Nothing like holding a Sunday afternoon press conference hoping that the 24/7 news cycle may offer up something tastier to bury your story! Unfortunately for Roland Burris, the press smells blood, and is quite miffed at the new senator from Illinois.

Gov. Hot Rod Blagojevich’s appointment for Obama’s empty senate seat has become more deeply ensnared in the pay-for play mess created by the former governor. After Blago appointed Burris, the Illinois legislature’s impeachment committee quizzed him repeatedly about whether Blago had asked for, or extracted any payment in exchange for the appointment. Burris said no. Did he have any contact with Blago’s brother Rob Blagojevich (along with 5 other people)? Burris answered yes about one person, but didn’t answer about the others. He says it’s because questioning went in a different direction.

Apparently, Burris’ bodyguard attorney Tim Wright read over the transcript of the hearings, and decided Burris needed to add a little to his disclosure…specifically that he HAD talked to brother Rob, that Rob wanted Burris to kick in for Blago’s campaign fund, and that Burris declined the invitation.

Burris stated that he has always conducted himself with honor and integrity, and never made any “inconsistent” statement in his voluntary affidavit. He DID have contact about the seat, but none of it was inappropriate.

The reporters were incensed, and pointed out that Durkin’s questions involved 5 people, including the governor’s brother, and Burris only answered about one. Attorney Big Tim interrupted reporters saying he called the committee chair and told them Burris had additional information. Burris was instructed to put it in an affidavit, so that’s what he did. (Of course no one held a press conference to alert the media, but the affidavit WAS “made public” by burying it in the record.)

Burris says he was trying to concentrate on Durkin’s questions, not on what answers he skipped. Reporters asked “did you think at all about the omissions before reading the transcript?” Naw. These weren’t lies of omission on his part, it was omission because Durkin’s questions led them down a different rabbit trail. So it’s all Durkin’s fault, y’all.

As Blago’s World Turns looks to remain a media favorite soap, complete with a full cast of Illinois corrupt politicians. Illinois Republicans are calling for Roland Burris to step down. Don’t hold your breath, guys! Blago’s example of hanging on until legally kicked out remains in the front of the Illinois Politician Playbook.

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