Surprise! Sen. Roland Burris revises earlier sworn testimony—actually, the word he uses is "supplements"—and confirms the disgraced and impeached former Gov. Rod Blagojevich solicited "donations." The revelations come in a weekend document dump to the Chicago Sun Times.
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's brother solicited U.S. Sen. Roland Burris for up to $10,000 in campaign cash before Blagojevich named Burris to the coveted post—something Burris initially failed to disclose under oath before an Illinois House impeachment panel, records and interviews show.
Burris (D-Ill.) acknowledges being hit up for the money in a new affidavit he has sent to the head of the House committee that recommended Blagojevich be removed from office.
The affidavit is dated Feb. 5—three weeks after Burris was sworn in to replace President Obama in the Senate.
Burris acknowledged having three conversations with Robert Blagojevich, who headed the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund—and one of those was likely recorded by the FBI.
This is Burris' "third version of events" regarding his discussions on the Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama. There will probably be a fourth or fifth version, too.
Burris' appointment was always tainted by the federal corruption probe and impeachment of Blagojevich. Changing his testimony three weeks after he was sworn in to replace Obama—what did he do, "forget" the governor's brother asked him for money three times?—this makes Burris radioactive. SusanG at Kos reports Illinois Republicans are demanding a perjury investigation. Rightly so because there are grounds. And yes, "I told you so." Several times.
I said long ago that Democrats needed to hold their ground. Now they have seated a man who will very likely have to be expelled under nasty circumstances. This is what Senate Dems get for not having any principles.
Posted by: kevjack | 14 February 2009 at 19:46
I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation.
Posted by: Rod Blagojevich | 14 February 2009 at 21:15
lol @ blagojevich
Posted by: devereaux | 14 February 2009 at 22:14
I smelled the BS the minute he jumped into the spotlight, wringing his hands and drooling for the senate seat, and said so.
Now they've got the snakeoil salemen he obviously was to anyone who paid attention. I'm beginning to wonder if any of the Senators really deserve to be there if they let this yokel in.
Posted by: Taylor S. | 15 February 2009 at 11:49
And now the leader of the Illinois GOP is demanding he get the sack, which is too funny, since the GOP can't even get a black person elected as dog catcher, let alone a job in either house of congress.
It would be a shame if Mr Burris has to step down if there has been some sort of impropriety, he has been a great friend to the glbt community.
Posted by: Luther | 15 February 2009 at 20:42
The disclosure is at odds with Burris' testimony in January, when the Illinois House impeachment committee specifically asked whether he had ever spoken to Robert Blagojevich or other aides to the now-deposed governor about the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.
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Posted by: johnsmith | 18 February 2009 at 05:24