WASHINGTON — The Senate ethics committee Friday admonished Democratic Sen. Roland Burris for misleading investigators about his maneuvering to get President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat from the governor who was ousted for trying to sell it.
Burris was appointed by former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was impeached and driven from office after he was accused of trying to sell the seat.
The committee placed special emphasis on a phone conversation between Burris and the governor’s brother, where Burris linked his willingness to raise funds for the governor with his desire for appointment to the Senate.
While finding no violation of law, the panel’s “Public Letter of Qualified Admonition” told Burris that “senators must meet a much higher standard of conduct” than he exhibited with his constantly changing statements.
The ethics committee has often been criticized for failing to go beyond letters of admonition after finding a senator’s conduct discredited the institution.
The letter had tough wording, telling Burris that he provided “inconsistent, misleading or incomplete information” to the public, the Senate and investigators; and that his conduct “reflected unfavorably on the Senate.”
Senate Democratic leaders, however, expressed no desire for further punishment.
Burris commented: “I am pleased that after numerous investigations, this matter has finally come to a close. I thank the members of the Senate ethics committee for their fair and thorough review of this matter, and now look forward to continuing the important work ahead on behalf of the people of Illinois.”
Burris has decided not to seek a full Senate term in the 2010 election.
