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Burris On Defense As Clamor For Probe Rises

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The Associated Press

Published: February 16, 2009

CHICAGO - Just as Illinois was moving past the agony and embarrassment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's ousting, the fellow Democrat whom Blagojevich appointed to the U.S. Senate was hearing calls for his own resignation Sunday amid allegations he lied to legislators.

Freshman Sen. Roland Burris released an affidavit Saturday that contradicts his statements last month to a House committee investigating Blagojevich's impeachment.

"I can't believe anything that comes out of Mr. Burris at this point," Rep. Jim Durkin, the impeachment committee's ranking Republican, said at a news conference Sunday. "I think it would be in the best interest of the state if he resigned, because I don't think the state can stand this anymore."

But an adamant and sometimes emotional Burris told reporters in Chicago later Sunday that he hadn't done anything wrong and never misled anyone.

Gov. Pat Quinn, who advanced to the governor's mansion after Blagojevich was ousted over corruption allegations last month, also called on Burris to explain the contradiction.

Durkin and House Republican Leader Tom Cross also want an investigation of Burris for possible perjury.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Saturday he was reviewing the disclosure, the latest twist for Democrats who only consented to seat Burris on the belief that there was no chance of "pay for play" politics surrounding his appointment.

Burris explained Sunday, however, that he voluntarily gave the committee a Feb. 4 affidavit disclosing the contact with Robert Blagojevich because questioning during his January testimony abruptly changed course and he never got a chance to answer a direct question about Blagojevich's brother.

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