WASHINGTON - In an abrupt switch, Senate Democratic leaders began talks on Wednesday about swearing in former Illinois attorney general Roland Burris, nominated by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate.

The turnaround came a day after Burris was barred from the Senate chamber when he arrived to take the oath of office.

Senate Democrats originally said Blagojevich's appointment last month of Burris was tainted since the governor is accused of having tried to sell the seat to the highest bidder.

Under pressure from party loyalists, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said this week there was room for negotiations.

"We're going to have a productive discussion," Reid told reporters as he welcomed Burris and Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin to his office.

A senior Democratic aide said they were seeking an "amicable agreement."

Senate Rules Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein said on Tuesday Blagojevich had the right to make the appointment and Burris should be seated.

The Illinois legislature is considering impeaching Blagojevich who was arrested by the FBI on December 9 and charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery.

"I think Mr. Burris will be seated," said Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, a Democratic leader in the House of Representatives. "I think he is duly qualified."

One option to refer the appointment to the Senate Rules Committee. If the panel finds no wrongdoing, Democrats could then ask the Illinois secretary of state to certify his selection and seat him.

Democrats fear that Burris, who has lost a number of elections, would fail in 2010 when he would have to run for a full term. There had been talk of possibly asking Burris not to run in two years.