Democrats change tack on Burris for Senate

Former US president George HW Bush with President-elect Barack Obama, President George W Bush and former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter in the Oval Office yesterday.
Photograph: J Scott Applewhite/AP Photo

A DAY after they turned him out into the rain on Capitol Hill, Senate Democrats have softened their opposition to allowing former Illinois attorney general Roland Burris to take up the seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

Democratic leaders had insisted that Mr Burris, who would be the only African-American senator, should not be admitted to the Senate because he was appointed by embattled governor Rod Blagojevich, who has been accused of trying to sell the seat to the highest bidder.

After a meeting with senate majority leader Harry Reid yesterday, however, Mr Burris said he expects to be seated "very shortly".

"My whole interest in this experience is to be prepared," he said. "And very shortly I will have the opportunity to do that."

The secretary of the Senate refused to allow Mr Burris to be sworn in with other senators on Tuesday because his nomination certificate did not carry the signature of Illinois secretary of state Jesse White. Mr White declined to sign the document because of the controversy surrounding the governor but Mr Burris claims that he does not need the secretary of state's signature.

Mr Reid said yesterday that Democrats would wait for an Illinois court ruling on the issue before making a final decision on seating the new senator.

"If Mr Burris takes possession of valid credentials, the United States Senate will proceed in a manner that is respectful to Mr Burris while ensuring that there is no cloud of doubt over the appointment to fill this seat," he said.

The Democratic leadership's climbdown followed a dramatic change of heart on the issue by Mr Obama, who said last week that Mr Burris should not be allowed to succeed him.

Yesterday, however, the president-elect insisted that any decision on seating Mr Burris was a matter for the Senate and went on to praise the former attorney general.

"But I know Roland Burris, obviously he's from my home state. I think he's a fine public servant.

"If he gets seated then I'm going to work with Roland Burris just like I work with all the other senators to make sure that the people of Illinois and the people of the country are served."

Mr Burris is due to testify today before an impeachment committee investigating the governor's alleged attempt to win personal and political favours in return for the Senate seat. He said yesterday that there was no question of him being involved in any "pay to play" scheme "because I ain't got no money".

The Democratic leadership's refusal to accept Mr Burris as the new Illinois senator had met growing opposition in recent days, particularly from black politicians. Congressman Danny Davis, an Illinois Democrat who turned down the governor's offer of the seat, warned that turning Mr Burris away could alienate black voters.

Mr Davis pointed out that the governor has not been formally charged, indicted, or convicted of any crime and was still entitled to choose Mr Obama's successor.

"In America we take the position, supposedly, that you are innocent until proven guilty. I think black people in America simply wanted to be regarded as having equal opportunity, and equal opportunity under the law," Mr Davis said.

Earlier yesterday, Mr Obama had lunch with President George Bush and three former presidents - Jimmy Carter, George HW Bush and Bill Clinton - at the White House.

"All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office," Mr Obama said.

"For me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary."