Democrats Seek Exit From Burris Mess

Democrats are suffering from the threat of lawsuit, defections, and just plain bad publicity since refusing to seat Roland Burris.

Burris meets with Senate Democratic leadership today...and it looks like they are fashioning a strategy to put the matter behind them.

One idea being considered is to have Burris win an endorsement from the sitting lieutenant governor, Pat Quinn, one Democratic insider said.

A Democratic aide familiar with the process said that the idea of urging Quinn to endorse Burris is being seriously considered, and that strategy may emerge depending on the outcome of the meeting. Democrats are also considering urging Burris to not run in 2010 as one condition for their support, aides said.

Senate leader Harry Reid says he'd support a Quinn appointment, even if it was Burris. Or...Democrats could simply lose a lawsuit and say they've got no control over the situation.

I'm guessing the "Quinn solution" wins the day. Senate Democrats want to put the story behind them...and a lawsuit continues the drama while a loss in court REALLY makes them look bad.