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Blago Book: Senate Deal 'Routine' Politics

Former Illinois gov admits only 'routine' backroom dealing

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 1, 2009 12:07 PM CDT

(Newser) – Rod Blagojevich’s memoir makes the case for his innocence with a lot of help from Shakespeare, the Chicago Tribune reports. While blaming his woes specifically on five enemies, he likens his plight to that of Othello and Lear. “You might as well throw in a little Richard the Third," he writes, noting that “I was left with neither a kingdom nor a horse. Or for that matter, even a car.” The Governor, due out next week, contains no real bombshells, notes the Tribune, largely repeating much of Blagojevich's previous public stances.

The main culprits, he writes, are House Speaker Michael Madigan, AG Lisa Madigan, US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, convict Tony Rezko, and Blago’s own father-in-law. Blago admits he planned to trade President Obama’s Senate seat, but says it was not in the illegal manner outlined by prosecutors. Instead, it was to be a “routine” political deal with the Madigans: He'd appoint Lisa in exchange for her dad Michael's support on health care and public works.

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"The Governor," by former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. (AP Photo)

Ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. (AP Photo)

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Blago Book: Senate Deal 'Routine' Politics