January 5, 2009 Burris heads to DC, fate remains in question Play video

(NECN/ABC) - The man who would be Senator is on his way to claim Barack Obama's former seat. Later today, Roland Burris will fly to Washington, but whether he makes it onto the Senate floor is still up in the air. Senate Democrats say they'll block the hand-picked appointee of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who's under a cloud of corruption charges.

Click here to hear from Burris.

"They couldn't have sent a better person to Washington to represent the 13 million people of the state of Illinois than myself," said Burris.

The problem with Burris' appointment lies with who appointed him. Arrested in December on corruption charges, Blagojevich was repeatedly warned by leaders in the Democratic party not to appoint anyone to Obama's open Senate seat. Last week, the Governor defied those demands and appointed the 71-year-old Burris.

Committee members in the state legislature have since stepped up their inquiry into whether to proceed with impeaching Blagojevich.

The case against Blagojevich may be delayed at the prosecution's request. Today, a judge granted a 90-day extension allowing prosecutors more time to review evidence and testimony before handing down an indictment.

ABC's Diana Alvear reports from Chicago.