White says he's taking unfair blame in Burris saga

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says he's being unfairly blamed by members of the U.S. Senate for not seating Roland Burris.

Burris was barred from taking President-elect Barack Obama's vacant seat Tuesday because officials refused to accept a certification of his appointment signed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Senate officials say one of the reasons is the certification also needs White's signature. White says he won't sign any appointment made by Blagojevich, who's facing federal corruption charges.

But White says Burris could have been seated without his signature, which he calls "mostly ceremonial."

Blagojevich faces federal charges for allegedly trying to trade Obama's former seat for money or favors, among other wrongdoing.