cong010709

On the homepage

Broadband

Broadening broadband across Minnesota

Out There

Health care

AARP stands up for health bill

Movies

'A Christmas Carol' cluttered with 3D

Home | Politically Connected

On Democrats' day of revelry, one jarring note

By CARL HULSE, New York Times

Last update: January 6, 2009 - 9:48 PM

WASHINGTON -- Inside the Capitol, the air was festive Tuesday as senators with families in tow celebrated the opening of the 111th Congress.

Outside the Capitol, the air was cold and wet as a would-be lawmaker denied access to the Senate floor made his case as the rain came down in a muddy park.

"Members of the media, my name is Roland Burris, the junior senator from the state of Illinois," said a man who really needed no introduction, given the tumult that surrounds him.

On the day new members of Congress were sworn in, it was Burris who commanded the most attention after he was barred from taking the oath of office.

As Burris described it, Senate officials had "advised that my credentials were not in order."

The stalemate over Burris marred what otherwise should have been a day of revelry for Democrats, who seated their expanded majorities in both the House and Senate in preparation for the inauguration this month of President-elect Barack Obama.

In the House, more than 50 new members were among those sworn in as Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was reelected speaker before the House plunged into a partisan dispute over rule changes. The Democratic changes were adopted.

But the Senate was shorthanded on its opening day because of the fight over the vacancy caused by the resignation of Obama to assume the presidency as well as the contested outcome in Minnesota.

Senior Democratic officials said there was a growing sense among Senate Democrats and advisers to Obama that Burris should ultimately be seated, as long as it can be done in a face-saving way for Democrats who had initially vowed to block the appointment made by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

One Democratic senator, Dianne Feinstein of California, the outgoing chairwoman of the Senate Rules Committee, said publicly that Burris should be seated, and others said they could see Burris, 71, eventually winning entry if events unfold in his favor. "He is not some kid who has no background," Feinstein said of Burris.

Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, is scheduled to meet with Burris today. Reid said on Tuesday that the Senate was monitoring developments in Illinois that could have a bearing on the appointment -- namely an effort by Burris to win a court order to force the Illinois secretary of state to sign the credentials and an upcoming legislative hearing on the possible impeachment of Blagojevich.

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

Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill., who turned down a chance at the appointment, warned that the refusal by Senate Democratic leaders to seat Burris could split the Democratic Party and alienate blacks.

He said his own constituents overwhelmingly favored allowing Burris into the Senate. But he also said that supporters of Burris did not have to make a case based on racial justice, but simply on basic law.

Blagojevich has not yet been indicted on, let alone convicted of, any crime, Davis noted, meaning he is still empowered to appoint a replacement to Obama's seat.

"In America we take the position, supposedly, that you are innocent until proven guilty," Davis said.

Recent Politically Connected stories

AP exit poll: NJ governor's race too close to call; GOP's Christie ahead among independents - January 6, 2009

AP exit poll: NJ governor's race too close to call; GOP's Christie ahead among independents - An Associated Press exit poll shows the New Jersey governor's race is too close to call between Republican Chris Christie and Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine. More

Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments

The Whistleblower blog has moved

The Star Tribune is still blowing the whistle, but our look and location have changed. Click here to get to the new blog. If you want the actual URL, it’s www.startribune.com/blogs/whistleblower.html. Our blog posts will now be easier to search on the web site, but you’ll need to register to post a comment. In the [...]

Get A Professional

Find home maintenance, car repair, legal advice, cleaning, and more in the Yellow Pages. Go now!

Save Your $$ With Coupons

Discounts on services, entertainment, dining, gifts, and more. Start saving!

National Politics

President

U.S. Senate

U.S. House

In Congress

State Politics

Local Politics