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Burris cleared to join Senate

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 12, 2009 05:42 PM

The long national nightmare -- well, one of them -- is over.

Roland Burris, whose bid to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the US Senate evolved into a Washington soap opera that consumed Capitol Hill, will almost certainly be seated after all by week's end.

The two top Senate Democrats issued a statement this afternoon confirming that Burris, who was barred from the Senate when the rest of the newly elected members were sworn in last week, met the conditions they set to be accepted.

"The Secretary of the Senate has determined that the new credentials presented today on behalf of Mr. Burris now satisfy Senate Rules and validate his appointment to the vacant Illinois Senate seat," the statement said. "In addition, as we requested, Mr. Burris has provided sworn testimony before the Illinois House Committee on Impeachment regarding the circumstances of his appointment.

Burris, of course, was appointed by embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who faces federal charges of corruption, including allegedly trying to sell the Senate seat. But Burris testified that nothing untoward happened leading up to his selection by Blagojevich, and no evidence of anything non-kosher has emerged.

Burris, a former state attorney general, said he looks forward to joining the Senate and working on the economic stimulus package.

"Brighter days are ahead for Illinois," Burris just said at a news conference.

"As the President-elect has said repeatedly, he knows Roland Burris and has high regard for him. He looks forward to working with Senator Burris and the rest of the United States Senate to rebuild our economy and meet the great challenges of our time," said Obama spokesman Dan Pfeiffer.

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Burris's appointment needed to be thoroughly investigated by the FBI. Accepting that this appointment is legitimate on its face is not appropriate.

This was not handled well, Mr Reid.

Posted by Ron M January 12, 09 06:29 PM
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This is pathetic. Harry Reid is spineless and backed down too easily.

Posted by QuincyJohn January 12, 09 08:38 PM
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