Jan 7th, 2009 · Al Franken has claimed victory in the Senate race in Minnesota, but opponent Norm Coleman is challenging the result. Roland Burris went to Washington to be seated in the Senate, and was turned away. Also, Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM) declines appointment to Obama's cabinet.
Jan 7th, 2009 · Senate Democratic leaders are changing course and it looks as if the Senate will seat Roland Burris as the junior senator from Illinois once all legal obstacles are overcome. Senate leaders Harry Reid and Dick Durbin both have said they have no problem with Burris.
Jan 7th, 2009 · With Alaska's Ted Stevens no longer in the Senate, there's talk on Capitol Hill of reconsidering some of the federal contracting preferences enjoyed by Alaska Native corporations. These companies often receive federal deals even when other, cheaper businesses offer similar services.
Jan 7th, 2009 · Senate leaders, using conciliatory language, point to a route that could formally make him Barack Obama's successor in the chamber.
Jan 7th, 2009 · Illinois senate appointee Roland Burris was hoping to claim his position yesterday, but was turned away after his paperwork lacked a key signature needed for approval. The corruption case surrounding Burris' appointee, Gov. Rod Blagojevich, raises concern about the integrity of the powerful appointment. Howard University Law School Dean Kurt Schmoke is advising Burris on the his battle to be officially recognized in Washington and explains what comes next in his battle to be seated.
Jan 7th, 2009 · The debate over the replacement for President-elect Obama's U.S. Senate seat continues to grow louder as Roland Burris, appointed by embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, is forced to defend his own appointment. Mike Dorning, a reporter with the Chicago Tribune, discusses the fallout over the Burris and its affect on Illinois politics.
Jan 7th, 2009 · President-elect Obama is likely to field questions ranging from the debacle over filling his vacant Senate seat to plans for passage of a budget-busting economic stimulus plan during a news conference on Wednesday.
Jan 7th, 2009 · On the opening day of the 111th Congress, Roland Burris showed up as promised to claim Barack Obama's seat as junior senator from Illinois. And as promised, he was rejected. Burris and his attorneys left the Capitol to consider their options, and the Senate carried on with the day's ceremonies. A Senate from Minnesota also is vacant because of an election dispute.