By Kim Chipman
Dec. 9 (Bloomberg) -- President-elect Barack Obama said he was unaware of the criminal investigation into an alleged attempt by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to trade an appointment for Obama’s Senate seat for financial gain.
“I had no contact with the governor or his office and so I was not aware of what was happening, ” Obama told reporters today in Chicago. “It’s a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that, I don’t think it’s appropriate to comment.”
Blagojevich, a Democrat, was arrested by federal agents today and charged with plotting to sell the Senate seat that was vacated by Obama after his election as president, according to a criminal complaint filed by federal prosecutors in Chicago.
Federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald said there is “no allegation” that Obama was aware of Blagojevich’s attempt to extract benefits from his authority to appoint Obama’s successor.
Blagojevich, 51, was elected in 2002 on a promise to clean up state government. His predecessor, Republican Governor George Ryan, was the subject of a corruption investigation and is serving a six-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2006 on fraud and racketeering charges. Fitzgerald also prosecuted that case.
To contact the reporter on this story: Kim Chipman in Chicago at kchipman@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: December 9, 2008 15:11 EST
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