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Ousted Governor Explains Himself in New Book
CHICAGO (AP) -- Ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich writes in his new book that he eventually appointed Roland Burris to President Barack Obama's Senate seat in part because of Burris' famously big ego.

In his book "The Governor," Blagojevich writes no one else but Burris would accept the appointment and fight to be seated under the circumstances.

Blagojevich appointed Burris to the Senate after the then-governor was arrested on federal corruption charges and amid a firestorm of controversy.

Blagojevich said Burris was qualified and had the self-confidence to accept the appointment despite the scandal.

Burris is a former state comptroller and attorney general and the first black man to hold a major statewide office in Illinois. His office did not immediately return a call for comment.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
08 31 09 by Newsroom
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