Burris Likely to Stay in Senate

Although embattled Illinois Senator Roland Burris had some trouble getting seated in the senate, it's unlikely that he'll be expelled over revelations that his negotiations with Governor Blagojevich over the position were more extensive than previously acknowledged, the Los Angeles Times reports. The last senators to be expelled supported the rebels during the Civil War. However, the senate often puts political pressure on its members to resign. "He has a lot of explaining to do now," a veteran Washington campaign lawyer said, "If he had testified to all those contacts with people close to Gov. Blagojevich, I don't think he would have been seated. They have got to feel snookered, at the very least." Burris' situation is particularly unique because he is new to the senate, and unlike disgraced Sens Pete Domenici, Bob Packwood, Larry Craig, and David Vitter, Burris doesn't have a reservoir of good will to help cushion him against the accusations.