Illinois Se. of State Approves Burris

Illinois Sec. of State Jesse White signed Ronald Burris's paperwork. That means there are no obstacles preventing Burris from being seated.

One matter holding up Burris seating, he and Durbin said, was a ruling by the state supreme court expected this week on whether White is legally required to sign Burris' letter of appointment. White has taken the position that Blagojevich, accused of seeking to benefit financially from filling Obama's seat, did not have legal authority to make the appointment.

Additionally, Senate Democrats want sworn testimony that Burris did not promise Blagojevich anything in exchange for the appointment - sort of political insurance in case other news came out after his seating in the Senate.

Then, Reid said, the Senate will almost certainly hold a vote on whether to seat Burris.

An Illinois Supreme ruled Burris does not need White's approval. White has certified Burris's appointment. The state supreme court and Sec. of State have both ruled the appointment is legal. The U.S. Senate has little choice, but to approval Burris. Let the backpeddling begin.