Burris to be sworn in to replace Obama in Senate
Roland Burris said Monday he was "truly humbled and honored" as U.S. Senate Democrats announced he would be sworn in as the Illinois senator to replace President-elect Barack Obama.
"I ask for your support and prayers," Burris told an afternoon news conference in downtown Chicago, where he thanked Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and even Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, all of whom at various points opposed his appointment because it came from a governor tainted by criminal charges.
A week after being arrested on charges he tried to sell Obama's Senate seat, Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed Burris, a former state comptroller and attorney general and Illinois' first black statewide officeholder, to the position.
White refused to sign a ceremonial document acknowledging the appointment and based on that, Democratic leaders in the Senate, who all along had said no Blagojevich appointee would be seated, turned Burris away when he showed up in Washington last week to take the oath of office.
But Monday, following a Friday state Supreme Court ruling that White's signature was not necessary, the Senate leadership changed its position and prepared to welcome Burris later this week.
"Some have criticized Jesse and I believe somewhat unfairly," said Burris of White's refusal to sign the document. The Democratic leaders all were motivated simply by the desire to do the right thing for the people of Illinois, Burris said.
"Reasonable people can and will arrive at different decisions," he said.
He said he pursued the seat so vigorously, because "I believe Illinois people didn't deserve to be punished again" by a delay of representation.
Durbin, a Springfield Democrat, told the Daily Herald Monday that Burris, who has worked most recently as a casino and tobacco lobbyist, "has satisfied the procedural requirements for appointment."
He said the Democratic caucus agreed Sunday that Burris should be seated if he provides a signature from Secretary of State Jesse White. White still has not signed Blagojevich's appointment letter, but his signature does appear on a separate document certifying that Blagojevich's signature on the appointment is authentic. Durbin said that will suffice.
Durbin and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid issued a joint statement welcoming Burris.
"We are pleased that everything is now in order," the statement says.
Burris dodged the question of whether he would run again in 2010.
"We'll make that decision at the proper time," he said.
Asked if the opposition to his appointment was frustrating, Burris replied, "That made Roland Burris tougher."
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