Over the past several hours, some headlines have proclaimed that Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) has been "cleared" of ethics charges. It makes us wonder if these media outlets have read the actual letter sent to Sen. Burris by the Senate Ethics Committee. This letter states:

"The committee found that you should have known that you were providing incorrect, inconsistent, misleading or incomplete information to the public, the Senate and those conducting legitimate inquiries into your appointment to the Senate."

In addition, the letter stated that Burris' actions and statements had reflected "unfavorably upon the Senate ..."

CREW’s Melanie Sloan commented on the ethics committee's letter:

"This is one of the harshest letters the Senate Ethics Committee has issued in recent times and Sen. Burris clearly deserved it. It is apparent Sen. Burris would have done almost anything to obtain and hold the Senate seat, including lying to law authorities investigating his appointment.

"Sen. Burris follows Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK), Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), Sen. Pete Domenici, and Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) in failing to live up to the high standards the public has a right to expect of our country’s elected leaders. America deserves better."