January 11, 2009 10:33 AM

Burris: What Blago Did Was Good For U.S.

By
Michelle Levi
Topics
Congress
Senate appointee Roland Burris argued that he is the "junior Senator from Illinois, there is no question about that" on CBS News' Face the Nation today.

He told host Bob Schieffer that his appointment has now been made legal by the Illinois Supreme Court and the necessary documents have been signed and sealed by Illinois' Secretary of State. "We have done everything we have been asked," Burris said. "I should be seated, and I should be seated before the inauguration of our 44th president."

Whether that is possible is still up in the air. His potential colleague Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) told Schieffer earlier in the program that it may take "weeks" before disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was impeached by the Illinois House Friday, is tried in the State Senate.

(CBS)
The Senate appointee said he had no interest in "creating any type of scenes," though many would argue a scene already has been made as this story has dominated the news cycle. "I don't want any type of legal process," Burris said, without speculating what his next step would be should the confirmation process be stalled.

Burris said that his lawyers will be in Washington Monday to meet with Senate officials for a review of the documentation submitted on Friday. A decision has not yet been made if Burris would accompany them to the Capitol tomorrow.

While distancing himself from Blagojevich's troubles stemming from his arrest on Federal corruption charges last month ("I have nothing to do with all of his problems. Those are his problems."), Burris also defended the man who appointed him to fill Obama's seat.

"Remember this: a person who does bad can also do good," Burris said. "What Governor Blagojevich did was good for the U.S. and the people of Illinois ... Appointing me to that vacancy was certainly good."

Add a Comment
by madnotangry January 11, 2009 5:53 PM EST
"This has nothing to do with race or even Burris. This has to do with Blagojevich and his actions. Any appointment by him is going to be questioned."

So, question the appointment. Investigate Burris. Once it''s clear he did nothing wrong in getting appointed, STOP QUESTIONING it and allow him to take his post.

Otherwise, you must admit, denying the appointment is merely to punish Blago at the expensive of the citizens of Ill who go without representation.

You can bet the Dems would''ve seated Burris in a heart beat if this was two years ago and they split the Senate 49-49
Reply to this comment
by debinok1 January 11, 2009 4:38 PM EST
This has nothing to do with race or even Burris. This has to do with Blagojevich and his actions. Any appointment by him is going to be questioned. There are just to many what ifs where he is concerned.
Reply to this comment
by Razzl January 11, 2009 4:13 PM EST
In a poll taken in Illinois last week only some 30% approved of seating Burris and a majority disapproved, so it''s clear that the people of the state don''t want him to represent them under these circumstances and that public sentiment should be honored by Congress. The people of that state rightly want to choose their next senator and they should be allowed to do that...
Reply to this comment
by barbjc1 January 11, 2009 3:02 PM EST
This man is qualified, US Senate get him seated. He was appointed before any indictment or impeachment vote. Race has nothing to do with his qualifications.
Reply to this comment
by garciagar January 11, 2009 2:59 PM EST
Burris still needs the Illinois Secretary of State''''s signature and he knows it.
__________________________________
That was taken care of already.
Reply to this comment
by garciagar January 11, 2009 2:57 PM EST
He is right!
Reply to this comment
by boatdocster January 11, 2009 2:54 PM EST
Burris still needs the Illinois Secretary of State''s signature and he knows it.

It''s part of the long standing Senate laws. If he can get that or a waiver by the Senate, he will be a Senator. Until then, he is a want to be...
Reply to this comment
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