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PrintSenate Democrats yield to Obama, retreat on Burris
Fri Jan 2, 2009 2:20 PM EST
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WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats beat a hasty retreat Wednesday from their rejection of Roland Burris as President-elect Barack Obama's successor, yielding to pressure from Obama himself and from senators irked that the standoff was draining attention and putting them in a bad light. Burris said with a smile he expected to join them "very shortly."
Though there was no agreement yet to swear Burris in, he posed for photos at the Capitol with Senate leaders, then joined them for a 45-minute meeting followed by supportive words that bordered on gushing. The events came one day after Burris had left the Capitol in the pouring rain in a scripted rejection.
Obama had spoken to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Monday on the need to find a quick solution to defuse the dispute, according to Democratic officials. Reid was told by Obama that if Burris had the legal standing to be seated — despite controversy surrounding his appointment by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich — it should be done "sooner rather than later," said an Obama transition aide, speaking on condition of anonymity because the conversation was private.
The dispute had taken on racial overtones after comments by some Burris supporters. The former Illinois attorney general would be the Senate's only black member following Obama's departure.
"My whole interest in this experience is to be prepared" to lead Illinois, Burris, 71, said after meeting with Reid and assistant Democratic leader Dick Durbin, himself an Illinois senator. "Very shortly I will have the opportunity to do that."
Neither Reid nor Durbin disputed that, though they had declared with certainty a week ago that Democrats would not seat a senator appointed by a governor now accused of trying to sell the seat. Obama said then, "I agree with their decision."
On Wednesday, only words of good will, with photos, poured forth.
Obama told reporters that he knew Burris, liked him and would be happy to work with him.
The Democratic leaders brought Burris in from the rain and into Reid's spacious personal office just off the Senate floor for a meeting that had been set up last week. They invited news photographers in to capture the three — Burris in the middle — laughing and chatting.
Reid and Durbin then retreated from their won't-be-seated rhetoric and cast the dispute as a procedural delay caused by concerns about why Blagojevich made the appointment.
"First of all, understand we don't have a problem with him as an individual," Reid said of Burris, calling him an "extremely nice" and "forthright" man. "At this stage, the process is working out," he said.
Added Durbin: "I've known him for such a long time. We are friends and on a first-name basis."
The embraces reflected a growing expectation among Senate officials in both parties that the former state attorney general eventually would be seated.
As Reid and Durbin described it, the process depends on two developments: Burris securing the right signoff on his appointment papers, plus a sworn declaration that he didn't offer anything to Blagojevich in exchange for the seat.
"There was certainly no pay-to-play involved, because I don't have no money," Burris told reporters after his Senate meeting, previewing his sworn answer to that question.
It's a key issue in resolving the dispute.
Blagojevich is accused of trying to get something for himself in return for the appointment, an allegation he denies. By appointing Burris, he defied Senate Democrats who warned that a taint of corruption would strip credibility from anyone he named to fill the vacancy.
Secretary of State Jesse White also said he would not certify the appointment with his signature, giving Senate Democrats another point of objection.
The entire Democratic caucus then declared they would not seat Burris or anyone appointed by Blagojevich. They also said they would not seat Burris without White's signature, which Democrats said has been required by the Senate since the 19th century.
The scene Wednesday was a reversal from the day before.
Burris showed up at the Capitol Tuesday to be sworn in with the rest of the 111th Congress but was turned away by Senate officials who said his certification lacked the required signature from White as well as the official seal of the state of Illinois.
Senate Democrats refused to let Burris talk to reporters inside the Capitol but cleared the way for him to hold a news conference just outside. What followed was a bizarre, soggy procession in pouring rain as Burris, his advisers and dozens of news crews crossed Constitution Avenue to the news conference site.
The spectacle, broadcast live and repeated throughout the day, did not sit well with Democrats eager to project unity with Obama and to begin work on an economic rescue package.
Several behind-the-scenes phone calls and public statements later, displeased Democrats had conveyed a clear message to Durbin and Reid: Make this problem go away.
And a public crack appeared in the Democrats' wall of opposition when Rules Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein of California said that Blagojevich, however sullied, had the constitutional authority to make the appointment regardless of any Senate rules.
Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday arguing that blocking Burris was unconstitutional.
Further pressuring Senate Democrats were the 41 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who voted unanimously Wednesday that Burris should be seated.
"This is a situation where we have a senator who has now missed out on his first day," said Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. "It's only fair that he be sworn in immediately. This is a no-brainer."
Senate Democrats weren't quite ready to do that. But it appeared that all concerned were anxious to step back from the brink of a political and racial confrontation.
The get-to-know-you meeting with Reid on Wednesday was the first of several steps toward seating Burris, Democrats said. Second, the Illinois Supreme Court would have to force White to sign Burris' certification to comply with Senate rules. Third, Burris would have to give a sworn statement to the state's impeachment inquiry on Wednesday, which he promised Reid and Durbin he would do.
Finally, the Senate would almost certainly vote on whether to seat Burris, Reid said.
The process still could take several weeks, Senate officials predicted.
Not everyone was encouraged by the situation.
White, the Illinois secretary of state, compared Reid's actions to "strapping me in a wheelchair and pushing (me) down four flights of stairs."
"I have skid marks," White told The Chicago Tribune.
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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 | Durbin: No Burris Senate seat without signature | Associated Press | Thu Jan 8 | 6 |
| Senate rejects Burris, but law may be on his side | csmonitor.com | Christian Science Monitor | Tue Jan 6 | 4 |
 | Two Reasons Why Roland Burris Should be Kept out of The Senate | Ms CYPRAH | Tue Jan 6 | 56 |
| Illinois' Burris is a man of high ambition | Associated Press | Thu Jan 8 | 1 |
- Public Discussion (21)
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{"commentId":4645350,"authorDomain":"jmcshane"}
I have sent numerous emails about this --- Why punish a good man Mr. Burris, the Illinois Governor has been charged but, has not been convicted- Republicans would swarm all over this being great and just fine if the tables were turned... I say Democrat's are shooting themselves in the foot, it assures a Democrat takes Obama's place and Illinois would have a great debt to have re-elections to fill this seat and they can't afford it either.... By the way how many jumped right up (Harry Reid for one) and praised Stevens from Alaska on what a great guy he was and he was convicted and proved guilty......Who are they trying to impress with this phony uprising? Playing right into the Republicans hands - They are already complaining about Obama's plan to stimulate the economy --they are phony - look at the debt they are responsible for waging war on another country and destroying our economy, deregulating and shipping jobs overseas--who made this country creating this mess?
{"commentId":4645350,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"jmcshane"}
- 1 vote
#1 - Sat Jan 3, 2009 10:06 AM EST{"commentId":4684805,"authorDomain":"jfarchonis"}
Dirty Harry Reid is trying to keep a black man down!
{"commentId":4684805,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"jfarchonis"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":4685825,"authorDomain":"bigmikerox"}
I call B.S. any "good man" wouldn't have been within an ear shot of this governor once the charges were lodged. This Burris is just and opportunist at this point. Illinois and the rest of the country should give him a free pass just because the criminal Governor chose a black man? Nice try, give him his walking papers
{"commentId":4685825,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"bigmikerox"}
{"commentId":4694536,"authorDomain":"jfarchonis"}
any "good man" wouldn't have been within an ear shot of this governor once the charges were lodged.
Blagojevich is unindicted and still the legal Governor of Illinois.
Mormon Harry Reid has granted himself powers he does not have as defined by law.
{"commentId":4694536,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"jfarchonis"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":4695211,"authorDomain":"bigmikerox"}
Mormon? what does that have to do with it? Harry sucks, I get it but so does Blagojevich. Do you really believe he is innocent?
{"commentId":4695211,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"bigmikerox"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4699043,"authorDomain":"jfarchonis"}
Mormon Harry Reid has granted himself powers
Mormon? what does that have to do with it?
Same thing it had to do whenever Mitt Romney was mentioned, I'm just applying an equal standard when describing elected officials.
{"commentId":4699043,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"jfarchonis"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4660574,"authorDomain":"doppich"}
Now we know why Reid is unable to get moving on the stimulus package. He's too busy trying to blackball a duly appointed Senator from joining his exclusive Club of the Elite 100.
{"commentId":4660574,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"doppich"}
- 1 vote
#2 - Sun Jan 4, 2009 3:29 PM EST{"commentId":4685625,"authorDomain":"barbarahct006"}
I'm very skeptical about Blagojavich' choice of Senate appointee. If he's such a shady character, why should anyone have to accept his person of choice for the Illinois Senate seat just because he's still Governor?
I think Blaggjavich a pretty rotten person to chose an African American person especially I think he's using Burris as a pawn as in a game of Chess. This is not a game.
{"commentId":4685625,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"barbarahct006"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4684024,"authorDomain":"barbarahct006"}
Wait a minute! I think everybody understands that Burris has done nothing to deserve this mess. He's been thrown into the pile of mud. And when you're in mud, you come out dirty whether you want to or not. Now, if Roland Burris will come out of the mud- a squeeky clean individual to do his Senate job.
Since people want to bring in race, I am an African American female and would love to see the Illinois Senate seat position filled by an African American; but if African Americans can rise above the "Race Card", why cant others. Don't try to force "race" into this mess. Crap, I'd like to see a woman (an African American woman, an African American woman who has background in education, an African American woman who has background in education and has three children) fill Obama's Senate seat. Oh my, that's me!
Annnnddddd, God did not ordain this mess. Hey folks, Burris is using the code word again-God. The rest of you wouldn't know anything about that code word. I don't want to take out the time explaining it to you right now. Roland Burris, Why bring God into this batch of mess? I'm ashamed of you. Your parents should have taught you better than this!
The point that troubles me is: (I believe) Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. was on that list of perspective appointees to be considered. It was reported that Jackson was an "informant"for the Feds(reporter of Illinois Government issues)-frankly I don't like that label; but he provided information, concerning Blagojevich's dealings, to the Feds for some time. Was Jackson being used? By whom? Did Blagojevich cross Jackson off the list of contenders for Senate job because of the Informant report? Who has the answers to these questions?
If I were Governor Blagojevich, I would NOT appoint someone who has been "ratting"/ "informing"/ snitching" on me. But, fair is fair. Good guy Burris has just caught up in the"Blagojevich' mess. Sorry! I know that I wouldn't want to be appointed by a person who is currently BEING "Impeached". How could a person feel really good about that appointment?
To the news media folks that read Newsvine: Thank you! I've not heard the term "African Americans batted about so much. You'd think we were living in the 1950's. Honestly, I believe your overuse of the term "African Americans" will not stir us up/make us angry or create additional news stories for you.
{"commentId":4684024,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"barbarahct006"}
- 2 votes
#3 - Tue Jan 6, 2009 11:44 AM EST{"commentId":4685002,"authorDomain":"christian-grandma"}
I feel sorry for this man. He goes all the way to Washington, only to be told by his own party he can't take the seat. This to me is wrong. If like said above,he is qualified I can't see them doing this to him. This state needs to get their affairs in order! The mayor, should be charged and removed from office if he is doing something illegal. I am glad he is not the mayor of where I live. I feel sorry for the people in his state. Prayers are with you all.
{"commentId":4685002,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"christian-grandma"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4697191,"authorDomain":"ducote"}
The governor of Illinois is still the governor, and until he is removed he has the right to appoint anyone he wants. How can Harry Reid refuse to seat this man but welcome Al Franken with open arms?
{"commentId":4697191,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"ducote"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":4699252,"authorDomain":"jfarchonis"}
How can Harry Reid refuse to seat this man but welcome Al Franken with open arms?
He's a corrupt buffoon.
We're in it deep people.
{"commentId":4699252,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"jfarchonis"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4684611,"authorDomain":"gypsy746"}
I couldn't care less what color he is as long as he is qualified to do the job. With that said, knowingly accepting an offer from a "tainted" person, Governor or not, is asking for trouble. "Mr. Magic Man" should have waited and thrown his hat into the ring after the "Impeachment process" has been completed.
{"commentId":4684611,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"gypsy746"}
#4 - Tue Jan 6, 2009 12:15 PM EST{"commentId":4701547,"authorDomain":"caroaber"}
The state of Illinois is too populous to be served by only one senator. Time is of the essence. Why should this seat remain vacant?
Blago gave his opponents the finger when he dared to make an appointment, but as the sitting governor he is acting within his powers. Mr. Burris will be seated, his papers will be certified.
At any rate, the rhetoric has become more blunted. Even P.E. Obama sounds ready to relent. Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-California, has come out in support of Mr. Burris. The momentum is growing, and it can't be stopped.
Bold move, Blago. Maybe Prosecutor Fitzgerald is the new Eliot Ness and Blago is the king of the Untouchables.
{"commentId":4701547,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"caroaber"}
#5 - Wed Jan 7, 2009 12:47 PM EST{"commentId":4710095,"authorDomain":"fardarkle"}
Ness was the Untouchable. The idea being that g-men like him were above corruption.
{"commentId":4710095,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"fardarkle"}
{"commentId":4706905,"authorDomain":"cworld007"}
I bet he will be a better Senator than the one he is replacing. Now the state will have someone who casts a vote instead of present.
{"commentId":4706905,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"cworld007"}
#6 - Wed Jan 7, 2009 6:00 PM EST{"commentId":4706906,"authorDomain":"boomer-consumer"}
Who'dathunkit? I for one didn't think Blago was that smart, but he has stuck it to his innumerable detractors where the sun doesn't shine. Blago will have seated an Illinois pol whose ambition is inversely proportional to his abilities, a widely regarded loser with an L permanently branded on his forehead, who couldn't have been elected to the Senate on his own and who cannot win in 2010. Blago said (more in actions than in words), "Go ahead, I dare you. Refuse to seat an African-American to hold the only A-A seat in the Senate and the successor to Barack Obama's seat." The Senate blinked. Blago cynically (but subtly and brilliantly) played the inverse race card without anyone even realizing it, or at most realizing that it's not something that anyone now wants to emphasize.... The Senate's strategy is equally brilliant under the circumstances: seat Burris with an asterisk that leaves them an ace in the hole to exercise its Constitutional powers to unseat Burris if the Illinois legislature's foray into the potential impeachment of Blago turns up anything too stinky to ignore.... And the REAL punchline to this carnival sideshow...? Maybe the real culprit here is the U.S. Attorney who tipped his hand before he had a case -- does he really need an additional three months to make the case against Blago?
{"commentId":4706906,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"boomer-consumer"}
- 1 vote
#7 - Wed Jan 7, 2009 6:00 PM EST{"commentId":4709340,"authorDomain":"genmar4334"}
You know what I think this country needs to all go to Wash DC and bat these politicans with a baseball bat but don't hit them in the head because you will just break the bat. Why don't we try something a little different this session and that is to H && L with the Democrats and Republicans let's try the US Government and get something accomplished because nothing seems to work so forget the parties just get things done and get us back on course. It is really ashamed when you watch CNN and they have the cameras in the House or Senate and one guy is talking trying to make something happen and everyone on that committee is to busy ordering lunch or B.S,ing with the pages behind them. I don't know how many of you watched The District when it use to be on about the Washington DC Police force and their Chief Manyon. He goes before congress and he is trying to get across to thesze people that they have a serious drug problem and he looks and everyone on the committee are too busy talking to someone else than listen to him. He got up on the table and got their asttention and they told him he can't stand on the table and his reply was when you people are ready to listen to what i have to say then and only then will i get back down off the table. Got his point across and now we have all this BS with the ILL Gov and him appointing a replacement for Obama Seat in the senate and he is under investigation for trying to sell the position. They need to get him out of that office and strip him of his title and let the courts decide whether he is guilty or innocent. Can't we just get to work to resolve the problems we have with Medicare, Unemployment, Health Care and giving money to com,panies that shouldn't get it when their CEO's the previous year took a nice chunk in bonuses for themselves and the hard workers suffer because they end up losing their jobs. Start the house cleaning at the top and you might get to a workable solution. forget what party you are with because you are suppose to be working to resolve the problems of this nation not to point fingers at the Republicans or the Democrats or the the Independants. Just go to work and get the solutions needed to get the country back on their feet. I guess to do something like that would be unconstitutional and the Supreme Court would stick their noses in it and if they do cut it off and send them back home.
{"commentId":4709340,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"genmar4334"}
#8 - Wed Jan 7, 2009 9:23 PM EST{"commentId":4710887,"authorDomain":"kitcey"}
the word on the street is that Burris donated $15,000 to Blagojevich's campaign.
{"commentId":4710887,"threadId":"459460","contentId":"2267457","authorDomain":"kitcey"}
#9 - Thu Jan 8, 2009 12:09 AM EST{"commentId":10407884,"authorDomain":"breelaboy"}
{"commentId":10439303,"authorDomain":"brianalampton"}
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