Burris tried to raise funds for Blagojevich
February 18, 2009
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – U.S. Sen. Roland Burris now acknowledges attempting to raise money for ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich – an explosive twist in his ever-changing story on how he landed a Senate appointment from the man accused of trying to sell the seat.
Burris made the admission to reporters on Monday, after releasing an affidavit over the weekend saying he had more contact with Blagojevich aides about the Senate seat than he had described under oath to the state House panel that recommended Blagojevich’s impeachment.
Though Burris insists he never raised money for Blagojevich while the governor was considering whom to appoint to the seat, the revelation that he had attempted to do so is likely to increase calls for Burris’ resignation and an investigation into whether he committed perjury before the panel.
Burris would not answer questions Tuesday about his attempts to raise funds for Blagojevich but said he didn’t do anything wrong.
“I welcome the opportunity to go before any and all investigative bodies, including those referred by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Senate ethics committee to answer any questions they have,” he told reporters Tuesday.
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Associated Press reporter David Mercer contributed to this report from Peoria