Democrats Could Try Stall Tactics

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Democrats Could Try Stall Tactics to Block Burris From Senate
Democrats could be in for a showdown as they threaten to block Roland Burris from entering the Senate next week -- but one option under consideration is to put Burris on hold as lawmakers send the matter to committee.
U.S. senators opposed to Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's defiant appointment to Barack Obama's vacant seat could try to block the move by doing what they do best -- stall.

Roland Burris, the former Illinois attorney general appointed to the seat by the governor despite the corruption charges against him, plans to head to Washington next week when new senators are sworn in.

Democrats have threatened to refuse him entry, but Burris' supporters and some legal experts say they are on shaky constitutional ground since Burris is technically eligible and Blagojevich is within his right to make the appointment. Burris has already taken the Illinois secretary of state to court in a bid to force him to certify the appointment, as required by Senate rules.

So Senate Democratic officials are looking at the possibility of making a motion to refer Burris' credentials to the Rules and Administration Committee for a review. That could take months, by which time Blagojevich may no longer be governor, officials said. Burris would not be granted a paycheck or office space or floor privileges in the meantime, the officials said.

Senators could simply attempt to run out the clock, as an Illinois House panel proceeds with its impeachment inquiry and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald seeks an indictment against the governor. Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn is waiting in the wings to take over and potentially make an appointment of his own.

"What Harry Reid can do is delay this for many, many months," said Democratic strategist Julian Epstein. "By that time, Blagojevich should be out of office, and then hopefully we can have a proper appointment."

Democrats are talking about the option of senators choosing between Burris and a rival appointee from Quinn, should Blagojevich be forced out of office.

"I hope we're able to move forward with impeachment as quickly as possible," Illinois state Rep. Susana Mendoza, a Democrat, told FOX News. "I think the U.S. Senate is hoping that we give them more options, maybe choosing between two different appointed candidates once Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn becomes governor. That's a possibility."

Robert Walker, former counsel to the Senate ethics committee, said it seems likely the Senate would refer the matter to committee while impeachment proceedings transpire. He said such an inquiry would be legitimate but guessed "there may be some elements of a stall to it."