Meet Blago's Political Hero

Back then, he was 'honing his craft:' Powell

(NEWSER) - Rod Blagojevich’s media blitz during his impeachment trial puzzled many, but not his best college bud. “Rod wanted to be Barack, and has been driven to distraction by the press’s fawning over him,” Bill Powell tells Men’s Journal. He recalls college-age Blago, a youthful prankster who—even then—had a passion for his hair, and for outfoxing others. More»

Disgraced guv will start with Today , hit Larry King, van Susteren, and Letterman

(NEWSER) - Though last week’s TV blitz didn’t save his job, Rod Blagojevich is coming back for another round tomorrow, the AP reports. The ousted Illinois governor will start on NBC’s Today and continue into the evening, for interviews with CNN’s Larry King and Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren and a sit-down on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman. More»

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

(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. More»

(NEWSER) - Rod Blagojevich remained unapologetic after the Illinois Senate added him to the ranks of the unemployed today, MSNBC reports. "I'm obviously saddened and disappointed by what's happened, but not surprised," said the impeached governor. "It's a very dangerous precedent to set because a whole bunch of politicians have their own agenda." He vowed to clear his name. "I love the people of Illinois today more than I ever have before," he said. More»

(NEWSER) - The Illinois Senate voted unanimously today to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich and remove him from office, the Chicago Tribune reports. Senators also barred him from holding any future office in the state. Blagojevich, accused of essentially putting a Senate seat up for sale, appeared before the body earlier in the day to assert his innocence. "You haven't proved a crime, and you can't because it didn't happen," he said. More»