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Burris Won't Face Perjury Charges: Ill. Prosecutor

Evidence on Blago contacts insufficient

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 19, 2009 2:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – Sen. Roland Burris will not be charged with perjury for neglecting to tell an Illinois House impeachment panel about additional discussions he had with associates of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the State Journal-Register reports. While Burris did omit conversations about the Senate appointment with members of Blagojevich’s inner circle, they were “brief” and described by the individuals as “in passing,” prosecutor John Schmidt said.

At the time, Schmidt explained, the Democrat “told anyone he thought had the attention of Gov. Blagojevich that he was interested in the Senate seat: “These were not substantive discussions concerning how to get the appointment, but rather Sen. Burris imploring the listener to tell Gov. Blagojevich he was interested.”

Sen. Roland Burris is seen Wednesday on Capitol Hill.
Sen. Roland Burris is seen Wednesday on Capitol Hill.   (AP Photo)
US Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill tours the University of Illinois in Urbana, May 27, 2009.
US Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill tours the University of Illinois in Urbana, May 27, 2009.   (AP Photo)
In this April 21, 2009 file photo, ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is seen leaving federal court in Chicago.
In this April 21, 2009 file photo, ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is seen leaving federal court in Chicago.   (AP Photo)
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Vague statements cannot support a perjury charge.
- John Schmidt, Sangamon County state’s attorney

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Mr.C
Jun 21, 2009 10:02 AM CDT
Mad, I'm pretty sure any intelligent person can recall history well enough to know that both parties have had their share of convictions and shady connections.
riffran
Jun 20, 2009 7:31 AM CDT
not me sir smegma..but rest assured I voted on yours .......sackcheese
Mad
Jun 20, 2009 7:26 AM CDT
LOL @ riff voting on his own post! How lame

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