Sen. Burris interviewed about appointment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., June 17 (UPI) -- An aide to Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., said the senator was interviewed this week by prosecutors investigating his appointment by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The Chicago Sun-Times said Wednesday the interview was likely an indication that the probe into possible perjury was winding down.

Sangamon County State's Attorney John Schmidt declined comment on Monday's interview; however Burris' political advisor, Delmarie Cobb, told the newspaper the senator felt he had been treated fairly during the meeting.

"Our position is he hasn't done anything wrong and hasn't perjured himself," Cobb said.

At issue is a January affidavit signed by Burris in which he denied that he and his representatives had spoken to Blagojevich's camp about being appointed to the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barrack Obama.

He later said he had discussed the appointment with a lobbyist who used to be the governor's chief of staff.

Blagojevich was indicted last year for, among other things, allegedly scheming to give the appointment to the highest bidder.