STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE RULING
OF
THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT
On December 30, Governor Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-Elect Barack Obama.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White immediately fulfilled all of his legal obligations to effectuate the appointment of Mr. Burris.
Today the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that, "No further action is required by the Secretary of State or any other official to make the Governor's appointment of Roland Burris to the United States Senate valid under Illinois law."
It is clear that Secretary White is not the roadblock to Mr. Burris's appointment to the U.S. Senate.
It remains within the power of the U.S. Senate to seat Mr. Burris. They should do so immediately.
-30-
