Roland Burris, the Illinois statesman tapped by scandal-tainted Governor Rod Blagojevich to replace president-elect Barack Obama in the US Senate, headed for Washington Monday vowing to take his seat despite the controversy.
"I am going there to be seated. I am the junior senator from the state of Illinois. That's all I can say," the 71-year-old African-American told reporters before boarding his flight to the US capital, when asked about the legal wrangling over his appointment.
Blagojevich named Burris to take over Obama's vacated seat in the Senate on December 31, defying fellow Democrats who oppose the move in view of corruption charges stating Blagojevich tried to sell Obama's seat to the highest bidder.
Burris' appointment has not been signed by the Illinois Secretary of State, as required by Senate rules, and has been rejected by Senate Secretary Nancy Erickson, her spokeswoman said.
But Burris was apparently unconcerned about the legal uncertainty.
"No, I'm not bothered by because the appointment is legal," Burris told reporters, adding that the scandal surrounding Blagojevich "is all politics and theater."
He said he intends to meet Tuesday in Washington with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who has opposed Burris' nomination due to the corruption scandal.
"I will sit down and talk to Mr. Reid and tell him I'm here to take my seat," Burris said.
CNN reported that a deal could be in the making between Democrat lawmakers and Burris that would have the Illinois statesman take his Senate seat as long as he vows not to run for in the 2010 legislative elections, when the seat comes up for grabs.
Burris has also been asked by the Illinois House of Representatives committee investigating whether to impeach Blagojevich to appear Wednesday in the state capital Springfield.
Asked by reporters whether he would appear at the hearing, Burris said the committee would have to wait until Thursday because he would be in Washington on Wednesday.
"I'm a United States senator. They cannot stop me from ... my senatorial duties."
