...One day before his 52nd birthday, Democratic Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested by the FBI for allegedly embarking upon a "corruption crime spree" and attempting to benefit from his ability to appoint President-elect Barack Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate.
At a news conference in Chicago on Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called it a sad day for the citizens of Illinois and alleged that the governor tried to "auction off" the Senate seat "to the highest bidder."
A 76-page FBI affidavit said the 51-year-old Democrat was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps over the last month conspiring to sell or trade the vacant Senate seat for personal benefits for himself and his wife, Patti.
Mr. Fitzgerald said federal investigators had bugged Blagojevich's campaign offices and tapped his home phone.
The affidavit contends Blagojevich discussed getting a substantial salary for himself at a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions. It also says Blagojevich talked about getting his wife placed on corporate boards where she might get $150,000 a year in director's fees.
At a news conference in Chicago on Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called it a sad day for the citizens of Illinois and alleged that the governor tried to "auction off" the Senate seat "to the highest bidder."
A 76-page FBI affidavit said the 51-year-old Democrat was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps over the last month conspiring to sell or trade the vacant Senate seat for personal benefits for himself and his wife, Patti.
Mr. Fitzgerald said federal investigators had bugged Blagojevich's campaign offices and tapped his home phone.
The affidavit contends Blagojevich discussed getting a substantial salary for himself at a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions. It also says Blagojevich talked about getting his wife placed on corporate boards where she might get $150,000 a year in director's fees.
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The affidavit also quotes Blagojevich as saying in one conversation that "I want to make money."
Blagojevich and John Harris, the governor's chief of staff, were each charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery.
The FBI’s affidavit also charges that Blagojevich sought promises of campaign cash, as well as a cabinet post or ambassadorship in exchange for his Senate choice.
Blagojevich is accused of saying on Nov. 3 that if he was not going to get anything of value for the open seat, then he would appoint himself to the post.
According to the transcripts Blagojevich is reported to have said, "I'm going to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and therefore I can drive a hard bargain."
On Nov. 5, Blagojevich allegedly told an adviser, "I've got this thing and it's [expletive] golden, and, uh, uh, I'm just not giving it up for [expletive] nothing. I'm not gonna do it."
The affidavit also quotes Blagojevich as saying in one conversation that "I want to make money."
Blagojevich and John Harris, the governor's chief of staff, were each charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery.
The FBI’s affidavit also charges that Blagojevich sought promises of campaign cash, as well as a cabinet post or ambassadorship in exchange for his Senate choice.
Blagojevich is accused of saying on Nov. 3 that if he was not going to get anything of value for the open seat, then he would appoint himself to the post.
According to the transcripts Blagojevich is reported to have said, "I'm going to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and therefore I can drive a hard bargain."
On Nov. 5, Blagojevich allegedly told an adviser, "I've got this thing and it's [expletive] golden, and, uh, uh, I'm just not giving it up for [expletive] nothing. I'm not gonna do it."
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