In addition, the Senate Democratic caucus has splintered over the Burris issue. Some are concerned that Burris should not be turned away from the seat previously held by Obama, who had been the chamber's only black senator. Others did not want to meddle in what they considered a parochial Illinois issue.
Blagojevich's impeachment by the Illinois House on Friday, which could lead to the governor's removal from office, caused some senators to rethink their position on quickly seating Burris, said one Democratic source, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak about the situation.
Blagojevich, who maintains his innocence, will be tried in the Illinois Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Durbin told Burris last week that he would need to testify before a special Illinois House panel that ultimately recommended Blagojevich's impeachment and that he would need White's signature to certify Blagojevich's appointment.
Burris testified at the impeachment panel last week, denying that any quid pro quo was involved in his appointment.
But the Illinois Supreme Court rejected Burris' attempts to force White to sign the appointment, saying the secretary of state had complied with what was required of him. The justices suggested the alternative paperwork, which Burris submitted.
Earlier, Senate Democrats had sought to stall Burris' appointment in hopes that Illinois lawmakers would quickly remove Blagojevich from office so that Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn could name a new senator.
But Durbin, who also appeared on CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday, said it was "point-blank" wrong to think the Senate would await Blagojevich's removal to keep Burris from being seated.
"To wait until Gov. Blagojevich is removed could be a matter of weeks," Durbin said.
--
jzuckman@tribune.com
rpearson@tribune.com
