Congressional Black Caucus OKs Burris

41-member group votes unanimously in favor of Illinois appointee

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updated 2:51 p.m. ET Jan. 7, 2009

WASHINGTON - The Congressional Black Caucus is calling for Illinois Democrat Roland Burris to be allowed to fill President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.

Chairwoman Barbara Lee of California says the 41-member caucus on Wednesday voted unanimously to support seating Burris.

Democratic leaders had resisted seating Burris because he was appointed by embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich, but their stance was softening Wednesday.

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The caucus plans to send a letter to Senate Democratic leaders requesting that Burris be appointed immediately.

If seated, Burris would be the only black member of the Senate.