The story

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's pick to fill Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat was the first African-American to be elected to statewide office in Illinois, winning the first of three terms as comptroller in 1978.

Twelve years later, Roland Burris was elected state attorney general, the second African-American in the country to reach that position.

Burris, 71, first let it be known he was interested in the spot shortly after the November 4 election that saw Obama win the presidency, the Chicago Tribune reported, saying he "was never seriously considered." Read full article »

All About Rod Blagojevich • Barack Obama • Illinois