Mr. Burris Goes to Washington

Eight years ago today, Reps. Maxine Waters and Barbara Lee, and other members of the Congressional Black Congress pleaded with the Senate to reject certification of Florida’s Electoral College votes because of the disenfranchisement of black voters in the 2000 election. Their pleas fell on deaf ears.

Then as now, there were no African Americans in the Senate.

The Senate rejected Roland Burris’ credentials on the grounds that his certificate of appointment lacks the ceremonial signature of the Secretary of State. During an appearance on CBS’ “The Early Show,” Burris brushed off the rejection:

They’re causing the drama, my appointment is legal. Are you saying there is something wrong with me? I’m qualified.

There’s nothing wrong with Roland Burris and there’s nothing wrong with the appointment.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is hiding behind the incomplete paperwork to block Burris from entering the chamber. He told a press gaggle:

Of course, Roland Burris has not been certified by the state of Illinois. When that takes place, we of course will review it. At this stage, we’re waiting to we see what will happen in Illinois. We’ll wait until we see there’s certification from the state of Illinois.

It may be time for Lee and Waters to put on their “high heel sneakers” and lead a march through the Capitol tunnel.

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington wrote:

The Congressional Black Caucus must coalesce around Burris. Their response so far has been tepid.

While they have no official sway in the Senate, the CBC imprimatur carries clout. U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush was working the phones this weekend to line up their support. He hopes to make the case Wednesday at the caucus’ first meeting of 2009. He will argue that the Burris appointment was constitutional and legal and that Burris brings “impeccable” credentials.

Senate Democrats will likely refer the dispute to the Senate Rules Committee. The incoming chairman, Sen. Chuck Schumer, lives in the neighborhood.

Hey, “pay to play” (and here) appears to be in vogue. So here’s an idea: Perhaps I’ll put on my sneakers and mosey on over to Schumer’s apartment building. I can slip the doorman a few bucks to slide a copy of the Constitution under Schumer’s door.