SupportBurris (dot com)

Sen. Roland Burris isn't saying whether he'll run for a full term in the Senate next year, but he has laid the groundwork on the Internet.

Burris' Senate office confirmed on Monday that www.supportburris.com is a legitimate site that could be used if the Democrat decides to seek a full term.

The Web site is something of a skeleton, with several sections -- endorsements and legislation, for example -- completely blank. The site also contains a short welcome note from Burris and link for those interested in donating.

Internet records show it was created before recent revelations about Burris' appointment to the Senate. The telephone number and address listed on the Web site go to the office Burris shares with a business partner in Chicago, Fred Lebed.

Burris has not ruled in or ruled out a bid for a full term in the Senate, his Senate spokesman, Jim O'Connor, said Monday.

Disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was impeached after being accused of trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama, appointed Burris to his post. On Monday, Blagojevich announced he would pen a book about Illinois politics, including the process of appointing Obama's replacement.

Burris' changing story on the appointment has led to numerous calls for him to resign. He recently acknowledged trying and failing to raise campaign cash for Blagojevich. He has steadfastly denied doing anything wrong.

Others have suggested Burris would be best served by not seeking a full term.

Last week Burris' Illinois colleague and the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, Sen. Dick Durbin, said he told Burris he should resign and made clear that he would support another candidate if Burris sought the Democratic party's nomination. The House's top ranking black official, Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., also said last week he would advise Burris against running.

Burris can expect a crowded primary if he decides to make the race. On Monday state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias became the first official to form an exploratory committee for the seat. Other officials, including members of the Illinois congressional delegation, are also mulling a 2010 run.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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