A stir in the political world as Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich names a replacement for Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate even though Blagojevich faces criminal charges of trying to sell the post.
Governor Rod Blagojevich flexing his political muscles named a former state Attorney General to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.
Gov. Blagojevich says "I'm here today to announce that I am appointing Roland Burris the next U.S. Senator from Illinois."
This move, despite warnings by party leaders that they would not seat anyone appointed by the disgraced governor because of questions of impropriety.
Blagojevich was arrested on charges that he tried to sell Obama's vacant senate seat. He denied wrongdoing, vowed to stay in office, and defended his appointment.
Gov. Blagojevich says "don't allow the allegations against me to taint this good and honest man."
71-year-old Burris was the first African American elected to statewide office in Illinois 30 years ago.
Roland Burris says "I have faith in the record that I have forged over the past four decades and I am proud of my accomplishments as a public servant."
Illinois Representative Bobby Rush called Burris a worthy public servant, and pointed out there are no African Americans in the Senate.
Illinois Rep. Bobby Rush says "it has tremendous national importance."
If the appointment is blocked, whether Burris makes it to the Senate could end up being decided in court.
Hearings are underway in the Illinois legislature on whether to impeach the Illinois governor.
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