The political theater that is the Senate convened today with the official swearing in of the membership (by Vice-President Dick Cheney in a note of irony).
On Schedule, Roland Burris, appointed junior Senator from the State of Illinois, appeared at the Senate chamber. I have discussed the events leading to this moment in my previous post about Illinois in the Spotlight.
Senator-designee Burris was escorted to the office of the Secretary of the Senate where his credentials were found to be incomplete and he was turned away by the Secretary. I expect the actions to this point were proper. The Secretary of State of Illinois has refused to sign Mr. Burris’s Certificate of Appointment. So Mr Burris’s credentials were not in order. Presumptive Senator Franken of Minnesota was also refused pending issuance of his Certificate of Election (currently in dispute).
Fox talk radio coverage of the events talked about Mr. Burris’s appointment being “tainted” by the controversy surrounding Illinois Governor Blagojevich. The commentator said he was not able to grasp the connection between the taint and appointment. Fox misses a wonderful opportunity to explain the problem.
The liberals actually have a history of this sort of problem. I understand that they feel the smell coming out of the Illinois Governor’s office might make their constituents uncomfortable. But the facts are these: Blagojevich is the lawfully elected Governor of Illinois – Despite controversy and allegations, he has not been indicted or convicted of any crime. He continues to act with full authority as the Governor of Illinois who has lawfully and correctly appointed a qualified individual who is not connected to any scandal to the vacant Senate seat caused by the resignation of the President-Elect.
The liberals want to govern based upon their feelings. They are not constrained by rules or laws. So they have taken the position that any appointment by Blagojevich just would not feel right. Tainted, you know.
Horsepuckey.
The Illinois Courts will order the Secretary of State to sign the Certificate. It is his job. The duty is ministerial and without discretion. He is not given a veto right over the actions of the Governor.
When Senator-designee Burris returns to the Senate chamber with the Certificate of Appointment, I hope he will be seated according to law. This now appears to be the likely outcome – Majority Reid has climbed back down from his ridiculous previous position – no way, no how. The Senate should never have become involved. This is a policy problem within the State of Illinois.
There is one other possibility. The Illinois legislature may try to rush articles of Impeachment out of their committees. Then there would be a trial in the Illinois Senate. If they could successfully complete these processes, the Governor could be removed. If the Lt Governor came into office and Burris had not been seated in Washington DC – the new Governor could issue a conflicting appointment to another designee. It isn’t over – even in Illinois – until the fat lady sings.
Film at eleven.
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