Democratic Leaders Backpedal On Opposition To Roland Burris

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The statements in support from some Democratic quarters that Roland Burris should be seated in the Senate became a photo-op filled with compliments from Senate Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) on Wednesday.

Burris met with Reid and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) a week after both leaders said in no uncertain terms that, "Anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus."

Reid issued a statement after the private talks saying, "We just had a very positive meeting with Roland Burris. I know that Mr. Burris wants to honorably serve the people of Illinois. Unfortunately, he has been appointed by a man who has been tainted by a serious scandal."

"In the coming days, several things must happen before this is resolved," Reid added."Mr. Burris understands the first step is that he must have a valid certification signed by both the governor and the secretary of state, as Senate rules have dictated for more than a hundred years. Second, he will testify tomorrow before the Illinois General Assembly impeachment panel. Finally, if there is a solution, it must be reached by the entire Senate - and I have encouraged Mr. Burris to reach out to Leader McConnell and the Republicans.

"But as we have said all along, the easiest way forward is still for Gov. Blagojevich to resign his post or be impeached, and to let the lieutenant governor make a selection to fill the vacancy. If he selects Roland Burris, we would have no objection," the Senate leader also said.

Burris held a press conference after the meeting saying former President Jimmy Carter had called to congratulate him. He added that he would be seated "very soon."

Several Democrats had in the preceding days broken with heir party and calling for the Senate leadership to allow the 71-year-old former Illinois attorney general to be sworn in.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the outgoing chair of the Senate Rules Committee and incoming chair of the Senate Intelligence panel, is quoted by Fox as saying that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich had the legal right to appoint Burris.

Some members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including the most powerful African-American in Congress, House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), have also expressed support for Burris, who would be the only African-American senator in the 100-member chamber if he is seated.

Burris met with Reid and Durbin came a day after he was turned away by the Senate from joining swearing-in ceremonies of the 111th Congress. Escorted by the Senate Sergeant At Arms, Terry Gainer, Burris had walked into the Capitol and presented the Secretary of the Senate, Nancy Erickson, with a certification of his appointment that lacked the signature of Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who had refused to support Blagojevich's choice.

Blagojevich was arrested on Dec. 9 on corruption allegations including trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat. An Illinois state House committee has been investigating whether to impeach him. Burris is to testify before the panel Thursday, the same day the committee may give its recommendation.