Senate Dems say they won't seat Obama replacement

[December 31, 2008]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Democrats are refusing to seat the man picked by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill the seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

Blagojevich plans to name former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris. Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones says that Burris has told him about the appointment.

In Washington, Senate Democrats say that no one appointed by the scandal-tarred governor would have the credibility to serve.

In a letter released Tuesday afternoon, Senate Democrats maintained that Blagojevich should not make the appointment because it is unfair to Burris, unfair to the people of Illinois and ultimately won't stand.

Blagojevich denies charges that he tried to sell the Senate seat for personal gain.

[Associated Press; By LAURIE KELLMAN]

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