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Burris, Franken to be blocked from taking office

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 2, 2009 01:20 PM

It appears likely that when the new US Senate takes office on Tuesday, two of the 100 seats will be empty.

The top Republican says the GOP caucus will fight any effort to seat Democrat Al Franken, who is embroiled in a bitter recount with Republican incumbent Norm Coleman in Minnesota.

The Associated Press reports that Senator John Cornyn of Texas said Republicans will object to anyone taking the seat until an anticipated court case is finished and an official election certificate is conferred. Republicans will control enough seats in the Senate to mount a filibuster if necessary.

Franken holds a 49-vote lead over Coleman, pending the resolution of disputed absentee ballots, with a state canvassing board possibly declaring a winner by Tuesday.

Already, Democrats are vowing to stop Roland Burris from replacing President-elect Barack Obama as the junior senator from Illinois. Burris was picked by embattled Governor Rod Blagojevich, who has been charged with trying to sell the seat, and Democrats are doing their best to keep that embarrassment at bay.

The AP is also reporting that the Illinois state House, accelerating its schedule, could vote as early as next week on whether to impeach Blagojevich.

It had been set not to reconvene until Jan. 12, but a spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan says the chamber may vote on a recommendation from the special committee studying whether Blagojevich should be impeached.

It would take a simple majority vote for the House to impeach, the AP says, but a two-thirds majority in the state Senate to convict Blagojevich and remove him from office.

The current Senate, meanwhile, officially adjourned today, lowering the curtain on the 110th Congress and its two-year session.

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The Democrats are in a rush to impeach Blago in order to prevent Obama from being damaged further.

Posted by Obama = corruption January 2, 09 03:11 PM
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That's terrific, and as it should be. Now can someone tell me why a person who is not a natural born U.S. citizen is going to be sworn in on January 20 as president? That is, can anyone give me a valid reason why a man whose mother was a U.S. citizen -- but whose father was a UK subject, a citizenship status he passed to his son at birth -- is going to be declared this country's chief executive when his holding that office is barred by Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution?

Posted by tanarg January 2, 09 03:17 PM
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Hmmm, since when are the republicans so quick to get on their high horses about who to seat? They dragged their feet when it came to expelling Senator Stevens after he was convicted. Convicted -- not simply unacceptable by virtue of being appointed by someone accused, but convicted, CONVICTED. And the republicans did nothing about the Senator from Idaho -- Craig.

Go ahead Cronyn, kill the Republican party -- I dare you.

Posted by Bill January 2, 09 03:21 PM
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Did Senator John Cornyn of Texas, make a similar stance when the Republicans rigged the elections in Florida for George W. Bush?

Posted by Larry Linn January 2, 09 03:36 PM
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Has anyone determined what and/or how Mr. Burris paid for the appointment that Gov. Blagojevich was selling?

Posted by Curious in Middlesex County January 2, 09 04:59 PM
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Tanarg...
Not sure what you are referring to, as Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. The birth certificate is available online and there is no evidence whatsoever that it has been tampered with. He is clearly a natural-born citizen. On the other hand, if John McCain -- born in Panama -- was about to be sworn in, then that would deserve an investigation.

Posted by TimberJim-2 January 2, 09 05:24 PM
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tanarg, Obama was born in Hawaii, making him a natural born US citizen. This is well documented.

Posted by Fred Mertz January 2, 09 05:47 PM
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yeah tanarg - and when will people finally wake up and realize we never put a man on the moon either - thanks for being such a genius

Posted by billie bush January 2, 09 05:56 PM
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"Not a natural born U.S. citizen"? That's it? That's the best you people can come up with? Simon didn't say. No fairsies.

Heck, Cheney isn't even a human being- but that didn't stop you Right-Wing wackos when the shoe was on the other cloven hoof.

Look, your guy sucked- and he lost. Boo-hoo.

Posted by heyduke January 2, 09 05:58 PM
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Sen. Obama was born in the State of Hawaii in 1961. As such, he is a natural-born citizen of the United States. No provision of the U.S. Constitution prevents him from holding the Office of the Presidency.

Posted by Kenmore January 2, 09 06:03 PM
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To tanarg: Obama IS a US citizen ... you're just stupid. By virtue of his mother being a US Citizen, he is too. Matters not that his father was not. Do your homework and stop spreading lies. Besides, no one is listening to that stupid old story.

Posted by Mike January 2, 09 06:03 PM
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The senate doesnt have the right not to seat members. It was decided in the Powell case by the Supreme Court . A state's law decides the issue as to how a senator is chosen. If the US senate wants to get rid of someone they need to impeach and convict.

Posted by Jaytorade January 2, 09 06:09 PM
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tanarg: Your argument would have more weight against the son of Admiral McCain. John McCain was born in Panama. The US Congress clarified in 1790 that children of US citizens are US citizens.
Barack Obama was born in Hawaii making him a natural born citizen in the first place.
Gov. Blagojevich should be congratulated on appointing someone who is extremely qualified for the position. This is a beautiful flanking move. Appoint an African-American, who was top law enforcement officer as Attorney General of Illinois.
Minnesota can't choose a senator but they can convict one of lewd conduct in their bathrooms. Almost worthy of a Franken authored SNL skit

Posted by politicalInstigator January 2, 09 06:28 PM
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Anyone that conspires against Burris should be arrested. He is a good and honorable man and Blago is innocent until proven guilty. www.axjus.com

Posted by AXJ January 2, 09 10:38 PM
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Unlike Burris, the straight story is Franken hasn't been appointed or elected senator! Pre-recount results had Coleman leading by 8XX votes. In fact the day after elections Norm Coleman went to the media to send Franken a message to save the Minnesota tax payers some money and consede. The latest tally has Coleman behind by 4X votes. With the tables turned, Coleman, is now seeking to allow the votes he objected to from the start when he was ahead. Coleman said today if he doesn't win he will formally contest the results within the allowed 7 days.

Posted by markeyboy January 2, 09 11:26 PM
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It doesn't matter where Barry was born, he is NOT a Natural Born Citizen. If he was born in Hawaii, then he is a citizen, but not natural-born. A Natural Born Citizen is person born to two US Citizens. No matter where he was born, you can't say he was born to two US Citizens.

Posted by NothingNew January 10, 09 12:23 PM
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