Roland Burris Scores Key Senate Ally

Susan Davis reports on Congress. Roland Burris found a powerful ally in his quest to be formally recognized as the junior senator from Illinois: California Sen. Dianne Feinstein , who chairs the Senate Rules Committee, and put her support behind seating Burris today, according to the Associated Press . The Rules Committee has the power to determine whether Burris, appointed by scandal tainted Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich , is qualified to serve in the chamber. Fifty Senate Democrats warned the governor in writing in December that they would seek to block any nominee. Burris, who was denied entry to the Senate chamber earlier today, argues that Blagojevich’s legal problems have nothing to do with the legitimacy of the appointment. Feinstein seems to agree, noting that it could set a bad precedent for future governor’s appointments. The American public, however, believes otherwise. According to a Gallup Poll released today, just 16% said Burris should be allowed ... (link)