by Mark Silva
Write your own lede here:....
The second sentence goes like this: The publicist for impeached former Gov. Rod Blagojevich of Illinois says the ousted governor is writing a book.
The book will be "exposing the dark side of politics.''
This is what we like to call "the nut graf,'' for the real germ of the story: The publisher will be paying six figures for the book, according to publicist Glenn Selig, who reports a book deal-signing today.
The book also will delve into how the former governor selected a replacement for President Barack Obama in the Senate, Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) after federal authorities accused Blagojevich of attempting to sell that appointment. Blagojevich, impeached and ousted from office, maintains he was innocent of any "pay-to-play'' scheme. Party leaders are calling on Burris to resign.
But now he will be paid to portray - his story. Selig says the book will tell the truth about what happened and will reveal information "that will at times be embarrassing to himself as well as to others."
It will be ready in October.
The publisher: Phoenix Books.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is pictured above speaking to the media at his home in Chicago in January. (AP Photo by Nam Y. Huh)
Comments
Blago supporter FITZ will by one. Better ahve plenty of pictures.
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Posted by: Terry | March 2, 2009 5:13 PM
Okay -- it's perfectly within Blagojevich's right and certainly it's legal. Still, somehow, I doubt I'll be spending my money on this book. Strikes me as a bit eepy-cray for some reason.
Posted by: Op109 | March 2, 2009 5:16 PM
I'm not sticking up for Blago or anything, he's probably guilty but he hasn't been indicted yet. So far he's had a criminal complaint filed against him, the kind that anyone can file against someone, like a noise complaint or something. Where is Fitzpatrick's indictment?
If Blago turns out to have been found innocent the taxpayers are going to end up paying for it when he sues the state for millions in retaliation.
Posted by: pla | March 2, 2009 5:22 PM
Someone seen in possession of the book should be shot. After he is convicted, the profits from the book can be confiscated on the basis of the Son of Sam law.
I see no need to rush for an indictment. What I see as important is that incarceration be for at least twenty years.
Posted by: Ron M | March 2, 2009 6:02 PM
Goes straight into Dan Webb's pocket at Winston & Strawn.
To pay back legal bills.
Posted by: ornery | March 2, 2009 6:47 PM
I wonder if he'll tell all about Barry and the ballerina Rahm ?
pla: The reason he has not been indicted yet, is because people are coming out of the woodwork to tell their stories about all the crooked Democratic hacks who reside in Crook County. I'm sure it will be very entertaining on a national level, surely not to disappoint.
Posted by: Don B. | March 2, 2009 7:52 PM
So Blago thinks that going with Phoenix Books will help him rise out of the ashes?
Posted by: lochnessmonster | March 3, 2009 9:36 AM
With a nod from publishers, it is obvious crime does pay.
Posted by: bill r. | March 3, 2009 9:49 AM
Count me out. There is something seriously wrong with the publishing industry for rewarding all sorts of unethical behavior with six figure book deals.
Posted by: Sara B. | March 3, 2009 1:03 PM
Recommended punishment: head shave.
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport ☯ | March 3, 2009 1:05 PM
I guess he could call it "Babble-On". He is probably a real authority on the dark side of politics. I'll give him that. Also he is from the "windy city", so that could be part of his problem.
Posted by: Mary Jones | March 3, 2009 4:28 PM
Now's your chance to see what many of us think Mr. Blagojevich richly deserves, a trip to the woodshed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImAfVUP4j0Y
Posted by: Bob Foss | March 4, 2009 2:23 PM
i think the name of his book should be "being blagojevich is a b****"
Posted by: phil turner | March 5, 2009 1:17 PM
A funny (but true) take on the company that is publishing Blagojevich's book: http://spinserum.com/blog/2009/03/05/phoenix-books-seeks-blago-controversy-by-downplaying-blago-controversy/
Posted by: Spin Serum | March 18, 2009 7:39 PM
Blago has not been proven guilty by the court only by the democrats who are corrupt themselves. Good for him. The darker side of politics on the "national" level should be extremely interesting
Posted by: lottery blog | October 12, 2009 5:41 AM