SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich's legal troubles have caused turmoil and economic losses in Illinois. They've caused a major headache for President-elect Barack Obama. And now, his actions are rumbling through Congress. | Blagojevich impeachment could free up construction plans | Official document appointing Burris to Senate (PDF)

The embattled governor's appointment Tuesday of former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the state's vacant U.S. Senate seat could prove to be a major distraction at a time when Democrats in Congress are hoping to launch a slew of initiatives in the new administration.

Rather than spending their time rolling out proposals designed to stimulate the slumping economy, senators could find themselves mired in a legal battle over whether to seat Burris.

"As an Illinois citizen, you're embarrassed," said state Rep. Mike Bost, a Murphysboro Republican. "It breaks your heart."

On Wednesday, a day after making his surprise appointment of Burris, Blagojevich filed paperwork with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White's office as part of the appointment process.

It is that document that could become the centerpiece of a legal battle over whether Burris is seated as a senator. White has said he would not co-sign the order because of Blagojevich's woes. Senate Democratic leaders have said they won't seat Burris.

The governor was arrested at his Chicago home Dec. 9 and is charged in federal court with corruption. Among the allegations dogging him is his apparent attempt to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated when Barack Obama won the presidential election.

Blagojevich, 52, has refused to resign, professing he is innocent.

In Illinois, officials are already keeping track of how Blagojevich's problems have affected his home state.

Because of his situation, the state lost an estimated $20 million on a recent bond sale, said Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. Lawmakers also have been unable to come to an agreement on a statewide construction plan in recent years because of widespread distrust of Blagojevich, who would be in charge of doling out cash for road building projects.

Impeachment proceedings are underway in the Illinois House.

As Burris spent much of Wednesday continuing to explain why he accepted the appointment, words of condemnation continued to role in for the governor.

"By refusing to resign and attempting to make this appointment, the governor leaves Illinois in terrible situation. As I have said since his arrest, I believe the governor should resign immediately," said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

Obama, in a statement, also said Blagojevich should resign office "allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place."

Burris, a 71-year-old Centralia native who served as state comptroller and attorney general, would serve the remaining two years of Obama's Senate term.

The Centralia native previously ran and lost bids for the U.S. Senate and governor, as well as mayor of Chicago.