Obama to reveal Blago contacts

SCANDAL | This week should see details on Emanuel's role

President-elect Barack Obama plans to offer details early this week about his staff's contact with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is facing federal charges of plotting to swap appointment of Obama's Senate successor for cash or a job.

The report is expected to disclose details about contacts with Rahm Emanuel, Obama's incoming chief of staff who Blagojevich aides have said spoke regularly to the Democratic governor.

An official familiar with the internal review said the Obama team did not have access to transcripts of the FBI's taped conversations involving the governor and other people.

Emanuel, a Chicago congressman, discussed candidates to fill the vacancy with Blagojevich's office, although it was not known if Emanuel spoke directly to Blagojevich or his chief of staff, a source close to the governor has said.

Blagojevich expressed frustration in one conversation taped by the FBI that Obama and his advisers weren't "willing to give me anything except appreciation. [Expletive] them," the affidavit states.

The governor also is quoted by investigators as telling an aide that he wants someone, who is referred to in the affidavit only as "President-elect advisor," to hear about Blagojevich's plan to create a nonprofit. Emanuel is believed to be that adviser. AP