Burris Case Referred To Prosecutor, Admits Blago Fundraising Effort

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — U.S. Sen. Roland Burris has acknowledged trying to raise money for ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich before being appointed to the Senate.

According to a transcript posted on the Chicago Tribune's Web site, Burris told reporters Monday night in Peoria that after the ex-governor's brother called him, he talked to some friends about putting together a fundraiser.

Burris says he told Rob Blagojevich shortly after the November election that he couldn't get anyone to contribute.

Burris testified to a committee that recommended impeaching the governor that he had told only one Blagojevich associate he was interested in being senator and never offered anything in return.

But he released an affidavit over the weekend indicating he had spoken to four others, and that he was asked for fundraising help.

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has given prosecutors Burris' testimony before a House impeachment committee.

Burris told the committee that ultimately impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich that he hadn't had contact with key Blagojevich staffers or offered anything in return for his Senate appointment.

But in an affidavit released last weekend, Burris said the governor's brother had asked him for fundraising help. Although Burris says he denied the request, his admission raised questions about whether he committed perjury.

Madigan on Tuesday released a letter to Sangamon County State's Attorney John Schmidt indicating he was referring a transcript of Burris' testimony and two affidavits Burris submitted.

Schmidt hasn't returned a call seeking comment.