BURRIS TO BE SEATED…. Harry Reid and the Senate Democratic leadership indicated recently that they expected Roland Burris to do two things before they’d consider accepting his appointment: testifying before the Blagojevich impeachment committee and getting his appointment certified by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
Last week, Burris testified, and on Friday, Secretary of State Jesse White kinda sorta certified Burris’ paperwork. As far as the Democratic leadership is concerned, it’s close enough.
“The Secretary of the Senate has determined that the new credentials presented today on behalf of Mr. Burris now satisfy Senate Rules and validate his appointment to the vacant Illinois Senate seat. In addition, as we requested, Mr. Burris has provided sworn testimony before the Illinois House Committee on Impeachment regarding the circumstances of his appointment.
“We have spoken to Mr. Burris to let him know that he is now the Senator-designate from Illinois and as such, will be accorded all the rights and privileges of a Senator-elect.
“Accordingly, barring objections from Senate Republicans, we expect Senator-designee Burris to be sworn in and formally seated later this week. We are working with him and the office of the Vice President to determine the date and time of the swearing-in.
“As we had outlined to Mr. Burris, a path needed to be followed that respects the rules of the Senate. We committed to Mr. Burris that once those requirements were satisfied, we would be able to proceed. We are pleased that everything is now in order, we congratulate Senator-designee Burris on his appointment and we look forward to working with him in the 111th Congress.”
It’s unclear exactly when Burris will take the oath of office, but expect him to be a senator by Thursday, at the latest.
It’s a bizarre story that took more than a few twists and turns, and I’m glad it’ll be over with in a few days.
