Blagojevich's "Appointee" Asks State Supreme Court To Proclaim Him Senator

Chicago, IL (AHN) - Former state attorney general Roland Burris, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's choice for the Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama, has asked the state Supreme Court to force the certification of his appointment.

Blagojevich, who was arrested on Dec. 9 on federal corruption charges including trying to sell Obama's Senate seat, selected Burris for the post on Tuesday. The 52-year old Democratic governor made the appointment despite impeachment hearings against him being conducted by the Illinois House of Representatives.

Burris, 71, filed a petition with the state Supreme Court on Wednesday asking that it force Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to certify his appointment. White had rejected Blagojevich's letter the same day.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is quoted by KTNV as saying, It is truly regrettable that despite requests from all 50 Democratic Senators and public officials throughout Illinois, Governor Blagojevich would take the step of appointing someone to the United States Senate."

Obama also issued a statement calling Burris "a good man and a fine public servant," but defending Senate Democrats' rejection of his appointment. "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," the President-elect said.

Burris has given a number of interview since he was named by Blagojevich to the post. He told the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, "By what authority can [Harry Reid] deny a governor carrying out his constitutional duty?... I am the senator, and it sounds good. I tried to be governor not once, not twice, but three times. I'm giving up a lot of money to go to the Senate, OK? I'm taking a pay cut."

Prosecutors say Blagojevich attempted to raise $100,000 in campaign contributions in return for his signing into law of a bill directing a portion of casino revenues the horse racing industry. He had also been offered $1.5 million in campaign money by associates of an individual identified in the federal complaint as "Senate Candidate 5." Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL), who previously expressed desire for the Senate seat, has confirmed that he is "Senate Candidate 5."

The Illinois House of Representatives set up a special panel earlier this month to determine if Blagojevich should be ousted from office. The 21-member committee, chaired by state House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, a Democrat, held its first hearing on Dec. 16 and will make a recommendation after its inquiry ends mid-January.

The new 111th U.S. Congress convenes next Tuesday.