Emanuel Talks With Blago Started Before Election

Confident of Barack Obama winning the presidential election, Rahm Emanuel started talks with Blagoyevich prior to the election according to a Chicago Tribune report today. On the Saturday before the election, Emanuel called the governor's chief of staff, John Harris, and delivered the names of candidates acceptable to Obama, including Valerie Jarrett, state Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth, state Comptroller Dan Hynes and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky. After the election, Emanual called Harris back to add the name of Attorney General Lisa Madigan. At least some of Emanuel's calls were recorded by federal agents according to the Tribune report. Harris has been charged with bribery and fraud-related charges by federal agents, along with the governor. The report cautions that there is no suggestion at this time Emanuel engaged in quid pro quo discussions; however, it notes the close ties between Emanuel and the governor:

Emanuel, who has long been close to both Blagojevich and Obama, has refused to respond to questions about any involvement he may have had with the Blagojevich camp over the Senate pick. A spokeswoman for Emanuel also declined to comment Friday.

An important point made in the story is the fact that Emanuel, although working for Obama's transition team, has yet to resign his House seat. Emanuel currently holds the House seat formerly held by Blagoyevich prior to his election as governor. A special election will be held to replace Emanuel once he resigns. "The government affidavit said Blagojevich and others were recorded talking about an unnamed "president-elect adviser" concerned about the election for Emanuel's congressional seat who might help the governor land a new job at a non-profit organization," the report says. In a previous prosecution of a top-ranking Daley official, the official testified that a number of city workers were dispatched to work on Emanuel's special election race on the taxpayers' dime.