Reid didn't have a GAWD DAMNED THING To Do With Burris Being Rejected Today

[WeDidIt]

Until Jesse White's signature appears on a certificate of appointment, Reid doesn't even enter into the equation.

[uponit7771]

1. Reid opened his mouth on some stupid shit like this instead of Bush's crimes, Reid is an

...asshole there's no way I trust him.

Also, this gives Obama only 57 in the senate...this whole thing smells like a set up.

[democrattotheend]

11. Until they seat Franken Burris is of no use in terms of votes

Because if both seats are vacant they only need 59 to break cloture, but with either one filled they need 60 despite being down 1. So they may as well have both seats vacant so long as one is vacant.

[K Gardner]

2. Wasn't it reported on Hardball yesterday that Reid asked White not to sign the certificate?

I'm asking.. I thought I heard that yesterday. It may or may not be true.

[redstate_democrat]

3. I heard the same thing.

It's entirely reasonable to think he did, so that he could avoid the embarrassing task of having to turn away Burris himself.

[wndycty]

4. Well according to the Illinois Secretary of State's lawyers that might not be the case

-snip-
While senators in Washington weighed their options, it was uncertain how efforts here to block the appointment would proceed. Jesse White, the Illinois secretary of state, said he would refuse to sign paperwork that Mr. Blagojevich must present to the Senate offering Mr. Burris’s appointment. Still, after Mr. White’s lawyers scanned the legal precedents on the question, there appeared to be no statutory requirement that Mr. White’s signature be included, his spokesman said, so the move seemed likely to be mostly symbolic.
-snip-

http://progressillinois.com/2008/12/30/whites-stand-symbolic

-snip-
White, also a Democrat, already had said he would not sign the proclamation, given that the governor has been charged with corruption related to his alleged attempt to auction the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Democratic President-elect Barack Obama.

On Tuesday, White spokesman David Druker said the secretary of state's office doesn't believe White's refusal to sign the document would have any practical impact on Blagojevich's appointment of Burris.

"We feel the governor can still take the appointment to the Senate," Druker said.
-snip-

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/blagojevich-proclamation-on-burris-is-rebuffed.html

[yourguide]

5. correct me if I'm wrong

but there in lies the rub. White's signature is not required within the state, but the senate requires an SOS signature. there is a really pretty loophole here between state and senate.

Illinois law does not require white's signature but the senate requires it. Seems that white is within the law which makes it that much more interesting.

[olkaz]

6. If that ends up being the case, I may laugh my own head off.

What a perfect denouement that would be to this whole mess.

[pinto]

7. Good point. Requirements at odds with each other. I suppose, barring some compromise,

this'll end up in Fed District Court ?

[yourguide]

8. I think they would have to pass a law

in Illinois requiring Whites signature.

So when this ends up in court, I think ultimately they will rule against White but it will take a long time to do so, like by the time it's resolved quinn will have already appointed.

Even at that crazy Blago news conference Blago said he didnt need whites signature in Illinois. That was before he realized the Senate DID need it.

[pinto]

9. *shakeshead* n/t

[AngryAmish]

14. White is not within the law

His job is to stamp the thing after the governor makes the appointment. Blago (unfortunately) is still governor.

The SoS also has to stamp signed bills before they become laws. Say the legislature passed a law (increasing the speed limit to 75) and the governor signs the bill. At that point, it becomes a law. However, unless the SoS affixes his seal, then it is not put down in the official IL law books. If Jesse White did not agree with increasing the speed limit and refused to seal the law that is not his prerogative. Then all laws become subject to the veto of the SoS, not the governor. It would be an unoverridable (sp?) veto.

Burris has to file a writ of mandamus post haste.

In the immortal words of Ric Flair, "You may not like it, but you are gonna learn to love it."

Blago has not been removed from office. The appointment is his to make until then. That is the law.

[yourguide]

15. The law does not require the SOSs signature in illinois.

In fact, in that fiasco of a news conference in which blago appointed Burris, Blago himself said he didnt need the SOSs signature.

I am not saying White has veto power. I am simply stating the law. The law seems to be a law at odds with the rules of the Senate.

Ultimately yes this will go to court and ultimately I think this will be decided on what the intent of the law is. It is intended that the Governor should be able to make an appointment, and it is not intended that White has power to over ride his appointment.

However, as the law currently stands in Illinois, the SOSs signature is NOT required. They will need to change that law.

More info here: http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/illinois_sec_of_state_refuses.php

[Radical Activist]

10. He'll follow Durbin's lead on this anyway.

Durbin is the senior Senator from Illinois and knows the situation better than Reid. It would surprise me if it was Reid's decision at all. Most Illinois residents don't want a Senator picked by someone who tried to sell the seat.

[Jennicut]

12. Reid is an idiot, we all agree on that. But Burris came knowing he would be turned away.

This is totally Blago sending an f you to Obama and anyone else who dares stand in his way...a Senate seat is f*cking worth alot you know.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

13. Yes he did. His words fueled sentiment against Burris. Am I to believe

that they had no weight in White's decision not to sign those certification papers?