I hate to say it, but, Roland Burris should be seated

[LuckyTheDog]

I don't see any legal reason why he should not be seated.

:hide:

[Zywiec]

1. Has he been certified by the Illinois Secretary of State?

Wouldn't that be a legal requirement?

:shrug:

[lapfog_1]

3. Actually, it will be argued that certification by the

Illinois Sec State is not a requirement. At least there is no Federal Law requiring such, no US constitutional provision. Yet to be determined if there is even an Illinois State Law that requires such. It's quite possible that the Governor's signature is enough for the appointment (this isn't an election so the Sec State may not have a role).

The rules of the Senate cannot take precedence over the laws.

Harry and the Senate may not have a legal leg to stand on.

[dweller]

4. from what i understand

yes, that is a req. And no, he has not been certified.

so, there is the holdup.
dp

[n2doc]

2. If so, I suspect we will find out

Burris' next step is to file suit in Fed Court. Let them decide. Gonna get real messy if Blags is impeached and another person is chosen for the seat, though....

[bluestateguy]

5. I agree

That is also the position of Michael Barone, the conservative pundit.

But I wish Baggo would just resign and go away.

[damntexdem]

6. And if a legal opinion comes down from a court that accepts jurisdiction, ...

that will give the Dem senate leadership its excuse to seat Burris while still decrying that he was appointed by Blagoyevich.