Mr. Burris Sues To Go To Washington

After Blago made his appointment of Roland Burris to replace Obama in the Senate, the Illinois Secretary of State said he would not sign the Certificate of Appointment. At first it looked like that was pretty much an empty threat but it turns out that Senate rules do may require a Secretary's signature (see Gabe's analysis in the comments).

Now Burris has filed suit in the Illinois Supreme Court to force Secretary of State White to sign the paperwork.

"The secretary of state cannot veto an action by simply not signing the document," Burris said. "He doesn't have that authority. He must do his job."

Justices on Illinois' highest court gave no indication when the court will take up the issue. If Burris prevails, it could allow him to present valid paperwork to the U.S. Senate, and perhaps give leaders one less reason to reject him.

And what happens if Burris shows up next week looking to take his seat with or without a fully filled out Certificate of Appointment? Fun, fun, fun!

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.

...Senate Democrats also have a follow-up plan (should White sign the certificate): Refusing to seat Burris until the Senate Rules Committee completes an investigation into whether the appointment process was tainted by corruption. Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on federal charges that he tried to sell the Senate seat."

Normally I am absolutely appalled by the race baiting crap Bobby Rush has been spewing the last few days. Honestly though, I can't wait to see him and the Black Congressional Caucus unload on Senate Democrats next week if they 'stand in the Senate doorway' to exclude Burris. Something about reaping what you sow.

At least the reduced Republican Senate caucus will have something to laugh about next week.

posted by DrewM. at 12:55 PM

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