What to Do With Roland Burris

This guy choose to get into this mess on his own. Another person was choosen, but refused it from this Governor, but this guy choose to take it. Mr. Burris to me has choosen his own fate if he gets it for now. He will lose it in 2010. This has nothing to do with his qualifications. I think he’s a fine pick, but by this Governor NO. This Governor needs to leave now. The people of Illinois desire a voice in this new Senate. I hope this can be resolve with a little less drama.

Seat Roland Burris! He is better qualified than most of the people in the Senate/Congress and more qualified than PEBO! :(
Besides the air is getting very foul with all the stirring of the Chicago political cesspool!
And another thing, what is the difference between what Blago supposedly said and Caroline K S trying to sell the tainted, dynastic Kennedy name for a Senate seat?
But there is good news! PEBO will get a belated vetting as Chicago political pollution continues to foul the air! :)
And we the people will once again insist on representation with an authentic moral core!
We will say enough to the greedy, cheating, prevaricating, and manipulating obfuscators that have hijacked power for personal gain. :(

The Illinois Legislature blew it when they didn’t change the law mandating a special election to fill the Senate seat when they had the chance. The governor can and did appoint a replacement for Obama in the Senate. The Dems brought this on themselves and they can continue the drama…or accept Burris and move on.

What “legal experts” are you dumbasses at ABC using? The Constitution is CLEAR. Either House of Congress may refuse to seat a member for ANY reason. There is NO appeal to any court. Period. You all just wnat to create arguments and confusion.

The honorable thing for Burris to do would be to withdraw, pending resolution of the governor’s situation. Even if he’s seated, does he really want the job under this cloud of illegitimacy? Meanwhile, he is taking Obama and the Dems off message in the critical days leading up to the inauguration. Burris should step aside, at least for now.

Harrry Reid, I respect you. But this is a losing case. Blago is too smart for most of you. Just let go. And, what Blago did is really not criminal, hard to swallow as the aftermath of Call for Change, but not criminal.

If I were Burris, I would force myself in regardless and see how things evolves. It’s up to the Dem leadership to remove this legally appointed African American senator by arresting him? I don’t believe they can remove a member for ANY reason. Otherwise, the Republican members would have been all removed by now.

The French and the Chinese had a great idea of what to do to all politicians every 20 years. HANG THEM OR BEHEAD THEM.

When one reviews the political headlines of the past six months, it is obvious that America has sunk to new depths of corruption and political degradation. Political scientists used to laugh at the machinations of the “spoils system” of the late 19th Century. One president was assassinated by a “disappointed office-seeker”. Politicians in Eastern Europe are mused by the reports of American political decline after years of self-righteous American scorn of “corrupt foreign governments”. We rival the governments of Robert Mugabe, Idi Amin and Pol Pot in our projection to the world of the “low life politico”. Once again in the words of Pogo, “We have met the enemy and they are us.”

==Blago has not been convicted,impeached or even charged. They only have allegations so I don’t understand the problem. ==
Politics is a performing art. So, the appearance of wrongdoing is enough to deny him a politicial performance, which appointing is.

==If I were Burris, I would force myself in…==
He wouldn’t make it.
== It’s up to the Dem leadership to remove this legally appointed African American senator by arresting him?==
Nobody cares about legalities, rather the politics of it. The appointment process is not a legal process, rather a political one. Blago’s offense is a political one and should be handled, in part, by a legitimate political machine.
== I don’t believe they can remove a member for ANY reason.==
They can. They may also prevent the seating.

Has the quota system come to illonis politics now, is being black Burris main qulification, next thing there will be a quota system for all the US Senate, but who is going to determine which state can only have one white senator.

Any appointment made by Mr. Blagojevich will rightly be suspect as to whether it is one of corruption or to serve the people of Illinois. Mr. Burris risks being tainted himself by attempting to enter the senate on Blagojevich’s questionable and seemingly corrupt integrity and dealings. Burris appears to condone a stance against the public good by his attempt to ignore the charges against Blagojevich and the outrage of the people of Illinois.

==Their beef is with the governor, not the man he appointed for the position.==
The appointment is the fruit of a politically-diseased Blago plant.
== The story will die down much faster if the Senate gives a little on this one and allows the appointment to stand – plus it better serves the people of Illinois to not interfere with allowing Burris to serve out this term.==
Serve out “his” term???? He’s been appointed, and the Senate has the political and, thus, constitutional, option of rejecting the appointment. It hope it does.

==Kill them all and let GOD sort them out==
Ok, you go first.

==…is being black Burris main qulification [sic]…==
For those who fancy themselves as being “politically correct,” yes.

The senate really has nothing to gain by fighting this appointment. Their beef is with the governor, not the man he appointed for the position. The story will die down much faster if the Senate gives a little on this one and allows the appointment to stand – plus it better serves the people of Illinois to not interfere with allowing Burris to serve out this term.

It appears that everyone is forgetting the #1 rule of law: despite all evidence to the contrary, a person is innocent UNTIL proven guilty. If you want to impeach Burris after he’s in, fine, but for now, there is nothing to prevent him from being seated other than distasteful opinions.
Let him in.

That should be Article I, Section 5.

==It appears that everyone is forgetting the #1 rule of law: despite all evidence to the contrary, a person is innocent UNTIL proven [sic] guilty.==
Irrelevant.
Blago’s criminal guilt is a matter for law.
His political “guilt” is up to the Illinois legislature.
Whether the Senate lets the fruit of political coruption into the Senate is up to the Senate.
==If you want to impeach Burris after he’s in, fine, but for now, there is nothing to prevent him from being seated other than distasteful opinions.==
Article I, Section 5.
==Let him in.==
No.

==…until January he is a sworn, sitting United States Senator from Illinois and *all* senate business falls within his purview. This includes potential “future” business of the U.S. Senate.==
Except that he quit/vacated the seat already. He’s no longer a Senator.

There is only one relevant question here: Who is the Governor of Illinois?
According to the U.S. Constitution and Illinois law, the governor has the unchecked power to select the Senator, in the case of vacancy.
As to the supposed power of the Senate to refuse to seat a new Senator, the Supreme Court made it clear as crystal that that power is only to review the qualifications of the candidate as listed in the Constitution, which are: age, residency and citizenship:
since the Powell v McCormack decision in 1969. (Amar and Chafetz also argue that — notwithstanding the question about what constitutes an “election”, the appointment of Burris qualifies as a “return”, which the Senate also has the power to judge under Article 1, Section 5). Rather the question in light of the Powell decision, is to what if any extent the Senate is restricted in its power to serve as the judge of such an appointment.
From Powell v. McCormack (1969):
“In short, both the intention of the Framers, to the extent it can be determined, and an examination of the basic principles of our democratic system persuade us that the Constitution does not vest in the Congress a discretionary power to deny membership by a majority vote.”
COULD THIS BE ANY CLEARER?
**** The Constitution does not vest in the Congress a discretionary power to deny membership by a majority vote. ****
And it is a good thing too. Otherwise Republican Congresses would refuse to seat Democrats, Democrats would refuse to seat Republicans, etc.
TAINT IS NOT THE ISSUE.
THE RULE OF LAW IS THE ISSUE.

Why should the Senate back down because of Burris??
The Governor of Illinois is under federal investigation!!
Anything that Blago does is questionable including appointing Burris!!
Burris could not get himself elected for Mayor and Governor!!!!
Now, he is willing to slither his way to a Senate seat!!!!
I question his sincere integrity and ethical motives to the office!!!
Is he doing this for himself (opportunist) or the people of Illinois????

I can’t believe the Democrats are letting this turn into such a fiasco. Legal experts seem to agree they have no basis for refusing to seat Burris – they need to just seat him, and move on.
You’d think they’d have more important things to worry about.

Appointments are political. SCOTUS doesn’t get involved in political questions.
I know, Libs are gonna bring up 2000 and SCOTUS.
However, SCOTUS got involved, not on a political question, rather a question of spcific, federal election law.

==Legal experts seem to agree they have no basis for refusing to seat Burris…==
Yes, they disagree with the Constitution.
==… – they need to just seat him, and move on.==
How will he get past the Sargeant at Arms?

The Senate will not seat Burris!!!!

If Burris is refused, it sets the president that ANYONE could be rejected for ANY reason. The supreme court ruled in 1969 that the senators have LIMITED discretion and that they do not have the power to pick and chose who they want.
Blagojevich hasn’t been indicted, much less found guilty of anything. He is the governor and is the legal person to pick Obama’s replacement. Burris isn’t even being questioned about any wrong doing.
The democrats are making themselves look like bullies and fools.

“Democrats are the most filthy, the most corrupt bunch of animals on the planet”
Posted by: Mr. Incredible
I take it you forgot about the republicans.

==/”Democrats are the most filthy, the most corrupt bunch of animals on the planet”
Posted by: Mr. Incredible
I take it you forgot about the republicans.==
No, I didn’t.

===If Burris is refused, it sets the president…==
Posted by: JR | Jan 2, 2009 5:01:56 PM
———————————–
“President”???!!! It sets the “president”???

==The whole point to “innocent until proven guilty” is to allow people…convicted of a crime.==
The appointment is a political matter, not a criminal matter.
However, because the appointment is politically-tainted, the Senate is allowed to handle it politically. The Senate decides whether the appointment squares with the Senate’s political scruples.

==If Burris is refused, it sets the president [sic] that ANYONE could be rejected for ANY reason.==
In a political process — which appointment is — that is true. Just as voters may reject for ANY reason.

==LOL to all of you who thought things couldn’t get any worse. Blago, Burris and Al Franken can car pool to the Senate for a hardy Demo’s Welcome. YES WE CAN be senators ! I’m glad the Democrats are “in charge” of the country! I’m off to kling to my religon and hide my money …==
I kinda agree with you there.
Already, Libs are not as satisfied with the Dems as they thought they would be.

Sadly, the facts are simple. Illinois democrats dragged their feet on a special election because they were afraid of losing the seat to a republican. Rep. Rush who was determined to see a black appointed was on the record saying it would be difficult to field a viable black candidate on such short notice.
Having voted for Obama this last election I feel I’ve earned the right to say I’m offended this has been forced on us. I question Mr. Burris’s judgement in accepting this appointment and I blame our current state leadership for allowing this to happen. Any attempt to make this look any better or simply blame Blagojevech is simply putting lipstick on a pig!

Mr. Less than Incredible:
The U.S. Constitution and the law of Illinois give the governor the sole power to name Obama’s successor to the Senate.
“It’s a political decision.”
Our Constitution and the laws of the States (by grant of the power by the U.S. Constitution) determine the LEGAL LEGAL LEGAL LEGAL method by which our Congressional representatives are chosen.
Your statement statement that public officials are free to override the LEGAL LEGAL LEGAL LEGAL process for selecting Obama’s successor is simply buffoonery.
This is not good for my party (I’m a Democrat), but that’s just too bad. Democrats should expect Democrats to oppose any attempt to continue Bush’s despicable record of overruling the law.
Until the day he is impeached and removed from office, the Governor of Illinois has the power to:
1) Pardon persons convicted of breaking Illinois statutes (even himself!).
2) Veto legislation passed by the Illinois legislature.
3) Appoint someone to the Senate in case of vacancy.
Naming Rolland Burris to the Senate may not be the right thing for Blagojevich to have done, but until he is removed from office, he has the Unmittigated, Unchecked, Absolute power to do so.
That is the law.

Our whole political process is corrupt. What a bunch of good ole boys. What a mess.

newton wrote:
“Clinton and Lewinsky did not bring about any question about his ability to appoint judges who are seated for life;”
I’m sorry to disagree but there’s a big difference between these two instances. Blagojevech is accused of trying use his office to sell this senate seat. Clinton lied about an affair.
The fact is Burris is going to get in. The problem is he’s a recently failed gubernatorial candidate who will be tainted by the governor’s scandal. So because the Illinois leadership was afraid to do the right thing we will have months of discussion on Mr. Burris instead of the topics that truly plague our country.

Burris is a joke. a few weeks ago he thought Blagojevich should step down from the governorship because of wrong doing. Now after his appointment to the senate he is all smiley and using his black race to get the senate to accept him. Same old black story, always want a handout.

I thought the Democrats were all about lifting Blacks up.. Apparently they dont want a Black Senator, since there are none in the Senate currently…. What a bunch of pretenders, the Dems dont give a dam about minorities!!

The following people should
be sent to prison for at least
five years:
The U.S. Attorney in Chicago
and the entire Illinois state
legislature.

Burris is not very politically astute!!He should realize that he is only being used by Blagojovich . It’s a pathetic power play. If Burris had any active brain cells, he’d kindly thank Blagojovich for the appointment and respectfully decline. He would then demand a special election so that there would be no suspicion of a tainted appointment or dirty political dealings.

Love him or hate him we must admit that Governor Rod Blagojevich is a political genius. If he were a Republican governor just imagine how effective this political move would be. Imagine the drama of the New York Times reporting on Republicans physically blocking the only black Senator entrance to the Senate floor. That’s a photo op the media would use to destroy Republican candidates forever!

The U.S. Attorney in Chicago
is a disgrace to the legal
profession and law enforcement.
He should be sentenced to five
years in prison for defaming the
governor’s character.
He has no case, no evidence
against the governor.

chicago is a cesspool of corrupt politics and if you play in the mud — then are all muddy and corrupt — and since when are we required to have a another Black senator ? Is there a quota for this job –get rid of the Daley machine and you will get rid of all the crooks I am a Democrat and it sickens my stomach to know about all the corruption in my party –actually , the repub are just as bad –the politicians forget who they are suppose to serve — the demos will also hang themselves in due time –

There is a problem with the U.S. Senate, it’s the bigoted white Mormon, Harry Reid who has inspired other Senators to put on white sheets and chant “White Supremacy Rules”. Reid has never embraced the concept of democracy and aside from allegiance to the Book of Mormon and obedience to the Profits of his church, despises the fact that there is a substantial non-white population of U.S. citizens who are unrepresented in the Senate.

Since only the Republicans are supporting Blagojevich’s right to appoint Obama’s replacement in the Senate, Blagojevich should change his party to Republican. The position of the head of the RNC is vacant. He will be perfect for the job.

“Mr. Incredible,” are you a specialist in Constitutional Law, aside from pretending, via your online name, that you are some sort of children’s superhero?
No? Well, neither am I. I therefore tend to defer to people who are, but Article I, Section 5 doesn’t contradict Kenneth Gross’s remarks. Like many Constitutional provisions, it is open to interpretation by the courts. The framers were not fools; knowing that they could not anticipate every future situation, they left open many loopholes and room for manuevering.
However, “Mr. Incredible,” if you are a professor at one of our nation’s major law schools, in possession of a J.D. and an M.A. in Law (or, dare I hope, a PhD), then please, lay out your scholarly arguments. Bear in mind that I am an Illinois resident who is not enthusiastic about Burris and would prefer a special election; but once you tell me exactly why the U.S. Senate CAN reject our disgraced governor’s appointment, I’ll run your views by my friends at the University of Chicago Law School, in between teaching my own classes next week.
Tata. I’m waiting with bated breath.

1. This Blagojevich situation is the reason that I am a proponent of rewriting the Constitution (ouch, be quiet all you law students). Obviously, when governors of states were given the authority to appoint a United States Senator, it was, maybe, relevant at the time. My opinion is that any United States Congressional seat that needs to be replaced must be done by special election so that the people make the choice.
2. I keep asking myself why Burris, as a person of integrity (based on articles that I have read), would accept this appointment from Blagojevich, considering the mess in which he is embroiled. Clearly Atty. Burris is looking at the situation based on the letter of the law. However, everything in this life is more than what’s right, what’s wrong, and what’s legal. What he wants, regardless of the cost (reputation, moral considerations, etc.), is the Senate seat. Blagojevich thinks he found a way to thumb his nose at everyone who is not a “friend”. Burris thinks he found a way to rise above all others who wanted this seat. As a footnote, Cong. Bobby Rush was wrong to bring race into THIS matter. It is obvious to me that this entire charade was planned.

TLJ, I know what I said may offended Blacks like yourself but that is what I observed. I’m sure you are the few exceptions. I think Blagojevich purposedly nominated a black man to the senate to be defiant and play his political games. If it’s not about race then why is the senate having such difficult time refusing the nomination. If it’s a white nominee then I’m sure the senate won’t have difficulty with the rejection. Come Tuesday they will say something “politically correct” to not offend Blacks. Burris is unwise to be associated with Blagojovich. Blagojovich played this hand well. You talk about me waking up to smell 2009, take a look at the vote statistics for Obama, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_2008 95% of Blacks voted for Obama, what’s wrong with this number? Who is prejudice against who?

The state of Illinois has lost
its head.
No one has come up with
anything illegal that Blago
has done.

Don’tforget911, you seem to have overlooked my previous post. I stated that Blagojovich is playing the race card. You have proven my point. Whites will claim that Blacks are hypersensitive and Blacks will claim racism if Burris isn’t seated. Gee, Blagojovich is laughing is twisted a$$ off at people like you who are focused on race.

Mary:
sisterdearest09 – The whole point to “innocent until proven guilty” is to allow people to work, carry out their duties, etc. while their case is pending. The governor’s case is pending. He has been charged but not yet indicted (AG filed an extension for an indictment) or convicted (he could end up with the charges dropped or an innocent verdict). Like it or not, just like anyone else, the governor is entitled to continue with his life and duties and if the people of Illinois don’t like it, their legislature needs to get some sort of law on the books that forces an official to step down from their job, prior to a fair trial, if they are convicted of a crime.
***************************
I am fully aware of Blago legal trouble and still stand by my statements!!!
Like, I said Blago have injected RACISM and using Burris, Rush and the African American community as a political power struggle!!!!
If Mr. Burris had any sincere integrity, he would decline and not be used by Blago!!!!
If Blago is not guilty, why did his Chief of Staff, RESIGNED?????
Why is his staff singing like a BIRD against their former boss (governor)???
I’m just waiting to hear the tapes, so I can say “THROW THAT WH@RE IN JAIL”!!!!!

Is Anon really Blago?
This situation has everything to do with political opportunism and very little to do with governing, which is as usual in this country (and most) and the reason we can’t move toward greater civilization instead of toward our general downfall. The Constitution, as I understand it, was created to protect the state from opportunism, force and corruption, by checks and balances. But even though it all appears to be a political circus at this point (although certainly fascinating), maybe it will test our Constitution. Law is all about precedents
–and I don’t think there are many to find in these crazy developments. So, bring it on, I say, and maybe we’ll figure it out. (But even if Blago somehow isn’t a criminal, he’s heinous in any light, IMO.)

Whose is Hairy Reede?

Hairy Reede is some kind of
megalomaniac. He is high on
power he does not have.

TLJ, interesting fact. I didn’t know this about Blacks. I see 88% of Blacks voted for Kerry in 2004. I couldn’t find past data to go back further. Glad to see you are open minded about this issue.

HAIRY REEDE DOES NOT SPEAK FOR THE PEOPLE OF ILLINOIS

GOV.ROD BLAGOJEVICH GOV.ROD BLAGOJEVICH GOV.ROD BLAGOJEVICH
DOES SPEAK FOR THE PEOPLE ILLINOIS

As Attorney General, Roland Burris tried hard to have two men executed he knew to be innocent.
Details here:
http://www.FairAndUNbalanced.com?http://www.testimoanials.com/blog/blog1.php/2009/01/02/how-roland-burris-came-to-sell-his-soul-
As I see it, allowing himself to be used by a corrupt Governor is just another chance for Burris to sell his soul for higher office.

Obama has aligned himself with
Hairy Reede and other lawless
members of the U.S. Senate.
He has made gratuitous and
unwarranted comments about the
governor of Illinois.
Obama should stop his own
interference in this matter and
allow due process to run its
course.

It’s a shame because Mr. Burris seems a very worthy candidate. Blago fulfilled his duty to appoint a replacement. I don’t think the senators can legally block it. It’s a shame the people of IL can’t ratify Mr. Burris to the seast. Fill in the oval, yes or no to Burris, and count ‘em up. But I guess that would make too much sense.

After reading a little tonight and watching the videos it dawned on me that burris probably would not even consider, not accepting the appointment.
He has taken a lot of pride in his other previous accomplishments, I couldn’t imagine him turning down this job, it would be one more to add to his Memorial ! in the graveyard. Yes that is weird, but seemingly true.
I wonder did the gov. do his homework to make sure he offered it not only to an African american but also someone who wouldnt turn the job down.
Sometimes when I switch on my tv it is hard to believe that these people run this country??!! Bewildered in NY.

Blago hiding as anon?
Burris is a OLD FOOL to be used by Blago as a pawn in a political game!!!
Blago injecting RACISM!!!
I do not see any white people defending Blago!!!

Shortly after the Blago arrest, media was playing recording of U.S Rep Jesse Jackson Jr. offering Blago $ 500,000 then $ 1,000,000. in campaign cash for the appointment. This was pulled soon after as it became clear that Jesse Jackson Jr. is the real criminal culprit.

Defiant Blago wins. The state of Illinois cannot impeach Blago. The country is getting a good look at the political system/corruption in the state of Illinois. It’s a shame the good people of Illinois have to endure this but, they vote for them.

There is no doubt in my mind that Blago is corrupt. However, we are a nation of laws. The most important of all laws, the one the protects you and me, says that Blago is innocent until proven guilty. Until then he is a sitting Governor. His acts are valid acts. I voted for President-Elect Obama, but for Obama to use a bully pulpit and act in concert with a small coaliton of the prevailing party, to block the seating of Burris would be the equivalent of granting Nixon and his men the power to violate laws based on the power of the Presidency, not lawful authority. Both cases would be clearly wrong. We must seat Mr. Burris, for the sake of our democracy, please.

THE GOVERNOR WAS INDICTED BY A FEREDARL PROSECUTOR AND HIS ACTS ARE CALLED VALID?
LMAO.
THIS IS ALL A GAME OF CHESS AND BURRIS IS A WILLING PAWN.
REMEMBER, THESE OLD BLACK 60S CHICAGO POLITICAL ESTABLISHMENT GUYS (AKA, JESSE ‘JAMES’ JACKSON, BOBBY ‘BLACK PANTHER STOOL PIGEON’ RUSH, ROLAND ‘DALEY BAG MAN’ BURRIS) ARE ALL FORMER COINTELPRO FBI INFORMANTS, MOB BAG MEN, OR PROVEN SCAM ARTISTS FROM A DARK PAST OF UNSPOKEN ILLINOIS SEGREGATION.
THAT WAS THE ONLY WAY A BLACK MAN COULD EVER GET INTO MAINSTREAM ’60S-70S POLITICS IN CHICAGO.
HARD TO BELIEVE NOWADAYS…
THEY BASICALLY ALL HATE OBAMA BECAUSE HE DID NOT KISS THEIR @SS AND GET DOWN IN THE MUD OF UNLIMITED GHETTO CORRUPTION WITH THEM.
OBAMA WAS A REFORM CANDIDATE AND BLAGO AND BURRIS AND JACKSON SR AND JR HATE HIS GUTS.
I LAUGHED MY @SS OFF WHEN BLAGO PULLED THIS MOVE.
THE DEMS IN CHICAGO WERE NOT ASLEEP, THEY WERE SILENT BECAUSE 6 OF THEIR INNNER CIRCLE WERE SUCKED INTO THIS FBI STING OPERATION.
BURRIS SHOULD NOT BE APPOINTED.
NOT IN A US OF A THAT VALUES ETHICS.

WestCoastMessenger
It is rare that someone changes my mind about any issue. You just did.

I supported Obama, but while we may not like Blago. And, while we may find his actions reprehensible, he is the governor of Illinois and has every right to appoint Burris. The only way this nomination should be scrubbed is if it is found that Burris paid for the seat. That does not appear to be the case.

Harry needs to eat his crow and seat Burris

Blago is an IDIOT, Burris is an IDIOT, what can anyone expect of Politics in Illinois?

Posted by: EdwinLJones | Jan 3, 2009 4:58:04 AM
—————————-
Obama did it the right way? Have you checked out his past “elections”? His dirty tricks to have Alice Palmer removed from the ballot so only his name was there? The other joke of a candidates he ran against in other elections?
OH PLEASE. Some people have made obama into an angel; those people are just like the 30% of bush supporters who would believe anything he tells them.
My God.

Burris will not be a Senator and the nut job govenor or Illinois will be out soon. What happens in between is just idle chatter

This is what disgusts me about politics in america; there needs to be a 3rd party. Republicans love to pander to a group where you get people like Palin as candidates for them and Democrats are are so dumb that while we are in a huge recession people are dying in the middle east and the world is on th brink of chaos they are worried bout not seating a guy to a seat he was appointed to because the guy who appointed his is under investigation. Meanwhile the guy seems qualified and has been accused on NO WRONG DOING. and worse the S.CT has ruled on a similar matter in the Powell case already and they are wrong. I can half way understand a little more if the guy was of the other party but he is not so what is the problem. All they are doing is wasting time and wasting resources that can be used to solve real problems.

To be specific Powell v. McCormack, 395 U.S. 486 (1969)
Congress may not in any way alter the qualifications of its members from the exclusive list given in the Constitution (age, length of citizenship, and inhabitant of state where elected). Therefore, “excluding” a Congressman by a two-thirds majority vote is not allowed although the Constitution allows expulsion by a two-thirds vote.
STOP WASTING OUR TIME WITH THIS AND GET TO WORK ON FIXING OUR COUNTRY WHAT YOU ARE PAID TO DO.

Everyone from Emmanual to Obama to Reid has had their nose stuck in this trying to manipulate who is appointed. They didn’t want Jesse Jackson, Jr. and they don’t want Burris for the same reason. No star power. The Dems don’t want to take a chance on losing in 2010. If they had what it took, then Blago would have already been in impeachment hearings. Since he isn’t, then by law he is still the Gov of IL, no matter what people think of him. For that reason, this is a legal appointment. He should have really stuck it to them and appointed a Republican to fill the seat.

==To be specific Powell v. McCormack, 395 U.S. 486 (1969)
Congress may not in any way alter the qualifications of its members from the exclusive list given in the Constitution (age, length of citizenship, and inhabitant of state where elected). Therefore, “excluding” a Congressman by a two-thirds majority vote is not allowed although the Constitution allows expulsion by a two-thirds vote.
STOP WASTING OUR TIME WITH THIS AND GET TO WORK ON FIXING OUR COUNTRY WHAT YOU ARE PAID TO DO. ==
That decision had to do with an ELECTED official. This one is appointed. The Senate is not required to accept the appointment.

==Even if the thought of Blago picking the next senator is distasteful in this country a person is innocent until proven guilty.==
Irrelevant to the issue of appointments. The man was not elected; he was appointed.
The mere appearance of impropriety is enough to taint the appointment which the Senate is not required to accept.

==Harry needs to eat his crow and seat Burris ==
He has no such need.

==The most important of all laws, the one the protects you and me, says that Blago is innocent until proven guilty. Until then he is a sitting Governor. His acts are valid acts. ==
They are, and he may appoint whomever he chooses.
The Senate, however, seeing the taint of the appointment, is not required to accept it.

==The Dems actually have dozens of black members of the House of Representatives. The Republicans don’t have a single one. What does that suggest?==
To Libs? Everything.
To the sensible? Not necessarily anything.

TO CORRECT/TO ANSER REST OF POST
==I guess the Dems only care about minorities when they’re voting…==
You’re just discovering this now????
==Governor Blagojevich has the sole
authority to make the appointment.
He has met his responsibilities
according to law.==
And, now, the Senate may meet its responsibilities under the Constitution and its own rules and reject the appointment.
==The Illinois secretary of state
is merely a pencil pusher in this
matter. He has no veto power. The
Supreme Court of Illinois will
soon direct this penpusher to
sign and certify the governor’s
appointment of Burris.==
That may be true, but the Senate may reject the appointment.

==Article I, Section 5 doesn’t contradict Kenneth Gross’s remarks.==
It does.
== Like many Constitutional provisions, it is open to interpretation by the courts.==
They must stop at the clear language which gives the Senate the power to reject appointments.
== The framers were not fools; knowing that they could not anticipate every future situation, they left open many loopholes and room for manuevering.==
This is not one-a them.
==However, “Mr. Incredible,” if you are a professor at one of our nation’s major law schools, in possession of a J.D. and an M.A. in Law (or, dare I hope, a PhD)…==
Don’t have to be. I can read English.
==…then please, lay out your scholarly arguments.==
Done and done.
==…once you tell me exactly why the U.S. Senate CAN reject our disgraced governor’s appointment, I’ll run your views by my friends at the University of Chicago Law School, in between teaching my own classes next week.==
Burris is not elected. He’s appointed, and the Senate may reject appointments for any political reason since it is a political body engaged in a political process. The Senate is not beholden to the governor of Illinois. It is not required to accept the appointment.

The process is tainted with Blagojevich making the choice. He’s waving his arrogant flag and making a mockery of the process. The people of Illinois have a right to elect who they want without Blagojevich’s choice. I think Roland Burris is as big of an idiot as Blago is.
Burris is smiling all the way to D.C. however, the blacks seems to get away with a heck of a lot more than anyone else does. Rush has no more credibility than Burris, Blagojevich or any of his ilk.
Amazing that Emil Jones is so quiet. Jesse Jackson, Jr. is now quiet. The other amazing thing is that these black politicians really believe that it’s just a “black man” that should take the seat when Rush didn’t promote Obama for the seat in the first place.
Illinois politics suck and they will continue to do so unless Fitzgerald is allowed to stay to see it all through.

julesverne—”Illinois politics suck”. does in most other states too.

==if it’s a legal appointment, which it appears to be, Burris should be seated and left alone.==
It IS a “legal” appointment. The governor is allowed to appoint.
However, the Senate is not required to accept that appointment. The governor does not have a legal hold on the Senate to do his bidding.

“Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behavior, and, with the Concurrence of two-thirds, expel a Member.” Article I Sect. 5
I’m not sure if “with the Concurrence of two-thirds, expel a Member.” means that they have a right to unseat him.

==I’m not sure if “with the Concurrence of two-thirds, expel a Member.” means that they have a right to unseat him.==
Election and appointment are two, different animals.
If he’s elected, the Senate may still reject him for, say, criminality.
However, he was not elected, only appointed, and the appointment does not require the Senate to go along.

Is it the fact that Reid tried to make a deal with the Governor and couldnt?…I wonder if Reid is on those wire tap tapes????…..Wouldn’t it be something if Reid was called to testify at the Governor’s impeachment.. (haha) Sen. Reid is a joke…..

From the prospective of a politically active, African American; “The Imposters” and “Legitimate GOPig Sty Clan” are “Without Shame!” They would support “Gov. Psychological Misfit” Blago’s Senate appointment of a “Black Power-Grabber” Burris – for NO OTHER REASON but to Spite “The Slate” of ‘Potential Appointees’ preferred by the Democratic party. (Only an appointment of a White Republican, by Blago could’ve “topped” the ‘Burris appointment!’) And then having the audacity to charge ‘The Democratic Party’ with being Racist… IS LAUGHABLE! In that – the “GOPig Sty Clan” DOESN’T EVEN know how to Spell – DIVERSITY!!!

Obviously, Blago [whom I voted for twice] shouldn’t be appointing anyone to a seat he was attempting to profit from and whether he has been charged, convicted or otherwise implicated is of little relevance. Those tapes are evidence that he is not clean enough with regards to his constitutional authority and resposibility to make this appointment. And Burris, who is a fine yet ambitous public servant, shouldn’t have accpeted this appointment.
Note also that at varying points Burris wanted the job Blago currently holds; Blago wanted the job Obama is about to ascend to and Obama wanted the job Rush [Burris' supporter of sorts] currently has. A special election is essential to resolving this issue and Dems will just have to deal with the fact that they elected Blago who has royally [expletive] up and Illinois’ is truly a periwinkle [bluish purple] state. Chicago rocks btw.

==the senate and house dont get to pick their members…==
The houses of Congress get to decide whether to accept appointments.
== the people do…==
Burris was not elected. He was selected. By the governor. The Senate is not required to accept the appointment.
==… the chief executive of the state has done his constitutional authority==
And the Senate may now “do its constitutional authority.” It may reject the appointment cuz it ain’t beholden to the governor of Illinois.

Reid is a dumb senator and Durbin
is his assistant.

==Senate outlaws like Reid and Durbin
are conferring upon the Senate
imaginary powers that do not
exist.==
If you mean that you believe the Senate has no authority to reject appointments, you’re wrong. The Senate may reject appointments.