Dec. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Barack Obama supported the decision by Democratic leaders not to approve the appointment of former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris, who was named by Governor Rod Blagojevich today to fill the president-elect’s Senate seat.

“Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat,” Obama said in a statement.

Obama said it was “extremely disappointing” that the governor ignored a call by Senate Democrats that he not fill the seat. Fifty Democrats made the request in a Dec. 10 letter to Blagojevich, a day after the Illinois governor was arrested on the political corruption charges.

“The best resolution would be for the governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place,” Obama said in the statement. “While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Jim Rowley in Washington at jarowley@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 30, 2008 18:18 EST