Feds look for Blago role in university admissions

Federal prosecutors are investigating possible contacts between ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his political allies involving admissions at the University of Illinois and two other state universities.

Spokesmen for Illinois, Northern Illinois and Southern Illinois Universities confirmed Thursday they had received subpoenas for records of any such contacts.

The action followed Chicago Tribune stories reporting that the U of I admitted politically connected applicants over more qualified students.

Spokesman Tom Hardy says the U of I has until July 2 to respond to its subpoena. He says it covers all three of the university's campuses.

Eastern Illinois, Western Illinois and Illinois State say they haven't received subpoenas.

A spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office declined to comment.