CHICAGO, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris was tapped by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill President-elect Barack Obama's open Senate seat.
"The people of Illinois are entitled to have two U.S. senators representing them in Washington," said Blagojevich, who was arrested Dec. 9 on federal corruption accusations that included, among other things, a claim that he was trying to peddle Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder.
Just before the announcement, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said anyone appointed by Blagojevich would not be seated by the Democratic Caucus.
"We say this without prejudice toward Roland Burris's ability," Reid said in a statement. "But this is ... about the integrity of a governor accused of attempting to sell this United States Senate seat."
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said he would not certify the appointment, CNN reported.
In selecting Burris, Blagojevich said he wanted to appoint "an individual who has unquestioned integrity ... and is a wise and distinguished senior statesman of Illinois." Burris spent four decades in public service, including three terms as the Illinois comptroller and one as state attorney general.
Blagojevich also pleaded, "Please don't allow the allegations against me taint this good and honest man."
Burris, 71, pledged to "dedicate my utmost effort as (Illinois') United States senator, and I will uphold the integrity of the office and ask for (Illinoisans') continued confidence in me."
U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., praised the appointment of Burris, noting that the U.S. Senate would not have any African-American members without Burris. He said he would work to persuade senators to reverse their decision.
"I would ask you to not hang or lynch the appointee as you try to castigate the appointer," Rush said. "Roland Burris is worthy."
