Blagojevich trial,  Obama’s name surfaces

From the Chicago Tribune June 10, 2010.

“Aide: Blagojevich said he made deal for Obama seat”

“A former top aide to Rod Blagojevich testified Thursday that the then-governor said he had a deal to appoint a state legislator to Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat in exchange for letting a veto of ethics legislation stand.

Alonzo Monk testified that Blagojevich was worried the legislation would hurt his ability to raise funds because it banned people with state contracts of $50,000 or more from donating to the campaigns of politicians who administered them.

Blagojevich, who had campaigned by saying he would bring a new era of ethics in state government, had complained the bill unfairly targeted the governor’s office. It had passed both houses without a single ‘no’ vote before his veto.
Monk quoted Blagojevich as saying former state Senate President Emil Jones agreed to the alleged deal. But Jones called for the vote, which passed just over a month before Obama was elected president. The override vote might not have occurred had Obama not urged Jones — his mentor — to call his chamber to action.

Jones did not immediately respond to a message Thursday at his business. His cell phone was not able to accept a message.”

Read more:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/naperville/chi-ap-us-blagojevichtrial,0,391403.story