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As He Readies Appeal, Blagojevich Lawyer Says Fmr. Gov. Faces Unusual Problem

Rod Blagojevich
U.S. Government

Attorneys for former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich are scheduled to argue their appeal Friday morning.

Blagojevich’s attorney Leonard Goodman says Blagojevich engaged in political horse-trading, not bribery or extortion.

"All of his plans which he discussed openly with his advisors were for basically political appointments," Goodman stated.

It’s an argument Blagojevich has made since he was arrested in 2008 and it’s an argument that has repeatedly failed.

Secretly recorded phone calls showed many occasions when Blagojevich was using his office to try to get a high-paying job for his wife or for himself after leaving office.

Goodman says he’s been in regular contact with Blagojevich.  He says the former governor is working on a writing project and running lots and is doing well given the circumstances but..

"People steal his stuff because things that say Rod Blagojevich on, I think people think have some value so his name tag is always stolen, but other than that he has not complained at all," Goodman said.

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