Roland Burris Sworn In As Senator

January 15. 2009

Senators Roland Burris (left) and Harry Reid (right)

The very qualified and persistent, Roland Burris has finally been sworn into the U.S. Senate. He now occupies the seat of former senator, President-elect Barack Obama.

Due to his appointment being made by impeached governor Rod Blagojevich, many viewed the process as tainted. However, Mr. Burris is a very educated man that has been in politics for some time. Therefore, he has experience.

Roland Burris was heard singing “We Shall Overcome” in the Senate. Ok, no he wasn’t. I just thought that would be a funny image after everything that happened.

Burris standoff ends as he's sworn in to U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Roland Burris took his place as Barack Obama's successor in the Senate on Thursday, ending a standoff that embarrassed the president-elect and fellow Democrats who initially resisted the appointment by impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

"I do," Burris said with a grin as Vice President Dick Cheney administered the oath of office to the former Illinois attorney general who takes Obama's place as the Senate's only black member.

http://www.usatoday.com