President-elect Barack Obama criticized the appointment of Roland Burris to replace him in the Senate, and backed Senate Democrats' opposition to the move, in a statement emailed to reporters. "Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat," he said. "I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it."
Obama's statement, and the fact of his election as the first black president, may defuse the core of Blagojevich's strategy, which is to build support for himself and the appointment by making the conflict about race.
Obama reiterated his call on Blagojevich to resign.
"I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy," he said.
