Senate rules chief: We should seat Roland Burris

WASHINGTON — The chairman of the Senate Rules Committee has parted with many of her Democratic colleagues and says that the Senate should seat former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California said Tuesday that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, however tainted by corruption charges, has the right to appoint someone to President-elect Barack Obama’s former seat. The Rules Committee decides whether Burris is qualified to serve.

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On Tuesday, Roland Burris, was turned away on Capitol Hill when he tried to take his seat.
(AP)

Feinstein said that blocking Burris would have ramifications for other governors’ appointments.