Surprise, Surprise … Former IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich Indicted on Federal Corruption Charges

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise … who saw this coming, NOT!!!

Former ousted and disgraced Democrat Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and his brother were indicted on federal corruption charges. Blagojevich was charged on 19 counts including selling Obama’s Senate seat to the highest bidder, pressuring a congressman for campaign money, lying to FBI agents and attempting to get kickback in exchange for the refinancing of billions of dollars in state pension funds.

All the President’s Men

Ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and five others were indicted Thursday on charges of scheming to auction off President Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat, pressuring a congressman for campaign money and lying to FBI agents. The 19-count indictment alleges Blagojevich and his aides discussed the possibility he could get a Cabinet post in the new president’s administration, substantial fundraising assistance or a high-paying job in exchange for the Senate seat.

Rod Blagojevich did not have an opportunity during his impeachment trial, but one wonders how he will implicate President Barack Obama and “All the President’s Men” when this goes to trial? Hmm … Tony Rezko’s name surfaces again. Where have we heard that name before and connected to whom? Chicago politics makes for some pretty corrupt and interesting stories. The Chicago political machine certainly has a large web. 

Also indicted were Blagojevich’s close friend and fundraiser Christopher Kelly and two former chiefs of staff — Alonzo “Lon” Monk, a longtime friend who also managed Blagojevich’s campaigns for governor and later became a well-heeled lobbyist, and John Harris, who succeeded Monk as chief of staff. Blagojevich’s brother, Robert, who headed his campaign fund, also was charged, as was Downstate Republican power broker William Cellini.

Blagojevich’s wife, Patricia, was not indicted but was essentially described as a co-conspirator amid efforts to enrich her and the Blagojevich family.

Prosecutors said Harris had agreed to cooperate, and details contained in the indictment indicated that Antoin “Tony” Rezko, once a major fundraiser and adviser to Blagojevich who was convicted in June on corruption charges, also was helping to build the case against the former governor. And in a new twist, sources also said Monk had negotiated to work with federal prosecutors.