Washington  - Roland Burris was sworn in Thursday to succeed president-elect Barack Obama as the junior senator from Illinois, bringing an end to weeks of controversy over the appointment.

Vice President Dick Cheney administered the oath of office for Burris, the 71-year-old Democrat who had been initially turned back when Congress began its new session on January 6.

With his swearing-in, Burris became the only African-American in the Senate, as was Obama.

The Senate Democratic leaders had wanted to block Burris from taking his seat because he was appointed by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Blagojevich was arrested December 9 on corruption charges, including attempting to solicit bribes from potential candidates to succeed Obama. He has refused to resign and held onto his legal authority to fill the seat vacated by Obama after he won the presidential election.

The Illinois House of Representatives has voted to impeach Blagojevich based on the broad corruption charges facing the governor. The case is now in the Illinois Senate.

Burris has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but Democrats were worried that any appointment by Blagojevich would not be credible. The Democrats began softening their position a day after refusing to seat Burris.

Blagojevich faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. dpa