Senate Dems urge Ill. gov not to make appointment

[December 11, 2008]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Democrats are warning Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich not to name a replacement for President-elect Barack Obama, hinting they may refuse to allow his choice to take the Senate seat.

In a draft letter being circulated for signatures, top Senate Democrats ask Blagojevich to resign as governor and "under no circumstances" attempt to name a successor for Obama. The AP obtained a copy of the letter to the governor, who was arrested on corruption charges.

The letter says if Blagojevich ignores the request of the Senate Democratic Caucus and makes an appointment, the senators "would be forced to exercise our Constitutional authority ... to determine whether such a person should be seated." The letter is being circulated by Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, the second-ranking Democrat.

[Associated Press; By DAVID ESPO]

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