more controversy over Obama's senate seat

Obama: Blagojevich appointee shouldn't be seated

WASHINGTON – President-elect Barack Obama waded into a racially tinged dispute Tuesday over who would replace him as the only black senator, siding forcefully with Senate Democrats in rejecting the respected African-American chosen by scandal-tainted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

While praising Blagojevich's pick, former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris, Obama and Senate Democratic leaders said federal corruption charges against the governor place the nominee under an ethical cloud.

"Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat," Obama said in a statement.

The president-elect spoke out after Blagojevich defied national Democrats and appointed Burris to fill the vacancy left by Obama's resignation.

Senate Democrats released a letter reiterating their view that, despite their respect for Burris, they would vote not to allow him to be seated as a senator.

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