Technically, there isn't a deal to seat Roland Burris yet, but from the news accounts you can hear the collective cry of "uncle" from Harry Reid, Senate Democrats, and the new President-elect, who said he would be happy to work with Mr. Burris moving forward.

Harry Reid is denying there's a deal to seat Burris, and while he may end up with egg on his face it's smart for Democrats to get this soap opera behind them as quickly as possible and get focused on a fast start to the legislative session.  It was silly and hasty for Reid, Obama, and the rest to try and block Burris from the Senate.  After their initial chest thumping they were left in an untenable position that only served to prolong the drama and enhance the circus-like atmosphere.

Burris is an ambitious ego-maniac with a long, if somewhat undistinguished career in public service. In other words, he'll fit perfectly in the Senate.  As Eric Zorn wrote the other day, "He's annoying, but he's not a nitwit, a kook or a criminal."

Republicans will have a chance to knock Burris off in two years (if he survives the Democratic primary), and it may take them that long to rebuild their organization and find a candidate who will stand a fighting chance winning statewide.