Blagojevich skips chances for feel-good events

Most politicians would jump at the chance to publicly embrace legislation intended to save lives and honor a college football player who died on the field.

Not Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Dogged by a federal investigation and political feuds, the two-term Democrat often skips the warm-and-fuzzy public moments that his job offers. He also avoids reporters' questions on many occasions, choosing not to defend himself or explain his views.

On Wednesday, Blagojevich took action on legislation requiring heart defibrillators at outdoor sports and fitness facilities. The measure was named in honor of Rashidi Wheeler, a Northwestern University football player who died during practice six years ago.

Joined by a teammate of Wheeler, the teammate's family and former Gov. James R. Thompson, Blagojevich issued an amendatory veto that will strengthen the measure if lawmakers agree to it.

But Blagojevich did it in the privacy of his office, guaranteeing neither he nor the legislation would get much attention.

Similarly, he sent aides to recent events encouraging women to get breast-cancer screening, although that's an issue he has made a top priority for his administration, and to the launch of an anti-violence program.

Blagojevich also stayed out of sight Thursday after his friend and former campaign finance chairman, Christopher G. Kelly, was charged with tax fraud.

The governor faces tough questions whenever he talks to reporters, but so do other politicians. Most of them try to turn the situation to their advantage, whether by defending themselves, criticizing their opponents or simply venting at reporters.

Like Blagojevich, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has investigations swirling around his administration. But unlike Blagojevich, Daley issues a daily public schedule of events.

Daley's office estimates the mayor does an average of three to four press conferences a week where he takes questions from reporters plus other daily public events. In fact, Daley likes to brag about how accessible he is to reporters, even though he delivers his share of non-answers.

But another politician noted for his media savvy defended Blagojevich. Thompson, the former governor whose law firm represents Blagojevich, said he doesn't think Blagojevich comes across as fearful of public scrutiny.

"I think he's out there a lot," Thompson said. "I see him on television all the time."

Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said the administration can't win. Some people criticize them for not being accessible enough, while others complain they're too focused on public relations, the so-called governing by press release.

"We'll never be able to make everyone happy," said Ottenhoff, who added that private bill signings like the one on Wednesday are common.

She defended the governor's accessibility, noting he met with reporters for an extended question-and-answer session last week.

Such sessions are not typical, however. Many times Blagojevich will refuse to answer questions or turn and leave when they involve an unpleasant subject.

Blagojevich goes through periods of courting media attention. That includes a four-day tour of the state in April in an unsuccessful effort to promote a plan to raise taxes and expand health care services. Even then, he would often leave events without taking questions from reporters.

Despite the federal investigations of his administration, John Marshall Law School professor Ann M. Lousin said Blagojevich, a lawyer, should be able to talk to reporters without hurting himself legally.

"He could easily say 'no comment' anytime," she said.

Federal investigators have looked at how the administration hands out jobs and contracts. Two top political fundraisers have been indicted. Questions also have been raised about real estate deals involving Blagojevich's wife, Patricia.

Blagojevich and his wife have not been charged with a crime, and they deny any wrongdoing.

Ottenhoff said Blagojevich can communicate with the public even when he doesn't make public appearances.

"There are a lot of different ways for making your case," she said, offering news releases as one example.

Attorney Sean Wieber, a former Northwestern player who helped champion the defibrillator bill, said the ceremony was held in private because it was thrown together at the last minute. He said it was squeezed into the governor's schedule because Wieber's parents were in town and could attend.

Not even the sponsors of the bill say they were invited. Rep. Dan Burke, a Chicago Democrat, said Blagojevich missed a chance for some good publicity.

"It's a perfect opportunity for him to get a little something decent out of the media for a change," he said.