Congress Convenes; Senate Leadership Rejects Two

As expected, when the 111th Congress convened, Democratic leadership rejected Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's pick to replace Barack Obama in the Senate. And even though Al Franken has been declared the winner in Minnesota, Senate Republican leadership objected to seating him; incumbent Republican Norm Coleman is expected to mount a legal challenge to the election results.

On Tuesday, Roland W. Burris, appointed by Blago to be the Illinois junior senator, unsuccessfully presented his credentials to Nancy Erickson, the secretary of the Senate. The official reason? The governor’s appointment letter did not have the signature of the secretary of state, a requirement of Senate Rule II.

The real reason? Burris, 71, is caught up in the maelstrom surrounding the embattled Illinois governor, who is being presumed guilty -- by the press, the Illinois lieutenant governor, Illinois legislative membership and federal politicians and -- until proved innocent, contrary to the American concept of "innocent until proven guilty."

The objection certainly has nothing to do with credentials. A seasoned Democrat, Burris is a former Illinois comptroller and attorney general.

How far will Senate Democratic leadership flex its muscle? The answer is unclear -- but the effort diverts time, energy and resources from the economy, the focus of the incoming president and most Americans. It also appears that legal precedent is on the side of Blago and Burris.

In the House, there is no drama over seating freshman Representatives. However, there might still be drama, over rules.

Democratic leadership is proposing new rules, including one that eliminates the six-year term limit for committee chairmen. The seniority cap came about in 1994 when Republicans won control of the House. (See The Republican Contract With America) Democrats argue that the seniority limit has led to an emphasis on "fund-raising for the party as a way for lawmakers to win chairmanships."

How Senate Vacancies Are Filled
:: Party In Power: A Visual Guide To the Balance of Power in Washington
:: Overview, 111th Congress
:: Senate Democrats Bungle Filling Vacant Seats.