Charges against Blagojevich could involve racing legislation

Horse racing in Illinois could be involved in the federal case against Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested at his home in Chicago early Tuesday morning on federal corruption charges.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice news release, which documented the charges, in an alleged pay-to-play scheme, a federal wire tap recorded the governor in a telephone conversation with a lobbyist who was reporting on his “efforts to collect a contribution from Contributor 1 and related that he “got in his face” to make it clear to Contributor 1 that a commitment to make a campaign contribution had to be done now, before there could be some skittishness over the timing of the contribution and Blagojevich signing a bill that would benefit Contributor 1. Blagojevich commented to Lobbyist 1 “good” and “good job.” The bill in question, which is awaiting Blagojevich’s signature, is believed to be legislation that directs a percentage of casino revenue to the horse racing industry.”

Among other charges against Blagojevich, and his chief of staff John Harris, are conspiracy to sell the U.S. Senate appointment to refill the seat formerly occupied by president-elect Barack Obama, and threatening to withhold substantial state assistance  to the Tribune Company in connection with the sale of Wrigley Field to induce the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members sharply critical of Blagojevich.

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