Ex-aide: Blagojevich would have appointed himself to Senate

Rod Blagojevich's former chief of staff says the then-governor planned to appoint himself to President Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat in 2008 if he wasn't satisfied with what he could get in exchange for appointing someone else.

John Harris testified Wednesday that Blagojevich wanted a high-paying job in government or the private sector in exchange for the Senate appointment.

Harris told jurors at Blagojevich's retrial that the main negotiations for the seat took place with representatives for Obama.

Harris says he, Blagojevich and other aides discussed what jobs the governor should ask for, including a seat in Obama's cabinet, a non-profit job or a position with a national union.

Blagojevich faces 20 charges, including that he tried to sell or trade the Senate appointment.

Blagojevich has denied any wrongdoing.