byline goes here

John Harris, the chief of staff to Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) who was arrested along with the governor on Tuesday on corruption charges, has resigned.

Harris is accused of plotting with Blagojevich ways the governor could enrich himself, including a "pay to play" scheme to sell the rights to the Senate seat once occupied by Barack Obama to the highest bidder.

Earlier today, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan petitioned the state Supreme Court to strip Blagojevich of his powers. She, like many Democrats, fears that an impeachment and trial in the Legislature could take weeks, if not longer. "I recognize that this is an extraordinary request, but these are extraordinary times," the AG said.

And the Chicago Tribune, citing unnamed sources, reports that Jonathan Jackson, brother of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., was a participant at a meeting where there was a discussion about raising $1 million for the governor in exchange for his appointing Congressman Jackson to the Senate seat. The congressman denies any involvement by his brother or himself in any such scheme.

categories: Crime And Punishment

2:02 - December 12, 2008

What is this?

Share