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Democrats Lining Up Against Burris
It's not just Republicans urging U.S. Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) to end the controversy over his appointment by stepping down. State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), joined by State Reps. Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago) and Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) at a Statehouse news conference Wednesday, called for a special election to replace Burris.

Franks says he's not interested in the possibility of Burris being technically innocent of perjury. "You can have lawyers and politicians parse every word and say this is not really perjury because of this," Franks said. "The fact of the matter is: the guy's a liar."

For almost a week, Burris' revised statements that he had been in contact with associates of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich -- and tried to raise money for him – have dominated the news in Illinois. Blagojevich appointed Burris, a former attorney general and comptroller, to fill a vacancy Dec. 28. Allegations Blagojevich tried to sell that seat for personal gain led to his arrest Dec. 9 and his removal from office earlier this year.

Mendoza says Burris' determination to hold onto his seat is reminiscent of the actions and attitudes of the man who appointed him, Blagojevich.

Other Democrats calling for Burris to step down are State Reps. Bob Flider (D-Mount Zion) and Lou Lang (D-Skokie), and U.S. Rep. Phil Hare (D-Rock Island).

(Illinois Radio Network)
02 18 09 by Newsroom
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