Blagojevich says he won't file for unemployment

Ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he and his wife are out of work but don't plan to file for unemployment.

That's probably a good move since the ousted governor is not eligible for unemployment. Elected positions such as governor and state lawmaker don't qualify for unemployment benefits, state officials said. He could apply but he wouldn't qualify.

Blagojevich was removed from office Jan. 29 after an impeachment trial by Illinois lawmakers that was triggered by his arrest on federal corruption charges. And Illinois' former first lady, Patti Blagojevich, was fired Jan. 20 from her $100,000-a-year job as chief fundraiser for a Chicago homeless agency.

Patti's eligibility for unemployment is unknown and would hinge on the reason why she was fired and details about her job.

During an interview on WLS Radio's "The Don and Roma Morning Show" on Wednesday, Blagojevich said he and his family are doing fine financially despite those career setbacks.

Blagojevich also joked about a job offer he's received from the Joliet Jackhammers to be a rookie for the Northern League team. The Democrat described himself as being "52 going on 8" and said his childhood dream has always been to be a centerfielder for the Chicago Cubs.

While on the radio show, Blagojevich didn't hold back on how he feels about Illinois lawmakers.

He says a bunch of them cheat on their spouses, drink too much and blindly follow their legislative leaders because they don't know what's going on in Springfield.

The stop on WLS was the latest in a Blagojevich media tour that will take him to New York for an interview with Fox News' conservative talk show host Sean Hannity.

Blagojevich has been shuttling back and forth to New York doing national TV interviews to profess his innocence since his arrest on federal corruption charges and removal from office.