By Associated Press/Illinois Public Radio
Chicago, IL – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says it's time for Roland Burris to resign from the U.S. Senate.
Quinn calls Burris an honorable man but says there's a shadow over his service in the Senate. The Democratic governor says it's in the best interest of the people of Illinois for Burris to step down.
"I would ask my good friend, Senator Roland Burris, to put the interests of the people of the Land of LIncoln first and foremost ahead of his own and step aside and resign from his office," Quinn said.
Quinn also says a new senator should be chosen by special election.
Burris was appointed by former Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was later impeached and removed from office. Burris initially said there was no discussion of him doing any favors in exchange for the appointment.
But since then, Burris has acknowledged he had many discussions with Blagojevich friends and allies about the appointment. Burris says he was asked to raise money for Blagojevich but couldn't find anyone willing to contribute.