Rod Blagojevich today named former state attorney general Roland Burris to Barack Obama's former Senate seat, thumbing his nose at state and national Democrats who seek the Illinois governor's removal from office.
It is unclear whether Burris will serve should Blagojevich move ahead with the appointment. Senate leaders in Washington have said they will not seat anyone whom Blagojevich appoints.
The Illinois governor faces impeachment proceedings in the Illinois statehouse in connection with allegations he sought to sell the appointment in return for campaign contributions and a cushy job for himself and his wife. Blagojevich was arrested on December 9 after federal law enforcement authorities in Chicago taped phone conversations in which he discussed bargaining for the seat and complained the Obama administration would give him only "appreciation".
Blagojevich was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and solicitation to commit bribery, which is punishable by up 10 years. He was released on his own recognizance.
Blagojevich has denied the allegations and has vowed to remain in office. His attorney is fighting legislators' efforts to use the recordings against Blagojevich in the impeachment inquiry.
If the Senate does bar Burris, it is unclear when and through what process Illinois will be fully represented in the body. Congressional Democrats are mustering support for Obama's massive fiscal stimulus legislation, which they intend to take up upon reconvening next month. Some Republicans have vowed to oppose the spending package, meaning Democrats will need all the votes they can manage. If Blagojevich is impeached, current lieutenant governor Pat Quinn could make the appointment. Republicans, meanwhile, have called for a special election to fill the post.
Obama won the Senate seat in 2004, propelling him onto the national stage and setting up his bid for the presidency this year. He resigned the seat shortly after his election to the White House last month. Other possible candidates for his replacement included Jesse Jackson Jr, a congressman and son of the civil rights leader; attorney general Lisa Madigan; and Valerie Jarrett, a friend and adviser to Obama.
Profile of former Illinois attorney general Roland Burris
Roland Burris is a veteran Chicago politician who has served as a state
attorney general and three-term comptroller. The first African American to hold statewide office in Illinois, he now operates a political consulting and lobbying firm.
Burris, 71, has run several unsuccessful races for office, including bids for senator, governor and Chicago mayor. His consulting firm lobbies the Illinois state government on healthcare and other issues on behalf of corporate clients and trade associations.
He served as vice-president of Blagojevich's 2002 gubernatorial transition team, and Burris and his consulting firm donated more than $15,000 (£10,400) to Blagojevich's campaigns since 2002.