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Blagojevich Sought Cabinet Post for Obama's Senate Seat

FBI tapes reveal wish for health secretary post

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 9, 2008 11:53 AM CST

(Newser) – Rod Blagojevich had said he wanted “something real good” in exchange for his choice of a replacement for the president-elect in the Senate, Politico reports. Otherwise, he said in FBI tapes the day before the election, “I’ll just send myself.” A Senate seat is a "fucking valuable thing," the Illinois governor said. "You just don’t give it away for nothing.”

As a trade-off for nominating Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett to the Senate, Blagojevich wanted the post of health secretary, according to conversations with his chief of staff, John Harris, who was arrested today along with the governor. He also tried for a union payoff to nominate the group’s preferred candidate, prosecutors said.

In July 2007, Blagojevich, right, shakes hands with Illinois House Speaker Michael Madiganas Blagojevich's Chief of Staff John Harris, lower right, who was also arrested, looks on.
In July 2007, Blagojevich, right, shakes hands with Illinois House Speaker Michael Madiganas Blagojevich's Chief of Staff John Harris, lower right, who was also arrested, looks on.   (AP Photo/Jonathan Kirshner)
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich discusses his plans for filling President-elect Barack Obama's US Senate seat Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 in Chicago.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich discusses his plans for filling President-elect Barack Obama's US Senate seat Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 in Chicago.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Blagojevich in August.
Blagojevich in August.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
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