Burris will get Obama Senate seat

Israel News.Net
Monday 12th January, 2009

Barack Obama's vacant US Senate seat will be taken up by Roland Burris, the man who was appointed by scandal-hit Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.

Last Tuesday, when the new Senate met for the first time, Mr Burris was barred entry to the chamber by officials.

Senate leaders had tried to block Mr Burris's membership due to the Blagojevich connection, but finally agreed to verify his credentials.

Mr Blagojevich was arrested last month and charged with attempting to sell Mr Obama’s vacant seat.

Under Illinois law, the state's governor has sole responsibility to fill vacancies in the senate.

On Friday the Illinois House of Representatives voted 114-1 to impeach Mr Blagojevich.

Illinois's state Senate will now try Mr Blagojevich who, if found guilty, will be forced out of office.

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