Senate has Deal to Seat Burris

From the Wall Street Journal

Roland Burris will be sworn into the U.S. Senate later this week pending any objections from Senate Republicans.

The announcement comes 14 days after now impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed Mr. Burris to fill the seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. The Senate initially fought the appointment saying it was tainted because Mr. Blagojevich has been charged with trying to auction off the seat.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White refused to certify Mr. Blagojevich's appointment but this afternoon Senate leaders said a deal had been struck.

"The Secretary of the Senate has determined that the new credentials presented today on behalf of Mr. Burris now satisfy Senate Rules and validate his appointment to the vacant Illinois Senate seat," said a statement released by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin.