Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'illinois'

Burris Testifies In Illinois House

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST

Roland Burris has testified before the Illinois House committee that is expected to recommend impeachment for Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Lawmakers want to know how Burris got picked to fill Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat. Blagojevich was arrested last month on corruption charges.

Senate Softens On Burris

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:33:00 EST

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.

Democrats Await Illinois Court Ruling On Burris

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:07:00 EST

Senate leaders, using conciliatory language, point to a route that could formally make him Barack Obama's successor in the chamber.

Senate Rejects Burris, Now What...

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

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.

Political Drama Puts Illinois Politics Under Spotlight

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

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.

Missing 2 Senators 111th Congress Starts Work

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:00:00 EST

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.

Mr. Burris Comes To Washington

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:28:00 EST

Roland Burris came to Washington to take his seat as the junior Senator form Illinois, but the Democratic leadership in the Senate has kept him out. It said Burris' appointment is tainted by Illinois Gov. Ron Blagojevich, who is accused of corruption.

Seating Senators Could Be Problem

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST

The Senate swears in new members Tuesday, but exactly who those new members are remains problematic: Democrat Al Franken seems to have won the recount in Minnesota, but could face a court challenge. Roland Burris could be seated from Illinois and New York Gov. David Paterson has yet to put forward a name.

Op-Ed: Backing Burris For Being Black...

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:47:00 EST

Before Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris, an African American, to the open Senate seat, Illinois congressman Bobby Rush promised not to back anyone Blagojevich appointed. Clarence Page says Rush has changed his mind and decided to back Burris because he is black.

Why Did Richardson Withdraw...

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST

The new Congress is coming to Washington this week. We examine the uncertainty over who'll be representing Minnesota and Illinois in the Senate as well as New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's withdrawal from nomination for Commerce Secretary.

Supporters Rally Around Roland Burris

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:00:00 EST

At a southside Chicago Church last night, there was an emotional introduction for Roland Burris. He's the man selected to fill the vacant U-S Senate seat in Illinois. Democrats have vowed not to seat him because Burris was named by embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. However, Burris says he's ready for a showdown.

Senate May Be Stuck With Blagojevich Pick

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:07:00 EST

A 1969 Supreme Court decision renders it almost impossible for the Senate to outright deny a seat to Ronald Burris, the man tapped to serve the remainder of President-elect Obama's Senate term by Illinois' scandal-dogged Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Roland Burris, At Center Of Storm, Weighs In

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST

Veteran Illinois politician Roland Burris talks about his appointment to fill President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat. There has been continuing fall-out from Tuesday's announcement: The Illinois secretary of state says he won't certify Burris' appointment, and Senate Democrats say they won't seat him.

The Hubris And Chutzpah Of Rod Blagojevich

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:24:00 EST

Why would the embattled Illinois governor tap someone to fill the very Senate seat he is accused of trying to sell? Observers say his critics-be-damned announcement smacks of hubris. Then again, coming out swinging makes sense for the former Golden Gloves boxer.

Ill. Gov. Blagojevich Picks Obama's Sen. Successor

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:00:00 EST

Illinois' embattled Governor Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday appointed a successor to fill the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. The move set off an avalanche of criticism from members of both political parties and set the stage for more political drama.

Blagojevich Names Pick To Fill Obama Senate Seat

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:47:00 EST

Illinois Gov. has named longtime Chicago politician Roland Burris to fill the seat vacated by Barack Obama. The 71-year-old Burris is a former state attorney general and was the first black politician elected to major statewide office in Illinois. Senate Democrats say they won't seat him.

Roland Burris Appointed To Obama's Senate Seat

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:03:00 EST

Embattled Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to President-elect Obama's vacated Senate seat. We explore what Burris brings to the position and why Blagojevich picked him.

Report: Obama Senate Replacement To Be Named

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST

Embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected to name former Illinois attorney general Roland Burris as his pick to fill Barack Obama's seat in the U.S. Senate, setting up a challenge with congressional leaders who have already said they plan to reject anyone the governor picks, the Associated Press is reporting.

Illinois Republicans Seek Return To Power

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Illinois GOP is taking advantage of the corruption charges leveled against Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich. They say they have learned valuable lessons from the scandal surrounding former Republican Gov. George Ryan, who is now serving time in jail on corruption charges of his own.

Health Department: This Time It's Personal

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 05:43:00 EST

Investigating food poisoning cases is just part of the job for the Lawrence County Health Department in southern Illinois. The department's workers have a personal stake in a recent case. They had a Christmas party — with buffet — at a local hang out. At least 40 people got a belly ache while the rest of the staff searched for the cause. The culprit? Most likely the cold diced ham at the salad bar.

Rod Blagojevich And The Poetry Slam

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:43:00 EST

With his back against the wall, the Illinois governor turns to...Rudyard Kipling? Turns out the English poet is a favorite of high-profile people in times of crisis.

Blagojevich Lawyer Challenges Impeachment Panel

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:57:00 EST

An attorney for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich challenged a panel considering Blagojevich's impeachment. Lawyers Ed Genson's is a sign that Blagojevich may not be stepping down anytime soon. The Illinois governor has resisted calls for his resignation following his arrest on federal corruption charges.

Illinois Lawmakers Weigh Blagojevich Impeachment

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:39:00 EST

The Illinois Legislature began preparations for impeaching Gov. Rod Blagojevich nearly a week after he was arrested on federal public corruption charges. Meanwhile, Barack Obama's transition team said there were no inappropriate discussions between the president-elect's staff and Blagojevich.

Illinois Panel To Study Impeaching Governor

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:39:00 EST

Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan has said he is appointing a special committee to review allegations against Gov. Rod Blagojevich and recommend whether the governor should be impeached. Blagojevich was arrested last week on federal corruption charges.

Gov. Blagojevich Refuses To Resign

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:32:00 EST

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says he will not resign. He was arrested last week for trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. We examine today's meeting in the Illinois legislature to deal with Blagojevich's refusal to resign. Many lawmakers are calling for the governor's impeachment.