Senate leader softens stance on seating Roland Burris

After days in which Senate leaders had demonstrated determined resistance to Burris' appointment to the Senate by scandal-tainted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Reid praised Burris as "candid and forthright." And he suggested that testimony Burris is to give before the Illinois Legislature's impeachment committee on Thursday could be crucial to his prospects of gaining the seat.

"He's going to go answer any other questions they might have. He's not trying to avoid any responsibility and trying to hide anything," said Reid (D-Nev.). "Once that's done, we'll be in a different position and see what we are going to do."

One Democratic aide said the Senate leadership's attitude toward the appointment had now "thawed." On Tuesday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) broke with the leadership and urged them to seat Burris.

Still, citing a Senate rule, Reid said the Senate would not seat Burris as Barack Obama's successor until his certificate of appointment is signed by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. White has declined to sign the certificate, but Burris has gone to court to seek an order requiring White to certify Blagojevich's appointment.

Reid said he still would ask a Senate committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the appointment before Burris is seated, but said he hoped the process would move swiftly.

"There's going to come a time when the entire Senate is going to have to act on this, and that day I hope would come sooner rather than later," Reid said.

Burris' appearance at the opening of the Senate session and the refusal to seat him Tuesday stirred saturation media coverage, eclipsing efforts by Democrats to promote their economic stimulus plans.

mdorning@tribune.com