Roland Burris Cleared to Take Senate Seat, Bringing Democratic Majority to 58

by Damozel | John Amato sums up my thoughts on this:  "So the national joke is finally coming to an end." CNN has the story:

Earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Illinois senior senator and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin said the Senate would accept Burris' credentials.

"The Secretary of the Senate has determined that the new credentials presented today on behalf of Mr. Burris now satisfy Senate Rules and validate his appointment to the vacant Illinois Senate seat. In addition, as we requested, Mr. Burris has provided sworn testimony before the Illinois House Committee on Impeachment regarding the circumstances of his appointment," the two said in a statement. 

Amato commented, "I was writing a post earlier called "Free Roland Burris" because Harry Reid has turned this whole episode into a bad joke and an embarrassment, but it now looks like he will be seated and fast."

Quite a few Dems ain't happy about the handling of this debacle.

"Reid operates in this tight, little circle with Durbin and [Sen. Charles] Schumer and [Sen. Patty] Murray," complained one veteran Democratic senator, granted anonymity to speak candidly. "He needs to talk to more people, and maybe these kinds of situations won't occur again."

Other Democratic insiders put some of the blame on Obama, complaining that he kept his distance from the Burris controversy then jumped in at the end to claim the mantle of peacemaker — much as he did in the flap over Sen. Joe Lieberman's support of Republican John McCain's presidential bid.

"A lot of people were pissed" with how the Burris situation was handled, said a Democratic source involved in the discussions.   (Politico)

How long, O Harry Reid, will you continue to abuse our patience?  At The Caucus, Kate Phillips writes:

Now, it’s likely that Mr. Burris, 71 and a former state attorney general, may be sworn in to the Senate as early as later this week in a ceremony presided over by Vice President Cheney. His seating will bring the Democratic Senate majority to 58, including two independents....

Mr. Burris’s fortunes slowly began to change after the memorable scene up on Capitol Hill last Tuesday, when Democratic leaders rejected his requested to be sworn in as the state’s junior senator. Lacking official standing, he walked quietly back outside on a gray, rainy day, surrounded by a swarm of media cameras and journalists who followed his every step across the street for a news conference. The following day, Senate leaders appeared to have warmed to him and retreated a bit from their staunch opposition, after sitting down at a private meeting with him.

From The Daily Show:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

What You Braggin' About, Burris?

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Burris was gracious in victory.

More at Memeorandum

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