Mr. Burris' attorney faxed new paperwork, bearing the seal of the state of Illinois and signature of secretary of state, to Senate leaders Friday evening. Burris' official letter of appointment still does not have the seal or signature that Senate leaders say is necessary for him to be seated. Mr. Burris' attorney, Timothy Wright, says he may file suit in district court in Washington in an attempt to force the Senate to accept Governor Rod Blagojevich's appointee.
On Friday, Sen. Dick Durbin said he believes the seating of Mr. Burris should be delayed until after the state Senate impeachment trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released a statement saying, "The Senate Parliamentarian, the Secretary of the Senate and Senate Legal Counsel are advising Senate Leadership as we consider a way forward."
