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Ex-governor indicted for trying to sell Obama seat
Rashid Razaq03.04.09
Prosecutors have indicted the former Illinois governor who allegedly tried to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.
Rod Blagojevich is accused of attempting to auction off the post to the highest bidder for millions of dollars.
The former governor, who was arrested last year, was forced from office in January after being convicted of abusing his powers. He is accused of racketeering, extortion conspiracy, wire fraud and making false statements to investigators in a grand jury federal indictment, which carries 19 counts. Most of the charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The 52-year-old Democrat, who denies the charges, is alleged to have discussed the possibility of getting a Cabinet post in the president's administration, substantial fundraising assistance or a highly-paid job in exchange for the Senate seat.
Prosecutors also accuse Mr Blagojevich and members of his inner circle of plotting to pick up millions of dollars in kickbacks.
He is accused of involvement in a "wide ranging scheme to deprive the people of Illinois of honest government" over many years. The former governor, his brother, two former aides and two businessmen are alleged to have demanded money from building firms, hospital owners and others seeking state business.
Mr Blagojevich, who is on holiday with his family in Disney World, Florida, said: "I'm saddened and hurt but I am not surprised by the indictment. I am innocent. I now will fight in the courts to clear my name."
The White House would not comment on the indictment, which does not allege any wrongdoing by Mr Obama or his staff.
Mr Blagojevich was arrested on 9 December and was accused of offering to award government grants in exchange for campaign contributions. The indictment also alleges that he:
●Was involved in a corrupt scheme to get payment in exchange for the refinancing of billions of dollars in state pension funds.
●Told an aide he did not want executives with two financial institutions getting further state business because they were not helping his wife get a highly-paid job.
●Withheld state aid sought by the Chicago Tribune newspaper unless it sacked editorial writers that had been critical of him.
Mr Blagojevich's administration has been under federal investigation for several years. Former fundraisers Christopher Kelly and Tony Rezko are awaiting sentencing for federal crimes. They agreed to direct state business to a company involved in refinancing billions of dollars in pension bonds in return for payment.
