Burris to appear before impeachment panel

Senate appointee Roland Burris says he's planning to travel to Springfield on Thursday after being subpoenaed by the panel considering the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Burris was subpoenaed to appear Wednesday, but he'll be in Washington trying to claim the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

Although there's a date conflict, Burris says state lawmakers can't stop him from doing his senatorial duties. Burris also says he's sending an affidavit to the impeachment panel telling them how his appointment happened.

The panel of lawmakers in Springfield is working to decide whether to impeach Blagojevich, who was arrested last month on federal corruption charges. Burris' appointment hasn't been connected to that case.