The drama on the opening day of the 111th Congress unfolded in a swarm of umbrellas as a couple dozen media folks followed Roland Burris into the Capitol.
Burris, appointed by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President-elect Barack Obama, walked quickly into the building to claim a seat he may not get right away, if ever.
Earlier Tuesday, Burris said he would be "presenting myself as the legally appointed senator from the state of Illinois. It is my hope and prayer that they recognize that the appointment is legal"
But Senate Democratic leaders say otherwise. They maintain Burris cannot take his seat because he was named by a governor accused of trying to benefit financially from trying to fill the seat Obama vacated.
The Senate convenes at noon, with or without Burris. Stay tuned.
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