Fitzgerald asks panel not to subpoena Obama aides

The Illinois House committee investigating a possible impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Saturday that members won't subpoena two incoming White House advisers as the governor's attorney requested.

In the letter received by the committee Friday, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said any such subpoenas "would interfere with the ongoing criminal investigation into the activities of Governor Rod Blagojevich and others."

Fitzgerald asked the special investigative committee specifically to not subpoena President-elect Barack Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, Obama incoming chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Nils Larsen, a Tribune Co. executive vice president.

"The committee unanimously decided from the beginning that they wouldn't do anything to impede the investigation," committee spokesman Steve Brown said Saturday. "We'll follow that practice."

Blagojevich's defense attorney Ed Genson did not immediately respond to a phone message left Saturday requesting comment on the committee's decision.

Fitzgerald said any testimony from Jarrett, Emanuel, Jackson or Larsen "would overlap with the subject matter of the pending criminal investigation."

Blagojevich has denied any wrongdoing. He has vowed to fight federal corruption charges, including allegations that he schemed to sell Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder.