Blago Wanted Oprah for Senate

Kicks off media blitz as his impeachment trial begins in Illinois
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 26, 2009 9:02 AM CST

Rod Blagojevich considered handing Barack Obama’s Senate seat to Oprah Winfrey, he told Good Morning America today in an appearance made while boycotting his impeachment trial, which starts today. "She seemed to be someone who had helped Barack Obama in a significant way to become president," Blagojevich said of Winfrey, adding that "she had a much broader bully pulpit than a lot of senators."

Blago’s comment is one of many he'll make during his daylong media blitz—he will defend himself on The View, Today, and Larry King Live rather than at his own trial. But did he try to auction off Obama's Senate seat, as he is accused? "Absolutely not and I'll have a chance in a criminal case to show my innocence and bring witnesses."
(More Rod Blagojevich stories.)

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