"They played a little bit of a game with Burris yesterday."

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Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White makes a statement after Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris as his choice (REUTERS/Frank Polich)

from CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/07/illinois.senate/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

After his meeting with Burris, Reid said that the Illinois Supreme Court may be able to help clear the way for Burris, a former state attorney general, to fill the Illinois Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

Reid said that he is waiting for a ruling from the Illinois high court on whether Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White needs to sign the certificate of appointment for Burris.

White, however, disputed the claim that his signature was needed on Burris' certificate, saying Wednesday that he was the "fall guy" for politicians who oppose Burris.

"They could have seated him without my signature," White told WGN Radio. "It carries a lot of weight, but my signature is mostly ceremonial rather than being a point of law."

"They played a little bit of a game with Burris yesterday. They have the authority to put the gentleman in place."


Listen to White say his signature is unnecessary » http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/07/illinois.senate/index.html?iref=mpstoryview#cnnSTCVideo