Blagojevich Pleads Not Guilty At Arraignment
CHICAGO — Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges that accuse him of — among other things — trying to sell President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat.
Blagojevich appeared before a federal judge Tuesday in Chicago.
He pleaded not guilty to all counts in a courtroom packed with spectators.
A 19-count indictment handed up on named Blagojevich and five members of his inner circle.
Illinois legislators kicked Blagojevich out of office in January weeks after his arrest for an alleged corruption spree.
Blagojevich and the others are accused of using the governor’s power over appointments, state contracts and legislation to squeeze kickbacks and campaign contributions from businesses and even other public officials.
