* I’ve heard more than a few people say they just don’t believe the federal allegations that Rod Blagojevich was conspiring as early as the 2002 campaign to pad his own personal pockets with ill-gotten gains from the governor’s office. Well, this little-noticed item might help those people get over their doubts…
Lon Monk [is] cooperating with the government
Monk was there right from the beginning. If he’s saying that Blagojevich was conspiring to send business to Tony Rezko, who would then bank the profits and split them later with Blagojevich, Monk and others, then I think that lends the story more credence than if it just came from Rezko.
* Filan and Brandt were interviewed by the feds…
The head of the state authority involved in talks about the possible sale of Wrigley Field said Wednesday that he and the authority’s executive director have been interviewed by federal agents in the corruption investigation of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
William Brandt, chairman of the Illinois Finance Authority, said he met with federal agents in late January or early February to answer their questions about the Wrigley deal. Brandt said agents also separately interviewed the authority’s John Filan.
* And the heat increases on Congressman Jackson…
Federal authorities have questioned [John Harris] a former chief of staff to ex- Gov. Rod Blagojevich and other cooperating witnesses about an attempt by friends of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to raise funds for Blagojevich to encourage him to pick Jackson for the U.S. Senate, sources said.
A federal grand jury investigating alleged corruption in the Blagojevich administration is expected to hear from witnesses about the fundraising effort in coming weeks, sources said.
Federal prosecutors allege Blagojevich, who was indicted last week on corruption charges, was considering awarding the seat to Jackson in return for a Jackson associate offering $1.5 million in campaign cash.
Covert recordings of Blagojevich last fall allegedly captured the then-governor suddenly going from cold to hot on naming Jackson to replace President Barack Obama in the Senate. Prosecutors allege Blagojevich told aides he had been promised something tangible and immediate to name Jackson to the seat—namely money—and that he was leaning toward appointing Jackson.
* Congressman Danny Davis might have to eat these words…
“I think that everything there is to know in relation to Representative Jackson’s role in this is pretty much known.”
And how would he know that?
Jackson, by the way, says he’s cooperating and he’s innocent. Read his statement by clicking here.
* Speaking of people who say they didn’t do anything wrong…
- U.S. Sen. Roland Burris said Wednesday his legal expenses related to investigations of his contacts with former Gov. Rod Blagojevich have reached $500,000.
So, the legal bill is only up a hundred grand since January? That’s progress, at least.
Burris also gets the quote of the week…
“Rest assured,” he said. “I stand by my reputation.”
And an AP reporter who covered the southern Illinois Burris tour appeared to be critical of other reporters who covered that same tour…
But hundreds of miles from a Chicago press corps that at times has excoriated him and frequently urged him to step aside, Burris hit a comfortable stride.
Wouldn’t that be your fault, too? Just asking.
* Related…
* Bauman resigns: Although Mr. Bauman’s biographical profile on the system’s website states that his appointment followed a nationwide search, he was in fact promoted to the position on Aug. 9, 2001, when political appointees to the board of trustees gained a one-person margin needed to control the board. He was promoted to head TRS a day before interviews were scheduled with the finalist candidates identified through the nationwide search, when the politically well-connected faction outvoted elected active and retired teacher trustees, according to previous Pensions & Investments reports.
* Ill. pension head quits; nationwide search begins
* Bauman expresses pride, regret as he bids farewell to TRS
* Blagojevich arraignment set for April 14
* Lawmakers: What about Annie and Amy?
* Jesse Jackson Jr.: ‘I have done nothing wrong’
* Jackson: I’m cooperating with ethics inquiry