Blagojevich to name Burris to Senate
@whiteheather39 (24403)
United States
December 30, 2008 12:43pm CST
The action comes despite warnings by Democratic Senate leaders that they would not seat anyone appointed by the disgraced governor who faces criminal charges of trying to sell the post, sources familiar with the decision said.
Can he do this? Will this be legal as I thought he was told he could not appoint anyone while he under impending impeachment.
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/blagojevich-to-name-burris-to-senate.html
1 person likes this
7 responses
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
31 Dec 08
Yes "they" are saying the if he gets impeached it will be next week and the new governor can then appoint his choice.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
30 Dec 08
It just came on MSNBC that the Senate Democrats have repeated their statement that they will not seat anyone appointed by Blagojevich and that it's not about Burris, it's about the integrity of the governor making an appointment while under the accusation of attempting to sell the seat. They were just discussing how the Senators have said they have the absolute power when it comes to seating appointed Senators but there has been a precedent set that went to the Supreme Court and apparently the Senate doesn't have "absolute power" in these cases. I didn't get the exact words so sorry this is a bit sketchy! All I know is that governor is one arrogant SOB, isn't he?
Annie
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
31 Dec 08
I just finished watching the evening news and seemingly President Elect Obama has made s statement that the Democratic Party would not accept the governor's appointment. It could be held up for as much as two years or more due the the constitution and the precedent set with Powell and McCormack
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
31 Dec 08
President-elect Obama issued the following statement on Gov. Blagojevich tapping Roland Burris to fill the Senate seat:
"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy."
http://www.suntimes.com/n...
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
30 Dec 08
Sadly, Bloggo may well have the constitution on his side as well as legal precident in Powell v. McCormack,June 16, 1969-u.s. cppurt of appeals, dc, in which was ruled "......the House could exclude him only if it found he failed to meet the standing requirements of age, citizenship, and residence contained in Art. I, sec 2, of the Constitution -- requirements the House specifically found Powell met"
So it seems neither the constitution or legal precedent can prevent this appointment and the senate does not have the power to "not seat him" with the exception that the appointee does not meet requirements or it can be proven that this appointment was done under illicit circumstances such as bribery. Unfortunatly the perception of impropriety or taint, is not enough for a legal dismal of the appointment.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
31 Dec 08
I also heard on thee news that even if the governor's appointment does use this precedent as a basis for acceptance it can hold it up for two or more years.
Here is the link to the statement Obama made:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1355423,obama-statement-burris-appointment-123008.article
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
31 Dec 08
They showed him introducing Burris tonight on Fox News. But they said that the Democrats in the Senate will not seat anyone the Governor has appointed. I think it was unwise of Burris to accept since they had already said this before. And it may cause him not to be considered for the seat now at all. They say he is a very good and honest man and perhaps this is the reason the Governor thought he could get away with this appointment. He was of the 'I'll show them' mentality and it isn't going to fly. He still thinks he hasn't done anything wrong, but this isn't the thoughts of others.
@actualfactual (57)
• United States
30 Dec 08
Wonder how much the guy paid blogo for the seat? Glad I don't live in that state.
