Whatever else is going on, Roland Burris does NOT have the requisite credentials to

[cali]

be sworn in. His certification is incomplete without the Illinois SoS signing it. And unless and until his certification is complete, he shouldn't be sworn in. Now maybe Reid and Durbin should pressure the SoS to sign the document, but that's another story.

[WeDidIt]

1. Jesse White gets a donation from me.

He did the right thing by refusing to sign it.

[Bluzmann57]

2. Maybe Reid should stay out of Illinois politics

He is a Nevadan and as such should stay away from Illinois. And besides, Reid may not be able to handle Illinois politics. Too much rough and tumble for him, since he is a "gentleman".

[cali]

3. well but, this is Senate business

and like it or not, he's the ML.

[Tatiana]

4. I donated to Jessie White and sent him a thank you card.

He's done wonderful things with our DMVs and has been a good secretary of state. I applaud his refusal to sign the certification document. He's put principle over expediency and pay-for-play politics.

[Blarch]

5. Jesse White is a corrupt asshole.

Jesse HAS to sign the certificate, by law. Burris should be seated, and White, Blago and Madigan should be impeached.

[cali]

6. perhaps. but the plain fact is that Burris does NOT HAVE

the documentation he needs to be sworn in.

[Blarch]

8. And that is because

White has violated his oath of office.

The Senate shouldn't keep Burris from his seat because White is a corrupt politician.

[kanrok]

11. I know of no facts that support your proposition

that Jesse White is corrupt. Some demonstrable facts on this issue would be welcome.

[kanrok]

10. What a bunch of BS games

Jesse is grandstanding. The Illinois Supreme Court will mandate he certifies the appointment. Burris will be Senator. It doesn't make me particularly happy. I've always disliked Blago, and I have very little respect for Burris, but the plain fact of the matter is Blago is still Governor, and the law states that only he can appoint a Senator. If the dems in Springfield really wanted to make a point, they would have changed the law so that a special election would decide. For political reasons (that are understandable) they decided not to go that route. Since they didn't, they (dems and repubs) should just STFU and let Burris in.

[Seen the light]

7. What law? nt

[kevsand]

12. This law:

(15 ILCS 305/5) (from Ch. 124, par. 5)

Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State:

1. To countersign and affix the seal of state to all commissions required by law to be issued by the Governor.

2. To make a register of all appointments by the Governor, specifying the person appointed, the office conferred, the date of the appointment, the date when bond or oath is taken and the date filed.

This particular Illinois statute contains what are commonly referred to as "ministerial" functions, because there is no discretion allowed in their performance. They are unavoidable duties of the office, and White is guilty of dereliction of duty in failing to perform them.

[Seen the light]

15. Interesting, thanks

I was waiting for someone to post this.

[olkaz]

9. Exactly how is Jesse White corrupt?

And, pray tell, what exactly have White or Madigan done that invite impeachment?

Jesse will eventually be forced to sign the certification, but this tactic is garnering him some major brownie points.

[The_Casual_Observer]

13. Meanwhile, they have NOTHING on Blago. Nothing but a pissed off

no-senate seat Jesse Jackson Jr.

[jaxx]

14. They've got a bunch of tapes that don't sound so good.

[The_Casual_Observer]

16. Tapes don't mean shit.