The Blago Web Site: "It Was Time"
"Rod Blagojevich needed his own Web site. It was time," Blagojevich's spokesman said in a press release.
The site marks an effort by the former governor to build up his personal brand and make a living now as a private citizen. Lacking access to some of the "f***ing valuable thing[s]" he could depend on as governor (such as the right to appoint someone to Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama, which he said was something you "just don't give…away for nothing"), Blagojevich uses his new site to push his upcoming book and radio talk show as well as profess his innocence.
The site notes that Blagojevich "made history in August 2009 when he became the first former elected official still facing charges to be named host of his own radio show."
He "asserts he is innocent of all charges and looks forward to his day in court," the site reads. "In the meantime, he's not holding back. He's not playing politics or playing nice. He's simply speaking his mind and telling the truth!"
Would you like to have Blagojevich come to your college or corporation even as he prepares for his trial? You can! And, according to the site, you should: "Because of his dynamic presentation and passion for people, Gov. Rod Blagojevich is one of the most sought after public figures for public speaking and appearances."
And don't worry if you can't afford a personal appearance: Even though a judge barred the former governor from competing on " I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!," "Rod continues to field offers from networks and production companies."
Blagojevich was indicted in April on corruption charges, after having been removed from office in January, and reportedly could go to trial as early as next April. In addition to charges that he effectively tried to sell Mr. Obama's Senate seat, he is accused of extortion, using his office to try to get critics fired and other illegal activities.