Will Burris be Seated? Bet on it.

"Happy New Year to you too, Fousesquawk"


Yesterday, I poked a little fun at US Senator-designate Roland Burris for his rejection at the US Senate (Roland Burris at the Beach). Yet, I suspect in a few days, it will be Harry Reid who becomes the laughing stock.

Remember how Reid promptly came out and stated that Rod Blagoyevich's selection (Burris) would not be accepted by the Senate-that it was too tainted? Yesterday, Reid had his chance to really put his foot down as Burris was turned away at the door "because his papers were not properly signed off on by Illinois' Secretary of State, Jesse White (who up to now has refused to sign off).

Yet, it looks like the door is open and "Dingy Harry" is already laying out the possibility of compromise. Of course, Harry knows that in short order, the Illinois Supreme Court is likely to order White to certify the selection. Why? Because as smelly as it appears, unless Burris paid Blago something in return, it appears that the selection is entirely legal. (Strictly legit as they used to say.)

In addition, folks like Chicago Congressman Bobby Rush and the Congressional Black Caucus have already let Harry know they want Burris seated because...because...well, he's black. In addition, it has already been reported that before the Blago scandal broke, Harry had himself contacted the Governor with a specific request: Don't appoint Jesse Jackson Jr, Emil Jones or Danny Davis (all black). Instead, Harry suggested the selection go to Tammy Duckworth or Lisa Madigan (not black).

So, the question now begs: Is Harry Reid a racist? Well, no, and nobody is accusing him of being a racist. Yet, consider if Reid had been a Republican. Can you imagine the uproar that would have surrounded him? All the editorials in the New York Times, LA Times, Timbuktu Times? Calls for resignation. Calls for Reid to give up his position as Senate Majority Leader. Apologies. Trips of absolution to Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. You know the routine.

But Reid is a Democrat, so no need to bother with all that.

So here is what will play out: The Illinois Supreme Court will order Jesse White to certify Burris' selection as US Senator for the Great State of Illinois, the Democrats will all tell Reid to give up the ghost, Harry will declare that all the legal niceties have been complied with (just as he had insisted all along), Burris will be admitted to the Senate, and Reid will declare a victory for the Rule of Procedure. (Does this remind you of the time when Reid tried to horn in on the credit for Rush Limbaugh auctioning off that letter from Dingy Harry to Limbaugh's boss?) Why of course it does. (Say yes.)

Here is one last prediction: When all this comes to pass, I will repost that Don Martin cartoon from yesterday with a new heading: "Dingy Harry" at the Beach.