Burris calls meeting 'great'

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate appointee Roland Burris Wednesday voice optimism about representing Illinois in Washington after some questions are resolved.

Addressing reporters after meeting with Senate Democratic leadership, Burris also said he spoke on the phone with former President Jimmy Carter who told him, "When you're in the Senate, Roland, you will make a great senator."

Burris was named to fill the seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, accused of trying to sell Obama's seat for his own gain, among other things, in a federal complaint.

Burris said had a "great meeting" with Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Majority Whip Richard Durbin, D-Ill., in which they outlined steps in the appointment process.

Burris was denied entrance into the Senate chamber Tuesday because the certification of appointment document wasn't signed by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. Once his certification of appointment letter was signed and resubmitted, and he testified before the state House panel exploring whether to impeach the governor, Burris said his appointment would be considered by the Senate Rules Committee, which "would assess it and let me know what the outcome is."

Serving as Illinois' U.S. Senator "is my love ... is my desire," Burris told reporters. "And very shortly, I will have an opportunity to do that."

Burris's recap of the meeting was similar to Reid's and Durbin's assessment.

"Roland Burris, to me, appears to be candid and forthright," Reid said. "He's not trying to avoid any responsibility and trying to hide anything."

Reid also said the Senate Rules Committee would review and recommend next steps, adding that "without any question" the full Senate would vote on the appointment.