Senate Seat for Sale: Illinois Governor Arrested

A 76-page FBI affidavit (.PDF) said Blagojevich, 51, was recorded on court-authorized wiretaps conspiring to sell or trade the vacant Senate seat for personal benefits for himself and his wife, Patti.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called it a "sad day for government."

"Gov. Blagojevich has taken us to a new low. This conduct would make [Abraham] Lincoln roll over in his grave."

Blagojevich also toyed with the idea of appointing himself. "If ... they're not going to offer anything of any value, then I might just take it," he said in one conversation.

According to MSNBC:

The affidavit contends Blagojevich discussed getting a substantial salary for himself at a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions. It also says Blagojevich talked about getting his wife placed on corporate boards where she might get $150,000 a year in director's fees.

The affidavit also quotes Blagojevich as saying in one conversation that "I want to make money."

It should be noted that the President-Elect was not involved in the situation at all, and is not a target of federal prosecutors. At a press conference on Tuesday, Obama said:

"Obviously, like the rest of the people of Illinois, I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the U.S. attorney's office today. But as this is an ongoing investigation involving the governor, I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the issue at this time."

"I was not aware of what was happening," he added.