Posted by John Chase and Ray Long at 7:50 p.m.

U.S. Sen. Roland Burris’ first statewide tour in the month since he took office was to have been a victory lap of sorts, but instead he faces renewed controversy over how he came to be picked by ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Even some Democrats are questioning his truthfulness and talking about re-opening an inquiry that could cloud his political future.

Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo), who sat on the House impeachment committee that questioned Burris about his appointment, said today that he will ask chairwoman Barbara Flynn Currie to reconvene the panel and call Burris to testify once again.

Franks said Burris was not forthcoming during his initial testimony and that he should make himself available to answer any and all questions regarding his latest affidavit.

“I feel like I got kicked in the gut,” Franks said. “At a time when we were supposed do be doing it right, when the whole world was watching, what do we do but screw it up.”

Meeting with a group of pastors at a South Side church before leaving on his tour today, Burris denied that his filing of a recent affidavit outlining for the first time contacts with key Blagojevich insiders was done because federal authorities had told him he had been secretly recorded. "Positively not true," he said.

After the hour-long meeting with the pastors, Burris left the church, escorted by several clergy members, including Rev. Willie Barrow of Operation Push.

Barrow defended Burris, saying, "He ain’t done nothing wrong. You ought to recognize who he is, what he’s done in the past and what he’s doing now. You need to recognize that and the people put him in."

When reminded that Burris was appointed by Blagojevich, Barrow said it was an outpouring of support from the community that got Burris into office.

Burris' contacts with Blagojevich have been questioned since the day he was picked to become President Barack Obama’s replacement in the Senate, just weeks after Blagojevich was charged with trying to sell the Senate seat for personal profit. Burris has portrayed himself as an outsider unconnected to Blagojevich.

But Burris’ own words in recent days show the former attorney general steadily reached out to nearly every major insider who was part of Blagojevich’s ever-shrinking inner-circle of advisers.

In the months before the Senate seat was vacated when Obama won the presidency, Burris spoke to the governor’s current and former chief of staff, his chief of staff when Blagojevich was in Congress, his ex-deputy governor and political consultant, a labor leader who was Blagojevich’s main conduit Downstate and the governor’s brother. Throughout it all, Burris made no secret of his interest in the Senate seat.

“He wasn’t forthcoming," Franks said. "I was sitting in the front row watching him speak, and the only person he mentioned talking to was (former Blagojevich chief of staff) Lon Monk in June or July.

"So I thought ‘Oh, nothing’s here,’ but if I had known he was talking to (former aide) John Wyma, the man who helped federal agents record Blagojevich, I certainly would have followed up with more questions. Not to mention if I had known he was talking to Rob Blagojevich (the governor's brother) and (former deputy governor) Doug Scofield and others in his inner circle.”

Burris' first stop on his "listening" tour was the Peoria Democrats annual Presidents Day dinner, where he breezed by reporters waiting outside. Several Democrats there said Burris owes a more full explanation and called on the House committee that impeached Blagojevich to re-examine whether Burris told the whole truth.

"We have to have transparency and complete sunshine on everything," said Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria). "If there's an issue here it needs to be investigated (by the House committee) so that we know."

From the Sunday print edition:

From the Sunday print edition:

By Rick Pearson and David Kidwell
Tribune reporters

Delivering an optimistic viewpoint after more than a decade of political scandals, a majority of Illinois voters in a Tribune poll said they believe the corruption that has ensnarled some of the state’s leading politicians could end if tough ethics reforms were enacted.

But the poll also found voters sharply divided over what would best curb public corruption. Their top two choices were greater access to government records and limits on politicians’ terms in office.

Nearly two thirds of the 500 voters surveyed in the poll said they considered Illinois among the most corrupt states in the nation, while the remaining third said the state isn’t much different from other states.

Despite years of Tribune polls revealing a hefty dose of voter cynicism toward cleaning up state government, and a decade of scandals that saw former Republican Gov. George Ryan sent to prison and former Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich arrested and forced out of office, 56 percent of the voters still said ethics reforms could halt corruption.

From Sunday's print edition:

By Bob Secter

Tribune reporter

OK, Illinois, let's be honest about our dishonesty.

We've put an impressive collection of cheats and boodlers into public office over the decades, and the public outcry has never led to more than a token crackdown by government.

So why should the curious case of Rod Blagojevich now make things different? One reason, perhaps, is that the December arrest of Illinois' now-ousted governor has reduced Illinois politics to a late-night TV punch line. ("Scumdog Million-Hairs" is Jon Stewart's nickname for the amply maned Blagojevich.)

There's an even more compelling reason, and it's one to contemplate as you write that enormous property tax check this month or when you file your state income tax return in April: Pernicious corruption costs you every day in bloated government and inefficient services.

No-bid contracts get inflated to cover the costs of the campaign cash needed to grease them. Public jobs too often go to the connected and lazy instead of the best, brightest and most eager.

We all pay.

Posted by Tribune staff at 8:55 p.m.

With plenty to talk about in the world of politics, Rick Pearson is on WGN-AM (720) this Sunday for an extended time, noon to 1:45 p.m.

State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) will be first up to discuss efforts by House Republicans seeking an independent investigation into U.S. Sen. Roland Burris' contacts with former Gov. Rod Blagojevich insiders regarding Burris appointment.

Pearson also will be reviewing new Chicago Tribune polls taking the pulse of voters on new Sen. Roland Burris and new Gov. Pat Quinn as well as what Illinois residents want to see done about public corruption.

Joining Rick on the program is David Ellis, who served as the Illinois House prosecutor in the state Senate impeachment trial that convicted Blagojevich and removed him from office. In Ellis' first media interview since the trial, he'll get a chance to respond to Blagojevich's frequent media tours and the former governor's allegation that he was hijacked out of office.

Also on the program will be Mark Silva of the Tribune's Washington bureau and Rick Klein, the author of ABC News' "The Note," the foremost morning political briefing in the nation, to discuss the stimulus and President Obama's efforts.

If you miss it, there'll be audio posted here.

Posted by John Chase and Rick Pearson at 8:40 p.m.

U.S. Sen. Roland Burris has changed his story again about what happened before ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed him to the Senate, and state Republican leaders said Saturday they want an investigation into whether he perjured himself.

Burris gradually has acknowledged deeper contacts with Blagojevich allies after initially portraying himself as a surprise pick for the controversial seat the former governor is accused of trying to sell.

But Illinois House Republican leaders said they now wonder if Burris purposely deceived the public while under oath last month by not telling a special House impeachment panel that Blagojevich’s brother asked for fundraising help before the now-disgraced ex-governor appointed him.

State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) said he would ask the now-dormant impeachment committee to refer the matter to Sangamon County State’s Atty. John Schmidt, a Republican, after learning of the revelations by Burris, who is a Democrat.

Burris acknowledged the discussions with the governor’s brother, Robert, in an affidavit the senator quietly filed Feb. 5 with the head of the committee.

From Sunday's print edition:

By Todd Lighty
and Dan Mihalopoulos
Tribune reporters

Mayor Richard Daley’s administration has moved to discipline four bosses and three truck drivers after a spot investigation found problems in garbage operations in two South Side wards.

Matt Smith, spokesman for the Department of Streets and Sanitation, said the city was being proactive in uncovering what he called poor supervision, inefficiencies in garbage collection and lousy record keeping.

“We want to make sure taxpayers know they are receiving a day’s work for a day’s pay,” Smith said.

The latest black eye for the department’s employees follows a scathing report last fall issued by the inspector general who found garbage collection workers loafing for hours each day, taking long lunches at home, drinking beer from plastic cups and even urinating  in the street.

From the Sunday print edition:

By Bob Secter

Tribune reporter

OK, Illinois, let's be honest about our dishonesty.

We've put an impressive collection of cheats and boodlers into public office over the decades, and the public outcry has never led to more than a token crackdown by government.

So why should the curious case of Rod Blagojevich now make things different? One reason, perhaps, is that the December arrest of Illinois' now-ousted governor has reduced Illinois politics to a late-night TV punch line. ("Scumdog Million-Hairs" is Jon Stewart's nickname for the amply maned Blagojevich.)

There's an even more compelling reason, and it's one to contemplate as you write that enormous property tax check this month or when you file your state income tax return in April: Pernicious corruption costs you every day in bloated government and inefficient services.

Posted by Ashley Rueff at 3:05 p.m.

President Barack Obama's face can now trick out your ride.

For $50, drivers can buy a set of temporary license plates featuring Obama's portrait. They're good through April 17. The slogan on the plates: "Illinois Salutes President Barack Obama."

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White's office is selling them at the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place. They also can be bought online at ila.org/obama.

Posted by John Chase at 4:30 a.m.

Less than two months after becoming embroiled in the scandal that brought down Gov. Rod Blagojevich for allegedly trying to sell a U.S. Senate seat, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is resurfacing. And he's looking for money.

Jackson's campaign fund announced a fundraiser as part of an annual roast in which comedians and pols are expected to jokingly excoriate the South Side congressman. The campaign described the event as a "RO@$t."

Given the prominent use of a dollar sign, it's plausible that at least a few of the roasters will try to make light of the fact that Jackson (D-Chicago) was identified by numerous media outlets, including the Tribune, as "Senate Candidate 5," a significant character in the criminal charges brought against Blagojevich.

Posted by Tribune staff at 7:59 p.m.

President Barack Obama spoke tonight at an Abraham Lincoln bicentennial dinner in Springfield. Here are his prepared remarks as distributed by the White House:

It is wonderful to be back in Springfield, the city where I got my start in elected office, where I served for nearly a decade, and where I launched my candidacy for President two years ago, this week – on the steps of the Old State Capitol where Abraham Lincoln served and prepared for the presidency.

It was here, nearly one hundred and fifty years ago, that the man whose life we are celebrating today bid farewell to this city he had come to call his own. On a platform at a train station not far from where we’re gathered, Lincoln turned to the crowd that had come to see him off, and said, “To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything.” Being here tonight, surrounded by all of you, I share his sentiments.

Posted by Dan Mihalopoulos and John McCormick at 7:30 p.m.

One of the leading Democratic candidates to replace Rahm Emanuel in Congress repeatedly declined to say Thursday whether her campaign conducted a phone survey last month in which pollsters raised allegations about foes in the March 3 special primary.

Voters were asked if it would concern them that state Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago) took campaign contributions from groups the poll alleged were associated with organized crime. The pollsters also attempted to link Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) with County Board President Todd Stroger, whom Quigley often opposes.

The survey concluded with a plug that state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) is an independent champion for women and immigrants. In an appearance before the Tribune’s editorial board Thursday, Feigenholtz was asked at least a half-dozen times about the issue, but would neither confirm nor deny her campaign was behind the negative poll. She maintained she’s running as a reformer.

"I do not talk about internal campaign strategy," she said. "We have been in the field testing message ... We are running a positive campaign."

Posted by Hal Dardick at 4:01 p.m.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger said today he would take steps to cancel a contract to put up highway signs that have done little but leave drivers perplexed.

About 1,300 signs, which include designations such as "W32," a code understood only by county highway workers, are being installed under a two-year, $120,000 contract paid for with gas taxes. After they were highlighted in a Tribune story, two county board commissioners sought a legal opinion on whether they are required under federal or state laws.

Stroger said the signs are useful to highway workers, to identify where repairs need to be made. But he also acknowledged the awkwardness of the signs during tight financial times.

Posted by Ray Long at 12:25 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD---Gov. Pat Quinn laid a wreath today at President Abraham Lincoln's tomb, where men dressed in Civil War uniforms lined the walls and hundreds of spectators jammed onto the cemetery grounds.

"Here, as we stand next to his tomb, I think it is important to pay reverence to his purposeful life, to remember what he did for us and what he will always stand for in America, that the everyday person comes first," said Quinn, installed as governor only two weeks earlier following the ouster of impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "We thank Abraham Lincoln. We wish him a happy birthday. We thank God for sending him to us. May the will of the people be the law of the land."

Quinn joined a Lincoln re-enactor earlier today in leading a reading of the Gettysburg Address at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The morning event was broadcast over the internet to as many as 300,000 students throughout the U.S., Japan and Germany in hopes of setting a world record for the most people simultaneously reciting Lincoln's most famous speech.

Posted by John McCormick at 5:30 p.m.

Five Democratic newcomers in the race to succeed Rahm Emanuel in the 5th Congressional District today defended their viability to compete in contest heavy with elected officials.

"It is not an advantage to be an elected official," argued Jan Donatelli, an airline pilot and Democratic candidate who met with the Chicago Tribune editorial board.

"The electorate is crying for change," said Dr. Paul Bryar, an eye surgeon and medical professor at Northwestern University.

Posted by Dan Mihalopoulos at 4:55 p.m.; last updated at 7:45 p.m.

Almost every Chicago alderman said they support a resolution introduced Wednesday calling on Mayor Richard Daley to publicly release the list of projects he would complete with money from a new federal economic stimulus package.

Daley has declined to release a specific stimulus "wish list." President Barack Obama has pushed for funneling hundreds of billions of dollars to states and cities to create jobs, but Congress still has to vote on the deal.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) said she was frustrated when top Daley aides would not provide any specific details of their plans in closed-door meetings with aldermen.

Posted by Dan Mihalopoulos at 3:55 p.m.

Starting Friday, drivers looking for a metered parking spot in Chicago will want to carry more change than usual.

Daley administration officials announced today that the recently approved rate hikes for more than 36,000 parking meters across the city will go into effect over the next few weeks.

First up on the list is Loop on Friday.

Posted by Dan Mihalopoulos at 3:13 p.m.

Chicago aldermen today approved an increase in the fines for driving while talking on a cell phone without a headset, speakerphone or other hands-free device.

If you're caught driving while holding the phone up to your ear, you will have to pay $100, up from the current penalty of $75. The fine for talking on a phone "at the time of a traffic accident" will increase to $500 from $200.

The new penalties take effect 10 days after today’s council vote.

Posted by Dan Mihalopoulos at 3:10 p.m.

The fine for impersonating a Chicago police officer would rise to as much as $1,000 under a City Council ordinance introduced today.

After a 14-year-old boy tricked police into briefly accepting him as one of their own last month, Ald. James Balcer (11th) learned that the fine for pretending to be an officer is as low as $10 and no higher than $100.

"The fine is ridiculous -- $10 for impersonating a police officer?" Balcer said during today's council meeting.

Balcer said police told him there were 33 cases of impersonating an officer in the past year.

Posted by Ashley Rueff at 2:30 p.m.

The General Assembly's Black Caucus voted to fill its three leadership positions Tuesday, naming Sen. James Meeks (D-Chicago) as chair of the Senate caucus, Rep. Esther Golar (D-Chicago) as chair of the House caucus and Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood) as chair of the two chambers' joint caucus.

The Hispanic caucus also met Tuesday, but postponed its final vote to fill its two co-chair spots until next week. Currently, the only nominations are Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) to serve as co-chair for the Senate and Rep. Maria Toni Berrios (D-Chicago) to serve as co-chair for the House.

From today's print edition:

Chicago's Jumping Jack reprieve aids politically connected security firm

Budget ax reprieve aids security firm owned by former Daley bodyguards

By Hal Dardick and Dan Mihalopoulos

Tribune reporters

When aldermen recently spared the city's Jumping Jack program from budget cuts, they declared a great victory for children who love bouncing on the inflatable playgrounds at thousands of fair-weather events across Chicago's neighborhoods each year.

The last-minute maneuver by a City Council afraid of a voter backlash also represented a big win for the politically connected company the city hired to run the program.