Illinois Gov. Arrested by Feds; Blackmailed Tribune Co.

The latest installment of the soap opera As Wrigley Turns, finds Governor Rod being asked by Chairman Zell for help in keeping the Cubs in Wrigley Field. Chairman wants to ease the tax burden on poor, overburdened and debt ridden Tribune Company, so he asks his good friend Rod for help. Rod agrees to help but only if Chairman removes certain members of the editorial board of Sam's newspaper who haven't been very nice to Rod. Sam, in a burst of journalistic integrity refused and told prosecutor Fitz, who then charges Rod with blackmail.

Fitz, who was already looking into Rod's activities added blackmail to the list of Rod's other no-nos and today sent federal marshalls to Rod's house, picked him up and placed him in federal custody. Among those other activities Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald had been looking into and today charged Rod with were selling the appointment to President-elect Obama's senate seat. That probably was going for a pretty piece of change and if you hadn't already put in your bid, I'm guessing it's too late now. He also sought appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Service in connection with the appointment. Since that went to former Senator Tom Daschle, I'm guessing he wasn't too successful in soliciting on that score either.