Burris takes Senate certification to court

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate nominee Roland Burris has asked the Illinois Supreme Court to confirm his appointment to fill Barack Obama's seat in Congress.

The move by Burris, named to fill the seat by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, is one response to Senate Democrats' pledge to block him from taking the president-elect's vacant seat, Politico reported. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said he would not certify Burris' appointment.

Burris said he hoped to be seated without further drama, the Chicago Tribune reported.

"We're not going to create a scene in Washington," Burris said. "We hope it's negotiated out prior to my going to Washington."

In a federal criminal complaint, Blagojevich has been accused of, among other things, trying to sell Obama's seat. Senate Democratic leaders said they would not seat anyone appointed by Blagojevich. An Illinois House panel is considering whether to recommend Blagojevich be impeached.

Blagojevich has denied any wrongdoing.

Senate Democrats officials told the Washington publication that if presented with Burris' appointment, they likely would give the Rules Committee 90 days to determine the propriety of the appointment.

"A motion to refer credentials to the committee has the effect of delaying seating," a Senate Democratic aide said. "The motion is debatable and amendable."

By the end of 90 days, Democrats said they hope Blagojevich is no longer in office, meaning his successor, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, could name someone else.