The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Issue date: 2/19/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - An increasingly embattled Sen. Roland Burris said he "welcomes" the opportunity to answer renewed questions from authorities and elected officials about how he landed a coveted Senate appointment from ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

It appears he'll have his chance.

Burris' admission that he had more contact with Blagojevich advisers about the Senate seat than he described under oath to a state House impeachment panel has prompted furious lawmakers to seek a criminal investigation into whether the Democrat committed perjury.

Sen. Dick Durbin, also from Illinois and the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, confirmed Wednesday that a preliminary Senate ethics investigation also is under way.

"The public statements made by Mr. Burris to this point have raised questions which need to be looked at very carefully," Durbin said during a trip to Greece to discuss security. "His sworn testimony in Springfield did not satisfy our requirement in that it was not complete and we need to have the complete story before the final conclusion that we reach."

Burris pledged Wednesday during an appearance at the City Club of Chicago that he would fully cooperate with a Sangamon County State's Attorney's investigation into his contacts with the Blagojevich administration, but he said he will no longer speak with the media.

The revelation that Burris tried to raise money for the governor after Blagojevich's brother asked him for fundraising help has triggered calls for Burris' resignation.

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