Senator Burris

Posted: Monday, January 12, 2009 4:13 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Congress, Democrats

From NBC's Ken Strickland and Domenico Montanaro
Following up on the earlier post, the Democratic Senate leadership is out with their statement on Roland Burris and has now accepted his credentials.

Statement from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), and Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL):
"The Secretary of the Senate has determined that the new credentials presented today on behalf of Mr. Burris now satisfy Senate Rules and validate his appointment to the vacant Illinois Senate seat. In addition, as we requested, Mr. Burris has provided sworn testimony before the Illinois House Committee on Impeachment regarding the circumstances of his appointment.

"We have spoken to Mr. Burris to let him know that he is now the Senator-designate from Illinois and as such, will be accorded all the rights and privileges of a Senator-elect. Accordingly, barring objections from Senate Republicans, we expect Senator-designee Burris to be sworn in and formally seated later this week. We are working with him and the office of the Vice President to determine the date and time of the swearing-in. We congratulate Senator-designee Burris on his appointment, and we look forward to working with him in the 111th Congress."

*** UPDATE *** The Illinois Republican Party is out with a statement condemning the decision, and perhaps tipping its hand (like it needed any tipping) on its 2010 message:
"By failing to strip Rod Blagojevich of his senate appointment power, Democrats chose to trust a madman over the people of Illinois," Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna said in a statement. "The national embarrassment of the Blagojevich saga could have been avoided first in 2006 when Democrats endorsed the Governor knowing he was under intense federal investigation and second by stripping him of his senate appointment power following his arrest. Today's endorsement of Rod Blagojevich's handpicked choice for U.S. Senate confirms what Republicans have been saying for years -- that Illinois is in dire need of change."

*** UPDATE 2 *** Ken Strickland has more:
Republicans not expected to object to Burris
The only thing that could stop Burris from being seated quickly as a U.S. Senator is an "objection" from the Senate floor, specifically from Republicans. As Majority Leader Reid put in a written statement moments ago, "barring objections from Senate Republicans, we expect Senator-designee Burris to be sworn in and formally seated later this week."

It is highly unlikely Senate Republicans will stand in the way. In a interview with NPR Friday morning, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said, "Candidly, if Mr. Burris presents the correct paperwork, he's going to be a senator."

When NBC News called a senior GOP Senate leadership aide to make sure his party wouldn't object, the aide asked rhetorically, "Why would we take the problem off of [Democrats] shoulders and put it on ours."

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Comments

It's not so much that Harry Reid (a terrible leader in my opinion) and Senate Democrats roll over easily--which they do. But they are terrible at picking the battles they wish to fight.

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:24 PM)

good grief, i hope everybody is happy, because i'm not, roland burris will go down as the worse u.s. senator ever. richard daley, and the dem machine, please make sure you run a good candidate that will beat that egotistical old man in 2010. please. i don't ever want to see this guy after 2010 again, he should have stayed retired.

jeff D Evanston IL. (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:25 PM)

This should have been the result from the beginning, because the Sen. Dems. didn't have a legal leg to stand on to keep him from being seated - they would undoubtedly lost a legal challenge because US Sup. Ct. precedent is squarely against them.

pat huntington ny (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:28 PM)

Is there anything regarding Burris's credentials that were not present last week?

Seems to me that Reid is eating crow on this one. Let's hope Reid and the rest of the Dem leadership learn how to stay away from eating crow over the next four years.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:28 PM)

This might finally put an end to what has been an eminently embarrassing situation for both Senate Democrats and President-elect Obama.

But no one comes out of this looking worse than Harry Reid (and Dick Durbin). To get pushed around by Blago is a big gaffe for someone already seen as a weak leader.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:33 PM)

WHAT A CIRCUS!!!!!!

Blago - a man getting impeached for among other things selling a Senate seat appoints this guy. All of the denate Dems say "No Way" last week. This week (six days later to be exact) they are welcoming him?!?

Que the clowns and Tilt-A-Whirl, with the Dems at the helm, Congress is going to be a 3 ring circus. I'm not laughing though BECAUSE IT's MY MONEY!

Curious, Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:34 PM)

Listen Republicans: If you don't have anything good to say (like apologizing for Bush) then keep your mouths shut.

"Economy made few gains in Bush years": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28612358/

So tired of the negativity.

Greg R., Spokane, WA (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:35 PM)

I applaud the acceptance of Burris into the Senate. No laws were broken and I feel Senator-elect Burris will do a great job for the people of Illinois. It's nice to see level heads prevail in government every once in a while.

Matt, Schaumburg, IL (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:36 PM)

Illinois is indeed in dire need of change. The last several governors (Republican and Democrat) have been nut cases, thieves, and fools, yadda, yadda.

Sad part is that neither party is worth a damn in Illinois.

What they need is Obama as governor. But that will have to wait until he cleans out the trailer trash in the White House.

Sunyata (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:37 PM)

Keep it up, republicans. You're doing great, as ever. Just use the same formula for success that you used in 2006 and 2008 -- it's working fine ... if you're a democrat.

Anomaly ;) (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:38 PM)

Yeah, like we should listen to Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna? The Republicans smell red meat and THAT is what this is about; not about trying to do anything better for the people of Illinois. Please, the Dems will have another candidate to run against Burris in 2010 and it will remain a Democratic seat. Must we remind Andy that the former REPUBLICAN governor of Illinois is currently serving time, also? Yes, Illinois needs a change; we need to find an HONEST politician. The last one will become President in 8 days.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:39 PM)

The Illinois Republican Party calling for change? Funny! I guess former Republican Gov Ryan will be out of prison in time to run against Burris in 2010.

DS Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:41 PM)

Ethnic cleansing of the Knesset ?

'...The ruling by parliament's Central Election Committee reflected the heightened tensions between Israel's Jewish majority and Arab minority caused by Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. Arabs have held a series of demonstrations against the offensive....'

From Washington Monthly.com:

'...BANNING ARAB PARTIES IN ISRAEL.... If there's a reasonable justification for this, it doesn't come to mind.

Israel on Monday banned Arab political parties from running in next month's parliamentary elections, drawing accusations of racism by an Arab lawmaker who said he would challenge the decision in the country's Supreme Court.

The ruling by parliament's Central Election Committee reflected the heightened tensions between Israel's Jewish majority and Arab minority caused by Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. Arabs have held a series of demonstrations against the offensive.

Parliament spokesman Giora Pordes said the election committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of the motion, accusing the country's Arab parties of incitement, supporting terrorist groups and refusing to recognize Israel's right to exist. Arab lawmakers have traveled to some of Israel's staunchest enemies, including Lebanon and Syria.

The 37-member committee is composed of representatives from Israel's major political parties. The measure was proposed by two ultranationalist parties but received widespread support.

There are Arab members of the predominantly Jewish parties and Israel's communist party, but the move doesn't affect them. One-fifth of Israel's population is Arab. No good can come of a decision like this one.

The Israeli Supreme Court, where cooler heads are often more likely to prevail, will probably be expected to weigh in on the matter, and may ultimately reverse the ban...'

At a time when the Israelis are turning Gaza into a concentration camp

Now, Israeli Arabs get to vote for Jewish political parties, only !!

MSierra, SF (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:42 PM)

I don't understand why the Senate is suddenly alright with seating a senator appointed by Rodblag. Come on, senators...stand up for yourselves!

Megan, SLC, UT (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:46 PM)

I still object to this man being appointed. I believe there are questions that need to be answered regarding how Burris suddenly became Blago's number 1 choice for Obama's senate seat. However, to allow this issue to linger merely for the sake of principle is to keep this nation from moving forward on the more important matters it desparately needs to solve. In the end, very few people will remember this fiasco, and it will ultimately be up to the Illinois voters to deal with Burris.

8 Days Until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:51 PM)

I can finally sleep at night, I've been SO worried about this non-item!! It's time the Senate get down to the business they were elected for and quit with all this silly ego-pandering, media newsworthy-less issue.

JustThinkin (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:54 PM)

That's their message, but it's a pretty weak one. They'll be running against a guy who was thrown out of office two years before the election, not the sitting senator or the Democratic nominee should the Dems nominate someone else, in a very blue state. Maybe they should look for some actual issues to run on.

Michael (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:55 PM)

Hey, if the Democrats want to have a Senate appointment done by a crook, let them do so.

Stan Graves, Florida (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 4:59 PM)

What a difference a week makes! From Reid and Durbin saying "No way is that man every stepping through that door" to back-slaps, cigars, and welcome to the club. I guess that could be callled a "flip-flop".

Jimmy D, Atlanta Ga (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:02 PM)

McKenna makes an absolutely ludicrous statement. The Illinois Attorney General petititioned Illinois supreme Court to strip Blago of his duties, they turned her down. The US Senate leadership along with the Illinois Secy of State were the ones making statements before they understood the law. McKenna also states the dems back Blago in 2006, well he won the primary, they certainly weren't going to back the Republican opponent! I think the Repugs are overplaying their hand on this, Like it or not, the appointment is legal. Reid should make statements more carefully in the future.

Cindy, Oswego, IL (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:05 PM)

Seat him...and, let's move on. Too many other issues are worthy of national attention.

Larry Union,KY (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:05 PM)

DEMOCRATS LACK COURAGE !

REID & DURBIN WILL NEVER BE A CHAPTER IN "PROFILES IN COURAGE!"

THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THAT WHICH APPEARS TO BE THE LAW AND THAT WHICH IS RIGHT! --- SEATING BURRIS WAS WRONG!

SENATE LAWYERS CONCERN THEMSELVES WITH WHAT IS THE LAW ---

HONORABLE MEN CONCERN THEMSELVES WITH WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LAW AND THAT WHICH IS RIGHT! (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:07 PM)

Bjarne Flemming:

Ever think that unless Obama proceeeds with his stimulus plan to give the economy a boost your grandkids won't have to worry about taking home just 10% of their gross earnings. They won't have jobs. Then they'll have to worry about surviving by scrounging more than 10% of what they need out of the waste pits and garbage dumps. Think on that one Denmark.
C A, Tuscaloosa, AL

-------------

You're really struggling with this concept aren't you? When the problem is too much consumption, by both citizens and by the government, then the way out of the problem is for every one to live within their means, it is not to spend more.

Someones going to have to pay this money back CA. It's not you or me, unless your 18 or something. With all the other obligations of the US government, this would be a huge adder to already lengthly list. This is our legacy, a present to the next generation.

Bjarne Flemming (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:12 PM)

Alot of Democratic comedy !

Free American Tehachapi Ca. (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:15 PM)

I dont understand our law system.. We have a governor out on bail choosing reps for our state before he gets thrown in jail and we have to accept that for a year.. thats bull! what happened to that special election everyone wanted? how come this corrupt burris thats pushing every loop hole to sleeze his way in office gets a senate seat but my buddy out on bail for a dui cant drive himself to work, though no charges have been filed yet! special standards for a subspecial senator-elect IMO.

Joe F, Arlington Heights, IL (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:16 PM)

H. Reid, this is a leader. Right out front a small dose of logic should have given him a clue. Burris broke no rules and Blago was not indited. Instead we have to do the dance of clowns for days.

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:20 PM)

H. Reid, this is a leader. Right out front a small dose of logic should have given him a clue. Burris broke no rules and Blago was not indited. Instead we have to do the dance of clowns for days.

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:21 PM)

Why would the Republicans object to burris. He may be useful to them in future election campaigns especially in Illinois. Burris isn't likely to get much power as a freshman anyway and as an appointee even less likely. He'll be able to vote (1 of 100) and he may speak but real power will not be his. So he is no threat to the GOP or top Dems.

eagle1776 (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:25 PM)

As a liberal democrat, I reject Burris' appointment.

I want to know what he offered Blago.

I want to know why he rescinded his support to have Blago impeached.

I want to know what kind of deal Blago got for the appointment.

I will keep asking these 3 questions rather than be an obedient little lemming for the good of the party.

Dani Pellett, Denton, TX (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:29 PM)

ROFL...Greg R...and people like you...(lol)...stuff it!

Obama isn't even in office yet...LOL.

Spanky, Wilbur, WP (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:47 PM)

You're from the anti-American city by the bay .... and so we understand your illogical blogs.
--Molly Anna

Galveston?

nuanced (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 5:58 PM)

This was a stupid battle for Reid to take on in the first place. I hope he does a better job leading the Senate now that he has a real majority instead of the vortual one he had the last two years. If he doesn't get the Senate on the right course by 2010, the Democrats HAVE to remove him. He's made far more mistakes than success at this point.

Burris is the legal Junior Senator from Illionis. The Chicago assembly made sure of that by not taking the appointment out of his hands with an election. They would prefer to have a tainted Democrat than risk losing the seat. That's their perogative, but the Senate should have accepted Burris and left the drama back in Chicago.

cmac (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 6:52 PM)

It is illegal to not seat Mr. Burris. There is no legal way for him to be kept out of the Senate. Blagojevich made the appointment as acting governor, the Illinois Sec. of State does not have the authority to refuse signing his papers, and that signature is not required for the Sec. of the Senate to seat him. Both parties are backing down after the initial gusto by the Democrats because they realize he will succeed if the issue goes to court, either state or federal.

Kevin, MT (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 7:15 PM)

It is ashame this will all end. So amusing. Great distraction in a recession.

Henry Kahwaty, Olney, MD (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 7:43 PM)

What a craven opportunist. Am I the only person who thinks he's only in it for two years, a federal pension and another line on his memorial to himself? I hope the Senate shoves him in the corner for the next two years until he flounders and fails to secure his primary.

Art, Dallas (Sent Monday, January 12, 2009 8:56 PM)

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