Posted by chicagomedia.org on August 10, 2009 at 10:09:39:
Vowing to continue speaking his mind, ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich today launched a Web site titled GovernorRod.com that catalogues his scores of public appearances and allows for public feedback.
"Since his controversial ousting from office, Rod Blagojevich has refused to be silent," an introduction on the Web site reads. "In the meantime, he's not holding back. He's not playing politics or playing nice. He's simply speaking his mind and telling the truth!"
Blagojevich has been in the spotlight since his Dec. 9 arrest at his Chicago home. He regularly appears on television and radio shows, acted in a Second City comedy show about corruption allegations against him and even sang Elvis Presley's "Treat Me Nice" Friday at a Chicago block party.
The Web site, featuring a photo of Blagojevich in a shirt and tie with a suit jacket slung over this shoulder, gives the former governor's schedule for speaking engagements, radio appearances and details on his book, "The Governor."
"Rod Blagojevich needed his own Web site. It was time," Blagojevich's publicist Glenn Selig said in a statement. "GovernorRod.com offers his fans and supporters a way to connect."
The comments portion of his Web site encourages visitors to "Speak Out! Tell Rod what's bugging you."
Blagojevich faces federal charges, including allegations he schemed to sell or trade President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat, attempted to extort campaign money from companies seeking state business and plotted to use the governor's office to pressure the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers who called for his impeachment.
Blagojevich has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
The judge overseeing the corruption case has said Blagojevich could go to trial as early as April.
The next chapter in his case unfolds Tuesday when his former top aide is expected to change his plea on corruption charges to guilty.
Alonzo Monk was due to change his plea July 20 but prosecutors and defense attorneys didn't finish a deal in time.
Monk, often known by the nickname "Lon," is charged with one count of wire fraud for scheming to pressure a racetrack executive for a $100,000 campaign contribution in exchange for Blagojevich signing racetrack legislation.
-- Associated Press