Burris to Announce Re-Election Plans Soon

Embattled U.S. Sen. Roland Burris says he'll reveal in the "very near future" whether he will run for a full term.

The Chicago Democrat declined Thursday to give further details on his plans.

He was chosen by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich to fill the vacancy created by Barack Obama's presidential victory.

The appointment came after Blagojevich was arrested on charges of trying to sell the seat to the highest bidder, raising questions about how Burris got the job.

"If I don't make this appointment, then the people of Illinois will be deprived of their appropriate voice in the U.S. Senate," Blagojevich said in the December newsconference announcing Burris as his choice.

Burris denies any wrongdoing, but he has given changing and conflicting accounts of his discussions with Blagojevich's team.

If he runs, Burris will face a challenge in the Democratic primary.