White,
also a Democrat, already had said he would not sign the proclamation,
given that the governor has been charged with corruption related to his
alleged attempt to auction the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Democratic
President-elect Barack Obama.
On Tuesday, White spokesman David Druker said the secretary of
state's office doesn't believe White's refusal to sign the document
would have any practical impact on Blagojevich's appointment of Burris.
"We feel the governor can still take the appointment to the Senate," Druker said.
Lucio Guerrero, the governor's spokesman, said White made his decision and "now it's up to the courts to decide."
"The governor still thinks he has the constitutional right to make the appointment and fulfill his obligations," Guerrero said.
The attempt to file the proclamation is "part of the process. I don't know what the next step is now," Guerrero said.
But Guerrero said he anticipates Burris would go to court if
necessary to be seated in the Senate, where Democratic leaders have
vowed to block anyone from being sworn in if appointed by Blagojevich.
 
 
 
 
 
 
-- Ray Long