Burris heads to Washington today

Illinois Senate appointee Roland Burris leaves today for a high-stakes showdown in Washington with Democratic leaders who continue to say he won't be seated.

Dozens of black leaders and ministers organized by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush gave Burris a rousing send-off yesterday at New Covenant Church on Chicago's South Side. Burris took the stage to a crescendo of drums, organ music and applause as hundreds of supporters cheered his appointment.

Earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told a political talk show host that the chances of Burris being sworn in as President-elect Barack Obama's replacement are slim. Reid said there would be "a cloud" over any appointee of embattled Governor Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY'-uh-vich).