BULLETIN-TAB

Burris says he will not resign

Karen McDonald

Embattled U.S. Sen. Roland Burris said he feels sabotaged by people trying to tie him into scandal that surrounds ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who appointed him to the seat.

“My whole story here, with everything involved, is nothing really to do with any type of pay-to-play that is trying to paint me into a situation,” Burris said Monday after the Peoria County Democrats Presidents Day Dinner at Itoo Hall.

Burris said he has no plans to resign, calling the current firestorm politics.

“What’s going out on the airways is confusing to the public and making me look like I’m some criminal,” he said.

Burris released an affidavit Saturday outlining contacts with Blagojevich’s brother for campaign fundraising help prior to his Senate appointment. That information was omitted from his previous testimony because Burris said questioning changed course and he didn’t have the chance to answer.

“The fact that I would go under those circumstances and try to give information that is not correct is just disconcerting to me,” Burris said.

“We have absolutely nothing to hide.”

Burris said the inquisitions question his integrity, honesty and commitment.

“I have not done anything wrong. I have not given any money. I have not even raised any money. So this whole thing is because the governor is probably trying to sell the seat. So if I didn’t give any money, I didn’t raise any money, why would I be having the problems that I’m having? Somebody please explain this to me,” he said.

Before the dinner, Burris greeted many of the roughly 450 guests laughing, smiling and exchanging jokes. He posed for pictures and gave autographs to many well-wishers in the crowd.

Peorian Zeda Evans said the $30 per plate dinner is a show of Democratic strength and that she isn’t judging Burris based on the most recent media reports. “I think Republicans are pissed off and digging for whatever they can get, whether it’s true or not.”

Opening to a standing ovation from the audience, Burris discussed only the economic stimulus package and its benefit. He cautioned results may not be seen immediately.

Peoria County Democratic Party Chairman Billy Halstead said it’s too early to rush to judgment.

“I haven’t heard one concern, comment or statement from the local Democrats. There’s no doubt it needs to come to the surface and knowing Sen. Burris, I think it will,” Halstead said. “There’s no doubt that if it does come out that there was any wrongdoing, it’s definitely not going to be good. But it’s all in the details.”

State Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, said focus should be kept on legislation for ethics and campaign finance reform.

“If he perjured himself, then there are consequences to that. If he did not, well then I guess the voters have the last word on that,” Koehler said. “We need to let the process work and find out that answer. Right now I don’t know. I don’t think there’s been any conclusive evidence on that.”

Monday’s dinner kicked off Burris’ five-day listening tour that will continue Tuesday, when he meets with Peoria Mayor Jim Arids, the Peoria Air National Guard, Peoria District 150 school officials, regional union leaders and Bradley University President Joanne Glasser in private meetings.

Karen McDonald can be reached at (309) 686-3285 or kmcdonald@pjstar.com.