Blagojevich Gets Radio Host Gig As Campaign Office Closes (And Emanuel Letter Pops Up)

What's the old adage, when one door closes another opens? That might well be true for Rod Blagojevich.

Just as the campaign office of the disgraced former governor-- the one that federal investigators bugged-- is about to go back on the market, Blagojevich is getting a crack at hosting his own radio show.

Chicago Public Radio reports that John Figlioli, who owns the building at 4147 N. Ravenswood where the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund was housed, got his first look inside the building since it was vacated last week.

Among the office detritus are copies of a letter to Blagojevich supporters from then-Congressman Rahm Emanuel:

This is from friends of Blagojevich, or actually it's written by Rahm Emanuel, oooh, interesting. He's writing to tell you the untold story of the Blagojevich administration under governor Blagojevich Is there a date on this thing? There's not.

The letter goes on to state, "under Governor Blagojevich, Illinois has done more than any state in the nation to make health care more accessible," and the letter ends saying, "I am proud that Rod Blagojevich is our Governor. Sincerely," and then it's signed with the name of "Rahm Emanuel."

Emanuel's office did not respond to Chicago Public Radio's requests to verify his signature on the letter.

Meanwhile, WLS-AM (890 AM), where Blagojevich guest-hosted in March, is giving the deposed governor his own two-hour talk show for the next two Sundays.

The WLS release:

The Big 89, WLS-AM is Where Chicago Comes to Talk and for the next two Sundays, that is what Former IL Governor Rod Blagojevich will be doing. Blagojevich will host a two hour talk show on WLS (890 AM) from 12noon to 2pm.

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"The personalities on The Big 89 are compelling, knowledgeable, opinionated and often times, controversial." said WLS-AM Program Director, Bob Shomper. "Former Governor Blagojevich has all of these traits and more. This will be 'must-listen' radio."

Blagojevich filled-in for The Big 89's Don Wade & Roma morning show earlier this year.

Since his controversial ousting from office, Blagojevich has become a national celebrity who has appeared on TV news channels and programs such as NBC's 'Today' show, ABC's 'The View' and cable news outlets. He was invited and planned to compete on NBC's 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here' reality show this summer. But when he could not go, his wife Patti, the former first lady of Illinois, went in his place. She came in fourth place and was a fan favorite.

For the outspoken former governor, radio is a natural fit.

"The former governor misses talking with people and getting into the mix on issues that affect Illinois," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's spokesman. "He wants to empower people by helping them understand what really goes on in Washington, Springfield, Cook County and the city of Chicago. He's going to be provocative, entertaining and, at times, controversial."

For a preview, listen to his guest-hosting appearance.

Comments

[crookedcountyillinois]

I think the biggest crime is that there's not yet been a Madigan indictment. Especially when it comes to his duplicit roles as a property tax attorney and lawmaker. Can someone say "conflict of interest"?

Blagojevich is a novice compared to Madigan.

[unstuffedshirt]

WLS is no longer even trying to pretend it has any substance.

[greenie 61]

Exactly what I was thinking...

[StephenJK]

No matter what, Rod Blagojevich was simply operating within the friendly confines of Springfield, Ill. Where politicians, especially governors, play pay to play. Politics, in Illinois, is always a four-letter word. From Chicago to Springfield, politics in Illinois leaves a lot to be desired and/or subtracted.

That said, "Lightning" Rod will be a great radio host.

[lochnessmonster]

He never spent time in Springfield. Maybe if he had he would have been more in touch and would not have gotten run out of the governor's office the way he did. He was too good to show up and play with the rest of them in the sandbox.

[Taffeta Darling]

This picture reminds me of my old headgear from jr high.

"Mom, I AM wearing my headgear"

[lochnessmonster]

Oh great...first Patti on national teevee pleading his case (and hers too) and now him. No wonder am radio is dead.

[Solja]

I wish I could hear it. I like Blagojevich. It doesn't bother me that an endorsement letter from Rahm was found as he was a Chicago Democrat, as was our POTUS, who also endorsed Blagojevich. As Governor, he did do good things.

[mjb5406]

Cite your references of POTUS endorsing Blagojevich, please... unless you are just a full of useless hot air as Blagojevich is.

[erp65]

Yes, Obama was such great friends with Blago that he endorsed Blago's primary opponent in the 2002 Illinois Gubernatorial election. Blago returned his good friend's favor by not endorsing Obama in his 2004 Senatorial campaign.

Bosom buddies to the end.

[LHibbard]

You should be able to. When he did the fill-in slot last spring, I was able to listen at the website. He did a pretty good job on the air then, and he'll do fine this time.

[dimplesmile7]

You get impeached and commit a crime, don't worry. America want to reward you with a radio gig and a reality show for your wife to appear on. Only in America!

[LHibbard]

Just remember, bub - he hasn't been tried and convicted in a court of law yet. The impeachment was a political trial, that's all.

[Z2a]

Wonderfully said, politically they wanted to get rid of him. He never accepted any $$$, what did he do wrong? Great governor.