DC Dems Look for Ill. to Act on Burris

As further concerns emerge about Illinois Sen. Roland Burris’ ties to Rod Blagojevich, DC Democrats hoping to escape the former governor’s shadow are hoping Illinois will address the problem for them, Politico reports. Burris has acknowledged Blago contact that he hadn’t mentioned earlier, and while the senator says he’s done nothing wrong, an Illinois probe could force him to resign or prevent a “serious” 2010 run, Manu Raju writes.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will wait until Illinois legislators act before he gets involved himself, a spokesman said. But no Washington Democrat has defended Burris since he offered a new affidavit revealing contact with Blagojevich’s brother. Senators will likely “take a wait-and-see attitude,” says an insider. But Illinois leaders, including the state’s attorney general, are calling for a deeper Burris probe, the Chicago Tribune reports.
(More Rod Blagojevich stories.)