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Burris Speaks in Peoria
The controversy is not going away over U.S. Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) and his possible role in raising money for Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The matter is now in the hands of the Sangamon County State's Attorney, John Schmidt -- and Burris says he's willing to speak to Schmidt or any other state or federal officials necessary as he tries to prove his innocence of any wrongdoing.

Burris told reporters in Peoria Monday night in a "routine fundraising call," Robert Blagojevich -- the former governor's brother -- asked him to try to raise $10,000 to $15,000. "I can't do it now," Burris recalls telling Robert Blagojevich, "because we are in the midst of an election. Call me after the election. He said fine. So sometime shortly after Obama was elected, the brother called, and in the meantime I'd talked to some people about trying to see if we could put a fundraiser on. Nobody would -- (they said) 'No, we are not giving money to the governor.'"

Burris told reporters Tuesday during a Peoria stop on his "listening tour" that he's willing to cooperate with authorities to show all of his "actions, statements, and contacts" have been legal, "truthful and consistent."

(Illinois Radio Network)
02 17 09 by Newsroom
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