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More steps toward Senate showdown

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 5, 2009 01:50 PM

In the latest salvos in a looming showdown, Roland Burris is taking off for Washington this afternoon even as the US Senate took an official step toward blocking him from taking his seat.

Sparring with reporters at an airport news conference before boarding a plane to Washington, Burris declared that he is the duly appointed junior senator from Illinois, despite the allegations surrounding the man who appointed him, Governor Rod Blagojevich, who has been charged with trying to sell the seat, vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

But the secretary of the US Senate refused today to accept a certificate on Burris's appointment because while it had Blagojevich's signature, it lacked the one of Illinois secretary of state Jesse White, who refused to sign it.

Burris told reporters that he is still "hoping and praying" that a deal will be worked out with Democratic leaders in the Senate, who thus far have insisted they will not allow him to join their body.

Meanwhile, a federal judge today gave prosecutors three more months to obtain a corruption indictment against Blagojevich, saying the complexity of the case against him makes it "unreasonable" to expect the indictment sooner, the Associated Press reports.

Chief Judge James F. Holderman's extended the deadline until April 7. It would have run out Wednesday.

Also today, the AP says, Blagojevich set a special election April 7 to fill the congressional seat Rahm Emanuel is vacating to become Obama's chief of staff. The primary will be March 3.

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Under the circumstances an appointment by Blagojevich has no currency. I do not see any other option than an election unless Blagojevich is removed from office in the next few weeks. I am sorry to say that I find government to be dysfunctional as it now stands. The issue is not confined to government or to any party.

For Burris to become a Senator under these circumstances the Senate would have to vet him. That is more of an executive function than a legislative one. I think that in order to run for a new office a candidate should resign from the old office. Then an election can be held for the candidates old office in a timely manor.

Posted by Ron M January 5, 09 04:21 PM
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What was the high bid?

Posted by 57-states January 5, 09 04:50 PM
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Let me see... Blagojevich tried to sell the senate seat, and the "new senator" was a regular contributor to the governor's campaigns, yet he thinks his appointment should be seen as legitimate? Obviously neither one of them grasps the concept of "appearance of impropriety". If Burris had any sense he'd step back until the Blagojevich issue is settled and a legitimate entity can make the appointment.

Posted by Dot January 5, 09 08:37 PM
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