Blago To Appoint Senator

[angelatc]

Today, on Political Theatre:

Gov Rod has called a press conference to announce he is appointing black former IL attorney general Roland Burris to Obama's vacant seat.

Harry Reid has called the selection unacceptable.

Burris has a racist history. He was once caught calling some other political conspirators "unqualified white boys."

The press conference has the potential to be popcorn-worthy.

[cheapseats]

Today, on Political Theatre:

Gov Rod has called a press conference to announce he is appointing black former IL attorney general Roland Burris to Obama's vacant seat.

Harry Reid has called the selection unacceptable.

Burris has a racist history. He was once caught calling some other political conspirators "unqualified white boys."

The press conference has the potential to be popcorn-worthy.

Harry Reid is specifically one of the people I think of whenever I think of Massive Recall of inept and/or corrupt politicians.

It doesn't matter WHO disgraced Governor Blagojevich would select -- what is UNACCEPTABLE is him having any say whatever in the matter. Rod Blagojevich should be looking over his shoulder and fearing for his life, not fighting to maintain a position of power.

I declare my belief that Barack Obama's silence on this matter constitutes cowardice of the first order, rendering him unfit as Commander-in-Chief ASIDE from the Eligibility Issue. His stunning record of 'Present' votes does, I contend, corroborate my claim.

[smithtg]

Today, on Political Theatre:

Gov Rod has called a press conference to announce he is appointing black former IL attorney general Roland Burris to Obama's vacant seat.

Harry Reid has called the selection unacceptable.

Burris has a racist history. He was once caught calling some other political conspirators "unqualified white boys."

The press conference has the potential to be popcorn-worthy.


What a freaking Zoo!!

[tpreitzel]

Personally, I'd rather have Blagojevich, state governor, appoint a senatorial replacement than the people elect one. Although the Illinois legislature needs to appoint a senatorial replacement, this move by Blagojevich slaps Washington, D.C.'s unconstitutional 17th amendment in the face which is so gooooooooood. Actually, I hope that Blagojevich prevails in his power struggle with Washington, D.C. The people of Illinois (state) need to regain their rightful power and responsibility to clean up their own internal mess, i.e. state politics, and insisting on their right to appoint a senatorial replacement is a good place to start whether inappropriately sold by the governor or correctly appointed by the state legislature.

[Mesogen]

Senate Democrats to block Burris appointment

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/30/sources-senate-democrats-to-block-burris-appointment/

I'd like to hear how this is possible, legally. Senators from other states can't just evict a senator from one state.

First the feds arrest a sitting governor. If anyone should be arresting him it's the state, or the state legislature should impeach him, but the Feds, IMO have no jurisdiction in this case.

Then a group of senators say they "won't seat" the senator that the governor picks to fill the vacant seat? How is this possible?


The governor must put the interests of the people of Illinois and all Americans first by stepping aside now and letting his successor appoint someone who we will seat."

WTF?

[cheapseats]

Harry Reid is specifically one of the people I think of whenever I think of Massive Recall of inept and/or corrupt politicians.

It doesn't matter WHO disgraced Governor Blagojevich would select -- what is UNACCEPTABLE is him having any say whatever in the matter. Rod Blagojevich should be looking over his shoulder and fearing for his life, not fighting to maintain a position of power.

I declare my belief that Barack Obama's silence on this matter constitutes cowardice of the first order, rendering him unfit as Commander-in-Chief ASIDE from the Eligibility Issue. His stunning record of 'Present' votes does, I contend, corroborate my claim.

I just turned on a television to hear that Obama HAS issued statement that, even though Blagojevich's choice is a good man, Blagojevich ought not to be making the appointment and, further, that calls again for Blagojevich to step down.

Credit where it's due.

[tpreitzel]

Senate Democrats to block Burris appointment

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/30/sources-senate-democrats-to-block-burris-appointment/

I'd like to hear how this is possible, legally. Senators from other states can't just evict a senator from one state.

First the feds arrest a sitting governor. If anyone should be arresting him it's the state, or the state legislature should impeach him, but the Feds, IMO have no jurisdiction in this case.

Then a group of senators say they "won't seat" the senator that the governor picks to fill the vacant seat? How is this possible?



WTF?

While this particular case deals with a senatorial vacancy due to Obama's move to the POTUS, the larger issue is really about a POWER struggle between the federal government and the states to determine who selects the senators and how. Even if this case makes it to the Supreme Court, I seriously doubt the real problem of the 17th amendment will be an issue as it should be in any such decision.

[angelatc]

Senate Democrats to block Burris appointment

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/30/sources-senate-democrats-to-block-burris-appointment/

I'd like to hear how this is possible, legally. Senators from other states can't just evict a senator from one state.

......
WTF?


While this particular case deals with a senatorial vacancy due to Obama's move to the POTUS, the larger issue is really about a POWER struggle between the federal government and the states to determine who selects the senators and how. Even if this case makes it to the Supreme Court, I seriously doubt the real problem of the 17th amendment will be an issue as it should be in any such decision.

That's the way I see it. Are there any precedents for Senators not allowing another Senator to sit in the Senate? I think Burris is a Senator, because the Governor appointed him. I'm pretty big on interpreting the laws strictly, and that means that Gov Rod has the legal right to appoint the Senator. End of story.

[angelatc]

Interesting discussion of the issue by real lawyer.

http://volokh.com/posts/1230669634.shtml

[Aratus]

burris, who thinks he's now a senator to the 90 percentile, wants a court battle and obama's seat

[Galileo Galilei]

...the larger issue is really about a POWER struggle between the federal government and the states to determine who selects the senators and how.

Exactly!

[The_Orlonater]

I'd prefer a special election, but this is Illinois. It's hopeless, they always elect democratic socialists.

[nickcoons]

I can't find anything in the Constitution that allows the Senate to block entry by a newly-appointed Senator. This authority, constitutionally, belongs to the state which the Senator represents.


Although the Illinois legislature needs to appoint a senatorial replacement, this move by Blagojevich slaps Washington, D.C.'s unconstitutional 17th amendment in the face which is so gooooooooood.

Site note: I agree that the 17th Amendment is bad, but how is a constitutional amendment unconstitutional? I've never heard any claims about it not being properly ratified.

[constitutional]

Harry Reid is specifically one of the people I think of whenever I think of Massive Recall of inept and/or corrupt politicians.

It doesn't matter WHO disgraced Governor Blagojevich would select -- what is UNACCEPTABLE is him having any say whatever in the matter. Rod Blagojevich should be looking over his shoulder and fearing for his life, not fighting to maintain a position of power.

I declare my belief that Barack Obama's silence on this matter constitutes cowardice of the first order, rendering him unfit as Commander-in-Chief ASIDE from the Eligibility Issue. His stunning record of 'Present' votes does, I contend, corroborate my claim.

Even though Obama claims he and his staff has no involvement in Blagojevich matter, he still holds press conferences, talks with Attorney General, talks with prosecutors just to tell them "I AM NOT INVOLVED, HEY!! LOOK AT ME!! I AM NOT IN THIS, NEVER WAS!!".

Clearly shows that Obama is involved in this and is covering his own ass.

[constitutional]

I can't find anything in the Constitution that allows the Senate to block entry by a newly-appointed Senator. This authority, constitutionally, belongs to the state which the Senator represents.



Site note: I agree that the 17th Amendment is bad, but how is a constitutional amendment unconstitutional? I've never heard any claims about it not being properly ratified.


http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_A1Sec5.html

[nickcoons]

http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_A1Sec5.html

I was looking at Section 3 and didn't even pay attention to Section 5. Thanks!