Did Rahm Emanuel speak to Rod Blagojevich about the governor’s plans to fill the Senate seat left open by Barack Obama?
That’s what a Fox affiliate in Chicago has reported, based on “a source familiar with the investigation” into the Illinois governor.
Fox Chicago News reports that Emanuel, the Chicago congressman who was appointed shortly after the election to be Obama’s White House chief of staff, had “multiple conversations” about the issue with the governor himself and with Blagojevich’s chief of staff, John Harris — who this week was charged along with his boss.
The source said it was likely that these conversations were recorded, since they took place after the federal wiretaps had begun.
Of course, it would not be surprising if Emanuel had spoken to the governor about options to fill the seat. Fox Chicago said that the source didn’t say whether those conversations involved any quid pro quo or dealmaking.
Obama yesterday pledged to canvass his staff about conversations with Blagojevich’s office over the seat, and disclose what he finds out soon. Obama said that none of his staff had discussed any kind of deal for the seat.