US Congress refuses to accept credentials of new Senator

Azerbaijan News.Net
Tuesday 6th January, 2009

In Washington, the new American Congress has convened for the first time in 2009.

The Senate session was dominated by the controversy surrounding the successor of Barack Obama's seat, Robert Burris.

Mr Burris was told his credentials as a Senator were not in order and he was refused his seat.

The Democrats had said in advance that they would block Mr Burris's installation when he was appointed against their wishes by Rod Blagojevich, the disgraced governor of Illinois.

The governor has been accused of trying to sell Barack Obama's empty Senate seat in return for other considerations.

While it is the governor who appoints senators, an investigation is underway to remove Mr Blagojevich from office.

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