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Blago Wanted to Quit, Says Father-in-Law

Chicago power broker says daughter's hubby hoped to avoid ouster

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 31, 2009 8:47 AM CST
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(Newser) – Illinois' newest ex-governor wanted to jump before he was pushed, Rod Blagojevich's estranged father-in-law tells the Chicago Sun-Times. Richard Mell, a powerful Chicago alderman credited with launching Blago's career, says his son-in-law, despite his denials, wanted to avoid being ousted "but he didn't reach out to anybody" in state government.

Mell—who declined to comment on whether he'll be offering financial help to his freshly unemployed kin—says he didn't speak to Blago directly, but was told of his wish to quit by his daughter in a conversation on Thursday, the day of the impeachment. Blago's publicist says Mell's claim is "100% not true. He never, ever considered resigning at any time.”

In this Jan. 13, 2003 file photo, Patti Blagojevich, left, applauds with Richard Mell, center, during inauguration day ceremonies for her husband, Rod Blagojevich, in Springfield, Ill.
In this Jan. 13, 2003 file photo, Patti Blagojevich, left, applauds with Richard Mell, center, during inauguration day ceremonies for her husband, Rod Blagojevich, in Springfield, Ill.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich poses for a photo with Liam Hudson as he talks to the media outside of his Chicago home, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich poses for a photo with Liam Hudson as he talks to the media outside of his Chicago home, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.   (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich waves to his supporters after talking to the media outside of his Chicago home, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich waves to his supporters after talking to the media outside of his Chicago home, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.   (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Newser001
Feb 1, 2009 6:21 AM CST
BS... Then why didn't he just walk? He jumped?!! BS! Blago's father-in-law is as full as sh!t as Blago...
Guest
Jan 31, 2009 4:12 AM CST
HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW
Doctor-Zaius
Jan 31, 2009 1:01 AM CST
Don't let the door hit you where the good lord split you.

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corruption • impeachment • resignation • Illinois • governor • Rod Blagojevich • political scandal • Patti Blagojevich

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