Source: Feds interviewed Burris about Blago
By MIKE ROBINSON – The Associated Press
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| Gov. Rod Blagojevich names Roland Burris as Illinois' junior senator Dec. 30, 2008, appointing him to the very seat the governor is accused of trying to sell. (AP file photo) |
CHICAGO – Federal authorities interviewed U.S. Sen. Roland Burris on Saturday as they continued the corruption investigation of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Burris, who left his home for several hours Saturday, declined to talk to reporters outside his home on the city's South Side.
A person familiar with the matter confirmed the meeting to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the matter was confidential.
Burris spokesman Jim O'Connor declined to comment Saturday, as did U.S. attorney's office spokesman Randall Samborn.
Local media outlets, also citing unnamed sources, reported that the meeting happened at the Chicago offices of Burris' lawyer. Messages left Saturday for Burris' attorney Timothy Wright III were not immediately returned.
The reports said the meeting had been delayed for weeks and was not related to investigations into Burris' testimony before state lawmakers last month about his contacts with people close to Blagojevich.
Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on federal corruption charges, including allegations that he tried to sell or trade President Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat for money or favors. Blagojevich then surprised manyas he named Burris as a replacement for the Senate post on Dec. 30.
Blagojevich, who has denied any wrongdoing, was impeached by the Illinois House on Jan. 9. Weeks later he was convicted and removed from office by the Illinois Senate.
Burris testified before the Illinois House committee that recommended Blagojevich's impeachment that he hadn't contacted key Blagojevich staffers or offered anything in return for the Senate seat.
However, earlier this month, Burris released an affidavit saying he had spoken to several Blagojevich advisers, including the former governor's brother and finance chairman, who Burris said called three times last fall asking for fundraising help.
Burris, who has denied wrongdoing, has said the he will cooperate in any investigation.
Meanwhile a number of Democrats, including Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, have called for Burris' resignation, while the White House urged the senator to take the weekend to consider his future.
The Sangamon County state's attorney's office has said it is determining if a perjury investigation is warranted. Also, the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee has started a preliminary investigation to determine whether to pursue the matter.
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Associated Press Writers Karen Hawkins and Sophia Tareen contributed to this report.
