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Source: Burris Has No Plans to Resign

Embattled Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) has not considered resigning — at least not yet — a source familiar with his situation said late Friday, as calls for Burris to consider such a move were being issued by high-ranking Democrats, including the administration of President Barack Obama.

“Resigning has not been an option discussed,” this source said. “Who knows what’s going to happen over the weekend? Anyting can change.”

Burris, this source said, is currently behind closed doors considering his next move. The Senator believes he has been honest and above board, but feels he is suffering in part because of a faulty communications strategy in relation to how he has dealt with this latest scandal.

Burris’ appointment to the Senate by scandal-scarred former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) has been plagued with problems and intrigue from the start. In recent days, Burris has come under fire for disclosing weeks after he was appointed to replace Obama in the Senate that Blagojevich solicited him to raise campaign funds prior to the appointment. Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office by the Illinois Legislature a few weeks after he appointed Burris to the Senate.

Because of the politically sensitive nature of his appointment, Burris testified before a state legislative panel prior to being installed as Senator that he did not participate in a quid pro quo to receive the appointment.

According to the source familiar with the situation, Burris did not purposely withhold the information that Blagojevich had asked him to raise campaign funds for him — the Senator said he tried to do so but was unsuccessful. Rather, Burris in good faith simply reported this information to the state as his own review of past events came to light.

“He filed the second affidavit voluntarily. He offered more information upon reviewing the situation,” this source said.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D), who succeeded Blagojevich, on Friday called on Burris to step down. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Friday that the Senator needs to at least consider the option of resignation.

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