Burris: "I have made an effort to be as transparent as I can"

February 17, 2009

Transcript of Sen Burris' comments in Peoria today. [emphasis added]

"Members of the press, I will have a prepared text, and I will not be responding to questions.

I have made an effort to be as transparent as I can, and I'm willing to take a further step as I have nothing to hide.

"I welcome the opportunity to go before any and all investigative bodies, including those referred by Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan and the Senate Ethics Committee to answer any questions they have.

"In fact, earlier today, one of my advisers placed a call to the Sangamon County State's Atty. John Schmidt in an attempt to inform them that I welcome the opportunity to meet with him to review the facts in this matter and provide (a) full and complete account of my actions, statements and contacts.

I look forward to sitting down with the federal officials and addressing this with them, and I support having any other body or agency look into my testimony, as it was truthful and consistent.

There were never any inappropriate conversations between me and anyone else.

And I will answer any and all questions to get that point across to keep my faith with the citizens of Illinois. We are working on a concise document that will be provided to the public later this week.
Thank you very much, and God bless each and every one of you all in the media."