Jesse Jackson Jr. calls for end to 'half-truths' and deception on Roland Burris

In an exclusive interview with Chicago's ABC7 affiliate, Jackson told reporter Ben Bradley that Burris owed the people of Illinois an explanation. "What's the message we are sending our children with the half truths and deceptions? And so, let the chips fall where they may," Jackson said.

Jackson, whose district includes part of the south side of Chicago, stopped short of calling for Burris to resign, while other voices have made that request in recent days. Both Chicago daily newspapers, The Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times, have called on Burris to step down, as has new Gov. Pat Quinn.

"This embarrassing episode in Illinois politics needs to end," Jackson told ABC7. Jackson is considered a "likely Senate candidate" for the seat Burris now holds, according to ABC7.