Chicago Tribune’s BOB SECTER reports on Emanuel’s alleged contact with co-indicted Blagojevich Chief of Staff, John Harris:
One source confirmed that communications between Emanuel and the Blagojevich administration were captured on court-approved wiretaps.
Another source said that contact between the Obama camp and the governor’s administration regarding the Senate seat began the Saturday before the Nov. 4 election, when Emanuel made a call to the cell phone of Harris. The conversation took place around the same time press reports surfaced about Emanuel being approached about taking the high-level White House post should Obama win.
Emanuel delivered a list of candidates who would be “acceptable” to Obama, the source said. On the list were Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, Illinois Veterans Affairs director Tammy Duckworth, state Comptroller Dan Hynes and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Chicago, the source said. All are Democrats.
Sometime after the election, Emanuel called Harris back to add the name of Democratic Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan to the approved list, the source said.
Barry’s list of Senate replacements:
Obama WH Senior Advisor, Valerie Jarrett REMOVED HERSELF [too late named in affidavit as #1]
Illinois Veterans Affairs Director and Iraq War Veteran, Tammy Duckworth
Attorney General, Lisa Madigan [major conflict of interest]
Rep Jan Schakowsky
State Comptroller Dan Hynes
Interesting (but not surprising) to note that Jesse jr was not on the list – even after he trashed Jesse Sr to save barry. And very curious to note that Emil Jones was not on it. Wonder how that has gone over. Other possibilities:
Rep Danny Davis
Rep Jesse Jackson Jr [named in affidavit as #5
IL Senate President, Emil Jones [major conflict of interest]
State Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias [conflict of interest - barry bball mate]
Rep Luis Guitierrez REMOVED HIMSELF
Lt Gov. Pat Quinn NOT INTERESTED
Easiest solution would be Tammy Duckworth. Republicans want a general election of course. Mayor Daley says it’s too expensive.
