In the latest twist of the scandal over Barack Obama’s vacated Illinois Senate seat, Roland Burris went to the Illinois Supreme Court yesterday to fight to join the club. Burris, appointed by disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday to the seat once held by President-elect Barack Obama, asked the justices to force Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to co-sign Blagojevich’s proclamation that Burris is the state’s new senator. You can read the Burris court filing here at Right Soup.

U.S. Senate leadership scrambled to develop an elaborate set of contingency plans to keep Burris from taking over the President-elect’s seat. Reportedly, if Burris shows up Tuesday to claim the seat given to him by the disgraced Blagojevich, the possible outcomes range from a denial of entry to a limbo where he can hire staff but not vote. Burris has promised not to “create a scene” when the Senate convenes next week.

A Democratic official briefed on the Senate leader’s plans told the Chicago Tribune how serious the Senate is about blocking Blago and Burris. He says if Burris appears in Washington without certification, armed police officers stand ready to bar him from the Senate floor. Senate leaders have expressed NO inclination to negotiate, and have vowed to bar anyone appointed by Blagojevich because of his alleged attempt to sell Obama’s seat.

The legislators are also anticipating the possibility that Blago may in person to escort Burris. Please, PLEASE, let this happen! I will be watching with rapt attention and lots of popcorn. Ironically, Hot Rod would be allowed onto the Senate floor, because sitting governors are allowed floor privileges, while Burris would not without certification. Blago’s spokesman Lucio Guerrero said the gov hadn’t decided whether he will appear in Washington next week with Burris. No word on whether Blago will get a desperately needed haircut either.

Justices on Illinois’ highest court are mum on when the court will take up the issue. If Burris prevails, it could allow him to present valid paperwork to the U.S. Senate, and perhaps give leaders one less reason to reject him. However, Senate Democrats have a follow-up plan: Refusing to seat Burris until the Senate Rules Committee finishes an investigation into whether the appointment process was tainted by corruption. Timesaving newsflash: Yes.

Stay tuned for more on the Blago and Burris show! This is gonna be one hot mess, no matter HOW you slice it.

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