On November 6, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH talked with Spokesman. ROD BLAGOJEVICH told Spokesman to leak to a particular columnist for the Chicago Sun- Times, that Senate Candidate 2 is in the running for the vacant Senate seat. According to ROD BLAGOJEVICH, by doing this, he wanted “to send a message to the [President-elect’s] people,” but did not want it known that the message was from ROD BLAGOJEVICH.
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A review of this particular Sun Times column on November 7, 2008, indicates references to the specific language and arguments regarding Senate Candidate 2 as a potential candidate for the Senate seat, as discussed by ROD BLAGOJEVICH and Spokesman.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is "Candidate 2."
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More on 0’s influence with the senate appointment ...
http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2008/112008/11062008/423266
Gov. Blagojevich begins process of finding Obama’s replacement
Date published: 11/6/2008
By JOHN CHASE Chicago Tribune
EXCERPT
“The process begins today. The thinking begins today. The search begins today,” Blagojevich said.
What the governor says he's looking for: someone who has many of the Democratic ideals he and Obama share, including expanding health care, creating jobs and cutting taxes for the working class. The governor said he hopes to make a decision by New Year's.
Whoever Blagojevich selects would fill the seat through the end of Obama’s term in 2010.
Obama is expected to offer advice on the pick. Top Obama aides have said they think it is important it be somebody who has a good chance of winning a statewide race in two years to ensure the seat stays in Democratic hands.