Madigan asked to respond to Burris case

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 28 (UPI) -- Politicians say they want to know why Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has yet to take action against U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill.

The Chicago Sun-Times said Democrats and Republicans alike have questioned why Madigan, a Democrat, has not taken action to allow House officials to reprimand Burris in the wake of federal surveillance tapes on which he talked with ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich's brother about donating to the governor's campaign fund. At the time, Burris was angling to win appointment to the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.

Blagojevich was removed from office in January amid a variety of allegations including his alleged attempt to sell the Senate seat to the highest bidder. Burris maintained during impeachment proceedings he had not talked with anyone close to the governor, except a former aide.

State Reps. Jack Franks, a Democrat, and Jim Durkin, a Republican, have said they want to see the House take action against Burris. Burris said he is anxious to face a .perjury probe.

Burris said Wednesday he has nothing to hide. The Springfield (Ill.) State Journal-Register said no date has been set for his likely interview with Sangamon County State's Attorney John Schmidt.