Blagojevich Busted

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Rod Blagojevich, the first U.S. governor in more than 20 years to be removed from office by impeachment, signed a deal Monday to write a book "exposing the dark side of politics," his publicist said.

CBS 2's Mike Parker reports that the former governor's media blitz showed the world that he can talk and talk. But can he write? His publicist says the defrocked governor can and will. Blagojevich has signed a deal with a publisher that promises a book next October.

Blagojevich signed a "six-figure" deal to write a book for Phoenix Books, to be released in October, publicist Glenn Selig said in a news release.

Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks is telling the former governor, "not so fast."

"I don't want politicians to think that crime pays," Franks says. "I don't want these guys, these bad actors who are corrupt, profiting from their notoriety."

Franks has introduced a bill in the state legislature that would keep Blagojevich from getting any of the promised profits. If he's convicted, any proceeds would go to the state treasury.

"I don't think Rod Blagojevich has a principled bone in his body," Franks said.

Blagojevich, ousted after his arrest by federal authorities on corruption charges that include allegations he tried to sell President Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat, plans to explain how he selected Obama's successor. Blagojevich denies any wrongdoing.

"He also plans on exposing the dark side of politics that he witnessed in both the state and national level," according to Selig's release.

Blagojevich will write about his rise in politics, including his election to Congress and his election and re-election as governor, Selig said. The former governor also promises to detail discussions and other factors that ultimately led him -- three weeks after his arrest -- to name Roland Burris to the Senate seat.

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Burris has since come under fire after revealing he had more contact with Blagojevich allies than he originally told lawmakers and that he tried to raise money for the then-governor. A Burris spokesman declined to comment on the book Monday, as did a spokesman for Blagojevich's successor, Gov. Pat Quinn. Randall Samborn, spokesman for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, also had no comment.

Selig said in the release that there were "some people in high places" who tried to prevent the book deal. But he did not elaborate and his office said Monday he would not discuss the contention further.

Blagojevich "does not intend to pull any punches and will reveal information and provide insights that will at times be embarrassing to himself as well as to others," according to Selig's release.

That had at least one former prosecutor suggesting Blagojevich better be careful.

Steven Miller, former chief of special prosecutions in the U.S. attorney's office, said "any potential defendant would be well advised to have his attorney screen the book to make sure there were no admissions that could be used against him at a trial.

Told the book was touted as containing embarrassing material, Miller noted "being embarrassed and being incriminated are two different concepts. There can be material that is embarrassing but not incriminating."

Miller said he "would not automatically say no" if one of his own clients announced plans to write a book, noting upsides could include improving Blagojevich's image and raising money he might need for his defense.

Aside from the "six-figure" description, the terms of Blagojevich's book deal were not disclosed.

"The governor chose to go with a large independent company because he wanted to tell his story without any restrictions over content that might've come with a major publishing house," Selig said.

Phoenix Books did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday. 

The former governor is facing the prospect of an expensive criminal trial after losing his $177,000-a-year job. His wife also recently was fired from a $100,000-a-year job.

Steve Brown, spokesman for Blagojevich's chief nemesis in the Legislature, Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, was dismissive of the book deal Monday.

"I think giving the guy more attention just causes his mental health problems to flourish," Brown said.

In Wicker Park Monday night, people were buzzing.

"He's going to be sued in any number of ways in civil lawsuits, so this may all in due course be attached, taken by creditors," said Wicker Park resident Jeff Becker.

"I feel like everyone cuts a book deal when they do something like this, so I'm not surprised," said Wicker Park resident Susanna Schmid.

"I think some people will buy it," said Wicker Park resident Sara Wraight. "People will buy anything."

Apparently that's why Phoenix Books, based in Beverly Hills, California, wants to publish it. And Phoenix should know. Their catalog includes a memoir by disgraced New York Times reporter, Jayson Blair; a tell-all by four Hollywood call girls; and a book written by Armin Meiwes, a German man who admitted killing and eating one of his friends.

CBS 2's Mike Parker and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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