Chicago's Johnston says he was pressured for donation

Maywood and Balmoral Park owner John Johnston testified Monday at the alleged corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich that he felt pressured by his own lobbyist to make a $100,000 campaign contribution in exchange for the governor’s signature on a bill that required the riverboat casinos to share profits with the racetracks. 

In reported testimony, Johnston stated that lobbyist Alonzo Monk told him on Dec. 3, 2008, that: “I spoke to the governor and he’s concerned that if he signs the racing legislation, you might not be forthcoming with a contribution.” 

Johnston added that he responded to Monk by saying, “I got agitated, animated…I shut the conversation down. 

 “That’s correct…my own lobbyist,” responded Johnston, who in earlier reports stated he paid Monk $150,000 annually for his lobbying services.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges that he used the power of his office to launch a racketeering scheme, and also to charges that he schemed to sell of trade the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama when he became president. He could face up to $6 million in fines if convicted, as well as 415 years in prison, although he reportedly would receive a much lesser sentence under federal guidelines.

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