Burris defends self, take shots at Durbin, media

SPRINGFIELD — Defending himself against questions of pay-to-play politics, U.S. Sen. Roland Burris today took shots at the media and the state’s senior U.S. Senator.

Burris came under fire an FBI wiretap transcript showed he promised a campaign contribution to the man who appointed him, the now-indicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

“I expect the media and the public to review every word of the transcript and the context,” Burris said. “And at the end of the day, I expect both to judge me fairly and to acknowledge I did nothing to curry favor, was not a wiling party in any alleged pay to play scheme and I did not lie to anyone about the events leading to my appointment.”

In the Nov. 13 conversation recorded by the FBI, Burris tells the ex-governor’s brother that he would “personally do something OK? And it will come to you before the 15th of December.”

Burris was referencing a promised donation of $1,5000, a figure his lawyer confirmed.

Burris said today that he has been truthful throughout the events leading up to his appointment and in the sworn testimony and affidavits he submitted after. He just wants the public and media to believe him.

Burris then went a step farther and accused the media of mischaracterizing whether he withheld or did not volunteer key facts about his appointment during his dealings with a House committee that launched the impeachment case against former Gov. Blagojevich. Burris put the onus on his questioners on the committee.

“You all have got it backwards,” Burris told reporters. “It is not upon a person who is testifying to go out of his way on anything. It is the person who has to ask the questions.”

Not only did Burris try to convince members of the press to lighten their coverage, but he also denounced comments made by his fellow U.S. Senator from Illinois, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

Durbin said Wednesday that Burris’ testimony before the House impeachment panel in January was incomplete and not accurate.

“Senator Durbin’s comments are not correct,” Burris said sharply. “Please accept Roland Burris’ comments rather than Senator Durbin. I answered every question that was asked of me by that committee.”