The source for everything Blago. News, trial, antics, career, and products. It's all hair. Updated daily until the verdict is handed down and he is sentenced... or freed.
Timeline
Dec
2009
Dec 25
When the decade opened, Barack Obama was serving in the Illinois Senate before moving on to the U.S. Senate. His history-making election as president of the United States in 2008 was chosen as the top...
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Dec 22
From NBC's Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
Following our Top 10 list of the decade's best statewide races, today we look at the decade's Top 10 political downfalls. What did we get...
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Dec 22
Rod Blagojevich's brother, Robert, is asking a judge to keep private 208 phone calls he says the FBI wrongly intercepted as part of its investigation into the former governor.
A defense court...
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Dec 16
It’s Viva Las Vegas, the 1964 teen-idol vehicle, starring the King and Ann-Margret, which Blago defended during last night’s Cinema Slapdown at Columbia College. Besides doubling as a signing for his...
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Dec 11
Rod Blagojevich's lawyers want the FBI to give up details of interviews conducted last year of President Obama, his chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, White House adviser Valerie Jarrett and others as part...
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Dec 8
The nation's most potent law against public corruption could be in danger of being scaled back or struck down by the Supreme Court, threatening a series of high-profile cases, including those of...
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Dec 8
Federal prosecutors may reindict former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to help avoid problems with a possible U.S. Supreme Court decision, prosecutors said in a court filing today.
The high court is looking...
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Dec 6
Police say a search of a Chicago home didn't turn up any of the items stolen from former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's (bluh-GOY'-uh-vich) attorneys.
Chicago police said late Saturday that "a...
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Dec 4
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich will take the stand at his fraud trial but claim his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination if called to testify in a $90 million civil suit, a defense attorney...
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Dec 4
At least one computer containing evidence in the corruption case against former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was stolen in an overnight burglary of the offices of Mr. Blagojevich's attorneys, the...
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Dec 3
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich would assert his 5th Amendment right against self incrimination if asked to testify in a civil lawsuit spurred by his federal corruption indictment, one of his lawyers...
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Nov
2009
Nov 20
In a letter of "qualified admonition" to Burris, the panel said it found he had provided "incorrect, inconsistent, misleading or incomplete information" about his appointment.
"While the committee...
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Nov 16
"He wants to clear his name and get this over with as soon as possible."
—Michael Ettinger, Robert Blagojevich's attorney
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Nov 16
Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich and his brother Robert are still scheduled to spend the summer in a Chicago federal court - despite the best efforts of their attorneys.
Sheldon Sorosky...
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Nov 11
Mad magazine's annual "Mad 20'' issue -- on sale next Tuesday -- features the dumbest people, events and things of the year. Guess who ranked 15th on the list? Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich...
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Oct
2009
Oct 30
Illinois State Senator asks NBC to disallow Rod Blagojevich from appearing on "Celebrity Apprentice"
"To Hollywood, Rod Blagojevich might be a harmless joke, but to Illinoisans he's no laughing matter"
—Illinois Senator Dave Syverson
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Oct 26
Andy McKenna, one of the Republican governor candidates in the February GOP primary, is getting national exposure from his clever campaign commercial that talks about the culture of “the hair,”...
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Oct 20
CHICAGO — A former aide to ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has pleaded guilty to corruption charges and has agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors in their investigation of...
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Oct 19
On the same day former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected in district court to see if the judge will let him participate in the reality show -- because it will air months before his federal...
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Oct 19
"There is much more here than a game show. There is a confessional element where people say things about themselves and about other people."
—Judge James Zagel
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Oct 17
Yes, that's the ousted former governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, in the photo, appearing because a friend-of-a-friend invited him to the Massapequa Community Fund ball at the Marriott in...
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Oct 9
"You're fired."
As a contestant-to-be on next season's "Celebrity Apprentice," former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich could hear those words from a man who shares his passion for hair.
The new...
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Oct 1
The wife of ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is suing the director of a charity where she formerly worked, saying he damaged her reputation by claiming she stole a list of donors.
The lawsuit,...
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Sep
2009
Sep 24
Rod Blagojevich's stranger-than-fiction tour through America's media landscape reached a new milestone Thursday night as he appeared on "The Daily Show" to profess his innocence, flog his memoir and...
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Sep 22
Illinois' former governor will hit two more talk shows this week to hock his new book.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich will sit down with Chelsea Handler Tuesday night on her cable show, "Chelsea Lately,"...
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Sep 18
Rod Blagojevich sold a seat for $10,200. Finally.
After 67 bids, some fool and his money was his money was parted when the person purchesed the guest seat from the set of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live in...
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Sep 16
About 250 mourners, including former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, his wife Patti and their two daughters, attended an emotional funeral service this morning for his close confidant Christopher...
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Sep 16
"As I've said from the beginning, I have done nothing wrong, nor have I been accused of doing anything wrong...Everyone knew that I was interested in the Senate appointment. I was deeply honored and humbled to receive the support of public officials, organizations and citizens from across the state. My efforts and actions were all public, ethical and legal."
—Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
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Sep 12
Kelly was taken to Oak Forest Hospital at 11:15 p.m. Friday, said Marcel Bright, a spokesman for Stroger hospital in Chicago. He was later transferred to Stroger for further treatment. Kelly arrived...
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Sep 11
Rod Blagojevich may have launched an aggressive media blitz for his new book this week, but it's Chicago-born actress Bonnie Hunt who gets credit for the sack.
The comedian, whose program is known...
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Sep 9
"I know what the truth is and I know that I not only won't be found to have done anything wrong. I will prove my innocence. I have been victimized."
—Rod Blagojevich
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Sep 9
Indicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said today that the allegations against him are "false" and that he believes he will be "fully vindicated" of the corruption charges brought against him...
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Sep 9
The former chief fundraiser for ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has pleaded guilty to taking part in a $8.5 million fraud arising from hangar roofing contracts at Chicago's O'Hare...
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Sep 8
As former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich (D) sees it while awaiting trial on corruption charges, "the story's upside down." Far from brazenly peddling influence while in office, he swears he was...
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Sep 6
Rod Blagojevich Superstar must close 9/6- see it now before it's gone.
Rod Blagojevich Superstar will close September 6, 2009 Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare. Performance dates are Thursdays and...
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Sep 3
"We're not a perfect people, but I'm not a criminal. This is just not fair. It's absolutely not fair."
—Robert Blagojevich
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Aug
2009
Aug 28
"(The book) gives a firsthand account of what's happened and it's truly eye-opening."
—Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's publicity agent
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Aug 27
Gov. Pat Quinn and Democratic legislative leaders Thursday abruptly dumped a campaign-finance measure they hailed just three months ago as a landmark reform for a scandal-ridden state government,...
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Aug 19
The federal court judge overseeing the case against Rod Blagojevich says he's inclined to add a fourth lawyer to the former governor's defense team.
Blagojevich's attorneys have been asking for the...
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Aug 18
Impeached ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich could lose all of the cash he collects from his upcoming book, his radio gig and even his recent surprise party appearance covering a song by his hero...
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Aug 17
The Wilmette mansion of former Rod Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko sold today for the opening bid of $2.8 million to the same bank that put the house up for auction.
Bank of America,...
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Aug 13
A federal judge has ruled that deposed Gov. Rod Blagojevich may use his campaign fund to pay his legal bills.
Blagojevich appeared for a status hearing Thursday before U.S. District Judge James...
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Aug 11
Ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich already has a sizable team of criminal defense attorneys working on his political corruption case.
Now, Chicago attorney Jay Edelson has been brought in to fight civil...
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Aug 9
Vowing to continue speaking his mind, ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Sunday launched a Web site that catalogues his scores of public appearances and allows for public feedback.
"Since his...
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Aug 8
At a street party on a muggy Chicago night, Illinois' former Gov. Rod Blagojevich jumps on stage with a look-a-like of the once-upon-a-time male hunk Fabio, announcing that they're both out of...
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Aug 3
The chairman of the University of Illinois' Board of Trustees resigned Monday amid an investigation into the use of political clout to get underqualified students into the school.
Niranjan Shah...
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Jul
2009
Jul 29
A federal judge says he will deny most requests for sealed documents and audio tapes related to former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s political corruption case. FBI wiretaps recorded a number of...
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Jul 27
"The most comprehensive look to date at the life of a twice-elected public official in the notoriously complicated world of Illinois politics."
—Product description for "The Governor"
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Jul 24
The football has arrived at Second City.
Courtesy of Rod R. Blagojevich.
Convinced that the legendary comedy theater's representation of the infamous implement used to tame the indicted former...
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Jul 23
The legal defense team for indicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is once again looking for another attorney to join the fight against federal criminal charges.
The defense needs to rehire a...
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Jul 19
"In less than six months, Pat Quinn has really stuck it to the average working person."
—Rod Blagojevich
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Jul 14
"I don't know of any time where a previous governor had reached in and gotten so involved in a decision."
—Kenneth Schmidt, University of Illinois Trustee
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Jul 8
The University of Illinois has turned over more than 200 pages of documents to federal prosecutors looking for evidence that ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich tried to influence student...
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Jul 8
A former chief of staff to Rod R. Blagojevich, the ousted former governor of Illinois, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to wire fraud, describing in a court document how Mr. Blagojevich had pondered ways...
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Jul 8
Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan chose the political path of least resistance today, preserving her chance to ask voters for a promotion down the road, when state finances might be better and her...
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Jun
2009
Jun 26
"Straight from the G. My apologies. Larry (Eppley) has promised to work on jobs (5). What counts?"
—University of Illinois Chancellor Richard Herman to Law School Dean Heidi Hurd
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Jun 25
"(Blagojevich) was not guilty then, and he's not guilty now, You can bring in Lon Monk, you can bring in anyone you want, his position is the same."
"
—Sam Adam Jr., Blagojevich's attorney
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Jun 23
Illinois' former first lady won't be queen of the jungle. Patti Blagojevich on Tuesday was voted off NBC's reality series "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" She lasted 23 days in the Costa Rican...
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Jun 23
Patti Blagojevich was finally voted off "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" after more than three weeks of campaigning for sympathy in the Costa Rican jungle. Judging by the reaction of her...
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Jun 22
The AP reports that Stephen has released a statement saying that he has left the Costa Rican jungle, outlasting his brother, Daniel, and professional villains Heidi and Spencer Pratt. He left "I'm a...
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Jun 22
Christopher Kelly, a former adviser and chief fundraiser for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, was sentenced to 37 months in prison today on federal tax fraud charges for concealing his use of corporate...
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Jun 19
Sangamon County State's Attorney John Schmidt declined to press perjury charges against U.S. Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) stemming from allegations he misled a legislative panel about the circumstances...
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Jun 18
Patti Blagojevich earned another week in the jungle on "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here." Even though there were just eight campers left - and John Salley and Lou Diamond Phillips had immunity...
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Jun 17
At last, there's been an epiphany on "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" Is it possible that Patti Blagojevich, the dutiful and sympathetic politician's wife, could be more calculating than...
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Jun 16
Patti Blagojevich made her slasher film debut last night, getting slaughtered by a masked killer in a Lou Diamond Phillips-directed, Stephen Baldwin-produced indie. It was a camcorder project meant to...
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Jun 15
Federal prosecutors are trying to determine if former Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his allies used political muscle to influence student admissions at three state universities.
United States...
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Jun 15
The Sangamon County state's attorney has interviewed Sen. Roland Burris in a probe into the senator's testimony before a legislative panel looking into his appointment by Gov. Rod...
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Jun 15
In week three of "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!," Patti Blagojevich continued to present her case to America. Her defense? She seems to be saying that she and the former governor are being...
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Jun 13
Often the butt of jokes these days, former Gov. Rod Blagojevich got to crack a few Saturday night when he made a guest appearance in the Second City's "Rod Blagojevich Superstar" at Navy Pier.
It...
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Jun 12
Another lawyer is joining the defense team for ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
U.S. District Judge James Zagel on Friday allowed a fourth lawyer to serve as quarterback for the defense team, helping...
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Jun 11
Rod Blagojevich finally managed to get air time on "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" Wife Patti had a chance to talk with her family on last night's episode via Skype video call.
"We miss...
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Jun 10
*Rod was the people's governor.
"People are really supportive," said Patti. "My husband's a jogger, you know, he runs, and people will be honking and thumbs up [and saying], keep fighting, don't...
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Jun 10
A key figure in the perjury investigation of U.S. Sen. Roland Burris died in an automobile accident Monday, authorities in far west-suburban Kendall County confirmed Tuesday.
John Ruff, of...
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Jun 9
Audiences at The Second City’s satirical revue “Rod Blagojevich Superstar” (★★★) on Saturday night are in for a treat: The real Rod Blagojevich (superstar is arguable) is expected to make an...
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Jun 8
Patti Blagojevich opened up on the two-hour episode of "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here," making the former governor out to be a political prisoner or folk hero, as opposed to the more widely...
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Jun 6
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich just told a national TV audience while appearing on Mike Huckabee's talk show tonight that
Roland Burris refused to donate to Citizens for Blagojevich last year.
In...
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Jun 4
CHICAGO (AP) — Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY'-uh-vich) says he's "Mr. Mom" during his wife's tenure on an NBC reality show.
Blagojevich appeared Wednesday on CNN's "Larry King...
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Jun 3
Apparently navigating Illinois politics isn't all that different from life in the jungle. On last night's "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" Patti Blagojevich had some words of advice for John...
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Jun 2
Patti Blagojevich has wormed her way even further into the hearts of her "I'm a Celebrity" comrades. On last night's installment, Patti was the only woman to successfully complete a challenge that...
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Jun 2
A federal judge said Monday he would like ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich to go on trial by April on corruption charges.
If that proves too ambitious, though, U.S. District Judge James Zagel said he wants...
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Jun 1
As Rod Blagojevich waits to find out if anyone will sell him down the river, his wife Patti was nearly swept away by a river in Costa Rica. She bravely took his place on "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me...
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May
2009
May 26
"I will personally do something OK? And it will come to you before the 15th of December."
—Roland Burris
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May 21
"She'll have it easier competing in the jungle."
—Rod Blagojevich
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May 21
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich landed a six-figure tell-all book deal (http://timelines.com/2009/3/2/rod-blagojevich-signs-book-deal), but legislators are on their way to making sure that he doesn't see...
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May 14
"Frankly, they need the money."
—Unnamed Lawyer in the Blagojevich Case
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May 14
Rod Blagojevich's hair is the stuff of legend-- and late night punchlines. And now the disgraced former governor's lush locks have inspired a line of hair care products.
"Blago: It's Bleep'n Golden...
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May 12
A federal court Tuesday appointed three defense lawyers for the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich whose funds are depleted.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported U.S. District Judge...
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May 10
IRWT Entertainment:
Our goal is to get our show launched through interest of you, the viewer. We need your help as we want to prove to the various Network Executives that there is an audience that...
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May 6
The defense team for disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was given at least 1 million pages of documents set to be used as evidence, lawyers say.
Lawyers in the case said along with the...
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May 6
Several onetime allies of for- mer Gov. Rod Blagojevich have already lined up as government witnesses against him, and another close friend and confidant could be next.
Sources familiar with the...
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May 4
"I did actually talk to several psychiatrists. They did point me toward the Mayo Clinic's definition of a narcissistic personality disorder, someone who is very much in need of attention. All of this is to cover up a lack of self-esteem"
—Elizabeth Brackett, author of "Pay to Play" on why Rod Blagojevich rarely left his house
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Apr
2009
Apr 28
The Illinois Reform Commission (IRC) issued its 100-day
report today, recommending a wide range of ethics reforms in six key areas: campaign finance; procurement; enforcement; government structure;...
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Apr 24
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) and Second City announced today that the hit musical Rod Blagojevich Superstar will be extending its run on Navy Pier through June 14th, due to tremendous demand and...
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Apr 24
He may not be going to Costa Rica to film “I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here,” but on Friday, Rod Blagojevich marked a new episode in the increasingly bizarre reality show that is his life when...
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Apr 21
The ex-governor himself is expected to be in the courtroom this morning to try to get U.S. District Judge James Zagel's permission to travel to Costa Rica.
In a twist, the Sun-Times has learned that...
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Apr 21
A federal judge ruled today that former Gov. Rod Blagojevich cannot go to Costa Rica to film a reality show, saying he does not "have confidence" that Blagojevich will comply with the conditions of...
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Apr 19
Burris fundraising total: $845
U.S. Senator Roland Burris, the controversial appointee to the seat once held by President Barack Obama, is holding his first campaign fundraiser since he took office...
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Apr 16
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign finance chairman, a millionaire lobbyist and his former chief of staff pleaded not guilty today on charges related to the racketeering and fraud case against the...
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Apr 14
CHICAGO, April 14 (UPI) -- Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has a date in federal court in Chicago for his arraignment on criminal corruption charges.
Blagojevich, indicted on 16 criminal...
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Apr 14
I just found out that Rod Blagojevich — who today plead not-guilty to being the worst governor ever in the history of ever — is in negotiations to star on a reality show full of "D-list...
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Apr 9
Federal authorities have questioned a former chief of staff to ex- Gov. Rod Blagojevich and other cooperating witnesses about an attempt by friends of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to raise funds for...
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Apr 8
The head of the state authority involved in talks about the possible sale of Wrigley Field said Wednesday that he and the authority's executive director have been interviewed by federal agents in the...
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Apr 2
Blagojevich, his brother, top aides indicted
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, his brother Rob and Christopher Kelly, a former top fundraiser for Blagojevich, were all indicted today on corruption...
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Mar
2009
Mar 24
Rod Blagojevich will be on WLS in Chicago on the "Don Wade & Roma Morning Show" tomorrow. The show airs from which airs from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. as its two hosts are off this week. It will be a one...
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Mar 13
Tribune Co. chairman Sam Zell was targeted for $25,000 by the Blagojevich campaign last November while the company's Wrigley Field deal was under consideration and two weeks before the ex-governor was...
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Mar 6
""There is more to be discovered. I know the key to finding the information out is through Fred (Lebed). That's the main point I wish to get across."
—John Ruff
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Mar 2
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is vowing to expose "the dark side of politics that he witnessed in both the state and national level" in a book due out later this year, his publicist announced...
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Feb
2009
Feb 26
BURRIS' SON GOT STATE JOB FROM BLAGO
SCANDAL MUSHROOMS | He serves as housing authority counsel despite facing foreclosure on his own home
The son of embattled Sen. Roland Burris is a federal tax...
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Feb 21
Federal authorities interviewed U.S. Sen. Roland Burris on Saturday as they continued their corruption investigation of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, according to a person familiar with the...
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Feb 20
Gov. Pat Quinn on Friday called on fellow Democrat Roland Burris to resign from the Senate, saying the controversy surrounding Burris' appointment to the seat was hurting the state and his...
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Feb 14
"He assured us there was nothing wrong, so we said, ‘Well, say it under oath. It troubles me that there was a need to file an additional affidavit.”"
—Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL
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Feb 14
U.S. Sen. Roland Burris has changed his story again about what happened before ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed him to the Senate, and state Republican leaders said Saturday they want an...
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Feb 11
Rod Blagojevich was interviewed on WLS-AM Radio in Chicago this morning. He really tees off on everything and everybody, alleging adultery, excessive drinking and graft. I think he might be going...
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Feb 3
Former Governor Rod Blagojevich continues to make a spectacle of himself, appearing on the Today Show, Greta Van Sustern and Lettermnan...
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Jan
2009
Jan 29
Senators voted 59-0 to remove Rod Blagojevich, who walked out of the silent chamber after delivering an impassioned plea for mercy. Within hours they applauded his former running mate and lieutenant...
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Jan 28
In a trial that keeps getting "curiouser and curiouser", Blagojevich announces that he will appear tomorrow (Jan 29) in the Illinois Senate and defend himself...
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Jan 27
FBI tapes were played at Blagojevich's trial.
No other Illinois governor has been impeached, let alone convicted in a Senate trial. It would take a two-thirds majority — or 40 of the 59 senators —...
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Jan 26
In a case that gets more bizarre by the day, Governor Rod Blagojevich skipped out on the opening day of his impeachment trial to be interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC's "Good Morning America."
In...
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Jan 26
Blagojevich's trial begins, without him there. ...
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Jan 24
Prominent Chicago defense lawyer Ed Genson said Friday he intends to resign as attorney for embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in the criminal case against the governor...
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Jan 23
Sweeping federal subpoenas of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration include requests for records involving David Axelrod and Valerie Jarrett, senior advisers to President Barack Obama...
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Jan 13
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich will be unzipping his lip again.
Sneed hears the disgraced ex-gov will get a crack at hosting a late-night Internet talk show complete with a band, celebrity guests and...
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Jan 9
House Resolution for Impeachment
HR1671 LRB095 23283 RCE 53981 r
1
HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, Section 14 of Article IV of the Illinois
3 Constitution provides that the...
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Jan 8
Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris told state lawmakers investigating the possible impeachment that he did not act unethically in being appointed to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by...
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Jan 5
The man who could be in line to take over from Illinois' scandal-tainted governor is setting up a panel to make recommendations on cleaning up state government.
Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has...
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