Feinstein says Senate should seat Burris

[Thrill]

The chairman of the Senate Rules Committee has parted with many of her Democratic colleagues and says that the Senate should seat former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California said Tuesday that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, however tainted by corruption charges, has the right to appoint someone to President-elect Barack Obama's former seat. The Rules Committee decides whether Burris is qualified to serve.

Feinstein said that blocking Burris would have ramifications for other governors' appointments.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090106/ap_on_go_co/senate_burris;_ylt=ApsNWLbaBVR50M_X5MOZVS6yFz4D

Not that anyone should be surprised she is the first to come out against what the Dem Leadership is doing.

[Bucky]

1. Stupid Democrats! Why can't we just goose step behind our bosses like the GOP?

To be fair, the case for not seating Burris is stunningly weak. Since he seems not to have bribed his way into the appointment and is a moderately distinguished veteran politician from the state, the case for not seating him comes down to supporting the novelty of allowing Secretaries of State to have veto power over gubnatorial appointments as envisioned by the Constitution.

[nevergiveup]

5. There is nothing "distinguished"

about a man who accepts a senatorial appointment from a person who is under investigation for having that same appointment up for sale. Burris knew this would be a tainted appointment and he also knew that accepting the appointment would cause chaos. Roland Burris has played into Blago's game and he looks like a fool.

[HeraldSquare212]

2. I agree with her, we'll rue this day when the Reps refuse to seat a Dem at an important time

[Bucky]

6. I agree, if by "rue" you "will inevitably see"

Quid pro quo doesn't work with idealogues or bullies.

[ProSense]

3. She can change her mind for whatever reason, but she signed the letter

stating the Dems position on not seating Blagojevich's appointment.

[Cha]

4. Of course, she does..but who's

in charge here?