Feds subpoena governor's campaign fund records

The Chicago Tribune reports:

Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed records from Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign fund as part of a sweeping corruption investigation into whether top aides and advisers exchanged state business and jobs for political support, the Tribune has learned.

The recent move is the first public indication that political financial records belonging to the governor are being sought. Sources describe the subpoena as the latest step in an ongoing investigation that has focused on major players in the record-breaking fundraising effort that propelled Blagojevich to consecutive terms.


Blagojevich has steadfastly refused to answer questions about the federal investigation, including specifics of why his campaign has paid the prominent law firm Winston & Strawn nearly $1 million since 2003. But constant questions about the probe have continued to follow the governor and present a political liability as he has sharply curtailed his public schedule even while pressing an ambitious legislative agenda in Springfield.

No word yet on whether the Feds are looking into whether Blagojevich was associated with the Elmwood Park crew of the Chicago Outfit.