The chorus is growing louder against Senator Roland Burris. It is understandable when Republicans call for Burris to resign his United States Senate seat. And while only a handful of Democrats are calling for his resignation, many prominent Democrats are calling for Burris to come clean, including Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan led a growing chorus of Democratic officials Monday calling for a deeper investigation of U.S. Sen. Roland Burris' explanation about how he was appointed by now-ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Burris has maintained there was nothing inconsistent between his testimony before state lawmakers and a recently filed affidavit outlining more extensive contact with Blagojevich insiders than he had previously disclosed. But Illinois Republicans pressed their call for a perjury investigation by the county prosecutor in Springfield and on Monday, Democrats expressed increasing discomfort over Burris' evolving explanation of efforts to get the seat.
"This is a particularly frustrating revelation," Madigan said of Burris' recent disclosure that he had contact with five Blagojevich insiders. "I encourage the Sangamon County state's attorney to take a closer look at this in the interest of truth, integrity and transparency."
Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) has also been calling for further investigations concerning Burris testimony before the Illinois House impeachment panel.
Franks called for a criminal investigation by Madigan or the Sangamon County prosecutor.
"Right now, certainly the main question is no longer about his political life, it's on life support because of this. It is now a question of whether there is a criminal aspect to this," Franks said.
In the coming days, more prominent Democrats will be putting the pressure on Burris to resign with threats of criminal prosecution. The fact is Burris deliberately lied to the Illinois House impeachment committee. He lied for one reason and one reason only: he wanted the job. So blinded by ambition that he would do anything or say anything to become a United States Senator. And that is shameful.
Chicago City Hall Examiner.