Report: Recordings show what Pritzker, Blagojevich thought of potential Obama successors
In newly revealed recordings made almost 10 years ago, J.B. Pritzker and Gov. Rod Blagojevich weighed the pros and cons of African-Americans who Blagojevich could appoint as a potential successor to Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, state Senate President Emil Jones was described as "too crass." Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. would be a "nightmare." Pritzker suggested that the appointment of Secretary of State Jesse White to Obama's Senate seat would be "the one that's least offensive and maybe gets you the most."
The audio recordings were obtained by the Chicago Tribune.
"It opens up the secretary of state spot, which is the key spot ... that controls the jobs, etc.," Pritzker said.
Pritzker's campaign blasted the Tribune's story, suggesting the newspaper published the audio clips after choosing "to sit on them for nine months" and accusing the newspaper of working with GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner, who is seeking a second term.
• This report was produced in partnership with the Chicago Sun-Times. For related coverage, go to chicago.suntimes.com.