Oct 24, 2008 6:54 pm US/Central
Blagojevich Says He Can Woo Voters Back
Governor Blames His 13% Approval Rating On Economy
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Gov. Rod Blagojevich (File)
CBS
Gov. Rod Blagojevich is blaming the nation's financial meltdown for his dismal standing among Illinois voters.
Blagojevich is getting angry, saying voters are blaming all politicians. He thinks his legal troubles have nothing to do with it.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports those troubles with the federal government seem to get more complex by the day. The latest wrinkle has the U.S. Attorney going after financial records of Blagojevich pal and lobbyist John Wyma. Then there's the interest by the feds into the real estate dealings between the governor's wife, Patti, and those seeking state contracts.
The governor was barraged by reporters about all those things Friday when talked about his 13 percent approval rating.
"That's a baker's dozen isn't it? I consider that a lucky number," Blagojevich said.
He blamed it on the economy, then took on the role of persistent suitor.
"I love the people of Illinois more today than I did before and if it's a case of unrequited love at this point, I'll just have to work extra hard and get them to love me again," Blagojevich said.
Enter the governor's own "Joe the Plumber" – Laura the public aid worker.
"He's for the needy, not the greedy. And if everybody doesn't see that, I don't know what's wrong with them," Laura Jozsa said.
With that, the governor said he would take no more questions. But there were more, about the feds prying into his wife's dealings.
"I have nothing to do with her business," Blagojevich said. "She's in great shape and everything's fine. We do everything right and appropriate."
There were more questions: "Have you been notified that you're a target of the feds, and have your tax records been subpoenaed?" a reporter asked.
"Those are stupid questions because they're not relevant… they're not relevant!" Blagojevich said.
The governor believes that if he had been running for re election this year, he could have made the voters fall in love with him again by helping them and challenging the status quo. He told reporters he believes he might have won by 10 points.
He sure would have had Laura's vote.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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