Dad At Work

Reed and the Senate Democrats have made a mistake in inserting themselves in a problem that has too be worked out at the state level. Instead of publicly announcing they were going to do this, they should have worked behind the scenes to streamline the appointment. The Feds have succeeded not only in taking down Blagojevich (though it's an awfully slow take-down, it will happen eventually), but also in damaging the Senate Dems and, to a smaller extent, the Obama administration.

CNN says "Burris denied entry to Senate":

Nancy Erickson, the secretary of the Senate, rejected Burris\' appointment on Monday because Burris\' certificate of appointment was missing the signature of Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, an aide to the secretary said.

Rule 2 of the Standing Rules of the Senate states that the secretary of state must sign the certificate of election along with the governor.

White has declined to sign the certificate, siding with some Senate Democrats who say Burris should not be seated because of the cloud over Blagojevich.