Gov scoffs at probes, media: 'They like to sell newspapers'
Gov. Blagojevich on Wednesday bluntly dismissed federal investigations that have sparked indictments against two of his top political fund-raisers, saying such "tangential, collateral" matters are detracting from important issues such as mass transit funding.
"The reality is they like to sell newspapers," the governor said, gesturing toward reporters as he again called for a funding solution for CTA, Metra and Pace. "They're not interested in concrete solutions to problems for people. They just like controversy and tangents that have no relevance to the quality of life for people."
(Al Podgorski/Sun-Times)
In federal court filings, Blagojevich is the unnamed "Public Official A" who allegedly offered contracts and other financial rewards in exchange for political support, sources have told the Chicago Sun-Times.
In a Dec. 21 government filing in the case of indicted ex-Blagojevich fund-raiser Tony Rezko, "Public Official A" is alleged to have told Stuart Levine -- an indicted former member of two state panels who is pleading guilty to corruption charges -- "You stick with us, and you will do very well for yourself."
The governor has denied being "Public Official A." Asked again Wednesday, he replied, "No such conversations like that ever took place. Anything else?"
The governor has not been charged with any crimes. Rezko is set to go to trial in February.
Christopher G. Kelly, Blagojevich's former campaign finance chairman, is fighting tax-related charges stemming from gambling wagers. Those charges have nothing to do with Blagojevich, but Kelly's fund-raising role with the governor is under federal scrutiny, sources have said. Kelly has denied wrongdoing.