Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was convicted of trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat. In a wiretapped phone call, what phrase did he use to describe this opportunity?

Question

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was convicted of trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat. In a wiretapped phone call, what phrase did he use to describe this opportunity?

Accepted Answer

In December 2008, FBI wiretaps caught Blagojevich discussing the Senate seat vacancy created by Obama's election to the presidency. In the recording, he said "I've got this thing, and it's fucking golden"—revealing he viewed the appointment power as a chance to extract personal benefit. Prosecutors showed Blagojevich sought a high-paying nonprofit or union job for himself, corporate board positions for his wife worth up to $150,000 annually, campaign cash, or even a Cabinet post. He was convicted in June 2011 on 17 counts including attempting to sell the Senate seat and trying to extort a children's hospital. Sentenced to 14 years, he served nearly eight before Trump commuted his sentence in February 2020, then fully pardoned him in February 2025.

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was convicted of trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat. In a wiretapped phone call, what phrase did he use to describe this opportunity?

Explanation

Sources

Related Questions

PRINCIPLE

EXPLORE

RESOURCES