- John Harris/msnbc photo
This can’t be good for ex-Gov. Blagojevich to have his top aide plead guilty while he awaits trial. In fact, after admitting criminal acts involving the ex-Gov, top aide John Harris also agreed, according to page 17 of the plea deal “to fully and truthfully cooperate in any matter in which he is called upon.” Yikes.
BY NATASHA KORECKI
Chicago Sun-Times
CHICAGO — A former top aide to Rod Blagojevich pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, admitting he discussed having his then boss appoint an adviser to President Obama to the U.S. Senate in exchange for financial benefits for the ex-governor.
The 26-page plea deal details various conversations that allegedly took place between Blagojevich and his former chief of staff, John Harris, concerning who would fill Obama’s open seat.
Harris’ plea deal also reveals a new allegation against the ex-governor concerning “Senate Candidate D,” identified by three sources as former Senate President Emil Jones.
Harris says Blagojevich sent him to deliver a quid pro quo request to the now-retired Jones.
