Sergeant at arms expects no trouble from Burris

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Senate's sergeant at arms says he doesn't expect trouble when Roland Burris shows up to be sworn in as President-elect Barack Obama's successor on Tuesday.

The sergeant at arms, Terrence Gainer, says he's known Burris for years. Gainer said in a telephone interview: "He is a good man. He plays by the rules."

Burris is a former Illinois attorney general, while Gainer once served as director of the Illinois State Police.

Burris was chosen for the seat by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who's been accused by federal prosecutors of trying to make a deal to benefit from the Senate vacancy.

Gainer said Friday that he doesn't believe Burris wants a confrontation. Senate Democratic leaders have said they won't allow him to take a seat.