Illinois Secretary Of State Caves, Signs Burris' Certificate Of Appointment

A week and a half ago Secretary of State Jesse White said not signing the certificate was a 'moral stand'. In the meantime, Harry Reid has backed down and said he would seat Burris if he had a signed certificate and the Illinois Supreme Court said it was a done deal with or without the signature. Now that the political winds have shifted, Secretary Whites' morality has become slightly more nuanced.

Following a decision by the Illinois Supreme Court, Jesse White, the Illinois secretary of state, has certified Roland Burris' appointment to the Senate, removing a major roadblock blocking Burris' ascension to the body.

According to his office, White has signed a certificate saying that Roland Burris' appointment document is "true and accurate."

...A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who has refused to allow Burris to take a Senate seat with White's countersignature, said Senate lawyers and officials were reviewing White's action.

"The Senate Parliamentarian, the Secretary of the Senate and Senate Legal Counsel are advising Senate Leadership as we consider a way forward," said Jim Manley, Reid's spokesman, on Friday evening.

This latest development gives Democrats a way out of a sticky situation. The Illinois Supreme Court said White does not need to sign the appointment papers even though the Senate requires him to get White's signature before he can assume office. White has refused to sign the document, but signed the Jan. 9 certificate and plans to send it to the Senate along with Burris' appointment papers.

Somewhere in Chicago newly impeached Governor Blagojevich must be enjoying a good laugh.

Possibly related...Popcorn and other snack food futures plunge.

posted by DrewM. at 11:02 PM

| Access Comments