Blago Singled Out Senate Contenders for Cash

(NEWSER) - FBI recordings of a conversation between Sen. Roland Burris and the brother of disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich can be released to the Senate Ethics Committee, a judge ruled today. The committee is investigating Burris’ appointment by the now-impeached governor, made after Blagojevich was indicted, the Hill reports. The taped conversation occurred before the impeachment and the appointment. More»

Ill. senator hopes to box in white Dems for 2010 campaign

(NEWSER) - Roland Burris doesn’t have much support in Washington or money in his war chest for a reelection bid, but he retains one reliable weapon, Politico reports: the race card. As controversy over his appointment has reemerged, Burris hasn’t hesitated to chalk it up to racial politics. A Burris consultant says “race has something to do with” the Illinois senator’s chilly reception in DC. More»

Facing foreclosure, Burris II gets housing gig; 'reeks of hypocrisy,' state rep charges

(NEWSER) - Sen. Roland Burris’ son, Roland W. Burris II, got a job with the Illinois housing authority last year, weeks after the IRS imposed a tax lien and his home entered foreclosure, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The appointment came as his father lobbied for Barack Obama’s Senate seat, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich was asking the elder Burris for money. Burris II is not being investigated. More»

Senator pitches compromise to Durbin to quell calls for ouster

(NEWSER) - Roland Burris won’t resign as senator in the wake of allegations he traded campaign donations for his appointment by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich—or at least that’s what Burris will tell fellow Illinois Dem Dick Durbin today, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. But sources say Burris will pledge not to seek re-election next year, which is perhaps enough to get the heat turned down, at least temporarily. More»

Calls for senator to step down gain strength

(NEWSER) - Federal authorities interviewed Illinois Sen. Roland Burris yesterday as part of the investigation into whether former Gov. Rod Blagojevich tried to sell President Obama's Senate seat, reports the Chicago Tribune. Burris is not a specific target in the Blago case, sources said, but he is being investigated for perjury by the state and the Senate Ethics Committee as more details on his quest for the seat emerge. More»