Roland Burris adds to Blagojevich testimony in affidavit

[BirminghamExaminer]

Excerpt:

It is clear from listening to Burris answer questions during the impeachment hearings that he didn't provide information about calls that Governor Blagojevich's brother made to him in October and November. It's hard to imagine that Burris had forgotten the telephone calls when he testified before the impeachment panel on January 8.

In the February 5th affidavit, Burris states that when asked about contact with Blagojevich allies and friends, he answered with the information that he had spoken with Lon Monk but was then asked another question. The phrasing seems to suggest that his lack of further disclosure was due to a natural turn in the questioning.

When you watch the video, it is clear that when asked if he had had any contact with Governor Blagojevich's family members, friends or close allies that he said yes and detailed a conversation with one of them but said nothing about speaking with Governor Blagojevich's brother.

What is less clear is whether it was Burris' intent to avoid disclosing further information about contacts with Blagojevich allies, friends and family members.

Both Democrats and Republicans are calling for Burris' resignation and or further investigation into the matter. Roland Burris has stated that he has no intention of resigning.

Democratic leaders were never comfortable with the Burris appointment and have worried about his being a viable candidate in the next election. A lot of Democrats would be happy to see him go. But the problems associated with the Burris appointment aren't likely to end any time soon. It is possible that Burris is telling the truth. He submitted the affidavit adding details of his contact with Blagojevich allies, friends and family members several weeks after his initial testimony so it will be difficult to prove that Burris intended to lie or mislead with his statements during the hearings.

To see the video of Burris testifying and the later affidavit as well as the rest of the article, please click here. Comments are welcome.

[Vinnie From Indy]

1. "It is possible that Burris is telling the truth."

Burris is a pox on Illinois and the Dem party. He is Blago's poison pill. Burris has no honor and I predict this thing will get much nastier as facts are revealed and people start squealing on each other.

[BirminghamExaminer]

3. I agree, I should have added, "however unlikely"

[acmavm]

2. Burris is suffering from an acute overdose of entitlement disease.

He thinks, somehow, that he deserves this senate seat and that he is the last word on whether he should hold it or not.

He would have been PERFECT for the bush** admin.