First you claimed that you never spoke to Blagojevich or his cronies about a quid-pro-quo for the Senate appointment. Then you revised your story, saying you were approached by Rob Blagojevich about doing a fundraiser, but refused, saying that it would look improper.
Indeed, the fundraiser didn't happen - but not because you wanted to maintain your integrity. Instead, it didn't happen because you couldn't get enough donors together to meet Rob Blagojevich's expectations. Only then did you protest on grounds of impropriety.
But the fact that your friends couldn't meet Blago's price on your integrity doesn't mean you kept it intact.
Mr. Burris, it's time to resign your ill-gotten Senate seat and retire from politics.
You must know that your political career is over anyway. You've tainted even your short caretaker's term with the reeking stain of corruption, becoming a Senator-for-hire. You represent all the worst of Chicago politics, and as a result all you do in the Senate is compromised.
So resign, Mr. Burris. Resign before the Republicans in Illinois get their perjury investigation rolling. Resign before the people's work in the Senate is overshadowed by the circus sideshow that that investigation will inevitably become. Resign before you cast a vote that makes your constituents wonder who else your integrity might have been sold to. Resign and let Illinois' new governor appoint a candidate without questions swirling about him from the first day of his term.
Only one act now can redeem your seat, your career, and your honesty.
Resign.