Outspoken Minister Out Of Obama Campaign

The Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. performed Barack Obama's wedding ceremony and held a largely ceremonial role on a campaign committee. (By E. Jason Wambsgans -- Chicago Tribune)

"The statements that Rev. Wright made that are the cause of this controversy were not statements I personally heard him preach while I sat in the pews of Trinity or heard him utter in private conversation," Obama wrote.

Obama also responded Friday to another lingering issue from his time in Chicago -- his relationship with indicted fundraiser and developer Antoin "Tony" Rezko. He met for about three hours with investigative reporters and editorial board members of Chicago's two biggest newspapers.

Few details appeared to be new. Obama revised upward, to as much as $250,000, his estimate of the money Rezko raised for his early campaigns. He reiterated his mea culpa about coordinating the purchase of his Chicago home with Rezko and buying a piece of an adjoining property from Rezko and his wife.

Obama, who has made ethics a centerpiece of his career, told the Chicago Tribune that he made a mistake "in not seeing the potential conflicts of interest." He said Rezko asked for no favors and added that when he asked Rezko about news media reports of his questionable dealings, the developer denied they had merit.

"My instinct was to believe him," Obama said, the Tribune reported.

Rezko is on trial in a Chicago federal court, accused of using political influence to extort money from companies hoping to do business with the Illinois government. Obama has no connection to the case.

Staff researcher Madonna Lebling in Washington contributed to this report.