Roland Burris: What Should U.S. Senate Do?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Barack Obama really didn't need this. Roland Burris declared he's the Senator from Illinois despite the controversy surrounding his appointment. He was picked by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who is accused of trying to sell the seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.
But when Burris made his way to Capitol Hill this morning, the Senate refused to seat him. Senate Majority leader Harry Reid said it's because of incomplete paper work. His certificate of appointment is signed by the Illinois Governor but not by the secretary of state. But it's really much more than that.
Burris said his lawyers will handle it and he has a private meeting scheduled with Senate leaders tomorrow.
He said he didn't want to make a scene on Capitol Hill-but he did. It was a circus.
People are speaking out on Burris' behalf, saying his appointment is legal and he should be seated.
But this whole thing smells. There are criminal charges pending against the Illinois governor who appointed Burris. Those charges include trying to profit from naming Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate. It's sort of like letting Bernie Madoff run a hedge fund while he's awaiting trial on charges of stealing $50 billion from investors.
Our Question is: When it comes to Roland Burris, the controversial Senate appointee from Illinois, what should the U.S. Senate do?
Here’s my question to you: When it comes to Roland Burris, the controversial Senate appointee from Illinois, what should the U.S. Senate do?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Maureen in Georgia writes:
It seems that legally Burris should be seated because Blagojevich is still the Governor, as corrupt as he may be. But Burris wants that seat so desperately that he would accept it from a corrupt Governor under investigation and that, to me, is a red flag not to trust him. Burris might have not done anything wrong, but where is his integrity?
Greg from Cabot, Arizona writes:
Send him back to Illinois for the proper paperwork. Just like at the dry cleaners, no ticket, no laundry. The Illinois Secretary of State needs to certify his appointment first. Until that happens, everything else is just a dog and pony show.
Mike from Hot Springs, Arkansas writes:
The man was appointed according to Illinois law. There is absolutely no reason not to seat him. The Dems are making a big mistake here. As an old trial lawyer myself, I think that it is time for dear Harry Reid to get off the dime and start negotiating.
Mark from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma writes:
The Governor appointed him and he should be sworn in. We had a President a few years ago who was going through an impeachment process and I don't recall him being unable to carry out his official duties during the impeachment trial. Roland Burris should camp out on the Senate's doorstep until they agree to swear him in.
David in California writes:
Unless there is evidence to show Mr. Burris is somehow involved in the wrongdoing of the Governor, and I have not seen or heard any such evidence, he should be seated as a Senator from Illinois. He was legally appointed to the position and he has not personally committed an act that would disqualify him. Sure, the Governor of Illinois is a scum bag, but that does not mean Mr. Burris is incapable of dutiful and honorable service to the people of Illinois.
George in New York, New York writes:
The idea of Harry Reid being jury, judge and prosecutor is more distasteful than the idea of Burris being appointed by a felon. Let Burris stay. Lock the doors on Reid.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Jack it would appear that the Senate's hands are tied until the Secretary of of the state of Illinois signs off on Mr. Burris. My question is: How could a man that is currently held in high regard allow himself to be used in this manner by Blago? It is shameful
Congress should not seat Burris, there is way too much scandal by the Gov. of Ill. He should not have appointed Burris to begin with.
Seat him......they will really be opening up a can of worms if they try to bar him from the Senate. Whatever you think of Blago, he's still the Governor of Illinois and has the right to appoint Burris to the Senate opening. You can't block the appointment just because you don't like the man who made the appointment.
They probably ought to seat him. Doing anything else will keep Congress from working on the economy and other more imporant issues.
Troy, Ohio
Jack, I think the Senate should allow Mr. Burris to be seated given the fact that he's the appointee and not the appointer. Lets not forget as guilty as we all want Governer Blagojevich to be at the end of all of this he's an innocent man untill he's proven guilty in a court of law.
Teddy
Vero Beach, Fl
Jack;
Here's a unique idea: How about following the word of the LAW? Something, I trust, that would be rather unusual, of late!
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!
Chuck Canfield, OHIO
Don't seat him, but do pity him. He claims that he has had a distinguished career of service but he doesn't understand that the first line of his obit is that he has abetted Blogo in thumbing his nose at the world, and maked himself a laughing stock.
The Senate should accept the appointment of Burris only if Blagojevich agrees to resign the same day. My guess is that the buddy system in Illinois politics couldn't stand the strain of such a break up, in which case Burris is sent home to become council for the defense in the Governors corruption trial. That's what friends are for!
Jack, Burris was legally appointed by the Governor, plane and simple. The Senate has to deal with the fact that Roland Burris is the junior Senator from illinios. If the democrats want him out they should just endorse his primary opponent in 2010.
I think the Senate should let the appointment of Roland Burris ride unless they can prove of some sort of wrongdoing on his part. However, there's no doubt the GOP will try to use the argument that a scandalous Governor appointed Burris when the seat is up for re-election. Hopefully, the good folks in Illinois won't hold it against Burris for the actions of a slime bucket in his party.
the senate needs to seat him, he was appointed.
The U.S. senate needs to issue Mr. Roland Burris the "How To Become A Legal U.S. Senator" rulebook. He just can't barnstorm his way into the senate swearing-in ceremonies and actually get sworn in just because he showed up. And if he's going to sue anyone it should be Blagovich for the wasted trip to D.C. for himself and his legal team. After all, Blagovich was the one who started the snowball downhill by trying to appoint him in the first place.
The Lt. Governor should say that he would choose Burris so that he can have the Atty. General certify the appointment, then Blago is taken out of the mix.
If the Senate leaders were smart, they'd realize that they have no legal leg to stand on and therefore should alow Burris to occupy Obama's vacant seat. If they fight his appointment, Burris will take the issue to the courts and most probably win. As the Senate leadership is not made of the brightest bulbs in Congress, they will most likely take the route that wastes the most possible taxpayer money.
They should declare his appointment void and an election for a new Senator should be held.
Never mind the Senate, can't Burris see that he's a patsy?! Shouldn't someone who is supposedly qualified to be a Senator also be smart enough to realize when he's being used by a rat of a Governor?
First lets not let the Senate decide, let the people of Illinois decide. Do they want him to represent them if so he's in.
Jack: The Secretary of the State of Illinois did not sign the appointment; therefore, the US Senate does not have to seat him. Mr. Burris goes to a Districit Federal Court an gets his way then the Senate will have to seat him. Mr. Burris has a legal claim going stricitly by the powers of the Governor of Illinois, until he is convicted of a felony his powers to appoint people to jobs is still in authority. The Governor is a lousey person, but is a he a felon?
John
Alabama
It appears the appointment is legal; therefore, it seems to me that Senate should seat him. There is an election in 2010. That will be here before we know it. Then let the electors decide. Blagojevich pulled off a good one - sleaze that he appears to be - I think Senate just has to suck it up! make the appointment, and get on with more important matters.
Marian from Canada
It amuses me that the Senate members, particularly the leadership, is suddenly acting as if it is above reproach when it comes to Roland Burris. Who do they think they are kidding? Seat the man and get on with the real business at hand. Valuable time is wasting and none of you are kidding anyone.
Geri – Mead, OK
What they should do is follow the law and the rules. If Mr. Burris can get the certification from the Illinois Secretary of State, they should seat him. If he cannot, then they should not. No exceptions.
I find it ironic that the most exclusive group, the Republicans, want him to be seated, while the party of inclusion - which includes our first bi-racial President - thinks he should not be seated. But then, the Republicans never think that the laws and rules apply to them!
Since the Secretary of State of the state of Illinois has not signed off on this man's appointment the Senate did exactly what they were supposed to do.
It seems to me that this is a problem for the state of Illinois, not a problem for the Senate. Illinois should get rid of a corrupt governor and let their lt. governor appoint a person that is not tainted by this governor.
With all do respect to Burris, the man is not legally appointed as Senator until the Illinois Sec. of State signs off on the declaration along with Gov. Blagojevich.
Additionally, for all the rest of the posters who are saying to seat him because he was legally appointed - the appointment is NOT legal or binding unless certified and signed off by the Illinois Secretary of State. Burris' is not. End of story.
They should seat him. Period.
Like it or not Blago is the Governor and hasn't been convicted (yet, but I hope that he is) for his crimes.
He has to sole responsibility of appointing this Senatorial seat. And he has done it.
Burris is more then qualified and has the credentials.
What is wrong with the Democrats? They should seat this man that was LEGALLY appointed to the Senate......and stop giving O'Reilley, Hannity and even old guys like you, Jack......so much ammunition.
If they seat Burris....Illinois gets a great Senator and the Democratic Party takes another negative Democratic story, out of the view of the main stream media and the GOP.
This is legal....and it is a non issue.
He should not be seated for the exact and very reasons that Susan Geear on the above entry stated.The whole thing is so tained and during a time when Washington is simply so broken.
Pretty Sad
david
The governor appointed him and he should be sworn in. We had a President a few years ago who was going through an impeachment process and I don't recall him being unable to carry out his official duties during the impeachment trial. Roland Burris should camp out on the Senate's doorstep until they agree to swear him in.
To be sworn in, the Secretary of State must sign, he did not. I think Mr. Burris knew this and yet he still pushed his way to the Capital. Someone must be an expert on Senate law and state law to bring this distraction to a close.
As a resident of Connecticut, we had more corruption from our former Gov. Roland and several Mayors, one included sex with a minor. We were called Corrupticut, a title you never live down. We are stuck with Joe Lieberman, perhaps we could trade.
Rose Hann, New London, CT
let it play out in in the state government.
Allow him to be sworn in as Senator of Illinois. If the US senate did not want Blagojevich to appoint a person to Obama's seat, they should have used their power to get him out of office as they are using it to keep Burris out. Burris had nothing to do with the scandal and is caught in the middle. He was appointed legally and should be allowed to serve legally and in 2010 if the people of Illinois wants to re-elect him then sobeit.
seat mr.burris,there was nothing illegal about the govenor of illinois appointing him and it also gives the state of illinois and the democratic party a bad name.i've studied mr.burris back ground and there is nothing in it that would disqualify him
The Senate action re Roland Burris makes no sense.Mr Burris was a lifelong Democrat and could be counted on voting with the leadership. They have reduced their majority by one vote. If the courts agree that he was legally appointed and is then seated he will not owe the leadership any loyalty. And in 12 months if the Governor is found not guilty won't that be embarrasing.
How funny they are trying to keep out Burris who is qualified and can't get the comedian in fast enough.... This is so ridicules and backwards! No wonder this congress has a 12% approval rating!
The Senate should seat him!! Even if Blago is nuts, he's still officially the Gov. and his appointment is legal. The Senate needs to seat him and Franken and get over it.
Burris is not a dumb man, but he should have known better than to accept this appointment.
Race has nothing to do with this issue.
Denver, CO
Jack, yes, Congress does have very low approval ratings. And I attribute that to "gridlock". And during the Democratic Congress of these past two years, the reason that nothing got done was primarily due to Republican filibusters. It seems to be their favorite action - to obstruct.
My suggestion should the Democratic Congress wish to get in the good graces of the public again, would be to reduce the number of Senate votes required to end a filibuster from 60 to 55. (At one time it was 67.) Clearly, the 60 vote requirement is primarily responsible for the gridlock that we all complain about. Given that it is nearly impossible to achieve such a plurality (even after Bush's disastrous tenure), it gives the minority party the freedom to easily put the brakes on any piece of legislation it so chooses.
Bottom line: Stop the filibuster and gridlock will stop and Congress will get the vitally needed legislation passed that is so essential in this time of crisis. And, in the process, Congress' approval ratings will rise sharply.
Well Jack here we go again! Controversy for the Senate before they get out of the gate! It seems to me that the news reports were wide and far that any appointment by "Blogo" would be blocked. So why bother? Perhaps another attempt to divert attention from the real issue for "Blogo" his possible criminal activity in regards to this senate seat. WELL DONE!
Tom
Ocoee FL.
The Senate should of just accepted him and saved this country tax dollars in attorney fees. No laws were broken, Blagojevich just played the system very well.
Danni From Upland CA
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has no right not to sign the Senate appointment paper of Roland Burris. Secretaries of state for the individual states cannot veto a governor's decision to appoint replacement Senators as long as they are legally done. Although Blago is accused of selling the seat to others, Burris wasn't one of those in the auction. This action by the Senate and by White is just posturing. Blago is still the governor, so his choice should stand until he's removed.
Not seating Mr. Burris means that he has a legitimate excuse for not doing anything on behalf of his constituency. As for the one's that got seated..... what's their lame excuse?
Harry
Ky.
Jack, they need to stick to their initial position and wait until the state of Illinois makes a decision on the man.
Allen
Hartwell, GA
I think they should follow the law.
Mr. Burris went to Wash. without the Sec. of State's signature. He should have known better. Come back with the signature and he should be allowed to be seated.
What about that is so hard to understand? He wanted a big show and he sure got it. He was in the wrong.
We don't have time for this childish junk, which has been on the news instead of real news today. It isn't even possible to know who is right or wrong here, so everyone should stop trying to make sure they look right. Just swear in Burris, and Franken (or Coleman, flip a coin), and get on with the business of America.
Guys, I repeat, according to the Illinois Constitution, and the rules of the Senate, an appointed Senator cannot be seated unless LEGALLY appointed by the Governor AND certified by the Illinois Secretary of State. Many of us who are saying not to seat him are saying it because Burris has NOT been certified by the Illinois Secretary of State, not because of the situation of Blagojovich.
Burris was fully aware of this when he showed up at the Senate. He KNEW that they wouldn't seat him, and he still did it. What does this say about the man's professionalism and ethics?
As much as I hate to say it, I see no legal reason except for the missing signature of the Sec. of State of Illinois. Get that signature and seat the man quickly because his contractor is scheduled next week to carve into Burris's mausoleum "APPOINTED TO THE US SENATE“.
They should seat Burris. Illinois didn’t do a darn thing to stop their governor. That’s not Burris’ fault. Good old Illinois politics. Makes me homesick. Here in GA you get the same results no matter what. Very predictable and very dull.
From St. Louis, Missouri – Re Burris – Does the Illinois governor possibly being a crook, certainly a jerk, make Burris' appointment illiegal? If Burris' appointment is legal, then that should be that! This controversy is shameful episode of our governing bodies – more politics, more posturing, more not getting down to work!
Seat him for crying out loud. We finally have a democratic white house and democratic congress, but they are going to fiddle away the time of majority fighting with themselves and then get booted out in two years for not getting anything done and then we'll have partisan gridlock again. They need to quit fighting and get something done, and they should start with paycuts and healthcare and retirement cuts for congress. With all the empty democratic seats due to cabinet appointments and the race in Minnesota they need every vote in the senate they can get. They all need encephalorectolectomies to remove their heaqds from their dark places. Obama is trying to get things done and the Senate is fiddling while we burn.
Seat him and than shun him. End this circus sideshow now for the sake of the voters of Illinois.
The Senate leaders should give Burris no position of power, or committee assignments. When the citizens of Illinois have a chance to vote for their Senator in the next election let their ballots be the deciding factor.
The current Gov of Illinois will by then, hopefully, be a small diminished figure in the rear-view mirrors of all decent citizens.
Burris has allowed himself to be a pawn in Blago's political game. He's made himself look like a self-rightous, arrogant, circus performer. And nobody needs a circus right now. Yes, they have to seat him, because it is a legal appointment, but come election time, nobody, nobody, nobody, should support him.
Tim in Texas
1- Blagojevich is the governor.
2- He has the right/duty to fill the senate seat.
3- He named Burris.
4- The Secy of State did not sign the form.
5- that is that.
6- If the secy of state signs the form, then Burris should be seated. If he does not, then we stay in limbo.
7- The rules are the rules, the law is the law. Whether Blagojevich is "tainted" is irrelevant as long as he is the legal governor.
Jack -
This is like Bush endorsing McCain.
Lois
Birmingham, Al
@ Rose Hann, New London, CT
That is cute.
Follow the law and seat him! The signature of the Secretary of State according to the reporting is only ceremonial!
A written law as far as I am concern does not smell partisan!
The Governor is still in function no? Innocent until proven guilty. That is the law.
Our Govenor may have done wrong, but Burris didn't. I say let him be the Senator from our great state. The media is all for Jeb Bush being a Senator, didn't he help his brother get the vote. I wonder if all the votes were counted?? 5-4!!!! They thought tainted Palin was going to be all right as vice president. She has ethic charges against her. Be fair. How many Senators haven't been squeeky clean??
well he is a joke he looking for the fame in it all. he talked before any action took place. is this how they treat the president elect former senate seat like its a joke trying to make obama look bad.! wow.
Miami.Florida
Gov. Rod Blagojevich spoke foolishly, but as yet he is not indicted for his words, which represent neither a criminal conspiracy nor any choate offense. This does not give the US Senate the authority to refuse his selection of Mr. Burris as Illinois new senator. Neither does it give Illinois' Secretary of State authority to veto the governor's nomination. The Senate should stop taking its lessons from the Bush/Chaney Constitutional play book and ignoring the parts it does not like. Save your rancour for later Senators, because you'll likely need it more during a fight you can win.
Our lawmakers in the Senate should remember that we are a nation of laws! That has been ignored for too many years already! Whether they like it or not, Burris was appointed by the Govenor of Illinois, as directed by law! The Govenor may be scum, but he is still the Govenor until he is found guilty of crimes or impeached!
seat him unless you can prove any wrong doings
Being a resident of Illinois, frankly, I am sick and tired of hearing Burris and Bobby Rush play the 'race card'. This issue has nothing to do with race or whether or not Burris is qualified to fill the Senate seat. It does have everything to do with a Govenor who has Federal charges against him for trying to sell 'the Senate seat'. Do we truly know if Burris accepted this appointment without any 'pay-to-play' stipulations? No, we don't. Why was Burris the only one to accept the appointment? Makes me wonder what Burris promised the Gov. down the road...
Jack, I am certainly not a fan of the governor of Illinois. However, the fact that the Illinois Secretary of State refused to certify his appointee means that all the other documents that have been signed by the Secretary should also be declared invalid. How can he pick and choose actions of the the still-governor should be recognized and which should be ignored? I think Governor Blah is despicable, but until he's removed, his legal powers are still valid.
Have the Democrats learned nothing from Presidential Primary mistakes. There are rules for a reason, you don't get to just make it up as you go along. If they'd just follow the rules they could avoid all the controversy and hang wringing.
The appointment was legal, Burris should be a Senator. If it's discovered that Burris did something illegal to get the job then he can be charged just like any other Senator.
The Senate should obey the law and seat Burris. Harry Reid is using this issue as a smokescreen to keep the American people and the news media from focusing on the critically important issues facing this country. I think it is terrible that CNN and all other major news sources are spending so much time covering Burris and hardly no time covering the occupation of Iraq where people are dying because of Senator Reid's Senate's role in this illegal war.
Brownwood, Texas
No, Congress should not "seat" Burris. Burris is quoted on tape as saying NO ONE should be seated by Burris if the IL Governor were to appoint someone before he is impeached? WHY does Burris feel he should be appointed now? What a hypocrite Burris is as ANOTHER classic Illinois thug politician maneuvers for power. Washington is getting crowded by them. Same ol' Same ol'
if it has been law to have a governor replace senators for years what is problem| is it time to fight this little problem when the country is ready to go to a depression. set the man and if there is a problem then kick him out get down to the major problems. it is no wnder that the government is running on lowest rating since ????? you people fight little problems so you can ignore the big problems
The Senate should obey the law. We have had enough of illegal, anti-American, unconstitutional, Machiavellian slime to last this nation its lifetime.
I have mixed feelings about this. Seat this egotiscal fool and his fifteen minutes of fame will be over. He will only be the junior senator and shouldn't be able to do much harm. The intelligent people of the state of Illinois will not reelect him in two years. He has handled this whole situation in the wrong way injecting the race card, when race had nothing to do with it.
He's no better or worse than everyone else in the Senate. Time to stop waisting digital celluloid and hot air on a non issue. Let him in and move on to more important things.
Roland Burris has no evidence against him that implicates any inappropriate action. Since when did the senate get so pius. Check the jails and see how many senators have been there.
I can't believe Jesse White is stone walling this appointment. Since when does he trump the Governor? This is no way to run a government. Get with it guys!!
I think the Senate should stay out of this mess and let Illinois work it out, no compromise, end of story. Bottom line is, Roland Burris does not have the signature of the Illinois Secratary of State on his certificate. Mr Burris knew that he was not going to get in to the Senate floor and decided to put on this dog and pony show because he thinks that it is irrelevant that he doesn't have the required signature. I wish Wolf Blitzer would have asked him yesterday; If the signature of the Secretary of State is irrelevant then why is there a place for it on the certificate?
what they always do in a tough situation PUNT!
Find out WHY Blago appointed him. There is always more to the story than meets the eye.
Hey, people of Illinois, have you had enough yet?
No? Do you still want the same politics in Chicago and outstate? Keep on voting like you do.
You deserve what you get.
Harry Lime
If it can be determined that he was legally appointed they should seat him and get on with business. If the Senate gets to pick and choose who they want and who they don't, why do we bother voting?
Legally he should be seated, as his appointment follows all legal guidelines. We don't have to like it. The people of Illinois can make the decision in 2010 whether he should continue as their senator should he choose to run. At the same time, maybe the law needs to be revised in some way so that an indicted governor loses his authority until cleared of charges.
It seems so simple to me that I am wondering if I am missing something. The Gov. was trying to make a killing on the seat. Just about everyone said any appointment should not be seated. Burris is appointed and says I should be different. Just how do we, or for that matter anyone, know that Burris and the Gov. and Burris don't have a deal. No he should not be seated.
Mr burris has a valid position.The senate should seat him.Particularly if caroline kennedy or mr obama's cia director appointment is validated.
citizen of virginia
Hello Jack Who really knows anymore with this SNAFU ! Who really cares anyways, its all meant to distract and denograte the changing of the guard.
He should be sworn in once a certificate of election is received with the required signatures. He should be treated just like any other new Senator: speak infrequently, do constituent service diligently, defer to your state's senior Senator, be forgotten. The full-term Senator will be elected in 2010–Burris or someone else.
Let me make sure I understand this. A guy gives over $14,000 to the Blagojevich campaign for governor. The governor tries to get something of value from anyone who is willing to pay to get the Senate appointment. Then when his scheme is uncovered, he names the $14,000 donor and both of them expect the Senate, the people of Illinois, and the rest of the country to say, "Oh, OK, no problem."
And you are asking what should the U.S. Senate do? Come on Jack, next question, please.
Oh, how Burris was enjoying the media attention he created this moring and he played it to the hilt. Did he surround himself with linebackers because: (a) he felt he needed protection; (b) he wanted to appear even smaller and more pitiful hunched there in the rain; (c) was he making a racisit statement along the lines of that made by his attorney -who threw out inflamatory words like "lynch." Shame shame.
Don't forget that this is an egomaniac who named both of his children after himself (Roland Jr. and Rolanda – the dog is probably named Rolly.) He is having the time of his life. Team player? HA! not unless the team is called the Rolandites. I say send him and his wife with the unfortunate hats back to Illlinois, back to Rolandville, and find a way to start over with a non-political newcomer.
I don't know what the US senate will do, I hope they reject his appointment for the obvious reasons (that it is made by a corrupt governor) but regardless of that, what does it say about Burris' integrity and sense of rational reasoning when he is so adamant to be seated knowing that blago is not only corrupt and under investigation for auctioning this same seat but is going to be impeached for corruption and unfit to serve charges, probably imprisoned etc, etc. is Burris so power hungry that he doesn't care who the appointer is???? It is also that he knows he will never be able to win a senate seat so this appointment is the only hope he has to make in to the big boys club.
KEEP BLOCKING HIM!!! its legal to a point, he's a patsy and doesnt even see it! OPEN YOUR EYES BURRISS!!!! you DON'T belong there!
If George W. Bush can continue to make appointments after all the crimes he has committed and Dick Cheney can shoot someone and still serve, then surely Burris's appointment is legal! He hasn't been convicted of anything yet, so the appointment should stand.
Burris should be seated. The Senate behaved appallingly in refusing him his legally bestowed seat. They are punishing the wrong person.
All of our senators should be elected by the people not appointed by a governor. Hold a special election and let the people have their say.
SEAT HIM!!
Why not do what they do best? NOTHING,TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM!
Let's see, the Dems allow Judas Lieberman to retain his stranglehold on the highly sought after Chairmanship of Homeland Security despite effectively spitting in Obama's face in public, yet won't sit a man who has publicly condemend Blag the Impaler? Yep, business as usual for the Democrats. Can't we ever have a GOP Congress that isn't evil and a Democratic Congress that isn't inept? Just once?
The Senate should seat him. For a while it looked like Burris was a patsy. Now it looks like Harry Reid is a fool. Either way, we lose again.
He should be seated and Harry Reid should be reprimanded for his actions regarding this situation. Simple as that!
I believe that the Senate/Gov't should force Burris to wait until the controversy with Blagojevich is resolved. From that point, an appointment should be made. If it is still him, then great, if not, then let him fight for the appointment then.
Burrris has shown me that he has not the fortitude nor the integrity to distance himself from scandal, and instead flirt with a cloud of suspicion of the kind of man he is, black or white.
Blago needs to go out like Warren Beatty in the Bulworth film. Just go all out. If he is going out, take them all with them. The seating is valid, so what is the hold up here?
He should not be seated. How can we ever restore integrity to government when we allow a tainted process to be successful? As a former Attorney General and thus chief legal officer, he of all people should be mindful. He is simply being opportunistic while playing the race card. This is not about race; it is about honesty and integrity. It is about his contributions to the Governor's political campaigns which would have come out in a confirmation process. If he is a solid and honest lawyer, he should know better.
Do not allow him to proceed any further. The Obama administration and new Congress can not afford any distractions from Day 1...and
this will prove to be a major one if they allow him to become Obama's replacement
The Senate has no choice but to seat Burris, because there is no cause under the constitution to deny him. They *can* force a lot of hoop-jumping, meaning Blagoyevich can sue the Secretary of State (who is an African-American, making it very troubling that he won't certify Burris – political shenanigans at play) to force him to follow state law and sign the paperwork .... then Burris can sue the Senate to gain his seat. But ultimately he will be seated and it would be better for the Democrat party to do it now rather than go through that entire process.
the issue isn't what the senate should do but rather what burris should do... if he were a man of integrity, he would step down under his own initiative...
But it's ok to let a felon be a senator.
Seat him. The US Senate cannot create the law to suit their opinions of the day. Lawmakers ignoring the law and doing just as they please is tyranny. Its almost guillotine time.
Innocent until proven guilty or does that apply to Dems?
The Governer of Ill. has not been indited by the Federal Government. THe Ill. Senate and congress has yet to impeach hin. Since he has not resigned his seat, the Mr. Burris' appointment is about as legal as it comes
Pedte
Millersville, Md
I am from Illinois and I am embarrassed by the spectacle that Roland Burris and Gov Blagojevich are creating! There is no way Burris would ever be elected in this State to the office of U.S. Senator. He has repeatedly lost in his bid for higher office. I don't trust him any more than I trust Blagojevich. There is a reason Blagojevich appointed him. And it wasn't for the good of the State of Illinois.
David, Southern Illinois
The senate should not seat him until an investigation can be done on whether he paid for the seat since they have the governor on tape trying to sell it.
As a resident of the state of Illinois and a Democrat, I say No Way should Burris be seated as senator. Blagoevich should never have made this appointment. I cannot believe members of congress and commentators on both sides of the aisle are leaning toward seating him. We are rewarding Blagoecvich for breaking all the rules– and who knows what Burris has promised him? I will be very angry at Congress if they seat this man. We citizens of Illinois have been treated very badly through all this and we continue to be.
The Senate did exactly what they should have done. Until Mr. Burris has his ducks in a row, he should not be seated.
Rion
San Antonio
Roland Burris in 2009 is in the same place as William Marbury in 1803. Until the Illinois Supreme Court grants his writ of mandamus he'll just have to wait. This will all get worked out in the end and he'll be seated. But I've got to give him this. He's certainly not camera shy.
If Obama would "suggest" he favors Burris, Reid, Pelosi and the like are off the branch they prematurely crawled out on...
Tom Kalar
International Falls, MN
To save face : have him swear that he did not pay for his seat!
I wonder if Burris needs to be checked for demtria?
While Blagoyavich from all reports does seem dirty, and will probably be convicted, the simple fact remains that he is STILL innocent until proven guilty! therefore, he is NOT a convicted felon..."yet"! He lawfully made an appointment, whether you agree with it or not, and the Senate Dems now have egg on their faces for turning him away!! what in the world is happening in this country when our leaders impose THEIR will, instead of the people's!! This is the kind of b.s. that gives other countries and people of the world pause, before embracing our brand of "democracy"!!!
The senate should oust harry and make burris president of the senate.
Until the Illinois Secretary of State signs his credentials, he cannot sit in the Senate. Period. This is not about race, this is a simple question of Senate rules – and the US Senate has the power to seat an appointee once their credentials are in order. Talk to Jesse White!
Burris should not be seated until it he gets the signature of the secratary of state of Illinois. That forces it back to a state issue – where it belongs.
North Bend, Or
What a loaded question. Why is Roland Burris controversial? Perhaps the governor is controversial, but he is the governor. And perhaps, he is "GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT". But Burris was appointed by the CURRENT governor under CURRENT law. What's the problem?
As an Illlinois resident I would rather have one Senator until the second can be elected in 2010. Burris can't get elected as a dog catcher so he jumped on this appointment no matter how disgusting it is. Burris has been blinded by ambition and has become nothing more than a media distraction set up by our "corrupt" Governor.
I'm an Illinois resident. It's pathetic what has happened with King Rod. However, he is still the legal Governor of Illinois. He has not been convicted of any crime. The Senate has no legal right in my opinion to keep Mister Burris from his seat in the Senate. Harry Reed needs to learn quickly that the same groundswell that elected Barak Obama will not view his actions favorably. We hear about the corrupt political atmosphere in Illinois. Senator Reed is demonstrating the same attitude.
It's obvious that Burris wants a Senate retiement package and Bla-joke-a-vich wants to sway the black vote in Illinois. Burris has tainted his entire career by teaming up with joke-a-vic.
Politics does make strange bed fellows. "Alec, May I have political desperation for $1000?"
HB
Anyone with intelligence would have rejected the appointment knowing who it came from. I think by this fact alone he should NOT be allowed to take the seat.
Secondly, judging by his press releases and interviews there is a massive disconnect between this guy and reality. He's just silly.
Lastly, what's the problem with letting the voters decide? Is that not the purpose of a democracy? The fact that the governors choice can't be appealed to begin with is quite stupid.
Obama and others said – We will not let anyone in the senate appointed by the gov.
I don't think Burris is smart enough to be a senator...cant follow
instructions.
And I use the word smart loosely – there are others that should not be senators.
Seat him. His appointment is legal and there is nothing to suggest that he himself engaged in pay to play politics.
Mr. Burris has done No Wrong, and should have been Accepted into Senate. The Current Governor is still the Legal Governor, regardless of Scandal and Investigation, and Mr. Burris has not been Affiliated with any Wrong Doing. I feel He should be Seated and Given the Respect that any other Jr. Senator would Receive, He has a Long and Honorable Track Record, and Deserves the Post Given. He should not be Used as a Pawn for the Current Politics going on Concerning the Illinois Governor!!
If he can just walk in to the U S Senate reaking of corruption and greed then all the laws that are written to protect little people like all of us from these gangster Illinois politicians are useless. This Blago joker is a domestic terrorist if he thinks he can profit and prosper in his life while just muscling his way around politics in the Mid West. The Senate needs to drag this guy out to the alley, beat him up and through him in the dumpster, they way they like to do it in Illinois.
No! Burris should not be seated! He should have already known this was going to happen with the blag scandal, I think what he really wanted to do was get some publicity out of it in the media... I think he should have his real intentions checked...
Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution says (in relevant part)
Section 5. Each House shall be the judge of the . . .qualifications of its own members.
That, my friend, is that.
hei Jack, didn't you say that the criminal charge is aganist the Illinois governor and not Mr. Burris. Isn't America not about innocent until proven guilty. Anyway, he is still the governor and his appointment of Burris is legit. The members of the congress are all guilty if the press or the FBI shoould investigate each and every one of them. So, they need to stop and swear in Mr. Burris.
I think that it is really absurd that Roland Burris even attempted to go to Washington. Namely Governor Blagojevic was under investigation for corruption and accused of stealing the very seat that he appointed Roland Burris to. The really sad part about all of this was that once Blagojevic appointed Burris to the seat, the feds revoked Blagojevic's security clearance (federal). What that means is that Blagojevic has nothing to do in the Governor's office because almost everything requires security clearance and it also means that he did something that the FBI did not want him to do.
I don't regard Burris as an innocent as he should've never accepted an appointment from Blagojevic once Blagojevic was arrested for trying to sell this very senate seat. I'm pretty sure that Dick Durbin (senior senator from Illinois) would agree with me.
With all the corruption in Washington, what's one more corrupt politician.
I'm an African-American woman, and a strong Obama supporter, and it makes my stomach turn how race is being injected in this seat that has NOTHING to do with race. Burris should be denied because he should have never been appointed. The Governor of Illinois is using Burris to take the attention off of him, and it's working. Blago, and Bobby Rush are using race in a wholly inappropriate way and it's terrible. I think Burris is too full of himself to see this is all wrong, and so desperate to become a Senator that he would dismiss the fact that Blago is a huge criminal, it really just makes me sick and I wish they would ALL take a flying leap!
Let's stick with no drama. Undertake due diligence on Burris and seat him if he is considered to be ethically acceptable. He is correct, that HE is not the problem. Is that not obvious?
TURN HIM AWAY. The circus is in town a little early for the inauguration. OH, what would we do without the drama!
They need to seat him and now!! Then get on with the problems of this country.
What I don't understand is if this guy is on the up and up and did his due diligence within the political system by checking around as to what the reaction would be, what was he thinking by accepting the nomination to begin with? Is his ego that large that he would accept the nomination under any circumstances? What did he hope to achieve or what is the point he is trying to make knowing he wouldn't be seated before hand?
Congress has no choice but to do what is legally right. Personally, I think Burris knows exactly what he's doing. He already knew that his credentials would be rejected. He loves the spotlight probably more than Gov. Blago, which is hard to believe. He wasn't the only African-American male to be tapped for this job. He was the one who accepted it.
Mr. Burris is an idiot. If his ego is so big as to overlook the "BEYOND TAINTED" status of the BozoVich that "appointed" him, minus the signature of the Secretary Of State of Illinois, Burris can not have the brains to do the job.
This is a pretty simple question. Article 1, section 5 of the Constitution states: Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members. This same section is what led to the reconstruction following the Civil War and the requirement that the southern states be readmitted to the Union before their congressional delegates would be seated. There is no higher authority to whom to appeal. What the senate says, goes, period.
What Burr is doing is a prime example of what is wrong with our legal system. He is legally right in persuing the Senate seat, but morally wrong on so many levels.
He knew this would create much drama ! He apparenetly enjoys the TV cameras more than doing what is right for his country. What a shame.
It is a no brainer. The Sec of State of Illinois has rightfully NOT signed for the appointment. That is the law Period.
Seat him. This is a huge and unnecessary circus that is making the democrats look foolish. So what if Roland Burris is seated. In 18 months he will have to run-not run and we'll see what the citizens of Illinois think of him. I'll bet he'll be dumped by the voters. At least he can stick it on his resume.
The Senate should do the same thing as the Illinois Secretary of State: Ignore Him. The Senate doesn't even have to decide about the Governor"s bona fides because the Illinois Secretary of State has given them cover. But certainly, when the majority party had a unanimously signed letter to the Governor to resign and under no circumstance, appoint someone to the seat that we have heard him try to sell via taped phone conversations, they are under no obligation to honor his appointment. He will be impeached with the month and the new governor can appoint whomever he likes, including Burris. However, I think Jesse White would be a better appointee, given Burris' behavior.
Why is it that the media and certain extremist want to meake an issue out of a non-issue. Although selected and appointed by the Governor, he knew he was leaving Illinois without proper credentials. His argument, if any, is with the Secretary of State in IL. There is absolutely NOTHING RACIAL attached to this issue. Burris is grandstanding, and shame on Congressman Jackson, Rangel, and anyone else who chooses to make this anything more than it is.
Go back to IL, get the proper credentials, then proceed to the senate, where the Senate will have to look at this from a purely legal standpoint. Oh, by the way YOU ARE NOT THE JUNIOR SENATOR FROM ANYWHERE UNTIL YOU FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURE and are properly sworn-in the body
On this matter the Senate should follow the law, just like most of us do every day. I have no idea what the law says on this, but someone should find out before shooting their mouth off about what they will or will not do.
Harry Reid and Obama have totally blown this legitimate appointment to the seat!!! the media cover up today for the Democrats is palpable. Where were the protesters – Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton!!
The whole Democrat machine looks very bad in the fiasco!!
Seat Burris and live with it Dems!!!!
Jack,he should be seated without any delay.If the governor was this criminal under survelance for three years,surely the have nothing criminal enough against him. The democrats want to use the out going bad guy,s (GB) style to deny a black senator.i.e the ruling party controls the judiciary and tells them what to do.
Burris is the LEGAL Senator as long as Blago is the legal governor. The Senate should have erred on the side of the law instead of playing the obviously dishonest role of using the technicality of a signature that should have been applied. If given the choice, I would not support the Illinois Secretary who played politics. In the end, the Senate and the Illinois Secretary end up "tainted" and Blago and Burris are on the right side of the law. BURRIS SHOULD BE SEATED.
Jack
It doesn't seem to me that this appointment has anything to do with the interests of the people of Illinois. The "Appointer" is a rat, trying to save his skin, and the appointee is a self serving weasel ready to fight the US Congress for his bit of glory. Y'know what?
In this electronic age, Congressmen (and Women) are redundant and have no real function anymore. Representative government can be replaced by email. Think about it. Nice, huh?
Del
Seat him.
Look at this as an opportunity to preview Burris. Besides there are provisions to oust him that are already in place if they determine there was anything nefarious in his appointment.
Jack – to just get it over with, the Senate should go ahead and seat Burris – after they cut down the legs on his chair, deny him any committee position, and permanently give his voting buttons an "undiagnosable electrical problem".
Roland Burris should be seated by the Senate, if his credentials are in order (as they appear to be). The governor of Illinois is the one accused of wrong doing, not Mr. Burris. There is no suggestion that Mr. Burris has colluded with Governor Blagojevich. And by the way, the Governor is still sitting and legally entitled to make this appointment.
The US Senate should not allow this to happen. Our President Elect even stated this is not the proper way to appoint Roland Burris. Jack how many corrupt governors does Illinois need? I bet George Ryan would love to share a cell with Rod since Rod ruined any chance of Bush pardoning George Ryan.
As an Illinois resident I say impeach the Governor and any appointments he make are null and void.
Plus way too much going on I want to know why did Burris accept this appointment? Does he need it that bad or is there something else at stake? Why not wait until all of the legal mess is over?
The Senate should seat Ronald Burris without delay, unless it has evidence to reject him based on his qualifications. And there does not appear to be such evidence. The US principle of "innocent until proven guilty" is most treasured and highly regarded by the whole world. Those senators who put up the barriers against Burris ought to be ashamed.
Jack, I think that they should not seat Mr. Burris. Even though constitutionally the governor had the right to appoint someone to this position, the fact that he is under investigation of attempting to get paid for the seat should bar him from doing so. Anyone who would gleefully accept the appointment from a man that would do such, shouldn't be a Senator anyway.
This whole thing about there won't be a black person in the senate is another distraction. People knew that there was a possibility that there wouldn't be a black person in the senate when Barack Obama announced his candidacy. Democrats and Republicans had two years to get another black person to run, and as a young black female this is a major "boy who cried wolf' issue that does not help those of us who attempt combat REAL discrimination.
I wrote my US senator (Chris Dodd) to please not waste precious senate time on this matter. Roland Burris was legally appointed (albeit by someone who violated the trust of his state), nevertheless, Burris should be seated and allowed to run, should he choose to, in 2010.
Enough of politics and let the senators get to work to restore our economy, save people's homes, and create jobs. Someone needs to be monitoring how the TARP funds are being used and someone needs to figure out how to regulate greed in this country so capitalism is not destroyed.
Sally, Branford, CT
They should check him for leprosy, 'cause I heard that stuff's contagious.
Here's Burris' take, plain and simple;"Seat me, or pay me." Sad isn't it!
The U.S. Senate is wrong for them to denide any Senator a seat and Reid has no authority to who a state picks as Senator or congressman. The Governor did not have to discuss who he appoints, he's well within his right and Reid can go sit on a rattlesnake. He is a hi-tech rasict who wants and all white senate like they had all white juries in Mississippi. That lench black people, The NAACP and the black congress should raise up against this action.
You can hate the governor but deniding Illonois fair repensentation they are guilty as was King George III of england
If he's seated it sets the price of a senate seat at $14,000. and, really, I could afford that. Please let me know when the next one is available. I need a job and wouldn't mind paying for it. The perks are so good, after all.
Jack, this is simple. It's the art of compromise. Burris should be seated providing that Blago resigns.
The Senate should collectively make a statement that their objection to Burruss is not legal but moral. When a dirtbag taps your shoulder and makes you a knight . . . and you accept . . . you are not a knight; you are just another dirtbag. Burruss would have earned most American's approval, both Democrats and Republicans if he had rejected the offer.
Burris should be welcomed into the senate because it's the RIGHT THING TO DO.
Sir,
Mr.Burris is well aware of the context in which he is offered the senate seat. Mr.Burris reminds me of the greedy,cunning fox tasting the blood of the fighting goats.
Let me get this straight: Bush, Cheney, Rummy and Rice design the torture policy and impeachment is off the table. Rove and Myers defy Congressional subpoenas and they are free to roam the world without fear of arrest. But the LEGALLY APPOINTED Burris shows up to take his Senate seat and, boy oh boy!, Reid is gonna grow a couple and make sure 'grandpop' is barred from entering the chamber. Absolutely stunning!
Blagoevich is a bum and I think Burris should have refused the offer, but the appointment is legal. Reid and the other congressional paper tigers need to focus on the dire battles facing our country instead of trying to engage their years-late machismo on this issue!
He was 'legally' appointed, so should be seated. Burris however, gives new meaing to "by any means necessary". Not even the people of IL want him in publice office, they rejected him a few times in the past for Mayor and other offices and I'd imagine they know him better then we do.
HIs blind ambition for higher office lead to poor judgement in accepting Blago's appointment.
No one wants anyone who would stoop this low to represent them.
If he is truly qualified, in all areas for the Senate, and is there truly for the people, seat him, and if not send him down the road and quit wasting tax payer’s money. It’s time for our government to grow up!
Bill, Summerville SC
Burris was appointed by a Governor who is under scrutiny for trying to sell Pres. Elect Barack Obama senate seat. The Senate did the right thing to turn Burris away from the Chambers. It would be an unnecessary disruption to Congress should Burris try to sue for the senate seat.
Donna Mae
Anaheim, California
The Senate will do just what we are all accustomed to. Afterall we are just working Americans and have resolved ourselves to the fact that the President-elect, the House and Senate will continue to make decisions in their best interest only. This is Change? Obama, the Ledgislature and the Courts will be status-quo ,as in the past, for many years to come. Only until all Americans can't pay taxes, are broke, dying, too ill or dead will the Government be valued for what it is........absolutely NOTHING!!!!!!!!!
Bill
Obama was elected in Nov. but doesn't become president until sworn in in Jan. Burris was appointed senator but also doesn't become one until sworn in. By the way, if Obama hasn't resigned as senator, wouldn't he still be one until Jan 20?-(and could still cast votes?). Or, if his resignation hasn't been oficially certified in Ill., couldn't he still withdraw it and moot the Buriss appointment?
the senate should fight for the peolpe of Illinois. let the people vote in their senator it is afterall an elected position
jack, the whole senate is tainted, in fact i think the whole country is tainted, blagoyevich is not the only one tainted, the system is also tainted. god help us!
Greeting, Jack.
By Law Senator Burris will win, according to the law.
Just like Blagojevich, Burris is muscling his way in any which way he can, flashing the race card in hopes of intimidating the weak-willed Reid. Burris is elderly and seems to be losing ground mentally, but really knows how to take advantage of the situation. There are so many more "with it" and savvy African Americans who would be a better choice for the Senate. Why not a black female? Waterford, Michigan
If you are legally called to duty, would you back down from it? That's the question we should be asking before we scorn Burris's decision to head down to Washington even though he had some idea of the outcome. Currently, the Senate seems to be worried more about their future political gains. If the Dems accept Burris, then the GOP could later exploit it. Someone should ask Sen. Reid about forgiving Joe Lieberman, even after he (Lieberman) testified against Obama in front of the entire GOP at the convention.
One of the reasons cited by majority leader Reid, for blocking the seating of Roland Burris is to "supposedly protect the integrity of the Senate", what a joke. Where was the moral stand on protecting the Senate's integrity in the case of Larry "wide-stance" Craig, Ted "give me gifts" Stevens, or the countless other Senators who has historically used the bully-pulpit of the senate to make the "N" word a part of legislative debate vernacular during the civil rights era. If the siting Governor signs the certificate that is all the constitution requires.
For Heaven's sake..The Senate should seat Burris and be done with it. Don't we have enough troubles in this country? This is like a bunch of school yard kids, all trying to power play the next guy. It's time these spolied brats grow up and tend to what they are paid to do. Maybe this go round they will actually do something constructive. I personally wish we could get rid of most of them and start fresh, with new ideas and no special interests.
It seems like as in most cases: The Senate attempts to do what
they ( thoses in power) want rerguardless whether it is really within the LAW or not. Harry Reid is doing what he doing only, because he can. He has no legal right to not seat Mr. Burris. Certainly, the Senate has a lot more important issues to tackle than this one. Whether anyone likes it or not, Roland Burris was duely appointed. Same ole, SAME OLE ! Let's get something acomplished !!!
I do not think Burris should be allowed to take the Senate seat! I am from Southern Illinois and I truly belive Blagojovich engineered this whole appointment of Burris as a way of sticking it to the Illinois Democrats one more time before he is impeached. No other reputable politician would even have considered taking that appointment.......only Roland Burris. Its the only way he can get another elected office in Illinois. Burris is a joke in Illinois and I am very suspect of his relationship with Blagojevich.
Susan, Southern Illinois
The FBI agent blowing the whistle on the Illinois Governor recited the most basic issue involved in the prosecution of a criminal "He is presumed innocent, until proven guilty". Those actions haven't started yet , let alone be over with a "guilty" verdict. So we have an "innocent" Governor, who has the sole right to appoint a Senator to fill a vacant seat for the balance of the term. As far as we know Senate appointee Burris was not in any "pay for play" act asserted against the Governor. Burris was appointed. The certification is deficient without the state Secretary of State of illinois. It seems like a clerical act of the Secretary of State, and soon presumably the Illinois State Courts will compel that signature be given. Until then the Senate has right to reject the qualifications. But after that, the constitutional issues in Article one, explained on CNN, all relate to some questions about the conduct of the Candidate, Mr. Burris, not about his state or the governor who appointed him. There is no cloud of bad conduct on Mr. Burris' part, so what is left the vague political rule, "It just seems wrong". That isn't right or lawful.
The question is really what Burris should do with a recommendation that comes from a suspected felon. He says there is no taint–but what could be more tainted than this particular recommendtion? His well-earned respect will be better cared for by his refusing this "recognition" by a scum bag and third world politician without principle. It is shameful that there is not a "law" that clearly states that when you have been suspected or proven to have shamefully misused your privileges, you loose all rights until otherwise proven innocent. It is just another example of the degradation of a lazy, misguided government. He should not be recognized until duly supported by individuals with respect, integrity, and good intentions. Do they exist ?
White Majority Leader Reid, the Grand Dragon of Las Vegas, and the rest of his Senatorial White KKKaucus Klanmen should check themselves before they wreck themselves. Nothing screams white supremacy like 100 old wrinkly white people cloistered in a room making up all the rules. Ditch the nooses Harry and give Brother Burris his seat…he earned it fair and square.
When it comes to Roland Burris, the controversial Senate appointee from Illinois, what should the U.S. Senate do?
Seat him immediately, the Illinois Governor's appointment is arguably Constitutional, this matter should not be in dispute...not surprisingly Senate Democrats have erroneously claimed an illusion of authority, at the moment the best they can do is intimidate Burris in agreeing to compromise his position, if the impasse continues the people of Illinois should decide the outcome, not the Legislature nor the Courts...
Regarding Burris, the Senate should follow through with blocking Burris from being seated. The Gov. of Illinois knew just what he was doing with the choice he made. He chose Burris likely knowing race would come up as it has. And unfortunately, he chose someone who he must have known would take the seat no matter how it came to him. I'm sure Blagolavich is snickering somewhere & enjoying all the fuss.
Mary – Laurel, NY
Continue to block the swearing-in of Burris. Not only is his appointment tainted, but a man who is willing to accept an appointment under such circumstances and with such obvious desperation (declaring his “integrity” and that the 'Lord ordained' his Senate seat) is too reminiscent of the past eight years of the right wing “moral” administration/leadership. ENOUGH!
What a Banana Republic this has become. The charges against Blagojevich are nothing less than hypocritical. What he did was cross The Chicago Tribune mobster and Bank of America Cartel when they wouldn't pay the Chicago factory workers. He stood up to the mafia and he is paying the price. Burris should be voted in by the people of Chicago. I feel like I've been living in Zimbabwe for the past 8 yrs. Will it ever end? SEAT him and stop the D-list theater. Harry Reid and Pelosi are both senile and should step down.
Jack, I have to agree with the actyion taken by the Senate today. Mr. Burris should have had the decency and intelligence to stand down his appointment and wait for a process to play out, considering the controversy surrounding the govenor that appointed him. This shows lack of character on Mr Burris's part.
Jack, Burris heard the news like every one else. he saw a way in and went along with Blogloiavitch no mater what anyone else thinks of it. now they won't be able to apoint someone without a shadow of wrong doing.
p.s. we plan on buying your book. thanks
This has been a political witch hunt in IL. for the last few years. The Governor will not play business as usual politics with Michael Madigan. Michael Madigan has been doing everything he can to try and discredit the Governor including long drawn out budget agreements, and not cooperating with the governor to resolve the disputes. Special sessions called by the governor have been ignored by Madigan and his cronies. I think It is Michael Madigan that should be being investigated by the feds, but that will not happen since his daughter is the IL. states attorney heading up the charges, and a Governor hopeful herself!
I think this is all blown out of proportion by the Madigan's and the media and the Governor has not been indicted for any wrong doing even after 3 years of investigation.
The practice of asking for campaign fund contribution transfers is a standard practice according to the media reports I have been hearing long before this case ever came out.
As an example I heard that it is normal for a presidential nominee to ask for the endorsement of the person they beat in the primary in return for a transfer of campaign funds to the losers fund to pay off debt.
For Jack and the rest of America.
Rule II, Standing rules of the Senate:
The Secretary shall keep a record of the certificates of election and certificates of appointment of Senators by entering in a wellbound book kept for that purpose the date of the election or appointment, the name of the person elected or appointed, the date of the certificate, the name of the governor and the secretary of state signing and countersigning the same, and the State from which such Senator is elected or appointed.
Roland Burris sold his soul by accepting this nomination in order to fill that blank space he has on his gravestone with the title of US Senator/only African American Senator 2009-2011. There are terms for this kind of African American but most people today are wary of using them. Look at the irony. Barack Obama is President and his senate seat goes to an African American who gets what he wants by collaborating with the white man crook in the big house in Illinois, Land of Lincoln. I thought after eight years we were finally in the 21st Century and here we are in 19th Century America before the Emancipation Proclamation. Wow!
The fact that Mr. Burris chose to accept the appointment displays his lack of good judgement. That alone should be enough to show he is not acceptable for the position. And now his opportunistic behavior is going to cost the taxpayers for his quest to stay in the spotlight, proceed through the courts and steal the position – unless he's already paid for it.....
Dems need to stop this nonsense. Think about the PR or the mechanics. This guy is replacing the only Black Senator. He is highly accomplished, has done nothing wrong and, he is replacing the President-elect.
Anymore public humiliation of this only Black Senator; a lynching as one Congressman called it, will exact a dear price on Dems. Burris is not the problem. Give him his seat, or risk appearing like a bunch of White racists, an exclusive club akin to what Tiger Woods encountered when he first won his Green Jacket. Get off it, save yourselves a blot of public ridicule.
The Us Senate is not the cleanest nor is it admirable. Reid, get off your high horse. You are no cion of virtue.
DON'T seat Burris! He is the stuffed shirt opportunist "Race Card Joker" being played by the political con artist and crook in the Ilinois Governor's office in order to gain nation wide African American loyaklty, gratitude and allegience to the governor and fierce opposition to the Governors impeachment and indictment.
This is racketeering, strong arming, hard ball Chicago politics at it's most corrupt -, and Chicago politics is the sole reason that I changed my mind about voting for Obama and voted for McCain instead. This scam tells me that my "gut hunch" was right and my decision to vote against Chicago Politics was sound. But I wager that Burris will evenually be confirmed in order to avoid a lot of "societal unrest". -, Chicago style. -, just as the governor "is betting on".
What kind of man would accept an appointment that he knows is tainted? (And he does know this, no matter what he says in public.)
The mere fact that he accepted the appointment is an indication that his own integrity is suspect. The Senate should refuse to seat him. He is just another creature of Illinois' corrupt politics.
Add this to the list of stories to which there must be something more . simply put, Harry Reid either has a fully functioning crystal ball or he should send a special thank you letter to the Illinois secretary of state whose failure to certify Mr. Burris gave a basis at law for Mr. Reid's premptory refusal to accept Mr. Burriss.
Did I miss something? Mr. Burriss is a life long democrat who despite the stink of Ill. Gov. Blagoivich, will add to the democratic majority in the senate? Democratic numbers in the senate alone create a certain level of confusion to the fact that a Democratic Reid was pre-emptively leading the charge to black Burris (or whomever was selected by Blagoivich) . unless this specific political circus is being played out in order to find some legitimate moral basis to preclude Burriss (which again Reid must have foreseen in his aforementioned crystal ball.) Or we prove once again, even in Power the Democratic party is inept and too interested in political circus to step out of the way and take a win when it is presented on a ilver platter.
My country. The rule of law. No the rule of like or dislike. Innocent until proven guilty. Guilty until proven innocent. The govener is the governer and has not been found guilty. Senator Burris should not make deals not to run in the future, it is is right as any other American. This should not be an issues. I am ashamed of my country. Too be so strong so weak so wrong.
Clinton
Atlanta, Georgia
Jack,Jack,Jack,Jack,Jack...this is the wrong question. The question should be: What should Roland Burris do? Any respectful person with a moral conscience would not have accepted the position from Blagojevich. The senate should now considered Mr. Burris unworthy of the senate seat and rightfully did not allow him access today.
Shame on Mr. Burris for going to Washington and making this a news story, a fiasco if you ask me. Shame on Mr. Burris for not having more respect for the proper political process and most importantly for President elect Obama...as if he doesn't have enough on his plate as it is without these further distractions.
this is a movie starring blagoyevich, burris and reid. we already seen part 1, let's wait for part 2, then we will give a rating.
Bottom line is, the Illinois General Assembly is at fault for this (namely, the Democrats). It should be the people’s choice who fills this tainted senate seat, but the Dems were so worried that a Republican might fill the seat that they did not take the appointment power away from Blago. Illinois Dems only care about themselves, not the people for whom they represent. I belive that I am a victim of taxation without representation, and I’d like a 100% refund of my 2008 IL income taxes. By the way, does Burris get a full pension from being a two year senator?