Sen. Burris’ Legal Bills Top $500K

Fighting allegations of wrongdoing related to his appointment to Barack Obama's former Senate seat is proving mighty costly to Roland Burris.

While on a tour of Southern Illinois, Burris said that his legal bills have topped $500,000, the Belleville News Democrat reports.

Burris hasn't said whether he intends to run for the seat that now-impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed him to.

The Senate Ethics Committee and the Sangamon County state's attorney are investigating Burris' testimony in January to an Illinois House panel looking into his and other's contacts with Blagojevich.

Related:

Chicago Tribune: "Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.: Feds step up inquiry"