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Burris Back in Chicago, Still Wants Obama's Seat
Despite a delayed plane and no swearing in, Senate appointee Roland Burris was all smiles in front of the media when he arrived at Chicago's Midway Airport Wednesday.

Earlier in the day Burris met with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reed.

Burris says that the meeting went well and that the Senate had two requirements before they could seat him.

Burris said he must testify before the Illinois House Impeachment Committee, which he plans on doing Thursday. Burris said he also must receive the approval of Secretary of State Jesse White. That may be the one hang up as White has said he would not approve Burris unless ordered to by the State Supreme Court. Lawyers for Burris have already asked the high court to rule on the matter, something that may happen after Burris appears in front of the Impeachment Committee.

Burris says he was told that White's signature was necessary in order to be seated, however Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has filed a response with the court claiming that Whites signature is not needed and the decision to seat Burris lies totally with the U.S. Senate.

Burris says he is not aware of a timetable by which he would be seated, but with the support of Reed and Durbin, the process could move quickly.

President-elect Barack Obama has also called on lawmakers to move quickly.

(Illinois Radio Network)
01 07 09 by Newsroom
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