As we noted this morning, Senate Democratic leaders have asserted that no further steps can be taken on the Burris appointment until the Illinois Supreme Court decides whether to force Secretary of State Jesse White to sign the certificate of appointment (as Burris has asked the justices to do).  Sen. Dick Durbin said at the press conference that he expects the court to weigh in on the matter this week.  This afternoon, however, White and Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a counter motion calling on the high court to reject Burris’ appeal.  They argue that White fulfilled his obligations under Illinois law by registering the appointment and is not required -- by the state or the U.S. Senate -- to sign the certificate.

From the motion:

This court should deny the petitioners' motion for leave to file an orginal mandamus complaint requesting an order to require the Secretary to countersign the Certificate of Appointment of petitioner Burris to the United States Senate. The Secretary has performed all of his legal duties regarding the Burris appointment.  The Court cannot compel the U.S. Senate to seat petioner Burris, but nothing remains to be done by the Secretary to complete the appointment process and to enable the U.S. Senate to seat Burris. Additionally, the petitioners are not entitled to seek mandumus relief.

In other Burris news, the 41 members of the Congressional Black Caucus voted unanimously today to recommend that he be seated.

Read White and Madigan's entire filing below (click the button in the upper right corner to expand):