They don't call Chicago "Crook County" for nothing. IL is like a Third World banana republic: Bribery is considered normal.
Plea bargaining is commonplace there, too. Rats eat rats in jail...
So, the Feds have been tracking the Gov for THREE years, but decided to act ... NOW. Hmmmm...
From deeper in the story:
"Blagojevich's comments came amid increasing concern by Democrats that the governor's pending appointment of a Senate successor may become politically tainted as a result of the investigations surrounding his administration. Federal investigators have been looking into allegations of corruption regarding state jobs, appointments and contracts in connection with Blagojevich's prolific fundraising."
...
"Later Monday, he met for 90 minutes with Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., the South Side and southwest suburban congressman who has been the most visibly active campaigner for the appointment to replace Obama. Jackson, who was among the last high-profile Senate successor candidates to speak with Blagojevich, has had disagreements with the governor and is not close to him."