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| Blagojevich Allegedly Wanted Job For Himself and Wife |
(IRN)-He was looking for a job, not only for himself, but also for his wife. That's a portion of what happened in federal court Wednesday as testimony continues Thursday in the retrial of ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich.
It turns out Blagojevich wasn't only looking for a job for himself but also for his wife Patti. Patti's real estate business took a downturn as the housing bubble burst in 2008. At one point, in a secretly recorded phone conversation between Blagojevich and his then chief of staff John Harris, the former governor questions if it is possible to get his wife and himself job with a union. Harris testified that Blagojevich has also asked if Patti could be appointed to a $100,000 per year position on the state's Pollution Control Board. Harris didn't think such a deal would work out because Patti wouldn't have the qualifications for such a job and the State Senate would have to confirm the appointment.
What Blagojevich wanted to do, according to Harris, was appoint the President's pick to the vacant U.S. Senate seat in exchange for a Presidential cabinet position. He also considered a job with the Service Employees International Union. Harris testified that he recommended that Blagojevich could head up SEIU's political action committee's fundraising efforts. In an FBI wiretap, Blagojevich thinks it's a good idea because he could build up a list of donors. At one point he talks about using the PAC to build up to a 2016 presidential election. Blagojevich had been approached by union leaders about the Presidents preference for U.S. Senate. Blagojevich, a pro-union governor, thought a deal could be struck. If all else failed though, Harris said Blagojevich would still consider appointing himself to the Senate.
Harris is considered to be a key witness for the prosecution as they link Blagojevich to a scheme to trade the Senate seat for personal gain. Harris's testimony will continue Thursday.
(Source: Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 05 05 11 by Newsroom |
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