U.S. & World News

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Deposed Gov. Rod Blagojevich took to the airwaves as a radio host Wednesday, and he told listeners that he was "hijacked" from office.

Blagojevich was doing two hours on WLS-AM 890 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., filling in for regular hosts Don Wade & Roma. He took guests and phone calls.

Blagojevich arrived just before 6 a.m. at the WLS studios. He walked through the front door rather than driving in through the garage as he would have done back when he was governor.

Before entering the WLS building, Blagojevich spoke briefly to the reporters gathered outside. He acknowledged that he's used to being on the other side of the microphone, but he said he would do his best and be as polite as possible to his guests.

At 7 a.m., he went on the air, accompanied by Wendy Snyder, and talked about Gov. Pat Quinn's proposed 50 percent income tax hike. Blagojevich says it's the "worse thing" Illinois could do, and he says it would hurt small business. He took comment from callers who seemed to agree.

He added that Quinn should "reverse course and change his mind" about raising the income tax to try to plug an $11.5 billion deficit.

He seemed to stumble over his title as "former governor" when he introduced himself at the start of the show but eventually started to sound more confident. Blagojevich is a radio host novice and he acknowledged it, saying the morning gig was harder than being governor.

Later, Blagojevich got a healthy dose of sympathy from CNN's D.L. Hughley, who was a call-in guest on the show.

He hinted at his legal problems on air, saying he has some challenges ahead but that he trusts in the truth.

Blagojevich also took a moment to plug the book he's writing, but admitted it isn't coming easily. He joked about only being a few pages into it.

Before Blagojevich was removed from office by Illinois legislators on Jan. 29, WLS offered him a regular radio show if he would resign. But he steadfastly refused to do so.

Since leaving office, Blagojevich has kept an active media schedule, with appearances on programs from Larry King to David Letterman. He has shown up on every network that has requested an interview for him.

Among the other issues the former governor had been expected to talk about is the case of former Chicago Ald. Ed Vrdolyak, who was able to escape jail time after pleading guilty in his corruption case.

On Tuesday, Blagojevich retained Vrdolyak's former attorney, Terence P. Gillespie.

But the highlight of the morning might come when Blagojevich meets the stars of a Second City comedy spoof of his troubles. The show is called "Rod Blagojevich, Superstar," and pokes fun at Blagojevich, his wife Patti, and his family.

The actor who plays the governor, and another one who plays his father in law, Ald. Richard Mell (33rd), are scheduled to spar with Blagojevich.

Some experts have said Blagojevich's choice to keep on seeking the spotlight is a bad idea.

"I would just lay low and keep my mouth shut. That's the legally prudent thing to do," said Chicago attorney John Beal, who doesn't represent Blagojevich.

But publicist Glenn Selig said there's no concern Blagojevich's appearance will hurt his legal case.

"He's going to be the interviewer in this capacity and have a good time on the radio," Selig said.

There's also a good reason for Blagojevich to seek the publicity. He has a book due out in October and attention - good or bad - can drive sales. Selig has promised the book will expose the seamier side of politics.

Gillespie did not return a call for comment Tuesday. He said earlier Tuesday that Blagojevich's defense team was "still in flux" after the former chief defense counsel quit in January. Edward M. Genson had hinted Blagojevich, who publicly complained about the federal charges, didn't listen to him.

(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)