Kelly not cooperating; Blago quotes Elvis while chatting up reporters
The attorney for a key confidant to Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Wednesday that he is not cooperating with investigators as part of a coming plea deal.
Chris Kelly, a former top fundraiser and adviser to Blagojevich, is set to plead guilty Jan. 16 to tax fraud charges stemming from illegal gambling debts. Kelly served as the governor's point man on casino regulation.
Kelly's attorney, Michael Monico, said after a court hearing Wednesday that cooperation with investigators "will not be part of the agreement."
Yet, Monico sidestepped questions about whether Kelly was cooperating at all.
Kelly and Antoin "Tony" Rezko were very close to the governor, raising campaign cash and weighing in on state appointments and administration policy.
Rezko cooperated with federal investigators following his conviction this year on corruption charges, prosecutors say.
Meanwhile, Blagojevich told reporters he is "dying" to address the public about the charges against him.
As he readied for a morning run at his North Side home, he stood on top of his steps and channeled his idol, Elvis Presley.
"Hang loose, to quote Elvis," he said. "Hang loose."
Blagojevich's attorney is in Springfield today to attend impeachment hearings held by lawmakers.
"We are in good hands," Blagojevich said of high-profile attorney Ed Genson.
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