Burris asks high court to reopen Senate ballot

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Sen. Roland Burris is turning to the U.S. Supreme Court in his battle to avoid being pushed out of office in November.

Burris attorney Timothy Wright said Friday that he has asked the court to block a plan that bars Burris from filling out the last few weeks of his Senate term.

Burris was appointed by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to replace President Barack Obama in the Senate.

Federal judges ruled the appointment lasted until the Nov. 2 election. Then voters would pick someone to serve the last few weeks of the term and also elect a senator for the next six years.

The candidates for the full term were named to run in the special election, leaving Burris out.

Wright argues the federal courts overstepped their authority.