Court opens way for Burris to take Obama's seat

By Andrew Stern and Michael Conlon

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The Illinois Supreme Court on Friday ruled Democrat Roland Burris' appointment to the U.S. Senate valid, which could move him a step closer to taking President-elect Barack Obama's vacant seat.

The court said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White does not have to certify Gov. Rod Blagojevich's appointment proclamation and that "no further action" by any state officer was required to seat Burris in the Senate.

White, a Democrat like Burris and Blagojevich, refused to sign off on the appointment unless ordered because of the scandal surrounding the governor, who has been charged with trying to sell the seat.

The ruling now places the matter with the U.S. Senate, where leaders have said they were open to seating Burris if the signature question was resolved.

Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have discussed finding an "amicable" solution because they did not want Burris to distract from a busy agenda, a Democratic Party aide said.

Burris, 71, fulfilled the other demand of Senate leaders by testifying on Thursday before a committee of state legislators considering Blagojevich's impeachment to make clear his appointment was made fairly.

Reid said this week that once Burris had done his part, the Senate Rules Committee and then the full Senate will likely have to agree to seat him.

(Additional reporting by Karen Pierog)