Saturday, January 3rd. Coleman was in the Capitol yesterday.

Other tidbits: While Hillary Clinton and Ken Salazar are expected to be confirmed for the cabinet post in the Obama administration, neither has resigned his/her Senate seat. They are not expected to do so until they are confirmed. Therefore at this point, there is no vacancy to fill in New York or Colorado.

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Comments

Getting crowded under Obama's bus, now that Burris and Franken have been thrown under it too.

Ralphie Boy (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 10:54 AM)

Although not as significant as Barach Obama becoming president, Roland Burris also represents a step forward for Blacks. He demonstrates that even a black man can be a party hack and totally tone deaf to the finer ethical points raised by certain political situations.

JTatEHT (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 10:56 AM)

If Illinois wanted this man they would have voted him when they were given several opportunities.

Ran for Senate: Date: 1984 Outcome = He Lost
Ran for Governor: Date: 1994 Outcome = He Lost
Ran for Mayor : Date: 1995 Outcome = He Lost
Ran for Governor: Date: 1998 Outcome = He Lost
Ran for Governor: Date: 2002 Outcome = He Lost

Rejected as Mayor, Rejected as Governor, Rejected as Senator and so you think Burris should be entitled to represent the state of Illinois when they clearly spoken that he services were never need it.

HaroldDenis (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 10:58 AM)

They are far more qualified AA candidates than Burris. Are we so desperate for an AA to be in the Senate that we are willing to accept any thing?

Did we just not go through this for the last 8 years by having a mediocre president just because his last name was BUSH?

When we speak of Burris will we speak of him in high admiration as we do Senator Obama or President Obama; I don't think so.

When the history books are written and the story of Burris is told, what will it say, I’ll tell you, Roland Burris caused a major up roar by accepting the appointment of President Barack Obama Vacant Senate Seat from the Corrupt Governor of Illinois, who was caught on wire tape trying to sell this very seat to the highest bidder.

That is the story that will be told of Roland Burris; not Roland Burris was the third black senator voted in by the people of this state but Roland Burris in a desperate attempt to add to his exaggerated tombstone became the tainted Senator of Illinois

People we didn't lower our standard for our next president why are we lowering them for congress.

Krstine, Chicago Ill (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:00 AM)

Check out Roland Burris Press Conference, finally the press is asking the questions we have been asking since the circus came to town.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYAKQGb1b8k

Now we know why he was rejected by the people of Illinois 5 Times

Adam Johnson (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:01 AM)

Hillary and Ken are smart. Don't quit your old job until you have the new one in the bag. I'm still waiting for a naked Bill to crash through the ceiling holding a blowup doll that looks like Monica. That's the only thing he can fun with nowadays.

Joe Sepeda,Early,Texas (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:02 AM)

Burris was strongly rejected by the people of Illinois

Rejected as Mayor, Rejected as Governor, Rejected as Senator and so you think Burris should be entitled to represent the state of Illinois when they clearly spoken that he services were never need it.

"He lost a total of five elections, and never got past a primary. He was last elected for public office in 1990, just over 18 years ago. He has been a lobbyist/ lawyer/ consultant, and has received more than $700,000 in fees from the State of Illinois, under Blago. He has reportedly donated $14,000 to Blago's campaigns"

Burris was so pathetic that Reid didn’t even have him on his discrimination list

Donahue, Orange Couty, Ca (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:03 AM)

My despise for Burris is deeper, first for playing the race card; second for making a circus out of this entire mess; 3rd because he knows the people of Illinois would have never selected him and 4th because all democrats should have stuck together on this and he chose to side with the corrupt governor and now look where we are at. There is nothing worst than a traitor!

Geroge Bush, oh I mean Roland Burris please go away, you're embarrassing (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:06 AM)

Did anyone watch this fool last night on Rachel’s show; He is one delusional narcissistic nut case; he kept claiming that he was elected by the people 4 times but never indicated what he was elected for and how long ago was that “1990’

Pbrown (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:07 AM)

Go ahead and seat Burris
There's no reason not to, except pique at Blago
If Blago had mad a deal with Burris, he could be refused
But, there's no evidence of a deal between the two

Wait a week on Franken
That's the process for him to be certified by Minn

Norm Coleman had asked Franken to move on and 'let the healing process begin' when he thought he'd won
Let's see what Coleman does

I guess it's hard to give up free rent and free clothes.... but, you're gonna have to do it Norm
(the Grifter's demise ;-D)

Paneta for CIA head
End the 'Reign of Terror' and the 'Reign of Error' at the CIA

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:08 AM)

why does no one insinuate that Burris may have been guilty of "pay for Play"? We know the gov. explicitly asked for payoff. why do we assume that Burris hasn't complied?

Steve Smith,Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:08 AM)

well here we go again; first Coleman wins, and now that Al Franken has won (because of some challenges made on some of those improperly disscarded votes) Coleman is now going to file a lawsuit all because he lost. That's great now we have to wait until the leagl part is all over then we while know if Franken is the true winner, or if Coleman pulls a trick out his sleves and wins. So any one excited that the results/process is taking a looooong time?

William, Renton, Washington (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:09 AM)

ONCE AGAIN ITS NOTHING BUT A POWER PLAY WITH IN THE DO NOTHING CONGRESS AS TO WHO THEY WANT... PARTIES ARE MORE CONCERNED FOR THEMSELVES THAN WHAT HAPPENING IN AMERICA.....POWER HUNGRY POLITICIANS ARE STILL PLAYING POLTICS AS USUAL.... MY FEELINGS TELL ME THE DEMOCRATS ARE PLAYING PAY BACK WHILE THE REPUBLICANS ARE CONTINUING THE ROLE OF SPOILER....WE NEED A THIRD PARTY OR COMPLETE CHANGE IN WASHINGTONL

RUSSELL FOX WELLS, MAINE (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:11 AM)

Roland Burris Claimed he has never played the race card; but he hides behind those who do.

Not only is he an embarrassment to the Democratic Party but he is also an embarrassment to African Americans Community.

As John Ridley of NPR put this morning, Roland Burris is nothing but a welfare queen trying to take something he doesn't deserve.

justwaitandsee (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:14 AM)

Ross G., Texas (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:14 AM)

Am I the only American who thinks that Blagojevich senate appointee Roland Burris is a craven and despicable political opportunist? When every other politico in Illinois had the temerity and decency to stay miles away from the embattled governor and this tainted appointment, this guy runs up yelling 'Pick me! Pick me!' Every time he opens his mouth, his unbridled lust for office exposes itself. Was he running out of political races to lose?

I feel sorry for the good citizens of Illinois that this jerk will most likely force his way into the Senate for the next two years and collect a pension from the US government for a position he shouldn't have, in good conscience, ever considered accepting. There's the key, I suppose: good conscience. I hope the Senate Dems block him at the door as threatened. I don't hear Al Franken whining about starting today. He's had the good sense to lie low and wait out the process, at least. Heck, yesterday was the first time I'd actually heard from Al himself since the recount in MN started.

Art in Dallas (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:16 AM)

Where is Fitzgerald in all of this madness with Burris? Me thinks Fitzgerald is great at creating distractions that lead to nothing.

He left the "cloud" over Cheney and moved to the rain droplet Scooter! Now, on to the "cloud" over Blago. How much did Fitzgerald pocket in the 2-year "Trial" that ended in nothing. Fitzgerald is INCOMPETENT!

It's obvious he can only find a "Ham Sandwich" to indict, and not the "Pig"!

Ed, San Antonio (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:19 AM)

Hey Ralphie Boy ~

Since when is obeying the law (in the case of Franken) considered throwing someone under the bus?

And by the way, don't forget who's been driving the bus these past eight years -- you know, the one that's hanging on the edge of disaster?

Why don't you send me to the moon, Ralphie? It's bound to be an improvement over the past eight years.

Alice Kramden (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:19 AM)

Seems to me that the Senate is getting a little bit like Oz. All sorts of people without brains, hearts, or courage who come and go very quickly.

Let's hope we've elected a Wizard who will serve.

And Kansas She Said Was The Name Of The Star (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:23 AM)

Those pecky Democrats and their stupid rules...they remind me of the Crane brothers of 'Frazier' fame...they had all kinds of complicated 'rules' to cover every contingency they wanted to avoid making a decision on too...

Rick, NC (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:25 AM)

I would love to see a black man Take Obama seat in the aenate.Even Burris but not by this gov. he should of did what cong Davis did and waited unil they get this gov. out of office. then put your name in to ask for the job. Burris is testifing aginst the gov. to be impeached. I don't think this makes Burris look like a honest broker to me.He wasn't even the first chocist for this gov.Taking the job like this people want vote for him 2010. Why would he risk his chances of being elected by the people of his state.And using his race as the reason is wrong all though iagree we need more blacks in the senate and congrees but win it the right way.

Connie Parson Bowie MD (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:38 AM)

Burris wants the position because he's pissed that Blagojevich turned down his lowball offer.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 11:57 AM)

The public spectacle Burris put on this morning is just embarrassing. I know politics is theater, but this was unnecessary. Franken stayed in MN, why could Burris just not stay in IL.? he may not be corrupt, but he sure is shady!

clueless in colorado (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 12:05 PM)

The Obama Campaign betrayed most of their supporters when Biden was chosen. Enough has been written and said over that contradiction of CHANGE. Richardson, a governor with strong international and diplomatic credentials helped deliver the Hispanic vote only to be given the token of Commerce. It was not a great scandal that would have him resing only a convenient excuse not to endure this insult to him or the disrespect to Hispanic-Americans who now outnumber Blacks.

Susan Eisenhower got stiffed too despite her courageous and now perhaps naive endorsement of Obama and resignation from the Republican Party.

He has consistently surrounded himself with the Harvard criminal cabl responsible for much of the disaster of the US economy. And again on Biden, Delaware's industry is incorporations which means that Biden is the Senator who represents the corporate interests which are often adversial to We the People. I am a 55 y.o African-American male who was never fooled by this minstrel show the Democrats have presented.

Its unfortunate that people of integrity and experience like the Kucinich's and Ron Paul's don't have the 'looks' to be taken seriously as Presidential candidates. By the end of 2009 most of the thinking supporters of Obama will realize how they have been had.

Consider the dismal US economy and how much money will be spent on the games and circuses of the 'Historic Moment' of Obama's Inaugeration.

And no, just because the USA has elected a Black president doesn't mean this is no longer a racist nation.

Duwayne Josephsson (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 12:06 PM)

I'm not a Blago fan right now but isn't it worth pointing out that the "Innocent until PROVEN guilty" principle applies to Governors as well as every other citizen? No one has PROVEN that Blago did anything illegal, yet. The law is the law and it applies (or at least should apply) to everyone equally. Being a dispicable worm who disgraces public office and public service is morally wrong but the law doesn't recognize that as the standard for guilt or innocence.

As long as he's innocent (which he still is by LAW) and holds the job of Governor of the State of Illinois, Blago has the right and responsibility to appoint the person to fill a Senate vacancy for that state. If someone can successfully dispute his CURRENT position or the legal authority of someone in his position to execute the job functions assigned to it, then Burress should be seated. The law is the law even when it's inconvenient!

Reggie (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 12:07 PM)

What's really cool is to see so many of you getting your panties and boxer briefs in a wad about stuff that Republicans have nothing to do with! Which, of course, you've always done.

Ever think that's the change Obama was hoping for? But now, based on the appointments he's making, he's finding out that once part of a machine, always part of a machine.

Oh, he'll give you a few more minority appointments here and there, but there is really no difference between an African-American democrat or a woman democrat or an Hispanic democrat or an African-American woman democrat or a transgender African-American democrat of Hispanic descent.

I've seen probably hundreds of comments on this posts that Bush's "diversity" was token and that his minority appointments were party line.

Well, duh! All you have to do is look in the mirror, dems. Diversity is a condition, not a quality.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 12:07 PM)

Anyone who understands the constitution knows that the Senate has no authority in this matter. The selection of Senators is a "state rights" issue and not a federal one. Burris was legally appointed and is eligible under constitutional definition to be seated. It is a dangerous precident that the Senate embarks on and the President, as executor of the law, should have the Attorney General deal with this. This is nothing more than politcal posturing and unfortunate arrogance on the part of the Senate. The Republicans are dancing because the Democrats are confounded. Burris accepted because he knows he will prevail in the end; he is, after all, a very accomplished lawyer.

elithian (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 12:39 PM)

Isn't democracy wonderful? It's so slow, messy, inefficient and worst of all, people get elected that we don't like. Some even get appointed that we don't like, or trust or want representing us.

Burris may be a party hack, but the people of Illinois still have the rights of citizens to influence him to vote on issues as their representative. As a very junior senator, he isn't likely to be much more than a seat-warmer anyway, and all those wise people in Illinois who stayed far away from the poison of Blagoyevich will have two years to prepare for the 2010 election.

As to Norm, maybe somebody should take pity on him and offer him a good paying job somewhere. He needs a vision for the future - his own. Can anyone imagine him out of politics? Many of us Minnesotans are willing to see him relocate out of state. Does Wasilla need a new mayor? Norm has experience!

I personally am looking forward to hearing Franken in the coming years. I really hope we get to hear that acerbic, cut-to-the-bone humor that he was so famous for. We missed it during the campaign.

Faith, Mounds View, MN (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 12:41 PM)

Things are simple:--
1.The Governor appointed Roland Burris as senator -- Nothing wrong - He still has the rights to do so, this is part of his jobs and reponsiblilty-- why argue ?

2. The Secretary of State for Illinois should sign the Certificate of Appointment, She refused to sign, Its her duty and responsiblity to do so,---- she wrong---.

3.Roland Burris is appointed senator by the Illonois Governor- He is right, nothing wrong with him. He doing his duty as a citizen must do.

4. The Senate Secretrary reject Burris appointment, --- is right - because of uncompleted documentations (C O A not signed by the state Secretary,)

5. Who to blame ? -- The one who did not do her/his duties, and no anybody else----- or maybe shehe is too afraid to be involved.

Patarick, NJ (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 1:54 PM)

I think it is interesting that many in the media term the contested election between Coleman and Franken a "circus." This is from a state that previously elected Jesse "the body" Ventura as their governor. "Circus" is an apt description of Minnisota politics and it looks like Al Franken is the new freak.

Terry, Washington (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 2:01 PM)

Are we losing a point here.....a signature is all he needs.....even grade school children know that you have to cross the t's, dot the i's and have all the needed signatures on the line, it doesn't matter who you are, go by the rules. Maybe the lack of going by the rules has caught up with him.

DeMona Reeves, Ozark, Arkansas (Sent Tuesday, January 06, 2009 3:16 PM)

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