U.S. investigators question Sen. Burris

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Federal investigators interviewed U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., on Saturday in Chicago, sources told the Chicago Tribune.

Burris has been advised that he is not a target of the investigation into former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who appointed Burris to the seat formerly held by President Obama. Burris recently admitted he had tried to help Blagojevich with fund-raising, which he did not acknowledge when questioned by Illinois legislators at a hearing that led to the impeachment of Blagojevich.

Darrel Thompson -- the chief aide assigned to Burris by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. -- says he has stepped down from his job. Thompson did not reveal why he was returning to Reid's office, except to say he had been "temporarily detailed" to Burris, CNN reported Saturday.

"I wish Senator Burris and his family the best," Thompson said.

The resignation came after pressure mounted Friday for Burris to resign the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn called on Burris to resign and be replaced through a special election.