Burris appeals for an end to 'rush to judgment'

CHICAGO -- U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., appealed Wednesday for an end to a "rush to judgment" about his appointment to the U.S. Senate by now-disgraced former governor Rod Blagojevich.

"If I had done the things I've been accused of, I would be too embarrassed to stand up here in front of you because you are my friends," Burris said in a speech to a civic group here. He said he has nothing to hide and welcomes investigations that have been begun by the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee and the state's attorney in Sangamon County, Ill.

"You know the real Roland. I've done nothing wrong and I have absolutely nothing to hide," Burris emotionally told the audience, which included many local and state politicians.

In response to a question from the audience, Burris said he has not been informed that he is the target of an investigation.

Burris said he welcomes scrutiny of his actions leading up to his appointment, but added, "What I will no longer do after today, now that there is an ongoing investigation, is engage the media and have facts drip out in selective soundbites."

Burris told reporters in Peoria late Monday that he "talked to some people" last year about holding a fundraiser for the now-disgraced former Democratic governor. At the time, Burris was seeking the appointment to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Obama.

Burris did not organize a Blagojevich fundraiser, but his latest statements about contacts with the former governor's brother and other advisers appear to contradict previous public comments, testimony and affidavits he had given to the Illinois General Assembly.

Burris originally told the Illinois House impeachment committee last month that he had no contact with Blagojevich or his representatives before he was approached about the Senate seat Dec. 26.

Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on federal conspiracy and bribery charges, including assertions that he attempted to sell the U.S. Senate seat. He was removed from office last month.

Rep. Phil Hare just became the first Democratic member of the Illinois congressional delegation to call for Burris to resign. In a statement, Hare said it is in the "best interest" of the state that Burris resign.