Roland Burris Heads To Washington: 'I'm Here To Take My Seat'

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats struggled to avert a showdown steeped in race and corruption Monday as a defiant Roland Burris declared, "I'm a United States senator" and flew to the capital to claim President-elect Barack Obama's old seat in Congress.

Even as he sought to pressure fellow Democrats, Burris signaled there were limits to his rebelliousness. "I'm not going to make a scene. I don't want to give you all a circus," he told reporters asking whether he intended to breach protocol by attempting to walk uninvited onto the Senate floor on Tuesday.

The 71-year-old veteran of Illinois politics was still en route from his home state when Majority Leader Harry Reid announced he would not be permitted to take his seat when other new lawmakers are sworn into office. Burris "has not been certified by the state of Illinois" Reid said, a reference to incomplete paperwork that barely begins to describe the dispute.

While Burris has not been accused of any wrongdoing, he was named to the Senate last week by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who faces charges of having attempted to sell the seat.

Senate officials said it was possible Reid would try and have Burris' case referred to the Rules Committee for review, a move that would effectively sidetrack the issue while the complicated political and legal situation in Illinois could be sorted out. They spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they were not authorized to discuss possible developments.

Reid, D-Nev., had appeared to leave open the possibility of a compromise over the weekend after failing to persuade Blagojevich to leave the seat vacant. Burris is to meet privately on Wednesday with the majority leader in his office a few paces off the Senate floor.

Burris, who is black, downplayed the issue of race at a news conference before boarding a flight from Chicago to Washington _ even though supporters have given it prominence.

"I cannot control my supporters. I have never in my life, in all my years of being elected to office, thought anything about race," he said.

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He said repeatedly during the day that he is a senator, but in fact he is not and cannot be unless he is administered the oath of office.

Other controversy aside, Democrats privately expressed concern that Burris would not be able to hold the seat in a special election that must be held in 2010. Reid has denied that political calculations are involved, but one Democratic official suggested that one potential outcome would be for Burris to be seated and pledge to retire in 2010.

Burris sidestepped the issue at an airport news conference before leaving Illinois, saying, "I can't negotiate in the press."

The Illinois seat was one of two in dispute on the eve of the ceremonial opening of the new Congress.

In Minnesota, the state Canvassing Board certified results showing Democrat Al Franken winning a recount over Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, but a legal challenge probably will keep that race in limbo for now.

Reid called Franken the winner _ in a claim that Republican National Committee chairman Mike Duncan swiftly rejected.

Despite losing several seats last November, Senate Republicans have the ability to block any quick attempt by Democrats to allow Franken to be sworn in, and an aide said Reid would not press the issue on Tuesday.

Reid and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky arranged an early evening meeting to discuss the two seats.

The uncertain Illinois script played out as a federal judge granted prosecutors more time to seek a formal indictment of Blagojevich, and state lawmakers marched methodically toward impeachment proceedings that could result in his removal from office. He was arrested last year and charged with trying to sell Obama's seat.

Blagojevich appointed Burris to fill take Obama's former Senate seat last week, defying the wishes of Senate Democrats who had warned that anyone he named would be tainted by association. His selection of the 71-year-old former officeholder instantly exposed rifts among Democrats, evident at a send-off Burris received in a Chicago church on Sunday night.

Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., called the Senate "last bastion of plantation politics," and said blacks had been "excluded systematically for too long."

There were mounting legal complications, as well.

While Blagojevich has signed formal appointments papers, Jesse White, the Illinois secretary of state, has not, and Senate rules require that signature.

Burris, in turn, has gone to court hoping to win an order for White to sign the necessary paperwork, and has also threatened to sue to take his seat in the Senate.

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Associated Press Writers Deanna Bellandi in Chicago and Ann Sanner in Baltimore contributed to this story.

Comments

[Mahi Joe]

Burris, "It's all about ME, ME, ME!

I hope he enjoys his 15 minutes of shame.

[changeme09]

You are so right Mahi_Joe.
As an Illinoisian, I saw the exchange between Burris and the reporters at Midway Airport. He clearly acted like a "Mad Dog." Pretty soon he'll be foaming at the mouth. He rants and raves how the people of Illinois are big supporters of his selection. Ahhhh, Burris, you're approval rating for the Senate seat is as low as Blago's ratings "beeping" chaos, which does not speak much about an over zealous, wannbe be a politician again clueless jerk as yourself!!! You are am embarassment to the people of Illinois and so is your race card friend RUSH!!! WE DON'T WANT YOUR REPRESENTATION!! We have OBAMA, DURBIN, and I pray and hope to be ORDAINED THAT IT'S NOT YOU!!!!!!!!! Beat it, would you!!!!

[Mahi Joe]

I feel your pain changeme09. I too am an Illinoisan and remember how Burris lost his last three attempts for political office. We don't want him! There are so many better qualified people who can fill that seat and Burris is NOT one of them.

[karela]

I'd like to see a poll of the American people at large and of voters in Illinois specifically to see portion of the population believe that Blagojevich appointing Burris is good for the country or for the state. Burris has shown a disregard for the good of the people he supposedly represents by putting this issue in the forefront when there is so much else that is critically important to be dealt with. If Blago/Burris had held off another week, the Illinois congress would have passed a law to prevent this. That's why it was done quickly. Burris is a willing participant in what Blago is attempting and that alone should make us all want to do everything necessary to insure that he never stands in the Senate. Ya'all remember how Clarence Thomas got shoved down our throats---------and how well that has worked out for the good of the country?

[rolitt]

Blagojevich knew what he was doing. He found the weakest link of the available candidates to make a fool out of Washington and the investigation. It is unfortunate that Burris do not know any better and has that appearance of an 'old koot' believe he earned the and is being elevated when no one will ever recognize him and if seated will surely loose in 2010. It wthatas a political thumb up the nose for Blagojevich. Burris was used and deep down he knows it but has no scrupples and do not being laughed at by the people here in Chicago. This reminds me of those scammers who seek out the elderly and sell them a bill of goods and they do not know any better accept the scam. Burris' age is definitely showing re his judgement to accept this position.

[Mike Doyle - Huffpost Blogger]

I think the headline should read, "I'm a United States Senator...DAMMIT!"

Oh, who am I kidding? Roland Burris referring to Roland Burris in the first person?

[meede]

If Burris was so good, he would have been elected by the people of Illinois in one of the numerous elections he ran in -- all of which he LOST. Ran for governor and whatever else I think like 4 times or so. Seems the people of Illinois already spoke out -- LOUDLY. Further displays his arrogance and huge ego believing he is best for the job. The people thought not at state level so why would it be different at federal level. His giant ego is also on display in the HUGE memorial he built for himself listing his positions etc. And again -- when convenient -- play the race card. No wonder people are tired of it. Race wasn't an issue in the Obama campaign and look at all the nationalities that voted for him. When you have to push the race card, you loose the support. He'd be better off encased in his self-built memorial than representing the citizens of Illinois. He also paid far too much to Blago for campaign support funds and who knows what else to be clean. Bet the Blago-Burris conversations were on a street corner to avoid taping as Burris would then be up to his a.r.s.e.

[hernan1333]

"What the LORD has ordained?" Didn't know Blago the clown had divine powers. Burris using right wing neo-con tactics used by Hagee and others like him. If you can't get support from real people argue it was God's will. What an embarrassment!

[Awakenedcitizen]

Personally, that is a turn off for me; from either the right or the left when they support their opinions, actions and positions by quoting "God" or "The Bible" to stop people from criticizing THEIR opinions, actions etc.

[AllenD]

You know Harry Reid is pretty hopeless when Blaggo the clown just punked him with this appointment and Burris will be seated.

[clsmithj]

Thank you Shuster from showing the hypocrisy of Harry Reid against Burris.

Joe Lieberman should have been given the mighty boot for stabbing the Democrats.

[Eric8]

This guy belongs in a mental institute. First he doesn't understand that he just got appointed by a corrupt governor; instead of doing the "right thing" (yes I am referencing spike lee's 90's film) he is so completely narcissistic he demands immediate representation; invoking religious and racial overtones while we live under a secular government not a theocracy should be enough for him to be committed; he says its not about race, while emphasizing that he will take "his seat" as if he is the logical extension of civil rights movement, wake up, its 2009 and we just elected a black man to be president, take your garbage racial speech to another country, us young adults are tired of you baby boomers who see everything through a 60's mentality, go away!!! But the ultimate irony is that someone so self absorbed builds a monument to himself even, is trying to replace a true public servant like Pres. Obama, a truly disgusting turn of events. After the Senate turns him away, I hope Pres. Obama tells him to get out of washington.

[Eric8]

This guy belongs in a mental institute. First he doesn't understand that he just got appointed by a corrupt governor; instead of doing the "right thing" (yes I am referencing spike lee's 90's film) he is so completely narcissistic he demands immediate representation; invoking religious and racial overtones while we live under a secular government not a theocracy should be enough for him to be committed; he says its not about race, while emphasizing that he will take "his seat" as if he is the logical extension of civil rights movement, wake up dip ship, its 2009 and we just elected a black man to be president, take your garbage racial speech to another country, us young adults are tired of you baby boomers who see everything through a 60's mentality, go away!!! But the ultimate irony is that someone so self absorbed builds a monument to himself even, is trying to replace a true public servant like Pres. Obama, a truly disgusting turn of events. After the Senate turns him away, I hope Pres. Obama tells him to the bleep out of washington.

[frant52]

So now instead of just a crooked, connivng, and hopefully soon to be impeached governor will name the senate replacement, but the lord as well?
I'm not a religous person, but I can't imaging two less likely cohorts; the Lord and Blagojevich!

[carnelld]

Any politician who would turn down an opportunity to become a U S Senator is not worth "salt".Someone should tell Caroline Kennedy that she should not by any means accept the appointment to replace Hillary Clinton. What about the guy from Colorado. Does he have an ego problem? The Democratic Senate leadership has shown a lack of intelligence in this appointment. In addition to a lack of firm legal ground to refuse Burris, they also give the perception that race is an issue. Perception means a lot in politics. Reid attempted to influence the Governor's appointment selection. On Meet The Press he said he could not remember the specifics of his conversation. I find his explanation dishonest, and deficient. He allegedly supported Lisa Madigan to the Illinois Senante seat. Madigan, as you recall filed a bogus Illinois Supreme Court filing to strip Blago of his statutory powers before he could make an appointment. Based on the rule of law, her filings were denied by the courts. In the meantime the Democrats have opened the door for the Republicans to attempt not to seat Al Franken from Minn. Burris+Franken= two(2) Democratic Senate votes the Democrats will effectively not have immediately, as they attempt to address the problems of the USA. All this has occurred after the Democrats talked about reaching sixty(60) votes in the Senate.The Democratic Senate leadership is pathetic, narrow minded and continue to play into the designs of the Republicans.

[thisoldbroad]

Slow down darlin! You're spinning so fast I'm getting dizzy.

[easarsfield]

"I'm not angry with anybody," Burris added. "As a matter of fact I'm happy. I'm enjoying this on behalf of the people of Illinois."

Oh my god, are you kidding?? The more this guy opens his mouth, the more I want to throw a shoe at him. He is a complete and utter embarassment to our state.

[visitingmoi]

While he will be seated, I agree. GOD I WISH HE WOULD SHUT UP! He acts like we want him, or that he is doing the people of Illinois a favor. Good God, can some handler get to him and get him to shut his mouth?

[Einstein44]

Mr. Burris goes to Washington...can't wait to see the sequel !

[poomplet]

This drama has been played out before, and much more humorously, on TV.

Remember when George Constanza quit his job on Seinfeld...instantly regretted it... & then just showed up the following monday acting like he worked there?

I think the same thing happened on the office w/Dwight or Andy.

[robXdion]

There's something about his self-referential use of "my" and "I'm the senator" that makes this seem to be more about his ego and less about the people having 2 representatives in the Senate. He wants this way too bad.

[easarsfield]

I agree. But, this is the only chance he would ever have at this seat. He's lost so many elections in IL, it's obvious we don't want him. He's just that desperate.