CHICAGO — Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan led a growing chorus of state Democratic officials Monday calling for a deeper investigation of U.S. Sen. Roland Burris' explanation about how he was appointed by ousted Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich.
Burris has maintained there was nothing inconsistent between his testimony before a special state legislative panel and a recently filed affidavit outlining more extensive contact with Blagojevich insiders than he had previously disclosed.
But Illinois Republicans pressed their call for a perjury investigation by the county prosecutor, and on Monday, Democrats expressed increasing discomfort over Burris' evolving explanation of efforts to get the seat.
"This is a particularly frustrating revelation," Madigan said of disclosures by Burris that he had contact with a half-dozen Blagojevich insiders. "I encourage the Sangamon County state's attorney to take a closer look at this in the interest of truth, integrity and transparency."
Burris, who embarked on a statewide listening tour to mark his first month in office, offered an emotional defense after speaking at a Presidents Day dinner.
"They can look at it," he said when informed of Madigan's comments. "I have absolutely nothing to hide here."
Burris said that political accusations were threatening to ruin his reputation and that he would appear before state lawmakers or anyone else to preserve it.
"I will go anywhere. I'm going to talk to the feds," Burris said. "I have done nothing wrong."
State Sen. David Koehler and state Rep. Mike Smith, who were at the dinner, each questioned whether Burris had been truthful. Both called for a renewed investigation by the Illinois House committee that took Burris' testimony as part of the impeachment investigation of Blagojevich.
"He was seated as a United States senator based on his testimony to our committee, that's I think the most disappointing part about this," said state Rep. Jack Franks, another Democrat. "I feel absolutely betrayed by this."
Franks, in a phone interview, called for a criminal investigation by Madigan or the county prosecutor.
"Right now, certainly the main question is no longer about his political life, it's on life support because of this. It is now a question of whether there is a criminal aspect to this," Franks said.
Burris began his statewide tour by returning to his political base -- meeting at a church on Chicago's South Side with African American ministers.
