Burris defends his testimony, but GOP says he should quit

CHICAGO — U.S. Sen. Roland Burris said Sunday he didn't have any inappropriate contact with allies of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich about a vacant Illinois Senate seat, and he defended his evolving explanation of what happened as an effort to make sure all the information comes out.

"I've always conducted myself with honor and integrity," Burris, D-Ill., said at a news conference.

Burris' efforts to clear up the controversy had mixed results. Asked at one point whether federal investigators had talked to him or his aides about the Senate appointment, Burris said he had not been questioned.

"What I understand is some of the agents have reached out to my lawyers," Burris said, adding, "They want to meet with me."

Later, Burris attorney Timothy Wright said, "The FBI has not come to us and they're not asking us for anything."

The news conference was called so Burris could explain why he quietly filed a supplemental affidavit with Illinois House lawmakers that for the first time acknowledged his contacts with five Blagojevich allies, nearly a month after he testified under oath about how he got the Senate seat.

Burris was pressed about why he didn't tell Illinois lawmakers about his contact with the allies, including the governor's brother, when he was testifying Jan. 8 before the House impeachment committee. At that time, he only mentioned his conversation with former Blagojevich chief of staff Lon Monk.

Burris said the hearing did not provide an opportunity to fully answer. He said if lawmakers had followed up, he would have mentioned more of the names.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and his top deputy, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, made Burris' full and complete testimony at the impeachment hearing one condition for swearing him in.

"I've talked with Durbin and Reid and they understand what's going on," Burris said Sunday.

State Republican lawmakers earlier lashed out at Burris, calling for his resignation and a criminal investigation into whether he perjured himself.

"I can't believe anything that's coming from Mr. Burris, at this point," said state Rep. Jim Durkin.