Roland Burris To Crash Senate Inauguration Party

3 years ago

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Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris, showing all the restraint of the man who appointed him, announced that he'll be in Washington for the swearing-in of new senators, whether the Senate likes it or not.

"The first part is how we're going to get there by train, plane or bicycle," the former Illinois attorney general said. "All we did is think about how we're going to travel."

And if you feel like chewing him out for legitimizing Rod Blagojevich's criminal conduct, just remember that's Senator Burris to you...

Despite the controversy, Burris said it's correct at this point to address him as Sen. Burris. "The governor signed the letter today, and that makes the appointment valid," he said.

Blagojevich's appointment of Burris was rejected by Secretary of State Jesse White's office as expected Wednesday. But Burris quickly took his case to the Illinois Supreme Court, asking it to force White to certify the Senate appointment.

The Senate, meanwhile, is taking all measures to keep Burris out of the Senate, whether that means denying Burris floor privileges, employing burly bouncers, or-- in the spirit of the Texas legislature-- hiding out in Oklahoma until the scandal blows over.

But the Senate should be careful what it wishes for. Sure, they should have no trouble barring this guy from their chamber next Tuesday. But if Burris is sent back to Illinois in disgrace, his governor may be left with only one option to fill the seat.

A man of the people, a veteran of Congress, a winner of two statewide elections, the man with the best hair this side of Tammy Faye Bakker...

Milorad "Rod" R. Blagojevich.

Filed Under: Senate, Democrats, Scandal, Inauguration

Tagged: Illinois, Jesse White, Oklahoma, Rod Blagojevich, Roland Burris, RolandBurris, Senate, Texas

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