Why Blago's book deal might not be so golden

SPRINGFIELD - Rod Blagojevich might have thought his book deal was bleeping golden, but his two-term running mate will now decide if the impeached and ousted former governor will get anything other than appreciation for it.

The state Senate on Thursday sent to Gov. Pat Quinn a plan prohibiting elected officials from profiting from their crimes if they are removed from office for breaking the law or impeached and convicted of official misconduct. Under the plan, the attorney general can sue to recover any profits from book deals, movies, television programs or other projects traceable to illegal activities committed while holding office.

The state Senate unanimously approved the measure, 59-0. The House approved the plan in April 112-2, with only state Rep. Annazette Collins, a Chicago Democrat, and state Rep. Deb Mell, Blagojevich's sister-in-law, voting no. The plan was sponsored in the House by state Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat.

Blagojevich's name was not mentioned during the brief Senate debate over the measure, so as to avoid making it appear the proposal was directed solely at him. Blagojevich was allegedly caught on federal wire taps complaining that President Obama's administration wouldn't give him anything but "appreciation" in exchange for picking Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate. Blagojevich also allegedly referred to his power to pick the next senator as being bleeping "golden."

If signed into law, every corrupt Illinois elected official would be barred from profiting from crimes connected to official actions.

"This is something that needs to be voted out of here 59 to nothing, that we make sure that no official ever profits from any misconduct in the state of Illinois," said state Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat and Senate sponsor, before the final vote was taken.

State Sen. Dale Righter, a Mattoon Republican, asked whether family members of corrupt elected officials could also be blocked from profiting from their spouse's official misconduct.

Righter didn't mention Patti Blagojevich by name, but the former Illinois first lady is scheduled to appear on a reality television show that a judge recently blocked Rod Blagojevich from appearing on because it will be filmed in Costa Rica. Rod Blagojevich is out on bail ahead of a federal corruption trial and is not allowed to leave the United States.