Burris Says Statements On Senate Appointment Were Truthful

February 16th, 2009|Editor
State

The Democratic senator, in a Feb. 4. affidavit made public yesterday, said hed had three conversations with the governors brother, Rob Blagojevich, who asked whether Burris would help them raise money. Two Republican state representatives said today that statement contradicted an affidavit and Burris Jan. 8 testimony to the 21-member House impeachment panel that the governor hadnt asked for money or favors in exchange for the Senate seat.

“At no time did I ever make any inconsistent statements,” Burris told reporters at a Chicago press conference today. He also said he didnt donate “a single dollar” to the Friends of Blagojevich campaign committee after making public his interest in the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.

Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald charged then-Governor Blagojevich on Dec. 9 with plotting to sell Obamas seat for campaign cash or other favors. Illinoiss House of Representatives voted one month later to impeach the Democratic governor. He was removed from office on Jan. 29 following a four- day trial in the state Senate.

Blagojevich boycotted the evidentiary portion of the trial, appearing only on its final day to deliver a 45-minute statement.

“I have done absolutely nothing wrong,” Blagojevich, 52, said then. “Ive followed every law.”

The State Senate barred Blagojevich from again holding public office in Illinois. Lieutenant Governor Patrick Quinn was sworn in later that day as the states 41st chief executive. He is also a Democrat.

Initial Objections

Burris, 71, was named to the Senate post by Blagojevich on Dec. 30 over the initial objections of state and national Democratic party leaders. He was sworn in on Jan. 15, after testifying before the state House panel.

Republican State Representative Jim Durkin, who served on the House committee today said Burris, a former state attorney general, had not been candid with the committee.

“I think it would be in the best interests of the state if he resigned,” Durkin said.

Durkin also said the committee should reconvene to recommend a perjury investigation be launched by the Sangamon County, Illinois, prosecutors office. The states capital, Springfield, lies within the county.

Nothing Inappropriate

“There is absolutely nothing inappropriate that took place between Governor Blagojevich and Senator Burris in connection to the governors appointment of Mr. Burris to the U.S. Senate,” Blagojevich spokesman Glenn Selig said in a statement yesterday. “The governor acted ethically and honestly and believes Senator Burris did too.”

Michael Ettinger, an attorney for Rob Blagojevich, said in an e-mailed statement that his client had no role in Burris selection.

“My client was not involved with Senator Burris appointment at any point and asked Mr. Burris in October to hold a fundraiser because he contributed in 2006,” Ettinger said.

Burris said that in addition to the governors brother, he had spoken with former chief of staff Lon Monk, now a lobbyist; Monks successor, John Harris; and four other people.

Harris, who was charged with the governor, resigned on Dec. 12. His attorney, James Sotos, has previously said Harris has had discussions with prosecutors about his willingness to cooperate with the federal investigation.

I Had Contact

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