below is a note that our FNC producer Trish Turner just posted in our Fox computer:
FROM TRISH TURNER
Senate Democratic leaders say Roland Burris, embattled Gov Rod Blagojevich's pick to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate, is welcome to come to Capitol Hill, just not to the Senate chamber.
Illinois' senior senator, Dick Durbin, said Burris lacks the necessary documentation to enter the chamber, a certificate of appointment co-signed by the governor and secretary of state Jesse White. White has so far refused to sign.
Blagojevich's chief of staff today tried to file a certificate with the Secretary of the Senate, the official responsible for confirming the election and appointment documents of new members. Lacking White's signature, the certificate was declined.
Durbin said Burris is welcome to watch the swearing in ceremony from the senator's Whip office just off the Senate floor.
Durbin again reiterated that Democrats have no qualms with Burris. But he said, "Questions can legitimately be raised about the appointment by this governor." Durbin said Burris now must testify Thursday before the Impeachment committee which is weighing whether or not to oust Blagojevich.
"The whole thing is just a mess," Durbin said.
Burris will meet with Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, and Durbin on Wednesday.
One senior Democratic leadership aide tells Fox the conversation will be about calming the situation and trying to get Burris to see that a fight now will get him nowhere. Instead, the aide said, "We have to get Burris to see that there are no other options than getting (Lt Gov. Pat) Quinn to name Burris to the seat."
Quinn is known to be close to Cong Danny Davis, D-IL, Blagojevich's first choice to replace Obama. But this aide said Democrats will try to convince Quinn to seat Burris, instead, as a placeholder for two years.
Another Democratic leadership aide tells Fox, this would allow the Democratic campaign committee to recruit a candidate, possibly even Davis, and raise money for the 2010 race.
Republicans continue to insist that the only fair way to resolve this issue is to hold a special election.
