Though he knew he was being scrutinized by the media, Governor Rod Blagojevich was caught off-guard this morning when he was notified that the FBI was at his residence to arrest him. At the same time, law enforcement arrested the Governor’s Chief of Staff, John Harris. The stunning arrest came just one day after Blagojevich declared that his actions were “always lawful.”
The authorities were investigating Blagojevich for five years, at times wiretapping his phones and other times with people wearing a wire during meetings with the governor. Among the charges brought due to the investigations include:
- Trying to “sell” the vacant Senator position in exchange for a Cabinet post, an ambassadorship, cash, or a corporate board position for his wife.
- Trying to bribe the Chief Executive of Children’s Memorial Hospital, requesting $50,000 in exchange for $8 Million in state funding.
- Threatening to delay the sale of Wrigley Field by the Tribune Company unless the critical members of the editorial board were replaced with members that were more friendly towards the Governor.
The last item is of interest as the paper filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. Though arrested, the Governor still retains the power to appoint someone to fill the vacancy left by Barack Obama. Unfortunately, Blagojevich made bail by posting only $4,500. He and Mr. Harris are both free this evening. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald (of Valerie Plame investigation fame), who announced the arrests and charges this morning, stated the Governor has “taken the state to a new low.”
Former President Lincoln would agree.
Related articles:
The Wall Street Journal – “Governor Is Arrested on Graft Charges”
Bloomberg - “Obama Says He Had No Contact With Blagojevich on Senate Seat”
Chicago Tribune – “Blagojevich arrested; Fitzgerald calls it a ‘political corruption crime spree’”
Chicago Sun-Times – “Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich taken into federal custody”
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