Can the Senate not seat Burris?

MSierra, SF — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:41:50 GMT

Apples and oranges

Powell was Elected (re-elected) to his office

Burris is being appointed
That should make a difference

Don't seat a Blago appointee

Blago really is turning the Joker !!

(What's my MOTIVATION?)

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Michael — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:45:26 GMT

As I see it, they must accept him as a member per Art 1, Sec 5. The next paragraph is where it may get interesting:

"Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member."

Can they expel a member with no cause and just a 2/3 vote, or does it need to be linked to the member's behavior? And if the former was the case, would the Dems be able to get enough Republicans to vote to expel?

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

MCJ Colorado — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:45:29 GMT

The Gov., thinks just like Bush and Cheney, they are ALL above the LAW. They can do whatever they want and nobody is going to stop them. When is this madness going to end?

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

pat huntington ny — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:54:54 GMT

This makes sense to me! And I think Reid knew this, but is grandstanding so he appears to be doing the right thing, when in fact, its not legal [refusing to seat Blago's Senate pick merely because he's chosen by an indicted governor for a crime related to the senate seat].

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

The - Democrat Soldier — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:57:24 GMT

I thank Blagojevich has gone rogue. Somebody check him before he tries to secede – IL.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Betty Lee-Badgett, Camarillo, CA — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:57:48 GMT

There is a major difference in the situations you've quoted. Mr. Powell was elected while Mr. Burris was appointed. Congress had to recognize the will of the people through their election of Mr. Powell. Mr. Burris was appointed by one person--he was not elected.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Reggie W., Florida — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:58:42 GMT

What a perfect appointment from Blagojevich! He's appointing an African-American Chicago Machine Democrat to the position. With AAs voting 95% for Obama, there is going to be little to no objection of this appointment, both by Illinois Democrats, and by the national Democratic party. Of course there will be a small amount of dismay, probably from the Chicago press, and from the national press corp, but then they too will fall in quickly behind the appointment, especially after Obama defers to the selection and elects to not comment on the appointment.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

AboutTime — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:59:14 GMT

Zbigniew Brzezinski, Mika Brzezinski’s father throws the ultimate smack down of Morning JealousyJoeScarborough

I bet Joe won’t pick a fight again with someone who is superbly intelligent.

This was great Great!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/30/zbigniew-brzezinski-calls_n_154211.html

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Jon, Orange, California — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:00:02 GMT

Despite all the harangue surrounding the Blagojevich scandal, the rest of us should maintain fidelity to the constitution and due process. Thus, if the nominee is otherwise qualified, he should be seated.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Marcus D., Chicago — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:00:39 GMT

I truly hope they can not and anyone who stands behind Blagojevich to support this man is insane. What a slap in the face to the people of Illinois. This can not stand. People of Illinois, we must protest.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Amy B Portland, ME — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:01:58 GMT

Why is the link to First Read so hard to find now? I happened to click on Chuck Todd's name on the drop down screen, or whatever you call it, under the Politics link, and I found First Read. Are you hiding it from everybody, or just me?

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

kennyb, Concord, NH — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:03:10 GMT

Right, so who will sue? Burris? Blago? Who will fund the litigation? And how many years will it take? And has Burris even accepted the appointment? Why cast himself as a Blago crony and Democratic Party pariah?

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Michael A. Penk — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:03:43 GMT

Typical that Harry Reid would speak without knowing the scope of his authority. The fact that he could even consider being the judge of anyone else's character is both a joke and a disgrace as is the leadership in the House and the Senate.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

BB, Oak Park, IL — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:03:47 GMT

I agree. Despite the situation Blago faces, this will be a hard nominee to reject. He has held statewide office in Illinois twice and has has remained a largely non-controversial figure. At age 71, he is not a cinch to run on his own in two years and would face running as Blago's guy. Of all the players in this game, Blago may have picked the guy that can actually get seated.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Tenet, IL — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:04:00 GMT

The Senate can try not to seat Burris, but they'll fail. What's unlawful about the appointment? Nothing. Burris has more experience and qualified for the position then Obama was.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Marcelino Bedolla, Columbia, Maryland — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:06:26 GMT

I believe that the Court would support the Senate not seating Blagojevichs' choice. In this case the appointer has the cloud over him which would, I believe, taint any of his decisions.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Amy B Portland, ME — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:07:53 GMT

Never mind. I just checked the Politics page again and I see the First Read link on the far right. I must have missed it.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

james mcmillan wichita falls tx — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:11:29 GMT

the governor is an elected official he hasnt been indited of anything rumors mean nothing

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

charles nance — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:12:08 GMT

we need to look at the senate and take Harry Reid out of power. The people in the senate are the real problem.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Anthony Wilson — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:12:54 GMT

I think thatthe appointment should go on as planned. Roland Burris is a good choice and is outside the situation. It would be unfair to deny Mr. Burris the opportunity sine he was no were near the situation that surrounds the governor. He should be afforded the respect of the office and continue the receive the respect he has earned as a servant of the people of Illinois. He has stepped up during a very difficult situation. I respect him and wish him well, as so as the rest of the state of Illinois.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Ronald Helwig Pine Knoll Shores NC — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:14:52 GMT

Just one more of these fakes I thought that these office were with the public trust.(this is a crook) You mean I have been paying for these bums to cheat us all?
What are we doing? Is Obama in this mess and they are going to cover this up also?
Stop the crap he is guilty and years ago they would have hung this BUM!!!
Come on let't get something Right for a change.Get this bum out of office.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

SteveSadowy Centennial, Co. — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:16:03 GMT

By everything that's ethical, by everything that's moral, and by everything that's sacred....why, in God's name, is this person still in office - and not in jail? Why are there so many laws to protect the bad characters that are ruining our very civilization?
Unbelievable what is happening here.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

jd — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:16:11 GMT

I think its great. Just another Obama mess up. Ha. ha. ah.a ha.ha ha.aha.ha. Going down in flames. Oh yes he is. He is connected somehow. You will see. You all messed up big here. Ha.aha.ha. ha. ha .aha. ah ha.ahaha...

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

gary g. — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:17:41 GMT

same ol' message, same ol' song. nothing but criminals in office. no wonder the economy has gone to hell. gov. rod should be put in prison. but wait, he's a democrat, so i guess he will get a medal of "honor". another sad day for america.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Power Corrupts — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:18:01 GMT

This is what happens when the corrupt are in charge. And of course Obama is again asleep at the switch, never noticing all the corruption going on around him. Obama will of course have no comment on the Burris appointment. It's beneath him now, Illinois state business, best Barack keep his hands clean and not comment.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Paul Power — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:18:42 GMT

If Gov. Blagojevich has the"stones" to nominate someone then the U.S. Senate should have the "stones"
to reject this nominee!

Perhaps Carolyn Kennedy Schlossberg should make a quick move to Chicago and submit her resume to Gov. Blags?

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Frenchy Le Pew — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:24:26 GMT

Those very minimal requirements are the reason crooks, creeps and child molesters ply the halls of congress...great bunch of people you clowns elect there in the US

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Tim, St. Louis, MO — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:25:03 GMT

What an insult. Everyone knows that the governor is incompetent and is doing this to pretend he is still in power. Common sense has to enter into this somehow. Throw the bum out now and deal with the courts later. People get fired in the real world.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Dr. Tracy M. Baker, Stigler, OK. — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:25:31 GMT

Considering the "esteemed" nature of many of U.S. Senators currently seated, it takes incredible chutzpah of these people to decide who is qualified to be a U.S. Senator. I deplore the circumstances that Blagojevich has put himself in and agree that he should not appoint a replacement for Obama(he should also resign NOW), but with the behaviors of some current and past members of the U.S. Senate(and Congressmen, too), combined with their inaction to purge themselves of members who have violated ethical principles they are supposed to be founded upon(not to mention legal principles), it takes incredible nerve for them to sit in judgement of others. Hey Senator Reid(and all the others), get your act together before you start throwing stones!

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Gary Wachs — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:25:32 GMT

Help! I don't know what to do! Should I be appalled at Congress for threatening to overreach their Constitutional authority by not seating Blagojevich's Senate choice? Should I be appalled at Blagojevich for the unproven corruption allegations the FBI made against him? I don't know whose side I'm supposed to be on anymore!

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

ca — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:26:14 GMT

tough

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

SEB — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:27:27 GMT

The constitution is pretty vague when it comes to how much power the House has when refusing to seat an incoming member. Reid and the rest of his cronies would have to prove that Burris is incapable/unqualified to serve as a US Senator. However, everything about this man screams reputable. It seems to me, he is more qualified than most of our "elected" officials.

Like it or not, Blagojevich is still the Governor and only the state can remove him from position. Harry Reid is trying to muscle power where he has no authority.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Robert Hess, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:28:29 GMT

Perhaps it would be in the Senate Democrats best interests to seat Burris. Not allowing him to do so only feeds the continued distractions from the Blagojveich prosecution for the incoming Obama Administration.

It would appear that the Senate has no real legal grounds not to seat Burris. It also seems unfair to take out their dissatisfaction with what the Governor has been charged with on his appointment. If there is no wrong doing in connection with the appointment, Burris most certainly should be seated.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

R. Alvarez, Bristol, CT — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:30:05 GMT

Gov. Blagojevich is the governor of Illinois and is empowered to fill the vacated senate seat. The people of Illinois elected him and, if dissatisfied have the power to vote against him if he runs for re-election.
This is a decision to be made by the people of Illinois, not the other 48 senators.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Ron — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:30:16 GMT

The selection of Roland Burris to replace Obama is an excellent choice. I'm confident Burris will have all the support he needs from the likes of Obama, Durbin, and most other responsible persons of both parties in Illinois. Harry Reid will just have to backtrack on his previous statements about not seating anyone recommended by Blago. If he doesn't he will look more stupid then Blago.

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

GG — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:39:24 GMT

While at least at first blush there seems little to recommend Blago, it is worth remembering that impeachment is a process & not a fait accompli [just ask Bill Clinton]. Blago well may be able to ride the wave of legalities & fine points of law & get off. Then the senate is left w/the same guy. However, until then, the road to the Senate seat goes through Blago's office & who is Harry Reid to say the people of IL cannot be represented? It sounds like Harry Reid tho :big talker w/no teeth. Time for the Dems to get a new leader. there's lots of good talent why are they saddled w/him?

Can the Senate not seat Burris?

Denice Brave, Chebanse. IL — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:39:51 GMT

Blagojevich made the statment that he wouldn't step down because he was elected by the people to do a job. He has not done that job and is now hurting the people of Illionis. Everyone I talk to Just wants him out of office. And this was way before he was arrested. He is not to be trusted and I don't think he ever will be again no matter what happens.