Blagojevich will name former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to U.S. Senate

Embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich will name former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris as his pick to fill Barack Obama’s seat in the U.S. Senate, NPR has confirmed. The move sets up a challenge with congressional leaders, who have already said they plan to reject anyone the governor picks. – From NPR

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday will name former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate, sources familiar with the decision say. Burris’ appointment would fill President-elect Barack Obama’s former Senate seat. Blagojevich is to announce his choice at a news conference at 3 p.m. ET. Burris, 71, is African-American. Earlier this month, he said that despite the scandal associated with the seat, he wanted the job. – From CNN.com

Defying U.S. Senate leaders and his own state’s lawmakers, Gov. Rod Blagojevich was expected Tuesday to appoint a Senate replacement for President-elect Barack Obama despite federal charges that he tried to auction off the seat to the highest bidder. – From MSNBC.com