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• Jesse White is the Illinois Secretary of State. He previously served 16 years in the Illinois General Assembly. White also has a background in the Chicago public school system and as a professional baseball player.Official Site: Biography of Jesse White Secretary of State

  In December 2008, White has said he will reject any paperwork filed by state governor Rod Blagojevich to fill the seat in the U.S. Senate that became open when President-Elect Barack Obama resigned. Blagojevich, who has been charged with corruption, announced his choice to the Senate seat, Roland Burris, on December 30, 2008.USA Today: Blagojevich defies critics, names Burris to fill Senate seat (December 30, 2008)

• Fast Facts

  1. First elected in 1998Official Site: Biography of Jesse White Secretary of State
  2. Re-elected in 2002Official Site: Biography of Jesse White Secretary of State
  3. Previously served as Recorder of Deeds in the Cook County of IllinoisOfficial Site: Biography of Jesse White Secretary of State
  4. Has served 16 years in the Illinois General AssemblyOfficial Site: Biography of Jesse White Secretary of State
  5. First African American elected to major statewide officeNBC: Governor Appoints Burris to US Senate (December 30, 2008)
  6. Founded the Jesse White Tumbling Team in 1959, an acrobat team meant to keep young kids away from drugs and gangsOfficial Site: Biography of Jesse White Secretary of State
  7. Formerly a baseball player, played with the Chicago Cubs organizationOfficial Site: Biography of Jesse White Secretary of State
  8. Was a teacher and administrator in public schools in Chicago for 33 yearsOfficial Site: Biography of Jesse White Secretary of State

• Certification of Roland Burris

  On January 9, 2009, White signed a document stating that Roland Burris' appointment document was "true and accurate." However, White continued to refuse to sign the official appointment papers, stating that he "could not and will not in good conscience sign my name to any appointment made by Governor Rod Blagojevich." Just days before, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that White's signature on the appointment papers was not necessary to complete Burris' appointment, although the Senate requires the Secretary of State's approval for all new Senators. After the ruling, Burris reported that he was confident he had met all requirements and expected to be validated and seated as a Senator.Politico: Burris gets OK from Illinois sec. of state (January 10, 2008)

• Jesse White on Illinois Senate Seat

  The governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, has been charged with corruption and is under investigation. Blagojevich has the authority to appoint the U.S. Senate seat that became available when President-elect Barack Obama resigned. Blagojevich is accused of attempting to "sell" the Senate seat. On December 30, 2008, Blagojevich announced he had selected Roland Burris to take over the seat. White said he will reject any paperwork Blagojevich files regarding his choice for the Senate, due to the corruption allegations.USA Today: Blagojevich defies critics, names Burris to fill Senate seat (December 30, 2008)

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Rod Blagojevich | Obama Senate Seat | Rod Blagojevich Arrested | Illinois | Major League Baseball | Chicago Cubs | Chicago | Roland Burris

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