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Obama: No Dealings With Blago

Illinois governor now out on bond as deputy calls for resignation

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Dec 9, 2008 3:47 PM CST
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(Newser) – President-elect Barack Obama today denied having any dealings with Rod Blagojevich over his Senate replacement, and said news of the Illinois governor’s alleged corruption “saddened and sobered” him, the Chicago Tribune reports. Blagojevich, meanwhile, walked out of federal court on a $4,500 bond after hearing that he could face 10 years in prison for trying to sell the political seat.

Political friends and foes alike are asking the governor to resign, the Sun-Times adds. Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, who’s next in line, said Blagojevich should “do the right thing and step aside.” Illinois’ top House Republican echoed the request, adding that he has “requested impeachment hearings to begin immediately.”

John Harris, right, chief of staff for Blagojevich, leaves a federal building in Chicago today after he was arrested on corruption charges.
John Harris, right, chief of staff for Blagojevich, leaves a federal building in Chicago today after he was arrested on corruption charges.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Blagojevich, back seat left, sits behind his security detail as he leaves Chicago's federal building today. He was arrested on corruption charges.
Blagojevich, back seat left, sits behind his security detail as he leaves Chicago's federal building today. He was arrested on corruption charges.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Blagojevich, Obama, Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley watch a video during a rally to celebrate the selection of Chicago for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Blagojevich, Obama, Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley watch a video during a rally to celebrate the selection of Chicago for the 2016 Summer Olympics.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Blagojevich was urged to resign by his deputy today.
Blagojevich was urged to resign by his deputy today.   (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
inky
Dec 10, 2008 6:57 AM CST
You know, due to Obama's appointments, there are a number of governors who are in the same position as Blago and chose NOT to so blatantly exploit the situation. So...I don't understand all the drama. If there was going to be one crook in the mix, it's unfortunate he came from Obama's home state. Oh wait, I forgot. His "home" is actually Kenya according to the paranoids.
Guest
Dec 10, 2008 6:24 AM CST
Sache, right on. The reason the cronie-boloney is so hip on Palin is because they both spew off at the mouth and what they have to say is pure baloney. When they get through not any of it makes sense. So I agree get a grip not everyone is a commie, and Obama is President elect so get use to it. Also get a life!!!!!!!!
Guest
Dec 9, 2008 11:47 PM CST
Obama flat out denies having anything to do with this guy, problem is that he gave an interview stating that he was a key figure in the mans campaign, so what is it? How could you be a Key figure and not have anything to do with him. Obama is a Liar!

He can still pick senator: DOJ
MarketWatch

Who were the Senate prospects?
Washington Post

Investigation started years ago
New York Times

 
Barack Obama • FBI • corruption • impeachment • resignation • Illinois • governor • Rod Blagojevich • political scandal • corruption charges • criminal charges • President Obama

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