Lawmakers target book deals by corrupt officials

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House is taking a jab at former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's book deal by targeting his potential profits.

Lawmakers voted to let the state seize any money that a convicted public official makes from selling his story.

Blagojevich is the subject of a 19-count indictment for public corruption, but he hasn't been convicted of anything. He has a book due out in October.

Under the legislation approved Friday, the attorney general could sue convicted public officials for the money they make by selling their story. The measure includes book, movie, television, radio and Internet deals.

Officials' profits are safe if they aren't convicted or have already served out their sentence.

The measure passed 112-2 and now awaits a vote in the Senate.