Burris-ting Reid's Bubble

The game of chicken ended this a.m. when Reid and Senate Dems blinked. IL legs and Blago detractors take note: the IL gov is tougher to snuff out than you think. Here's what we know now about the Burris brouhaha:

-- It's Jesse White's fault: Reid/Durbin say his missing signature is the real problem. Once the IL supremes rule (maybe as early as 1/8), that'll be another potential hurdle out of the way.

-- It's Blagojevich's Fault: Even though they think Burris is a super guy, Senate Dems still need to hear his testimony 1/8 in Springfield.

-- It's The Rules' Fault: In order to ultimately take his seat, the Rules cmte must weigh in on Burris' admission.

-- Meanwhile, here's what we don't know: Have Durbin/Reid cut a placeholder deal with Burris? Seems like a hard thing to do given what we've learned about Burris' ego and healthy sense of entitlement. Plus, what kind of leverage will Senate Dems have in making sure he keeps his word not to run again?

-- And what happens if one of those three conditions aren't met? Can Reid still hold the high ground in denying him admission?