Blagojevich Names Burris for Senate Seat

The brawl continues. Chicago Breaking News:

"In defiance of U.S. senators who said they would not seat his pick, Gov. Rod Blagojevich today said he would go ahead and select former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to succeed President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate.

Blagojevich praised Burris for his 'unquestioned integrity' and 'extensive experience,' calling him a senior statesman.

'Please don't allow the allegations against me to taint this good and honest man,' Blagojevich said.

Burris said he accepted the appointment because the nation is at a crossroads."

(Whatever that means.) But WGN is reporting that the Senate will not seat anyone Blagojevich picks, according to a statement issued by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada), that was also signed by Dick Durbin:

"This is not about Mr. Burris; it is about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat," the statement read. "Anyone appointed by Gov. Blagojevich cannot be an effective representative of the people of Illinois and, as we have said, will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus...

Guess he meant alleged integrity. But, hey, the up-side is that they're talking about effective representation for the people of Illinois. (Yeah, I know how unlikely that is - but it sure would add some novelty to this most recent dog-and-pony show, don't you think?) You might want to check out the WGN video(s), including an interview with Jan Schakowski, who thinks this move by the governor might induce "outrage and distaste".

I'd love to comment on that one, but I'm speechless.