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Blagojevich Asked Burris for Money For Senate Seat

It’s not technically a lie...

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s brother solicited Sen. Roland Burris for up to $10,000 in campaign cash before Burris was named a senator on December 30, according to Burris staffers and an affidavit.

Roland Burris told reporters in January that his appointment has nothing to do with money.

In the affidavit obtained by CNN, Democrat Burris said he refused to contribute to Blagojevich or to assist in fund-raising for him.

Blagojevich’s appointment of Burris was hotly disputed, as Blagojevich is facing corruption charges.

Prosecutors accuse him of attempting to sell the Senate seat, vacated by President Barack Obama upon his election, to the highest bidder. He was ousted from office last month by Illinois lawmakers.

In his January 8 testimony before an Illinois House impeachment panel, Burris, the former Illinois attorney general, said he had no conversations with Blagojevich about his desire to be appointed to the seat before Blagojevich’s December 9 arrest.

Burris also said that he was not aware of any “quid pro quo” with the former governor.

“I can for this committee state that there was no legal, personal or political exchange for my seat,” Burris said.

...but it sure stinks.  Burris had a duty to blow the whistle on Blagojevich and say what DID happen - not just deny what apparently didn’t happen.

Posted by Owen at 1510 hrs
Law + Politics + Politics - General

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