In an unorthodox move certain to generate controversy, the United States today nationalized the Senate seat held by Roland Burris.
The White House quickly defended the measure, arguing that Burris' seat had become a "zombie seat" that was a drain on the rest of the Senate.
Minutes after the U.S. assumed control of Burris' seat, speculation centered on what it would do with what is widely regarded as a toxic asset.
White House sources said that the Illinois Senate seat might be offered to foreign investors after being bundled with other toxic assets, including last night's Academy Awards telecast.
Commenting on Mr. Burris' removal from his Senate seat, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said, "That guy is even more like Jesus or Gandhi than I am."
