Democrat Roland Burris blocked from Senate
Reuters | 01/07/2009 1:07 AM
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WASHINGTON - The man named by the scandal-plagued governor of Illinois to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate failed to gain entry on Tuesday when the chamber's secretary rejected as incomplete his credentials for the seat.
Roland Burris, a Democrat appointed to the seat by fellow Democrat Rod Blagojevich, said afterward, "I am not seeking to have any type of confrontation. I will now consult with my attorneys and we will determine what my next step will be."
Blagojevich was arrested last month on charges he tried to sell the seat that Obama vacated after his November 4 election win, charges the governor has denied. When Blagojevich later named Burris to fill the seat in the Democrat-controlled Senate, the move immediately hit obstacles.
The secretary of state in Illinois has refused to certify Blagojevich's appointment of Burris. Senate rules say such certification is needed.
Burris has asked the Illinois Supreme Court for a speedy decision on his request that the secretary of state be required to sign the certificate. He contends his appointment is legal.
