Closing Arguments: Burris and the Senate Seat

Yes, otherwise no other Senator is eligible to seat in the 100-man chamber. A governor's exercise of a valid constitutional right cannot be invalidated by politicians acting like moralists. Democrats are taking risks with the electorate and they may implode to the benefit of Republicans.

As an Illinois resident I oppose any person who would be appointed by Blagojevich. It's hard to trust politicans to properly represent the states diverse culture properly, even without all the curruption, and in the mist of yet another scandal it's made trusting this administration impossible.

I think Mr. Roland Burris should be sworn in as senator to fill the seat left by Mr. Obama.

NO!!!
Burris should not be seated tomorrow.
Haven't we as a state been made a big enough laughing stock??

Burris should undoubtly be seated. The Senate is toying with Illinois's right to be represented. Look at what the last black senator accomplished. Think maybe perhaps the senate doesn't want a repeat.

Burris should not be seated. He made a mistake by accepting this nomination, especially with all the mess going on. Why did he allow himself to become a a pawn.

Mr. Burris should not be seated. A corrupt Govenor should not be allowed to conduct state Business. Illinois has one ex-govenor in prison (who swhould stay there)and now another is under fire. What does the world think of Illinois now. I am ashamed to be a citizen of Illinois!

CERTAINLY!!! THAT'S THE LAW. HE WAS DULY APPOINTED!

No doubt Burris should be seated since Blagojevich remains that state's governor. Until Blagojevich is removed, he must perform all the duties he vowed to take on behalf of his state.When he took is oath, he consumated a contract to act; if he does not, he breaks his contract. Burris is not on any level a part of Blagojevichs' breach (if, in fact, he is actually found guilty of said breach).

How is he going to get anything done with so many people upset about the situation. He spoke more like a victim today than someone who can address the concerns people have in Illinois. This circus just empowers the Republicans who can learn from the Democrats mistakes.

Of 'course-NO constitutional reason not to, unless we dont follow constitution anymore

No he should not be seated...and if he had any kind of integrity he would not have accepted the appointment from Ill. Gov.

Yes he should be seated. Blagojevich is the governor. Period! If we are a nation of laws then stop playing around. Just because I don't like a law does not mean I don't have to obey it. The senate makes laws but they should also abide by them. We don't get a chance to pick and choose. They need to set the example and recognize the appointment and move on. There are too many more important issues than worry about this. In two years, if he wants to run again, that is his business and the business of the Illinois voters.

These folks are acting like spoiled kids.

Unfortunately, too often, our legislators DO NOT look at what is good for the country but whit is whimsical to them.

Seat Roland Burris and move on!

What gives Harry the power to change the decision of a duly elected governor to nominate a candidate. If so, then the guy from Colorado cannot be seated as well. Harry needs to go back to Nevada and stay there...

If it seems a little unfair to Mr. Burris then thats just too bad. Our leaders should be held to a higher standard that the rest of us. If there is even the slightest hint of improper conduct, He should not be allowed to take part in making the decisions that effect the lives of everyone in this country. If we continue to accept government corruption, then we deserve the country we're sure to end up with. This is much more important than Roland Burris' career.

In these economic times Illinois needs two voices in the senate. Taxation with 50% representation is not what we deserve. I have lived without an acting US senator for over two years now, maybe even three. We do not have time for a new election, not to mention the idea of the cost in this economy. We do not have time for politics. Burris is a decent man and Illinois could and has done worse. I am so tired of all these people that act so high and mighty while our country crumbles beneath them. If the Governor did those things then let them convict him. Until then it is his responsibility to select the next senator. I may add that the controversy caused him to pick a person for the right reason. Get over yourselves, seat this guy and fix the economy!!

No. Appointment is not legal with the appropriate State certification. Why should the Senate ignore the certification and seat him.

I thought that you're innocent until proven guilty. No evidence has been presented to the public,and there's been no impeachment of the governor.
Therefore, he should be allowed to continue his responsibilities, one of which is to appoint a senator.

NO WAY! Roland Burris should not be seated, the only fair way is to hold an election. Then you might have a slight chance of it being somewhat legal!

He should not be seated. If he is willing to send an innocent man (Cruz) to death for the sake of winning an elected office, what guarantees do the people of Illinois have that he will not place his own interests before the interests of the people of his state.