'Race card' accusation over Obama successor

THE "Senate seat for sale" scandal took a new twist after the Illinois governor, facing federal corruption charges and impeachment proceedings, was accused of "playing the race card".

Rod Blagojevich, who is said to have tried to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder, named veteran black politician Roland Burris, a former Illinois attorney general, to fill the position. The 71-year-old has tried to win a senate seat several times but failed to attract enough support.

Mr Blagojevich wheeled out black Democrat Bobby Rush to support his appointment in what political commentators called an attempt to play the race card. As senior Democrats announced they would block the appointment, Mr Rush said Mr Obama's election as president had left no black senators. Senior Democrats face being accused of racism if they press ahead with plans to overturn the decision.

Mr Obama condemned Mr Blagojevich, repeating calls for him to resign. "Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant," said Mr Obama. "But the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision."