In one of the most dramatic moments in Senate history, the Democrats refused to let Roland Burris enter the Senate chamber today. Democrats do not want to recognize an appointment from Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is accused of trying to sell the seat to replace President-elect Barack Obama. Burris attempted to be sworn in on the first day of the 111th Congress, but was told by the Secretary of the Senate that his credentials “were not in order.”
Nancy Erickson, the Senate secretary, initially cited the absence of the signature of Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White as the reason for rejecting the appointment. Burris is trying to get the Illinois Supreme Court to order White to sign the form. White has no authority to refuse his signature and is claiming the right to unilaterally block an appointment because he simply does not like or is suspicious of the appointing governor. No one has claimed that Burris bought this seat and indeed he would have been on the list of likely candidates for any governor.
It is clear that White’s actions are not true reason for extraordinary action. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and others stated their intention to block the appointment based on the governor’s scandal. Indeed, Reid said that, if his credentials are valid, the Senate would “proceed in a manner that is respectful to Mr. Burris, while ensuring that there is not a cloud of doubt over the appointment.”
To make matters worse, there is a rumor that Burris is being asked to guarantee that, if he is sworn in, he will not run in 2010. Given the fact that the democrats have no legal basis to deny him this appointment, such a proposal would magnify the gross abuse of power.
For Democrats who have complained about George Bush’s abusive use of authority, this is a terrible way to begin their control of both the Congress and the White House. Just as the Bush Administration argued that the President can torture because he says he can, the Democrats are claiming the right to bar any member because they can. It would create a precedent that they will regret and only fuels GOP efforts to block Al Franken. At least the GOP can cite an election controversy, the Democrats have no legal claim against this appointment.
For the full story, click here.
It looks like Senator Reid has to seat Burris now…
Well, I must admit that I had to Google ‘One First Street, NE’!
Thanks for the lesson mespo.
Ah, sweet vindication?…..
I enjoy watching government unfold like this. Great civics lessons for today’s school kids. My 1950s/60s lessons were never so interesting.
mespo
Do you think Senator Reid will fold and seat Burris?
Supreme court of Illinois.
http://www.state.il.us/court/Opinions/SupremeCourt/2009/January/107816.pdf
FFLeo:
Just read the article. I love it. The Illinois Supremes won’t require the Sect’y of State (SS) to sign nor does it even require the signature for the certificate to be valid, and the US Senate will not seat him without the certificate signed by the SS under their authority to serve as the “Judge” of “elections and returns.” This sets up quite a power struggle should the Senate Dems stand fast. We may be off to One First Street, NE.
FFLeo:
Great grab.
“The Illinois Supreme Court today rejected Roland Burris’ effort to get the signature he needs to complete his appointment to the U.S. Senate.”
I know Professor Turley will start a new post on this topic but I wanted to update this this thread for completeness.
Whoever said politics was not interesting…
The Illinois Legislative wheels of justice are greased and in motion.
Illinois House Votes to Impeach Blagojevich.
State Senate trial, then the feds. Justice for all!
Mr. Burris has at least 1 “characteristic” of a politician down pat.
________________________________________________
From HuffPo:
{Quote}:
“Inches away from securing a seat in the United States Senate, Roland Burris suffered what could be a serious setback on Thursday.
Appearing before an Illinois House impeachment committee, Burris acknowledged that he had reached out to a close friend and former chief of staff to embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich to discuss the Senate seat. That appears to contradict Burris’ statement in a sworn affidavit that he had no contact with any of the governor’s “representatives.” The former chief of staff, Alonzo Monk, is named as “Lobbyist 1″ in the criminal complaint, and ran Blagojevich’s most recent reelection campaign.” {End Quote}
huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/08/burris-admits-he-reached_n_156421.html
Check, 86 the lists.
Patty C,
I think Cook County Dem inadvertently missed your name in the list since that happened to 2 others who contributed. This is one of the best single treads around because of the cordiality and information presented. That is the most important reason I access JT’s blawg.
CC Dem did state, “Sincerest appreciation to *all* who’ve posted above.”
I seldom make such lists because I will invariably leave someone off who posted on a long thread. I second the acknowledgement that I appreciated your contributions along with “all who’ve posted above.”
Cook County Dem 1, January 7, 2009 at 11:33 pm
No I know. Former Fed said it best, “Reasonable lawyers most likely abhor and shun a career in political life.”
—-
I will take that as a ultimate compliment despite your inadvertent oversight in not including me in your ‘list’.
By the way, I intentionally did not answer your query, weeks ago,
as to how you could assist me (and my team) in the prosecution of Bush et al.
As I stated, I don’t enjoy being ‘used’…
That was a good read; Thank-you all!
Gyges- Happy Birthday to your little one!
CCD,
Former Fed hit one out of the park on that one!
No I know. Former Fed said it best, “Reasonable lawyers most likely abhor and shun a career in political life.”
Cook County Dem,
I think that you and I may be the only Illinois residents in the list that you provided above, and if that is correct, you better get your resume ready because I am not interested in moving to Springfield.
Sincerest appreciation to all who’ve posted above. Phenomenally grounded insights, really brilliant, bravo and thanks.
rafflaw
Former Federal LEO
Bob, Esq.
mespo727272
Vince Treacy
Mike Appleton
Jill
Mike Spindell
Gyges
Mojo
MASkeptic
rcampbell
JT
Now would anyone of you like to run for governor of Illinois? The position will be available soon!
Former Fed,
Any of the JT bloggers could reason their way through the issue(except fot the trolls, of course)!
Rhetorically, I often wonder why congresspersons—many of whom are attorneys—are incapable of reasoning like those who post within this forum; except that reasonable lawyers most likely abhor and shun a career in political life.