Blagojevich Discussed Deal to Appoint Jackson to Senate

Characteristic of Robert Blagojevich’s somewhat casual collusion was his suggestion that Rod, as governor, might be smart to appoint a friend of President Obama, Valerie Jarrett, to the U.S. Senate in return for Obama squelching U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s investigation.
“If you can get Obama to get Fitzgerald to close the investigation on you,” Rob said a phone call to Rod, “it completely provides you with total clarity.”
And then there’s this Dec. 4, 2008, exchange as Robert Blagojevich calls the then-governor at home, leading to a discussion of putting pressure on a supporter of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to come through with promised campaign contributions in return for Blagojevich appointing Jackson as senator:
Gov. Blagojevich: So, you know, we, if, if in fact there’s there’s, this is, you know, this is possible, then some of the stuff’s gotta start happening now.
Robert Blagojevich: Yep.
Gov. Blagojevich: Right now.
Robert Blagojevich: Very good.
Gov. Blagojevich: And we gotta see it.
Robert Blagojevich: OK.
Gov. Blagojevich: You understand? Now you gotta be careful how you express that.
And assume everybody’s listening, the whole world’s listening.
Robert Blagojevich: Right.

Read more: (Editorial, “No New Trial, But No Vindication for Robert,” Chicago Sun Times, 08/27/2010)