Democratic Source on Burris: ‘He’s In Deep Sh*t’
EmailThe Senate Ethics Committee has opened an inquiry into seemingly conflicting statements made by Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., who was appointed by disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill President Barack Obama’s Illinois Senate seat.
A Senate source compares the preliminary inquiry to a Grand Jury investigation.
The source tells me the Senate Ethics Committee generally opens investigations because "it has reason to believe a violation within the jurisdiction of Committee has occurred."
Even more problematic for Burris, the Republican state attorney in Springfield, Ill., is going to review the case for possible perjury charges.
Back in January, Burris gave a sworn affidavit saying he had no contact with Gov. Blagojevich’s staff about this Senate seat. He’s now revised that story at least three times.
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune Monday, Burris acknowledged for the first time that he sought to raise campaign funds for Blagojevich at the request of the governor’s brother at the same time he was making a pitch to be appointed to Obama’s Senate.
Today, Burris said he welcomes the Senate investigation and denied any wrongdoing despite acknowledging that he agreed to raise campaign funds for Blagojevich.
"I have nothing to hide … I welcome the opportunity to go before any and all investigative bodies to answer any questions they have," he said.
"There were never any inappropriate (contacts) between me and anyone else … and I will answer any and all questions to get that point across to keep my faith with the citizens of Illinois. "
In theory, U.S. Senators in Washington could move to censure Burris or move to expel him.
But that’s very unlikely. They’ll probably wait to see if any charges are filed against him in Illinois.
However, the real problem now for Burris is political. He is now guaranteed to have a serious primary rival when he runs for the Senate seat in 2010.
He may even face so much pressure that he won’t be able to build enough support to run.
One Democratic source put it this way: "He’s in deep sh*t."
–George Stephanopoulos
Rick Santorum Sweeps 3 States 
Pentagon to Open Additional Jobs to Women
His senatorial vote For the stimulus still counts, so barry is just fine with dumping Burris now
Posted by: verdinet | February 17, 2009, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm
Since when has anyone been afraid of the Ethics Committee?
Posted by: disgusted | February 17, 2009, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
The State Attorney in Springfield, IL, is a Democrat. She “hopes” to run for Governor in two years. No one in Illinois is happy about either Blago or Burris.
Posted by: Quilter313 | February 17, 2009, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm
You are dealing with politics as usual here. How many more of these hacks from Chicago are we going to have to deal with? Haven’t you had enough of their lies to know you can not believe a single thing they say?
Posted by: lee | February 17, 2009, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
I bet Harry Reid is really going to have this fella shaking in his boots.
Posted by: Mike Jones | February 17, 2009, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm
He lied big deal. It’s not like he had sex with an intern or something
Posted by: Mike Jones | February 17, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
Blagovich is playing chess with his comrades in the Democratic party, they are playing checkers with him.
Posted by: Mike Jones | February 17, 2009, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
Why couldn’t this guy just keep his mouth shut. What caused him to decide now he should blab about being asked for money. No one would have cared. Besides he was only asked – he didn’t pay any or go along with any of Blago’s schemes. So who cares.
Posted by: Terry | February 17, 2009, 7:55 pm 7:55 pm
Blago and Burris dance a fine Vaudeville number together.
Posted by: kathy | February 17, 2009, 7:58 pm 7:58 pm
NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO HIM! He has a (D) behind his name. Rules don’t apply to libs!
Posted by: itmustbesimple | February 17, 2009, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm
I’d be shaking in my boots if I was a lib and had to go in front of a toothless ethics committee! Wow, scary!
Posted by: itmustbesimple | February 17, 2009, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
Senate Ethics Committee? Is that some kind of oxymoron??
Posted by: trish_in_texas | February 17, 2009, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm
Burris realized that “possibly” his conversations could be on those tapes of Blago. So he is “setting the record straight” before Blogo finally goes to trial. In Illinois we are not surprised about any of this, just very disgusted! This is politics in Illinois.
Posted by: quilter313 | February 17, 2009, 8:25 pm 8:25 pm
I’m a democrat, and i say impeach and get him the crap out of here. And any other democrat that is guilty of pay for play in the senate or house. Of course, that means looking into the repubs as well, but heck, isn’t that for the best anyway?
Posted by: gradwrkout | February 17, 2009, 9:07 pm 9:07 pm
No one should be at all surprised by what’s happening. This apparently is the “change” we were promised.
Posted by: MyFellowAmericans | February 17, 2009, 9:14 pm 9:14 pm
He got into the mud to play with Boya and is now filty himself. Burris has enough mud on his face. But does Feinstein of CA who thought the Senate should let him in and Prince Harry for forging the deal to get him seated.
So much for their resolved. Obama needs to push the Democrats to get rid of Harry and Pelosi.
Posted by: scott jeffries | February 17, 2009, 9:26 pm 9:26 pm
After all is said and done; after all the spin in the world; the reality is that Burris was appointed by a crook of a Governor, AND Burris lied under oath. What a wonderful U.S. Senator!
Posted by: Ralpher | February 17, 2009, 9:29 pm 9:29 pm
In some reports, it was stated that one of Burris’ conversations was taped by the FBI since they were taping Blago. Hence, the tardy explanations by Burris. He should be expelled from the Senate.
Posted by: GMW777 | February 17, 2009, 9:35 pm 9:35 pm
Worst part is this makes Harry look right before he sucked the oxygen out of the room posturing and then changed his mind. Affirms my faith in the system and the leadership.
Posted by: OneObservation | February 17, 2009, 9:36 pm 9:36 pm
Burris gave a sworn only affidavit 3 times? What not give him another chance? After all I’m sure his heart is in the right place. Besides, Burris is obviously feeble minded.
Posted by: picomanning | February 17, 2009, 10:15 pm 10:15 pm
My Fellow Americans, “We are all in deep Sh**!
Posted by: picomanning | February 17, 2009, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm
Quilter313 – The Sangamon County State’s Attorney, located in Springfield is a Republican Male, you have him confused with the Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan
Posted by: Mythoughtis | February 17, 2009, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm
Quilter313
The Sangamon County, IL States Attorny is a Republican Male. You have him cnofused with Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a Democrat. One is criminal, the other is civil
Posted by: Mythoughtis | February 17, 2009, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm
Democrats, Chicago, Corrupt… NEVER! Thankfully we have a Chicago politican as our President and he has surrounded himself with Clintonites that know something about (shabby) ethics and (endemic) corruption, oh, right, NEVERMIND!!!
Posted by: hmn... | February 17, 2009, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
Burris won’t still be Senator in Jan ’11 one way or the other. Let’s hope he does right thing so we can at least keep it D.
Posted by: dem in chicago | February 17, 2009, 11:08 pm 11:08 pm
good news to std friend
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Posted by: gkjghgj | February 17, 2009, 11:09 pm 11:09 pm
WHY IS ANYONE SURPRISED???? If Blago put him into the Senate seat, then obviously Burris is bought and paid for.
“quid pro quo” as they say……….
Posted by: enough already | February 17, 2009, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
HA! HA! Illinois, the land of lies and corruption! We all knew Dems were pushing another IL idiot too quickly. After Obama, Blago, Burris, etc.. , we wonder if there is an honest politician in the state.
Posted by: Mihann | February 17, 2009, 11:39 pm 11:39 pm
I am glad the Ethics Committee is investigating Burris. His shifting accounts lead me to suspect his honesty on many levels. Perhaps he simply doesn’t have a proper understanding about rigorously telling the truth. I don’t want the Democratic Senate majority tarnished by him…that’s for certain.
Posted by: sosupernova | February 17, 2009, 11:58 pm 11:58 pm
George, Burris is obviously going down, you don’t have to quote every potty mouth to get your point across. You are just bringing the bar down even lower by repeating that kind of trash. I thought you were above that George.
Posted by: viewer | February 18, 2009, 12:58 am 12:58 am
Let the feeding frenzy begin.
Posted by: Publius | February 18, 2009, 12:59 am 12:59 am
Here come the “civil rights” leaders to claim he’s being lynched because he’s black. Once again, race will be a shield that exempts him from accountability for his own lies and corruption. Just like how he got that seat in the first place.
Posted by: jasoninpa10 | February 18, 2009, 1:07 am 1:07 am
As soon as the “Ethics Comittees” are done with Bush/Cheney, they should start on the State levels. But, if you think the ONLY important ethics breeches are in Illinois, you are far more liberal than me.
Posted by: able | February 18, 2009, 1:10 am 1:10 am
You know the sad part about this is that Burris will likely not be removed, even if he has formal charges filed against him. Censuring him is a joke, it is a slap on the wrist with no real punishment. He will serve less then a single term, then get a better retirement package then someone who served in the armed forces for 20 years with true honor and integrity. If Burris has any shred of decency he would never have accepted the nomination to begin with. Even if he resigns he has lost all credibility. He is in it purely for personal gain now.
Posted by: Erik K | February 18, 2009, 1:18 am 1:18 am
“He is in it purely for personal gain now.” Perfect! He’ll fit right in with the rest of the career politicians.
Posted by: Publius | February 18, 2009, 1:40 am 1:40 am
If you want to see real politicians go to the small towns and the areas that are away from the major centers like Chicago, New York, LA, etc. Those are the ones that truly serve their communities and actually care about the people. When you get to the federal level of politics there is a complete disconnect with the average American. If you want real change, get the Mayor of smalltown, USA in there with a sherd of common sense.
Posted by: Erik K | February 18, 2009, 2:11 am 2:11 am
Da*mn skippy he’s in deep feces, he’s getting investigated by a republican states attorney now. And this time, it won’t be swept under the rug like Chicago democrats do to cover each others butts. I hope sooner or later, someone from the “cesspool of politics” drops a bomb with Obama’s name on it so he can be impeached before he does anymore damage to this country than he already has. Everytime I see Obsama on TV, I’m reminded of a quote I read in a book written by a famous president. And that is “I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction”. Enough said!
Posted by: Machod | February 18, 2009, 2:17 am 2:17 am
Not that I want to defend the guy, but based on the reporting I have seen (here and elsewhere) his statements have been truthful. Speaking with the ex-gov’s brother does not qualify as a contact with the gov’s staff.
Posted by: bq | February 18, 2009, 2:30 am 2:30 am
Im from chicago and it seems like every day a political figure at either the cty state count or federal level from the area is either indicted or sentenced on corruption charges he should be kicked out and there should be a special election for all vacant offices no more of this appointment garbage these people are civil servants whoshould be chosen by the people not some cooked gvernor out for money
Posted by: Mugsy | February 18, 2009, 2:56 am 2:56 am
not a big deal . . . and I’m from Chicago
Burris was a temp at best and never had a chance of winning an election. Too many questions about his place in the Senate, not enough time to establish a strong senate presence and separate himself from a tarnished appointment.
Mountain out of a molehill . . . .
Illinois Senate Seat is up for grabs in 2010 . . . time for Illinois pols to posture, lie, and spin-control in order to make money, create opportunities to break promises, and join a group of selfish Capitol Hill egos that care more about their philosophy than about the future and safety of ALL the people of the state they represent.
Posted by: Greyson | February 18, 2009, 3:28 am 3:28 am
Thanks to the democrats the rest of the country is in deep crap too. The stimulus package just sold us up the river. Cut spending, get our fiscial house in order. The democrat party has lost its mind.
Posted by: Philip V. | February 18, 2009, 3:43 am 3:43 am
Burris is one sleazy opportunistic weasel with no conscience, who sneaked into office by taking full advantage of a very bad situation, much like the way bacteria opportunistically creeps into an open wound. When you look at what he did, unfairly seizing full advantage of a horrible situation, merely to advance his own interests, while tweaking the open wounds of the Blagojevich predicament for maximum leverage in the chaos of the confusing unprecedented dilemma … what an unscrupulous opportunistic slime-bucket he is. Whether any laws were broken is another matter entirely. But this tacky little weasel needs to be booted solely on ethical grounds. He was NOT duly elected.
Posted by: Reflecting_Pool | February 18, 2009, 4:14 am 4:14 am
chicago political corruption comes to Washington with obamanation
Posted by: mike | February 18, 2009, 4:31 am 4:31 am
What an idiot this guy is.What is it with people in politics in Chicago? Seems there is an ex- governor there who constantly says “I did’nt do anything wrong” Evidently, one can do no wrong in Chicago……hopefully, the people will clean up the mess there once and for all and vote in some real, honest people. I would’nt bet on it tho……….
Posted by: steve | February 18, 2009, 5:15 am 5:15 am
If Burris had even one shred of decency he should resign immediately. His appointment was suspect from the first and now the truth has come out. I think they should give the new governor of Illinois a do over on this one. I do wonder though if there is an untainted politician to appoint.
Posted by: Brian, Atlanta, GA | February 18, 2009, 5:58 am 5:58 am
There are plenty of honest politicians in Illinois who have tried to sort out the Blago-Burris appointment mess.
Their problems for now rest with the law–allowing the law to take its proper course.
They, Obama, Reid and other senators tried to stop Blago appointing Burris.
Burris has NO CHANCE of ever being elected Senator.
Lisa Madigan and Jesse Jackson Jr can be elected if a Republican doesn’t beat them.
They are both outstanding and honorable individuals.
Stop attacking everyone in Illinois, because of a few outrageous characters.
Posted by: demsts | February 18, 2009, 6:01 am 6:01 am
Burris seems like a likable enough guy and he has probably been a great public servant for Illinois. (He also seems a little senile, but that is a side note and, for all we know he is dumb like a fox). Here is the bottom line: he lied and needs to be drop kicked into pure orbit. We are sick and tired of politicians and corporate bosses lying. We are sick of the Chuck Schumer’s saying things like “the American public does not care…” We do care and we are really sick of this. Burris comes from that Illinois political machine that is so corrupt that it is embarrassing to the rest of the United States – kick this guyh to the curb and let’s move on. Obviously, my vote stays in Texas but I would think that guys like me in Illinois would appreciate a new election so they can start with a brand new piece of paper. Maybe the people of Illinois could use a real dose of “Change they can believe in.” The same old, same old smells really bad and unless something dramatic happens does not appear will get any better.
Posted by: Lone Star Rules | February 18, 2009, 7:54 am 7:54 am
SENATE ETHICS COMMITTEE What an oxymoron!!!
Posted by: Don | February 18, 2009, 9:37 am 9:37 am
I hope his stone cutters are ready for revisions to his “Roland Burris mausoleum of life accomplishments” in Chicago.
Posted by: Pete K. | February 18, 2009, 10:18 am 10:18 am
The only question left here is how much longer before Burris joins the body count under Obama’s bus.
Posted by: Mike_C | February 18, 2009, 12:07 pm 12:07 pm
George, is what Burris did as bad as you lying about being a journalist to America when you are really an Administration insider?
Just wondering.
Posted by: Ben | February 18, 2009, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
FOR GOD’S SAKE, IMPEACH THE SOB!
IF IT WERE A WHITE GUY, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN RUN OUT OF TOWN ON A STAKE!
Blagoiovich is just the scapegoat-there were MANY others involved!!!
Why do we have to be afraid to tell the truth and prosecute the guilty for fear of being branded a racist?
This “Political Correct” BS has gone WAY TOO FAR!
Posted by: Christine | February 18, 2009, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm
I live about 400 miles from chicago and I can smell it from here. Does chicago have enough buses to throw any more pols under?
Posted by: chaos | February 18, 2009, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
Able and dont forget when the committees are done with both houses after Bush and cheney. Both houses approved all the funding and the approved going to war. Why are you not on P Obama? he is allowing all that transpired in the past to continue?
Posted by: Jim Rod | February 18, 2009, 12:54 pm 12:54 pm
That’s OK if he doesn’t win re-election. He’ll still get his his pension and medical for the rest of his life.
Our politicians sure know how to take care of each other.
Posted by: Mac | February 18, 2009, 1:01 pm 1:01 pm
This is what happens when you let a crook appoint another crook.
Posted by: Debbie | February 18, 2009, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
I still can’t believe we sent a politician from Illinois to the White House. Who will we send next, a governor from Louisiana? Good Lord!
Posted by: Michael | February 18, 2009, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
Can we just wipe the slate clean and start all over?
Posted by: Gotterdammerung | February 18, 2009, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
Change! This has nothing to do with Obama’s election..This has everything to do with the cons that work in Washington, for Washington wh have slipped by other crooked schemes throughout the coarse of higherd Leaders…Those who use power to fanaggle eventually get caught sayeth the Law! It does not matte whether rich or poor…Republican or Democrat…Someone has used their position to destroy the “truth” that was to form this Nation…You don’t believe in God then don’t expect Men who are suppose to be on the Hill Top to all be True….Greed and Power again sees the forefront of all this…How many more Men are left…We need to keep a tabulation of the crooks that have run this Nation…We need a Wall that names them all…Those who lie to defend status have something to hide…it starts down below…and those who rub elbows with them pretend they don’t know…Our President can not change the minds of the upper class who used their “brass”! The President can only scratch them to the lower status…through the civilian courts to decide a vote…No death…just take away their means like they do to those of us who stand up to their frollic and mess…How many more Men that sit as representatives in this Nation have schemed to do the wrong thing…How Many more…Thank You ABC…Truth can never be served if the one’s searching are the untrue’s…Apachecheynne
Posted by: Apachecheynne | February 18, 2009, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
I’d be very surprised if Burris resigns. He’ll hang onto his Senate seat (he gave a talk this morning on what it’s like to be U.S. Senator – which he can apparently do based on all his experience in the post) until he’s forced to leave – just like Blago did…….and WHERE is our other Senator, during all this IL drama and U.S. economic crisis? Why, he’s traveling overseas!! What the heck is going on around here?!?!
Posted by: Interested08 | February 18, 2009, 3:28 pm 3:28 pm
Terry @ 7:55: Burris did try to raise money for Blago – except no one would give. So “technically” yah, he didn’t give any money to Blago. But not for lack of trying………And apparently the reason he decided to talk is because his conversations with Blago’s brother [asking for the $10K "donation"] are on Fed tape. So he probably figures it’s better to fess up about it now, rather than wait for the tapes to be played and then have to explain.
Posted by: Interested08 | February 18, 2009, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm
The law is the law, Blago was the legal
Govenor of the state and Unless the Ill.
state leglislature had called for a special election…which is what should normally happen..don’t you think, or Impeach him earlier..which they didn’t then the Democrats could do nothing to prevent his pick from taking office.
Now Burris has a problem..he should never have taken the position, but he did. If he lied he should go.
Lastly, the sky is not falling because a Democrat is in office(Obama) and our leaders, Rep. Dem. or Ind. are mostly just people. Not Devils.
Posted by: Blackie | February 18, 2009, 6:13 pm 6:13 pm
Today Illinois Rep.Tom Cross(R) blasted Barbara Flynn Currie(conducted Blagojevich’s Impeachment hearing) and who is Speaker Michael Madigan’s(D) right hand person–for sitting on the information about Roland Burris. Now WHO do you think TOLD them to do that? On St. Louis radio Durbin said under no circumstances would Burris be approved only to have a photo op the very next morning saying the opposite. They had every intention of getting rid of him after the Stimulus vote and having “their” new Gov. appoint the person they REALLY want. Any bets on the Fed. Prosecutor letting them listen to the wiretaps from the start? Machine politics at it’s best.
Posted by: RL in Illinois | February 18, 2009, 6:20 pm 6:20 pm
George,
On one of the blogs today it was mentioned that Burris had submitted his Amended testimony to the Illinois legislature sometime last week. This testimony calls into question whether he will remain a sitting senator. Apparently, the testimony was kept under wraps until the vote of the stimulus package was over. If it is true that President Obama or his staff was aware that there existed an Amended testimony and it was purposely not made public until after the vote on the stimulus package in order to steam roll the vote through Congress then, I have to believe that we can count out substantive change as part of this President’s agenda – and, frankly, people like me who, admittedly did not vote for him but want him to succeed are done. In fact, we are done with the Democratic party in general and will be sure to find a way to help future Republican candidates retake the Congress and ultimately the White House. Newt Gingrich mentioned last night on Fox that American voters are a punishing lot – if the President stoops this low to get his bill through then, he will have hit a bottom inside of three weeks in the Office that will be his undoing. I am not going to make that as a promise but I will do my part – both money wise and effort wise – to be sure that the corruption that appears to be the cornerstone of this party will be fought on every front until they either grow up and change or are run out of town on a rail.(The only way they are going to grow up and change is if they are run out of town first – so, its defiantly door number 2 – I threw in the choice for literary impact) Maybe, the change that this President is promising is the change that will come after he plays his hand and we, the People are sick of him and his Party and settle this debate (left or right) once and for all.
Find out when the Amended testimoney was submitted to the Illinois legislature, George. If it happened before the vote on the stimulus bill there is the story.
Posted by: Lone Star Rules | February 18, 2009, 7:54 pm 7:54 pm
The Borgen Project has some good info on the cost of addressing global poverty.
$30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.
$550 billion: U.S. Defense budget
Posted by: Abel Tsegga | February 18, 2009, 7:56 pm 7:56 pm
That’s OK if he doesn’t win re-election. He’ll still get his his pension and medical for the rest of his life. Our politicians sure know how to take care of each other.
———————————
Mac,
Standard Operating Procedure in Massachusetts, an dnow its bankrupting the state!
Posted by: Mike_C | February 19, 2009, 11:00 am 11:00 am
Apachecheynne,
Exactly what makes you think that Obama is NOT just one of those people. time to get your up out of the sand. Guess what, the emperor has no clothes!
Posted by: Mike_C | February 19, 2009, 11:06 am 11:06 am
the score is still:
Blagovich: 1
Obama: 0.5
more accurately it is:
Blago: 1
entire national Democratic Party: 0
(Obama gets a 0.5 by convincing legislators to pass the largest spending bill in history without even reading any of it!)
Posted by: Edq | February 19, 2009, 2:33 pm 2:33 pm
Abel – after we end poverty, we will need to end homelessness, lack of medical insuranceness, carlessness and enentually playstationless.
Your figure for ending “world hunger” does not comprehensively address all the needs of “global poverty”.
Also, eliminating the US military will result in a lot more suffering for the suddenly “unpoor”. (read history – Nazi).
Posted by: Geno - USA | February 19, 2009, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm
i bet james carville was that source…
Posted by: martylong3 | February 19, 2009, 3:16 pm 3:16 pm
I am outraged at the cartoon of a chimp attaching a women and being shot with the capton ” Who will write the next stimulis package”. We DO NOT NEED SUCH GARBAGE in the paper. It is an insult to all Americans, and it sends a message that we judge people by the color of their skin. It is 2009 and there is no place in our world for such uncaring and cruel comments. The editoe should be fired.
Posted by: Patricia Calachino | February 19, 2009, 5:39 pm 5:39 pm
I’m tired of hearing about Senator Burris situation. When I know of over 250 employees working for a certain state within the U.S. That has denied the most fundamental essential and that is freedom.
This family of nine minors has been denied there education for over ten years. So, if the news media wants to report something, report this situation to the U.S. public.
So, if anyone wants to get some real news, contact the Thomas family, we have some news for you.
Posted by: Ethel Thomas | February 24, 2009, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm