Burris Off The Hook For Perjury

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jun 19, 2009 6:20PM

It looks like at least one chapter in the saga of The Lord's Senator has been closed. The Tribune reports that Sangamon County State's Attorney John Schmidt has said there isn't enough evidence to bring perjury charges against U.S. Senator Roland Burris. The perjury issue came up a few months ago when Burris sent an affidavit to the state House committee before whom Burris testified that had information that contradicted his testimony.

Burris issued the following statement (via the Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet):

"I am obviously very pleased with today's decision by State's Attorney John Schmidt. His investigation was both thorough and fair, and I am glad that the truth has prevailed.

"This matter has now been fully investigated; I cooperated at every phase of the process, and as I have said from the beginning, I have never engaged in any pay-to-play, never perjured myself, and came to this seat in an honest and legal way. Today's announcement confirms all that.

"I am glad I can now put this matter behind me and get on with my work in the United States Senate serving the people of Illinois."

The Sun-Times also has the official press release from Schmidt [PDF] as well as the letter sent to State House leader Mike Madigan [PDF].