QUOTE("Chicago Tribune")
Feds subpoena governor's campaign fund records
Blagojevich camp mum on U.S. probe of aides, advisers
By Jeff Coen and Ray Long
Tribune staff reporters
Published May 23, 2007
Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed records from Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign fund as part of a sweeping corruption investigation into whether top aides and advisers exchanged state business and jobs for political support, the Tribune has learned.
The recent move is the first public indication that political financial records belonging to the governor are being sought. Sources describe the subpoena as the latest step in an ongoing investigation that has focused on major players in the record-breaking fundraising effort that propelled Blagojevich to consecutive terms.
Blagojevich has steadfastly refused to answer questions about the federal investigation, including specifics of why his campaign has paid the prominent law firm Winston & Strawn nearly $1 million since 2003. But constant questions about the probe have continued to follow the governor and present a political liability as he has sharply curtailed his public schedule even while pressing an ambitious legislative agenda in Springfield.
The governor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and has repeatedly deflected specific questions by saying "we do things right."
Speculation about the investigation has become an ongoing political parlor game in state government, and word of the subpoena has been circulating at the state Capitol for nearly a week.
On Tuesday, Blagojevich offered a rare opportunity for news media interviews. The administration refused an interview request from a Tribune reporter who rejected the condition that the questions remain solely about the governor's budget proposal.
Campaign Disclosure
More in the Chicago Tribune
Blagojevich camp mum on U.S. probe of aides, advisers
By Jeff Coen and Ray Long
Tribune staff reporters
Published May 23, 2007
Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed records from Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign fund as part of a sweeping corruption investigation into whether top aides and advisers exchanged state business and jobs for political support, the Tribune has learned.
The recent move is the first public indication that political financial records belonging to the governor are being sought. Sources describe the subpoena as the latest step in an ongoing investigation that has focused on major players in the record-breaking fundraising effort that propelled Blagojevich to consecutive terms.
Blagojevich has steadfastly refused to answer questions about the federal investigation, including specifics of why his campaign has paid the prominent law firm Winston & Strawn nearly $1 million since 2003. But constant questions about the probe have continued to follow the governor and present a political liability as he has sharply curtailed his public schedule even while pressing an ambitious legislative agenda in Springfield.
The governor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and has repeatedly deflected specific questions by saying "we do things right."
Speculation about the investigation has become an ongoing political parlor game in state government, and word of the subpoena has been circulating at the state Capitol for nearly a week.
On Tuesday, Blagojevich offered a rare opportunity for news media interviews. The administration refused an interview request from a Tribune reporter who rejected the condition that the questions remain solely about the governor's budget proposal.
Campaign Disclosure
More in the Chicago Tribune