CHICAGO (AFP)--Roland Burris, who was named by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace president-elect Barack Obama in the Senate, headed for Washington Monday vowing to take his seat.
"I am going there to be seated. I am the junior senator from the state of Illinois. That's all I can say," Burris, 71, told reporters before boarding his flight to the capital.
Blagojevich named the veteran politician last week to take Obama's seat in the Senate, defying fellow Democrats who oppose the move in view of a corruption case against Blagojevich. Among other charges, Blagojevich is accused of plotting at one point to sell Obama's seat to the highest bidder.
Burris's appointment has not been signed by the Illinois secretary of state, as required by Senate rules, and has been rejected by Senate Secretary Nancy Erickson, her spokeswoman said.
But Burris appeared unconcerned about the legal uncertainty.
"No, I'm not bothered by because the appointment is legal," Burris told reporters, adding that the scandal surrounding Blagojevich "is all politics and theater."
He said he intends to meet Tuesday with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who has opposed Burris's nomination because of the scandal.
"I will sit down and talk to Mr. Reid and tell him I'm here to take my seat," Burris said.
CNN reported that a deal could be in the making between Democratic lawmakers and Burris that would have the Illinois statesman take his Senate seat as long as he vows not to run in the 2010 elections, when the seat comes up again..
Burris has also been asked by the the Illinois House committee deciding whether to impeach Blagojevich to appear Wednesday in the state capital, Springfield.
Asked by reporters whether he would appear at the hearing, Burris said the committee would have to wait until Thursday because he would be in Washington.
"I'm a United States senator. They cannot stop me from...my senatorial duties," Burris said.
-Dow Jones Newswires, 201-938-5500
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Publié le 05 janvier 2009 Copyright © 2009 Dowjones