Blagojevich Names Pick To Fill Obama Senate Seat

NPR | By Ben Calhoun,

Melissa Block

Published December 30, 2008 at 4:00 PM EST

Illinois Gov. has named longtime Chicago politician Roland Burris to fill the seat vacated by Barack Obama.

The 71-year-old Burris is a former state attorney general and was the first black politician elected to major statewide office in Illinois. Senate Democrats say they won't seat him.

Ben Calhoun reports for Chicago Public Radio.

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Ben Calhoun

Melissa Block

As special correspondent and guest host of NPR's news programs, Melissa Block brings her signature combination of warmth and incisive reporting. Her work over the decades has earned her journalism's highest honors, and has made her one of NPR's most familiar and beloved voices.

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