Rep. Davis declined offer of Obama's seat

CHICAGO, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill., declined Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's offer of President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat, telling him too much chaos existed.

Davis had expressed interest in the seat and discussed a possible appointment last week, but said he wouldn't accept an offer because it would create too much uneasiness for him and his family, he told the Chicago Sun-Times. Blagojevich on Tuesday tapped former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris as Obama's replacement.

Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on federal corruption accusations that included a claim that he was trying to peddle Obama's open Senate seat. An Illinois House of Representatives panel is considering whether to recommend the governor be impeached.

When approached about the appointment last week, Davis said, "I indicated I came to the conclusion there was too much discomfort on my part and the part of my family,"

He added he didn't see how anyone appointed by Blagojevich could serve, the Sun-Times reported Wednesday, especially since the U.S. Senate Democratic Caucus said it wouldn't seat anyone the governor appointed.

If he had taken the job, Davis said, "It would be difficult to generate the trust level people would have to have in me. ... It was something I wanted to do, but I said I would not take an appointment from the governor."