78-Page Complaint Against Blagojevich Revealed

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) was taken into federal custody Monday, and faces a 78-page criminal complaint alleging political corruption by the governor.

The indictments against Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, allege–among other things–Blagojevich sought political or financial favors in return for the appointment of a successor to President-elect Barack Obama as Senator from Illinois.

Key elements of the allegations:

• “Beginning no later than November 2008, [Blagojevich] and [Harris] have corruptly solicited and demanded the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members responsible for editorials critical of [Blagojevich], intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with State of Illinois financial assistance in connection with the sale of Wrigley Field.”
• “Defendant [Blagojevich] and at times defendant [Harris], together with others, obtained and attempted to obtain financial benefits for [Blagojevich], members of the Blagojevich family, and third parties including Friends of Blagojevich, in exchange for appointments to state boards and commissions, state employment, state contracts, and access to state funds.”
• “Defendants [Blagojevich] and [Harris], together with others, attempted to use [Blagojevich]