Moreover according to Judicial Watch's lawsuit The U

Nonetheless, at the direction of Senateleaders, Secretary of the Senate Nancy Erikson rejected Mr Burris'appointment and has denied him entry to the U.S Senate. The lawsuit wasfiled on behalf of John Vincent, a longtime Illinois resident The lawsuitwas filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and names asdefendants the United States Senate, and its Secretary and Sergeant AtArms.According to the 17th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, a state'sgovernor, with authority from the legislature, may appoint a Senator inthe event of a vacancy.

Illinois law specifically states: "When a vacancyshall occur in the office of the United States Senator from this state,the Governor shall make temporary appointment to fill such vacancy untilthe next election of representatives in Congress, at which time suchvacancy shall be filled by election, and the senator so elected shalltake office as soon thereafter as he shall receive his certificate ofelection."Moreover, according to Judicial Watch's lawsuit: "The U.S. Constitutionguarantees Plaintiff the right to representation by two U.S Senators inthe U.S Senate...Therefore, the U.S. Senate's refusal to allow Mr.Burris to be sworn in as the junior U.S. Senator from the State ofIllinois and to otherwise occupy his rightful position as member of theU.S Senate violates the U.S.

Constitution.""Blagojevich may be a crook but the Burris appointment is consistent withthe law and must be respected The Senate has no legal authority to denyMr Burris his rightful position in the U.S Senate. The citizens ofIllinois are entitled to full representation in the United State Senate,"said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "Few have been more critical ofBlagojevich than Judicial Watch, but the law is the law."For several years, Judicial Watch has investigated the corrupt activitiesof Blagojevich, who was arrested on December 9, 2008 for attempting to"sell" the Obama seat, among other corruption charges. On Thursday,December 18, 2008, Judicial Watch Director of Litigation Paul Orfanedestestified before Illinois House Special Investigative Committeeconsidering impeachment of Governor Blagojevich.Visit for a copy of Judicial Watch's lawsuit againstthe U.S.