By AP/KWMU
Washington – In a television interview Tuesday morning, Roland Burris said he never doubted he would be seated in the U.S. Senate.
Reversing course Monday, U.S. Senate Democrats grudgingly accepted Gov. Rod Blagojevich's Senate appointee. It is expected that Burris will be sworn in as Illinois' junior senator later this week.
Asked on NBC's "Today" show about President-elect Barack Obama's role in persuading Senate Democratic leaders Harry Reid and Dick Durbin to soften their opposition to his seating, Burris said he knew of none.
Reid and Durbin initially tried to dissuade Blagojevich, who faces criminal charges, from making an appointment and suggested his pick would not be seated.
Burris said his service in the Senate would not carry a taint because of Blagojevich's legal problems.