Feds tapped Blagojevich's home, campaign phones
Starting Oct. 22, the FBI intercepted Blagojevich’s phone conversations made from two lines at the offices of Friends of Blagojevich, the governor’s campaign headquarters, as well as from a phone used in his home in Ravenswood. Federal prosecutors claim recordings of the governor reveal he allegedly solicited donations, jobs and other favors in exchange for the U.S. Senate seat left open by Barack Obama’s election to president, and also discussed ousting unfavorable members of the Chicago Tribune editorial board in exchange for state help fixing Wrigley Field. Some highlights of the gov’s alleged statements during the calls:
Nov. 3: Tells deputy governor that he might appoint himself to the seat, saying “if ... they’re not going to offer anything of any value, then I might just take it.’’
Nov. 5: Speaking of his authority to appoint someone to fill Obama’s term, tells advisor, “I’ve got this thing and it’s [expletive] golden, and ... I’m just not giving it up for [expletive] nothing.’’
Nov. 7: While discussing the open seat with advisors, says he is “financially’’ hurting. “I want to make money,’’ governor says. Wants a job that pays $250,000 to $300,000 a year.
Nov. 10: Gov and numerous advisors discuss ways he could “monetize’’ the relationships he has made to earn money after leaving office.
Nov. 11: Says he knew Obama wanted a specific candidate to be appointed, but says “they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. [Expletive] them.’’
Nov. 13: Gov tells a lobbyist “good job’’ after the lobbyist tells governor he hit up a someone seeking favorable legislation for a campaign donation, saying he “got in his face.’’
Dec. 4: Tells advisor he might “get some [money] up front, maybe’’ if he appoints a certain candidate to the seat
TRIB
Nov. 3: Tells deputy governor he was worried about being impeached in the Spring says Tribune will be “driving’’ the process. In later call, wife Patti Blagojevich can be allegedly be heard in the background saying, “hold up that f---ing Cubs shit ... F--- them.’’ Gov say they should tell Tribune “we’re doing this stuff for you, we believe this is right for Illinois, this is a big deal financially.’’ Also says to tell Trib, “maybe we can’t do this now. Fire those f---ers.’’ In another conversation with a former advisor, gov says he plans to tell the owner of the Tribune that he will not help him fix up Wrigley Field because the Trib’s editorial board will argue he be impeached for doing so.
Nov. 4: Tells deputy governor to tell Tribune, “fire all those [expletive] people, get ‘em the [expletive] out of there and get us some editorial support.’’
Nov. 11: Says “that’s fantastic’’ after advisor says the Tribune owner “got the message’’ and could target the editorial section in upcoming budget cuts.