Senator Roland Burris
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James Joyner | Thursday, January 15, 2009 |
Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., accompanied by his wife Berlean takes part in a mock swearing-in ceremony administered by Vice President Dick Cheney on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, after an official swearing-in on the floor of the Senate. (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
Roland Burris took his place as Barack Obama’s successor in the Senate on Thursday, ending a standoff that embarrassed the president-elect and fellow Democrats who initially resisted the appointment by scandal-scarred Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
“I do,” Burris said with a grin as Vice President Dick Cheney administered the oath of office to the former Illinois attorney general who takes Obama’s place as the Senate’s only black member.
More than a week after his colleagues were sworn in, Burris was seated without objection or a roll call vote, even though Majority Leader Harry Reid had said senators would have their voices heard on whether to accept his appointment.
Presumably, this isn’t over yet. Rightly, Burris should be senior to each new member of the Class of 2008, since he was lawfully appointed during the last Congress. He should press his case until his seniority is appropriately backdated.
About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.
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He should press his case until his seniority is appropriately backdated.
I think he's played his hand pretty well and now it's time for him to take his winnings, leave the table, and enjoy his next two years representing the people from Illinois. Because while Harry Reid can't keep him from the Senate (Blago called your bluff on that one you bozo), but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be that hard for the Democrats to change the seniority rules just for Burris.
He should absolutely press his case until his seniority is appropriately backdated. Whether one agrees with him or not, the law is the law. Reid continues to reaffirm his idiocy. This doesn't speak too well for the Donks. How can they keep this guy in a leadership position? He makes Pelosi looks semi-bright.
Enjoy representing Illinois? I picture him sitting in his office and buzzing his receptionist to make sure his phone is still working.
Another sad day for the people of Illinois!
Note to Ugh; Bozo was a denizen of Illinois, sadly many times more qualified for the job being filled, as was Garfield Goose[former King of the United States!]
Oh! I forgot to mention that Roland will likely be a better Senator than his predecessor, who was usually only "present".
Who Knows? Maybe Axelrod will even make him our next President!
Sadly Floyd, while I agree that Obama didn't stick around the Senate long enough to do much for Illinois, he was popular enough that Senate colleagues wanted him to co-sponsor legislation. I try to imagine the McCain-Burris Anti-Earmarks bill being offered. No. Still can't imagine anyone wanting to associate with Burris.
Is my phone still working?
It’s official: Roland Burris is a United States Senator.
YeeHaw... now economic prosperity is just around the corner.
He should press his case until his seniority is appropriately backdated.
Yes sir, and by enforcing his seniority, we will be better off due to his presence.
Long live the "Land of Lincoln."
Yeah, you bet your ass.
How about his Blackberry??[lol]
You are making a big mistake by closing Git mo....Don't put those PEOPLE in my back yard.....Put them all in each of your community and see how many American's they kill in the name of Alla..........we are going to hell in a hand bag and have NO say...
Senator Roland Burris-
If Geithner can't remember or won't remember (liar) to pay his taxes, we do not need him
to represent us.
Do not vote on the controceptives stimulas package.
Gas prices are jumping up again 7cents in a few days.
Dear Mr. Burris,
I do not support the current stimulus package. It is purported as being the saving of our economic situation but I question the earmarks and extra spending which tries to socially engineer our lives. I cannot support money being given to groups like Acorn and other money that does not support the economy.
Sincerely,
MC Jensen
