By Associated Press
Washington D.C. – Illinois is dominated by Democrats, but national Republicans see a chance to take Senator Roland Burris' seat away from them in next year's election.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee and says he's counting on a ``popular backlash'' to lift the GOP's chances.
Burris was appointed to the seat by disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich. Burris later admitted he attempted to raise money for Blagojevich, but also has denied wrongdoing. Burris has resisted calls to resign from the Senate.
Cornyn on Monday said Burris can't separate himself from the
Blagojevich scandal. Cornyn says one possible GOP contender for Burris's seat is Congressman Mark Kirk of Chicago.
