Last updated 6:05AM ET
February 16, 2012
US
US
Burris Scolded by Senate Ethics Committee
(2009-11-20)
(wsiu) - The U-S Senate Ethics Committee rebuked Illinois' Roland Burris Friday.

The panel investigated Burris' behavior related to his appointment by former Governor Rod Blagojevich.

The Ethics Committee issued a public letter to Burris, declaring that his "actions and statements reflect[ed] unfavorably upon the Senate."

It called Burris' testimony before a state legislature impeachment panel "inconsistent, incomplete and misleading."

The committee also took Burris to task for a conversation he had with Blagojevich's brother, in which the aspiring senator talked about both fundraising and his possible appointment.

The letter notes the evidence does not support "any actionable violations of law," a phrasing Burris seized upon.

In a press release, the senator's office says he's been "cleared...of any legal wrongdoing." Burris says he is - quote - "pleased...this matter has finally come to a close."

The senator has opted not to seek election in 2010.
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