Incoming Blagojevich drama bomb at US Senate

Tuesday, Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed former State Comptroller and Attorney General Roland Burris to Obama's Senate seat. This is the same seat he allegedly tried to sell. Why would Roland Burris accept the offer of a tainted Senatorial seat from Gov. Rod Blagojevich? He has little hope of ever being allowed to hold that Senatorial seat. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he will refuse to seat Roland Burris. If anyone has an idea why he may have made this decision, please post your opinion in the comments section. There are rumors he may show up Tuesday at the Capitol with disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich in tow. Popcorn anyone?

Burris battles road blocks to Senate
December 31, 2008 at 5:37 PM | Comments (24)
WASHINGTON -- As U.S. Senate leadership developed an elaborate set of contingency plans today to keep Roland Burris from taking over President-elect Barack Obama's seat, the disputed appointee promised not to "create a scene" when the Senate convenes next week.

If Burris shows up Tuesday to claim the seat given to him by disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the outcomes range from a denial of entry to a limbo where he can hire staff but not vote.

Today, Burris' lawyers took the first legal action in what could be a prolonged court fight, seeking to force Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to certify Blagojevich's paperwork making the appointment.

Should Burris appear in Washington without that certification, armed police officers stand ready to bar him from the Senate floor, said a Democratic official briefed on Senate leaders' plans.

Leadership also is considering the possibility of Blagojevich appearing in person to escort Burris. Ironically, the scandal-plagued governor would be allowed onto the Senate floor, because sitting governors are allowed floor privileges, while Burris would not without certification. Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero said the governor had not decided whether he will appear in Washington next week with Burris. Full story here.