In a reversal, Senate Dems back Burris

Democratic leaders outline conditions for him to take Obama's seat

WASHINGTON -- Seeking a way out of a deepening political and legal predicament, the Senate Democratic leadership reversed course Wednesday and opened the way for Roland W. Burris to be seated as a U.S. senator from Illinois.

Following a private meeting with Burris, Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, and Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat, outlined conditions that would allow Burris to take the seat relinquished by President-elect Barack Obama.

"Isn't it great," said a beaming Burris, whose request to be sworn in had been denied.

Only last week, Democratic leaders had declared that Burris' appointment by Gov. Rod Blagojevich "will ultimately not stand." As they backpedaled Wednesday, Democratic leaders were highly complimentary of Burris and said that their questions about whether he should be seated had helped to assure his legitimacy, since Blagojevich has been accused of trying to trade the appointment for personal gain.

"We know that there's been a lot of issues raised as to why we held this up," Reid said. "Well, it's obvious: We have a man who was arrested for trying to sell the office."

In forcing the Senate leadership to back down, Burris, who would be the only black senator, benefited from the support of black lawmakers. He also had a credible legal claim and would provide Democrats a reliable vote, factors that led to growing party consensus that there was little reason to hold up the nomination.

Obama had also said last week that Burris should not be seated. But Senate officials said Wednesday that Obama had changed course this week, urging Reid in a private meeting on Monday to find an "amicable resolution."

The Associated Press and Chicago Tribune also reported the conversation with Reid, citing unnamed Democratic officials.

Obama voiced support for Burris on Wednesday. "If he gets seated, then I'm going to work with Roland Burris, just like I work with all the other senators, to make sure that the people of Illinois and the people of the country are served," he said.

Reid said he hoped the Senate would soon be able to consider Burris' appointment if he is able to get the Illinois secretary of state to sign his credentials and persuade a state legislative panel considering impeaching the governor that he offered nothing in exchange for his selection.

Under the developing scenario, Burris' appointment would still need to be reviewed by the Rules Committee. If the Senate panel were to recommend he be seated, the full Senate would vote, leading Democrats to warn that Republicans could be a roadblock.

But one senior Republican said Wednesday that he doubted any Republican would try to tie up the appointment, not wanting to entangle the party in what has been a Democratic dilemma. "I think the unanimous Republican view is that this is a mess, an ethically tainted, challenged mess," said Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

He and his fellow Senate Republicans would prefer the new Illinois senator be chosen in a special election, which would provide them a chance to win the seat.