U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, who repeatedly denied anyone tied to disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich solicited him for cash in exchange for his seat, now acknowledges Blagojevich’s brother asked him three times to help with fundraising.
In an affidavit Burris quietly filed nine days ago with the head of the House committee that recommended Blagojevich’s impeachment, Illinois’ new junior senator also said he spoke with three close associates of the governor about being appointed to the Senate
The new affidavit–filed only after he was seated in Congress–is Burris’ third account of what happened behind the scenes preceding Blagojevich’s decision to pick him as President Barack Obama’s replacement in the Senate.
It also reflects a major omission he made before the panel. Democratic leaders in the U.S. Senate initially refused Burris entry, but relented in part on the condition that he testify fully and openly before the House impeachment committee.
Lucky for him he’s not a Republican. He has nothing to worry about, though, because he’s a Democrat Senator. They are never held to account for their ethical transgressions. Just ask Dodd, Rangel, and Frank.
