PR NewsChannel - Blagojevich

CHICAGO / The following is a statement from Rod Blagojevich, former governor of Illinois, on today's announcement by Richard M. Daley that he will not seek re-election as mayor of Chicago: "In some respects it’s hard to imagine Chicago without a Daley as its mayor.  Like his father before him, Richard M. Daley has been the mayor of Chicago for a long time and the only mayor that a lot of people have ever known. "His years as mayor are filled with many significant achievements for Chicago: the city that he served so long and the city he loved so much." To receive latest updates from Rod Blagojevich via email: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> RSS feed of Press Releases/News Alerts for desktops, custom homepages or websites: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103">https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103</A> Rod Blagojevich's official website: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A> Twitter Page for Rod Blagojevich @governorrod: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod">http://www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) Twitter: @publicity agency - <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Tampa Main Office: (813) 708-1220 Chicago: (312) 546-3034 Glenn Selig Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Cell Phone: (813) 300-5454 (Blackberry) RELATED LINKS: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">www.governorrod.com</A> <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod">www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

CHICAGO and NEW YORK / The former governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich has accepted an invitation to appear at <A title="advertising week" href="http://www.advertisingweek.com" target=_blank>Advertising Week</A>, a premier event for advertising and media leaders that will also feature Sir Richard Branson, Oscar de la Hoya, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Oliver Stone and Mary J. Blige. "The governor is looking forward to being a part of such a big event for advertising and media leaders," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's publicist.   Advertising Week is North America’s largest annual gathering of advertising and media industry leaders which will be held in New York, September 27 - October 1.  A special one-on-one discussion with former Gov. <A title="rod blagojevich" href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> will be included as part of the Advertising Week Trust Forum.  The forum also features Harvard professor Nancy Koehn and privacy chiefs from Google, Microsoft and Yahoo! Selig says Blagojevich has recently been asked to speak or attend several other upcoming events.  Other announcements, he says, are forthcoming.   To view the press release from Advertising Week on the event please visit <A title="Advertising Week press release" href="https://prnewschannel.com/pdf/2010_Advertising_Week_PR.pdf" target=_blank>prnewschannel.com/pdf/2010_Advertising_Week_PR.pdf</A> RELATED LINKS: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">www.governorrod.com</A> <A href="http://www.advertisingweek.com">www.advertisingweek.com</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: Glenn Selig <A title="pr firm" href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>:  The Publicity Agency Phone:  (813) 708-1220 Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>

CHICAGO / The following is a statement from Glenn Selig, spokesman for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, in response to comments by Attorney General Lisa Madigan in which she calls the governor "a liar." STATEMENT: "Former Gov. Blagojevich never said he talked directly with Lisa Madigan or her father Mike Madigan about his intentions to name her a U.S. Senator.  The fact is Gov. Blagojevich was working through President Obama’s Chief of Staff Rahm Emamuel, U.S. Senators Harry Reid and Robert Menendez and Congressman Jerry Costello to reach out to Mike Madigan to broker a deal that in exchange for appointing Madigan's daughter to the U.S. Senate, Madigan would pass a public works bill he had been holding up that would create jobs, he would expand health care coverage and he would sign a written memorandum of understanding not to raise taxes. Taped recordings about that deal were presented at trial.  "Lisa Madigan is flat out lying when she says she has not spoken to Blagojevich in ‘more years than I can count on one hand.’  Lisa Madigan spoke with Gov. Blagojevich as recently as the 2008 Democratic National Convention on the convention floor to ask him to spare the budget for the Attorney General's office.  "I would also urge you to challenge her to tell you what she remembers about a visit she made with her father to the governor’s campaign office on Sunday, January 14, 2006 at 2:00pm seeking two and a half percent of the governor’s campaign funds which amounted to $396,491.25 to use against Alexi Giannoulias who at that time was running for state treasurer.  She came to the very campaign office she made the subject of an investigation a year earlier.  She listened as her father asked the governor to tap into his campaign fund. "You should also ask both Madigans whether they were interviewed by the FBI about the U.S. Senate appointment and if the FBI asked them who approached them about the Senate seat and what answer, if any, they gave the FBI. "If they choose not to answer those questions, they may have an opportunity to do so at the second trial because the governor says both of them will be subpoenaed to testify about their respective roles in choosing President Obama’s successor.” MEDIA INTERVIEWS: Please send ALL requests for interviews via EMAIL to <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>. Due to the overwhelming number of requests for interviews we regularly receive, it may not be possible to personally respond to every email. To receive latest updates via email: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> RSS feed of Press Releases/News Alerts for desktops, custom homepages or websites: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103">https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103</A> Rod Blagojevich's Official Website: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A> Twitter Page for Rod Blagojevich @governorrod: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod">http://www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) Tampa Main Office: (813) 708-1220 Chicago: (312) 546-3034 Twitter Page for The Publicity Agency @publicityagency: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>

WASHINGTON / Following an announcement from U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald that he planned to retry Rod Blagojevich that came minutes after a jury refused to convict the former Illinois governor on any of the corruption charges, the 'National Review' has published an article entitled 'Who Prosecutes the Prosecutor.' The article begins like this: "Patrick Fitzgerald, the man behind the Blagojevich case, has institutionalized a disturbing modus operandi... A trial in the court of public opinion is followed by a long, drawn-out legal process designed to bankrupt the defendant, who does not have the prosecutor’s publicly generated capital. This is capped off by an underwhelming case that, after weeks of depositions and testimonies, results in something like a perjury conviction as a booby prize when the trumped-up case collapses." To read the entire article, please visit <A href="http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/244158/who-prosecutes-prosecutor-victor-davis-hanson">http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/244158/who-prosecutes-prosecutor-victor-davis-hanson</A>. MEDIA INTERVIEWS: Please send ALL requests for interviews via EMAIL to <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>. Due to the overwhelming number of requests for interviews we regularly receive, it may not be possible to personally respond to every email. NEWS ALERTS: We will prepare and send releases, as needed. Please make sure your news organization and key personnel are signed up to receive these alerts. To receive latest updates via email: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> RSS feed of Press Releases/News Alerts for desktops, custom homepages or websites: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103">https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103</A> Rod Blagojevich's Official Website: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A> Twitter Page for Rod Blagojevich @governorrod: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod">http://www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> Twitter Page for The Publicity Agency @publicityagency: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) Tampa Main Office: (813) 708-1220 Chicago: (312) 546-3034 Glenn Selig Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Cell Phone: (813) 300-5454 (Blackberry)

CHICAGO / Rod Blagojevich appeared on NBC’s Today Show this morning, reports Tampa PR Firm, The Publicity Agency (<A title="The Publicity Agency" href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>). This is the former Illinois Governor’s first interview since a verdict was reached in his federal corruption trial. Blagojevich was found guilty on only one of the 24 charges filed against him, making false statements to the F.B. I, a verdict he will appeal. Prosecutors say they are planning on a retrial even as The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal editorial boards have questioned the US Attorney's move to retry the governor. <A title="The Wall Street Journal" href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703649004575437490986410482.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop" target=_blank>The Wall Street Journal</A> even called for Patrick Fitzgerald to resign. This morning, Blagojevich told NBC's Meredith Vieira, "I'm absolutely very determined to seek vindication. I have done absolutely nothing wrong. This is a persecution by a prosecutor who for six years tried to persecute me." <OBJECT width=480 height=385><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/uKVIzcDUDYA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uKVIzcDUDYA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></OBJECT> Blagojevich also told Vieira he is ready to testify, should he face a new trial. "Look, I wanted to take the stand the first time around," he said. "I am fully willing to do it the second time around, if there is one." <OBJECT width=480 height=385><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/vu1-p2aMhd8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vu1-p2aMhd8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></OBJECT> The former Governor will do interviews with two Chicago radio stations today. He will also appear on FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Monday night. MEDIA INTERVIEWS: Please send ALL requests for interviews via EMAIL to <A title="Email The Publicity Agency" href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A>. Due to the overwhelming number of requests for interviews we regularly receive, it may not be possible to personally respond to every email. NEWS ALERTS: We will prepare and send releases, as needed. Please make sure your news organization and key personnel are signed up to receive these alerts. To receive latest updates via email: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> RSS feed of Press Releases/News Alerts for desktops, custom homepages or websites: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103" target=_blank>https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103</A> Rod Blagojevich's Official Website: <A title="Governor Rod" href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>http://www.governorrod.com</A> Twitter Page for Rod Blagojevich @governorrod: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> Twitter Page for The Publicity Agency @publicityagency: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: The Publicity Agency (<A title="The Publicity Agency" href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) Tampa Main Office: (813) 708-1220 Chicago: (312) 546-3034 Glenn Selig Email: <A title="Glenn Selig" href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Cell Phone: (813) 300-5454 (Blackberry)

CHICAGO / NBC's TODAY program has landed the first post-verdict interview with Rod Blagojevich, the PR firm that represents the former governor of Illinois report today. Glenn Selig of The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) will appear on the program tomorrow (Friday) and will be interviewed by Meredith Vieira. Other scheduled appearances and interviews include a live interview with Chris Wallace on 'Fox News Sunday' and an interview with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central's 'The Daily Show.' ROD BLAGOJEVICH SCHEDULE: FRIDAY: Time (ET) 7:00am TODAY show (NBC)- New York 8:00am WLS-AM Radio - Don and Roma show 4:00pm WVON Radio - Cliff Kelley SATURDAY: No interviews SUNDAY: 9:00am FOX NEWS SUNDAY (Fox)- Washington, D.C. MONDAY: 11:00pm THE DAILY SHOW with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)- New York MEDIA INTERVIEWS: Please send ALL requests for interviews via EMAIL to <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>. Due to the overwhelming number of requests for interviews we regularly receive, it may not be possible to personally respond to every email. Again, requests should be sent to <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>. NEWS ALERTS: We will prepare and send releases, as needed. Please make sure your news organization and key personnel are signed up to receive these alerts. To receive latest updates via email: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> RSS feed of Press Releases/News Alerts for desktops, custom homepages or websites: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103">https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103</A> Rod Blagojevich's Official Website: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A> Twitter Page for Rod Blagojevich @governorrod: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod">http://www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> Twitter Page for The Publicity Agency @publicityagency: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) Tampa Main Office: (813) 708-1220 Chicago: (312) 546-3034 Glenn Selig Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Cell Phone: (813) 300-5454 (Blackberry)

CHICAGO / Two national newspapers printed editorials calling for US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald to back off Gov. Rod Blagojevich, one paper called on him to resign.  Earlier this week, Blagojevich was convicted on just one of 24 felony counts against him in federal court. A federal jury could agree only on the least serious charge of lying to the FBI five years ago in the case against the former governor of Illinois. The Washington Post editorial says "Mr. Fitzgerald's team needed to convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt. It didn't...the prosecutor took his shot and lost." (To read The Washington Post editorial, please visit: <A href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/18/AR2010081805283.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/18/AR2010081805283.html</A>) The Post says Fitzgerald is now bordering on the line of persecution, just as the governor said after he left the courtroom Tuesday afternoon. In a separate editorial this morning, The Wall Street Journal calls for the prosecutor's resignation after what it calls a pattern of poor attempts for prosecution against high-profile defendants. The Journal says, "If Mr. Fitzgerald doesn't resign of his own accord, the Justice Department should remove him. The fiasco marked another defeat for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, whose conduct more and more suggests another unaccountable federal prosecutor run amok." (To read The Wall Street Journal's editorial, please visit: <A href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703649004575437490986410482.html?KEYWORDS=blagojevich">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703649004575437490986410482.html?KEYWORDS=blagojevich</A>) Fitzerald's team announced in court this week, it will seek to retry the former governor after it failed to win favor with the jury on the more serious charges against Blagojevich and his brother, Robert. MEDIA REQUESTS FOR INTERVIEWS WITH FORMER GOV. BLAGOJEVICH: Please send ALL requests for interviews via EMAIL to <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>. Due to the overwhelming number of requests for interviews we regularly receive, it may not be possible to personally respond to every email. To receive latest updates via email: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> RSS feed of Press Releases/News Alerts for desktops, custom homepages or websites: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103">https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103</A> Rod Blagojevich's Official Website: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A> Twitter Page for Rod Blagojevich @governorrod: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod">http://www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> Twitter Page for The Publicity Agency @publicityagency: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) Tampa Main Office: (813) 708-1220 Chicago: (312) 546-3034 Glenn Selig Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 300-5454 (Blackberry)

CHICAGO / During a brief press conference this afternoon, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich told reporters he would fight the single criminal charge of which jurors convicted him. "Patti and I are going to continue to fight, because this fight is a lot bigger than just me," Blagojevich said an hour after the judge declared a mistrial on 23 of the 24 charges the politician faced. The jury, which deliberated for 14 days, convicted Blagojevich of lying to federal agents in 2005, three years prior to his arrest. The Democrat called it "one nebulous charge from years ago." "I want the people of Illinois to know I did not lie to the FBI. I've told the truth from the very beginning. This is a persecution. We have a prosecutor who wants to spend tens of millions of the taxpayers’ money. Most people say you can’t fight city hall…they threw everything they could at me, and the government did not prove its case," Blagojevich said. His publicist, Glenn Selig, said Blagojevich will not be granting interviews tonight (Tuesday evening). MEDIA INTERVIEWS: Please send ALL requests for interviews via EMAIL to <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A>. Due to the overwhelming number of requests for interviews we regularly receive, it may not be possible to personally respond to every email. Again, requests should be sent to <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A>. NEWS ALERTS: We will prepare and send releases, as needed. Please make sure your news organization and key personnel are signed up to receive these alerts. To receive latest updates via email: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> RSS feed of Press Releases/News Alerts for desktops, custom homepages or websites: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103" target=_blank>https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103</A> Rod Blagojevich's Official Website: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>http://www.governorrod.com</A> Twitter Page for Rod Blagojevich @governorrod: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> Twitter Page for The Publicity Agency @publicityagency: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) Tampa Main Office: (813) 708-1220 Chicago: (312) 546-3034 Glenn Selig Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 300-5454 (Blackberry)

CHICAGO / As "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," the <A title="universal studios attraction" href="http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter" target=_blank>Universal Studios attraction</A> that led to Rod Blagojevich's firing from 'Celebrity Apprentice,' opened to the public, Blagojevich is apparently looking forward to visiting "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" with his daughters and wife, Patti. "He had a great time on the show and he looks forward to seeing the Harry Potter attraction now that it's open.  His regret regarding the show is that he didn't make money for the charity he was playing for--the Children's Cancer Center of Tampa," said Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's spokesman.  "He wishes Universal Studios and NBC the best of success with the <A href="http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter" target=_blank>Harry Potter attraction</A>." Hampered by being unable to text, email or surf the Internet, the former Illinois governor's team RockSolid lost the challenge and Donald Trump fired Blagojevich. <OBJECT width=640 height=385><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/aUGbvLgOyrs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aUGbvLgOyrs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></OBJECT> Blagojevich had delegated most of the project manager responsibilities to Bret Michaels, who unltimately went on to win the celebrity competition. Selig says since the show, the former governor of Illinois has grown more comfortable with texting and email.  (Visit Rod Blagojevich's Twitter page <A title="rod blagojevich on twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod" target=_blank>@governorrod</A>.) "He still prefers to talk than email or text," says Selig.  To contact Rod Blagojevich, please visit his website <A title=governorrod.com href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>http://www.governorrod.com</A>.  For more on the Universal Studios Orlando attraction, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," please visit <A title="Universal Studios Harry Potter" href="http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter">http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter</A>.

CHICAGO / Tweets are piling in on <A title=Twitter href="http://www.twitter.com" target=_blank>Twitter</A> about the trial of former <A title="Rod Blagojevich website" href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Gov. Rod Blagojevich</A> which begins today.  Many of the messages are coming from Blagojevich backers, who are showing their support.  @Xavierchistos:  Best of luck to you. Those of us who know Chicago really can see this for what it is. @IP0905: good luck.  Hope they release all the tapes. @JanetRudd:  Innocent till proven guilty.  I'm watching closely. @keenansaulter: keep an open mind regarding the Blagojevich trial-remember everyone has a right to a FAIR UNBIASED trial by jury!!!! "It's heartwarming to see and I can't tell you how much the former governor and his wife Patti appreciate the words of encouragement whether they come via Twitter, email or snail mail," says Glennn Selig, the Blagojevich's publicist.  Jury selection begins today at 11am at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago.  Selig says both Blagojevich and his wife Patti will be  in court.  Their children will not attend. New!  Follow Rod Blagojevich on Twitter:  <A title="Governor Blagojevich on Twitter" href="http://www.governorrod.com/" target=_blank>@governorrod</A>.  Or visit his website at <A title="rod blagojevich website" href="http://www.governorrod.com/" target=_blank>http://www.governorrod.com</A>. To receive latest updates via Email: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> RSS feed of Press Releases/News Alerts for desktops, custom homepages or websites: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103">https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103</A> Rod Blagojevich's Official Website: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A> New! Twitter Page for Rod Blagojevich <A title="governor rod blagojevich on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod" target=_blank>@governorrod</A> <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod">http://www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> Twitter Page for The Publicity Agency @publicityagency <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: <A title="pr firm" href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) Main Office-Tampa: (813)708-1220 Chicago: (312) 546-3034 Primary Glenn Selig -Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry) *Preferred communication method -Office Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 *Alerts immediately sent via email when messages are left.  -Cell:  (813) 300-5454 *Texting is fine but please identify yourself. Secondary Kim Polacek -Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> *Preferred communication method -Office Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7780 *Alerts immediately sent via email when messages are left.

CHICAGO / Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich today thanked listeners of his weekly radio program after top talk Chicago station WLS-AM announced this morning that, out of respect for the judicial process, it would put his show on hiatus, and shift Blagojevich to the role of contributor, until after his trial. "I am grateful to have hosted my own show during this wilderness period.  It gave me a chance to talk to people about a host of issues and topics and also help them understand that I am not the man prosecutors have portrayed me to be and that I did not do those things they say I did.  But most importantly I want the people of Illinois to know that I did not let them down or betray their trust.  I thank all those who listened and especially the regular callers.  I look forward to coming back to the show when the trial is over and I am vindicated, perhaps in an even better time slot. "I thank WLS for hiring me and continuing to give me a voice even with this cloud over my head.  That takes guts.  I am looking forward to clearing my name and for the truth to come out.  I am proud to be working for such a station." Blagojevich was a live guest on WLS-AM's morning show when the station made the announcement to the public. To receive latest updates via Email: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> RSS feed of Press Releases/News Alerts for desktops, custom homepages or websites: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103">https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103</A> Rod Blagojevich's Official Website: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A> New! Twitter Page for Rod Blagojevich <A title="governor rod on twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod" target=_blank>@governorrod</A> <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod">http://www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> Twitter Page for The Publicity Agency <A title="publicity agency on twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>@publicityagency</A> <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) Main Office-Tampa: (813)708-1220 Chicago: (312) 546-3034 Primary Glenn Selig -Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry) *Preferred communication method -Office Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 *Alerts immediately sent via email when messages are left.  -Cell:  (813) 300-5454 *Texting is fine but please identify yourself. Secondary Kim Polacek -Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> *Preferred communication method -Office Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7780 *Alerts immediately sent via email when messages are left.

CHICAGO and TAMPA, Fla. / The <A title="public relations team" href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>public relations team</A> representing Rod Blagojevich released the following media contacts and planning information for news oulets covering the former governor's trial which is scheduled to begin Thursday, June 3, 2010, in Chicago.  ***Please share this information with reporters, producers and editors on your team. MEDIA INTERVIEWS/REQUESTS: The former governor has been outspoken since his arrest in December, 2008.  Please send ALL requests for interviews via EMAIL to <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>.  The team will consider these requests on a case by case basis.  Due to the overwhelming number of requests for interviews we regularly receive, it may not be possible to personally respond to every email.  Again, requests should be sent to <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>. PRESS RELEASES: We will prepare and send press releases as needed. Please make sure your news organization and key personnel are signed up to receive those alerts--the link to do so is below as are other connection methods. To receive latest updates via Email: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> RSS feed of Press Releases/News Alerts for desktops, custom homepages or websites: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103">https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/rss.aspx?z=103</A> Rod Blagojevich's Official Website: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A> New! Twitter Page for Rod Blagojevich <A title="gov blagojevich on twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod" target=_blank>@governorrod</A>: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/governorrod">http://www.twitter.com/governorrod</A> Twitter Page for The Publicity Agency @<A title="publicity agency on twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>publicityagency</A>: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> MEDIA CONTACTS: The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) Main Office-Tampa: (813)708-1220 Chicago: (312) 546-3034 Primary Glenn Selig -Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry) *Preferred communication method -Office Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 *Alerts immediately sent via email when messages are left.  -Cell:  (813) 300-5454 *Texting is fine but please identify yourself. Secondary Kim Polacek -Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> *Preferred communication method -Office Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7780 *Alerts immediately sent via email when messages are left.

CHICAGO / In what is expected to be <A title="rod blagojevich" href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A>'s final radio show before the start of his trial on corruption charges, the former Illinois governor took aim at "sneaky" prosecutors who've spent more than a year trying to destroy him. "My government is doing something very wrong to me and my family," Blagojevich said on WLS-AM this afternoon.  "That soon will be over when we begin (the trial) on Thursday." Blagojevich said while no tax dollars have been used for his defense because it is campaign money that is financing it, he accused the government of wasting millions of dollars in taxpayer money to prosecute him.  "I'm telling you now I am an honest man.  The government will not be able to show that I took one... penny that I wasn't entitled to," Blagojevich said.  "Whether you voted for me or not... you should know I did not do these things and I am an honest man." Since his arrest Dec. 2008, Blagojevich has done everything but keep a low profile.  He has done more than a hundred radio, TV and print interviews since being arrested and forced from office.  He has also written his memoirs, THE GOVERNOR.  He even recently competed in the Donald Trump reality show CELEBRITY APPRENTICE on NBC. "I am an innocent man and I can't wait to get it on Thursday!" Media Contact: Glenn Selig <A title="pr firm" href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>:  The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Website:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

NEW YORK / <a title="rod blagojevich" href="http://www.governorrod.com" target="_blank">Rod Blagojevich</a> is in New York and will attend tonight's live finale of NBC's 'Celebrity Apprentice' to reunite with his fellow contestants. It's down to the final two:  singer Bret Michaels and actress Holly Robinson Peete.  Michaels recently suffered what is described as a "warning" stroke and has been plagued recently with health-related issues.  Blagojevich competed on the program with the hopes of raising money and awareness for the Children's Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla.  Reps from the Children's Cancer Center were invited to the finale and will be attending as well, according to Blagojevich's spokesman Glenn Selig. The 2-hour finale of 'Celebrity Apprentice' begins at 9/8pm tonight on NBC.  For more information on Rod Blagojevich, please visit his website at <a href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</a>.  Media Contact: Glenn Selig <a title="pr firm" href="http://WWW.THEPUBLICITYAGENCY.COM" target="_blank">PR Firm</a>:  The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> Website:  <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</a>

TAMPA, Fla. / The following statement is from Glenn Selig, spokesman for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, on the closing of Phoenix Books and Audio, which published Blagojevich's memoir THE GOVERNOR: "The governor was sorry to hear about Phoenix closing and the jobs that will be lost because of it.   The ripple effect will no doubt impact him in some way as it will many other authors.  The governor will always be grateful to Phoenix and to its late publisher Michael Vinor for believing in him and for giving him a platform to share the truth." For the latest news on Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>.  To sign up for email updates <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A>. Media Contacts:  Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="http://[email protected]">http://[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A>

CHICAGO and NEW YORK / In his first interview since calling prosecutors 'liars and cowards' and filing a motion calling on President Obama to testify at his trial, Rod Blagojevich talks on camera exclusively with Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren. 'On the Record' will air the interview, conducted at former Gov. Blagojevich's residence over the weekend, tonight at 10:00pm ET. For the latest developments on Rod Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter, <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>.  To receive email alerts, please visit <A href="http://thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm">http://thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="http://[email protected]">http://[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flannary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A>

TAMPA, Fla. / <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>NEWSWEEK</A> magazine produced a montage video that features Rod Blagojevich and his remarks to reporters where he called prosecutors "cowards and liars." The video, on NEWSWEEK's homepage, contains video clips from MSNBC, Fox News and from local stations in Chicago and elsewhere in the U.S. and features anchors, reporters and pundits reacting to Blagojevich's allegations and most recent efforts to let everyone know that he is innocent. For a direct link to the video online: <A href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/40211#?l=1785302026&t=79404539001">http://www.newsweek.com/id/40211#?l=1785302026&t=79404539001</A>.   <OBJECT width=425 height=398><PARAM NAME="allowfullscreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><PARAM NAME="wmode" VALUE="transparent"><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://bc.newsweek.com/players/v2/embed/newsweek.swf?l=1785302026&t=79404539001&c=40211"> <embed src="http://bc.newsweek.com/players/v2/embed/newsweek.swf?l=1785302026&t=79404539001&c=40211" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="398"></embed></OBJECT> Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his wife Patti are represented by the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>), (813) 708-1220. For the latest developments on Rod Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter, <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>.  To receive email alerts, please visit <A href="http://thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm">http://thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm</A>.

OAK LAWN, Ill. / Former Illinois governor and life-long Elvis Presley admirer Rod Blagojevich has accepted an invitation to attend a speaking event featuring Rick Stanley, one of Elvis' stepbrothers to be held at the <A href="http://www.oaklawnfirst.org" target=_blank>Oak Lawn First Church of the Nazarene</A> on Saturday, April 24th at 6:30pm. "He is probably the most well-known Elvis fan there is in Chicago and I thought he would enjoy meeting Rick and hearing what he had say," says Jeff Grindle, associate pastor at the church and organizer of the event.  "I also wanted the governor to know that I was praying for him and he had a friend here." Stanley is one of the three stepbrothers Presley had when his father remarried. In a true, rags-to-riches story, Stanley went from living at a foster care facility to living with Elvis at Graceland. In his insightful look into Elvis' inner circle and private life, Stanley shares the details of Presley's generous and loving nature. "(After we arrived at Graceland) We woke up the next day to find three bikes, three dogs, three cats, three ponies, three swing sets; three of everything little boys would want," says Stanley. "Elvis had sent his employees to stores that night to find everything and he broke his sleeping-all-day routine just so he could see our faces when we saw all this stuff!" Stanley's story will give a family member's insight into what Elvis was really like. Earlier this year, the <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>former Illinois governor</A> was named the #2 all-time Elvis impersonator by TIME magazine, and became an Internet sensation after performing an Elvis classic at a corporate event in Chicago last year. "It was so nice of the pastor to reach out to me like this and to invite me to the event," says Blagojevich. "I look forward to meeting the pastor, Rick Stanley and everyone at the Elvis event."  The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the event, please visit <A href="http://www.OakLawnFirst.org" target=_blank>www.OakLawnFirst.org</A>, or call (708)-599-5559.

CHICAGO / Rod Blagojevich who late Tuesday called prosecutors 'cowards and liars' will be coming to talk on WLS-AM 890 in Chicago Wednesday morning, the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> that represents the former governor announced. He will speak with Don Wade and Roma about remarks he made Tuesday that has become the talk of Chicago, according to Glenn Selig, the former governor's publicist. Tuesday, in a two minute statement to the media, carried live by local Chicago stations, Blagojevich condemned prosecutors for the lies he says they've told about him and for their unfair treatment of his wife Patti. "They are cowards and liars," Blagojevich said. <EMBED name=PaperVideoTest pluginspage=http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer align=middle src=http://wgntv.vid.trb.com/player/PaperVideoTest.swf width=300 height=450 type=application/x-shockwave-flash salign="l" flashvars="&titleAvailable=true&playerAvailable=true&searchAvailable=false&shareFlag=N&singleURL=http://wgntv.vidcms.trb.com/alfresco/service/edge/content/f348ef6d-3733-4a4d-a307-cef4cf36b26a&propName=wgntv.com&hostURL=http://www.wgntv.com&swfPath=http://wgntv.vid.trb.com/player/&omAccount=tribglobal&omnitureServer=wgntv.com" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" menu="true" bgcolor="#ffffff" devicefont="false" wmode="transparent" scale="showall" loop="true" play="true" quality="high"></EMBED> Flanked by his criminal defense attorneys and surrounded by TV cameras and reporters, Blagojevich accused prosecutors of trying to cover up the truth in his case as evidenced by their efforts to prevent all the wiretapes that prosecutors secretly recorded from being heard in court during his upcoming trial. "They know when all those tapes will be played they will show I've done nothing wrong and will prove my innocence," Blagojevich said. He said he planned to be in federal court Wednesday for a hearing where a judge is expected to rule on various motions.  Blagojevich offered a challenge to Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. "I'll be in court tomorrow and I hope you are man enough to be there, too." Blagojevich says he is innocent of all charges against him. He will talk with Don and Roma on WLS-AM in Chicago during the 7am hour.  To listen live <A href="http://www.wlsam.com/article.asp?id=152352">http://www.wlsam.com/article.asp?id=152352</A>. Blagojevich is a talk show host on WLS.  His program airs live every Sunday from 12p-2pm. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="http://[email protected]">http://[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A>

CHICAGO, Ill. / The following is a news alert from Rod Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois. What:  Rod Blagojevich statement Why:  To comment on new developments in his case When:  5:03pm Central Where: Outside the Law Office of Sam Adam and Sam Adam, Jr. 6133 South Ellis Avenue Chicago, IL 60637 More information: The former governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich will make the strongest public statement to date concerning the charges he is facing. Blagojevich has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing and says he is innocent of all charges. The former governor will react to developments in this case. EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:  For stations planning to carry this statement from Rod Blagojevich live, please be advised that it will begin promptly at 5:03pm CST. Gov. Blagojevich will not be available for any interviews or comments prior to the 5:03pm Central statement.  Out of respect for his children, please avoid reporting or videotaping at or near his Chicago residence. Media Contact: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>:  The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / The following statement is from Rod Blagojevich, former governor of Illinois, on the Santiago proffer released today. “There is nothing new.  It’s the same old false allegations and lies.  I’m looking forward to trial so the truth comes out and everyone will see that I am innocent.” To sign up for updates on Rod Blagojevich: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm</A>, follow us on @publicityagency (<A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>) or visit <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Agency</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="http://[email protected]">http://[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

New York, N.Y. / Rod Blagojevich, whose unconventional approach to computers and cellular phones challenged the politician's stint as project leader on <A href="http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice" target=_blank>Donald Trump</A>'s CELEBRITY APPRENTICE series, sat down with <A href="http://ellen.warnerbros.com" target=_blank>Ellen DeGeneres</A> to talk about NBC's reality show. Illinois' former governor spent more than a decade in politics, a field wherein Blagojevich relied on others to make the calls and type the letters. But he's not alone in his novice approach to technology. <OBJECT width=425 height=344><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/euyjor9rqtU&hl=en&fs=1"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/euyjor9rqtU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></OBJECT> "You and I have something in common," Ellen told Blagojevich. "I just learned how to text message." Ellen added she began using email a year ago. Blagojevich has made strides with both since he appeared on <A href="http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice" target=_blank>CELEBRITY APPRENTICE</A>. He regularly exchanges texts with his daughter. The former governor has steadfastly maintained his innocence. In Dec. 2008, federal prosecutors indicted Blagojevich on charges related to an alleged sale of Pres. Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat. Blagojevich has urged U.S. prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald to play secretly-taped phone conversations in full on which the politician's credibility is called into question. Ellen asked Blagojevich why he agreed to participate in the show while his federal trial is pending. "I've been falsely accused," he answered. "When you're innocent you have this tremendous need to tell everybody you're innocent." Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="http://[email protected]" target=_blank>http://[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Fresh off of reading the 'Top Ten' on the "Late Show with David Letterman," Rod Blagojevich will appear tonight on Fox Newschannel's "On the Record w/ Greta Van Susteren," Saturday night on "Geraldo" and next week on the syndicated "The Wendy Williams Show," announced The Publicity Agency (http;//www.thepublicityagency.com), the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> that represents Blagojevich. Blagojevich competes in Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" which premiers this Sunday night on NBC. "The former governor is excited to be talking about "The Apprentice" and also enjoys weighing in on the issues that impact the lives of every day people," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's publicist.  "He has solutions to problems and keen insights to the political process.  He knows how to take complex issues and break them down in such a way that anyone can understand them." Scheduled Media Interviews: Friday night: 10pm et "On the Record" Fox Newschannel Topics:  Politics "Celebrity Apprentice" Saturday night: 10pm et "Geraldo at Large" Fox Newschannel Topics: Joins a panel that includes other former governors to discuss issues. Thursday: Time: Varies "Wendy Williams Show" Syndicated Topics: Variety To sign up for updates on Rod Blagojevich: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm</A>, follow us on @publicityagency (<A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>) or visit <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A>. To request an interview with Gov. Blagojevich, please use the media contacts below.  Email is preferred. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Agency</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="http://[email protected]">http://[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

New York, N.Y. / Just days before the former governor of Illinois battles business partners like Sinbad and Cyndi Lauper, reality show host and business mogul <A href="http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice" target=_blank>Donald Trump</A> praises <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A>'s gusto on NBC's 'Today.' <OBJECT width=340 height=285><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/7FHoIZAa4gs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7FHoIZAa4gs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></OBJECT> Trump, who hosts reality show '<A href="http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice" target=_blank>The Celebrity Apprentice</A>,' spoke with Matt Lauer regarding Blagojevich's role on the program's third season on NBC. "It's been very controversial," said Trump. "In fact, the federal government tried to stop Rod from being on the show. But he has a lot of guts." Lauer asked, "Why did you want him on the show?" Trump replied with one word: "Controversy." Controversy has figured prominently in Blagojevich's life since federal agents arrested him at his Chicago home in Dec. 2008. The former governor has publicly maintained his innocence, and even urged U.S. prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald multiple times to play secretly-taped phone conversations in full on which Blagojevich's political credibility is called into question. Blagojevich's trial is scheduled for June. Until then, he looks forward to competing on Trump's show and raising money for the <A href="http://www.childrenscancercenter.org" target=_blank>Children's Cancer Center</A> in Tampa. "I've always had a tremendous amount of admiration for Donald," said Blagojevich. NBC's 'The Celebrity Apprentice' premieres Sun., March 14 at 9 p.m. EST. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="http://[email protected]" target=_blank>http://[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

New York, N.Y. / Never one to shy away from a good laugh, <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> stole the show Wednesday when he presented the Top Ten list on 'The <A href="http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/" target=_blank>Late Show with David Letterman</A>.' The <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>former Illinois governor</A> delivered the Top Ten Questions Rod Blagojevich Asked Himself Before Appearing on 'Celebrity Apprentice': #10: "Can I get paid in shampoo?" #9: "Would I rather stay unemployed than work for Donald Trump?" #8: "Should I bring my attorney?" Click <A href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbu14v58y8U" target=_blank>here</A> to find out the #1 question Blagojevich asked himself prior to his 'Celebrity Apprentice' involvement with Trump. <OBJECT width=340 height=285><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/qbu14v58y8U&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qbu14v58y8U&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></OBJECT> His appearance on 'Letterman' coincides with Blagojevich's competition with fellow celebrities on the third season of <A href="http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice" target=_blank>Donald Trump</A>'s NBC reality show, 'The <A href="http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice" target=_blank>Celebrity Apprentice</A>.' The new season kicks off Sun., March 14 at 9 p.m. EST. Blagojevich will be raising money for his favorite charity, the <A href="http://www.childrenscancercenter.org" target=_blank>Children's Cancer Center</A> in Tampa. For updates please monitor <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>, or visit <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>http://www.governorrod.com</A>.  Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich says the recent reports about White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and his more than bare knuckled confrontation of a congressman in a men's locker room sounds like the Rahm Emanuel he knows: someone who's aggressive and would get the job done. "The idea that Rahm Emanuel would be in the house gym... lobbying another congressman whether he had clothes on or not is the reason I wanted him to cut the deal to make the attorney general a senator in exchange for jobs, health care and no taxes," Blagojevich said this morning on WLS-AM.  "Rahm is a tough guy who knows how to get things done... The story of him in the shower with Congressman Massa sure sounds like the Rahm I know." The congressman, Eric Massa, a democrat from upstate New York, resigned earlier this week after making the claim about Emanuel.  The White House has denied it. This morning Blagojevich was a guest of former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) who was filling in on the morning program. Besides of course playing a New York City district attorney on NBC's "Law and Order," Thompson is a former presidential contender, prosecutor and defense lawyer.  Thompson, while reserving judgement on Blagojevich, critized U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald for crossing the line when announcing the governor's arrest more than a year ago.  "For him to go out there to say that he was stopping a crime spree in advance is totally inappropriate.  He's doing the same thing in your case that he did in the Scooter Libby case.  He hijacked Scooter Libby.  He prosecuted a case there that should never have been prosecuted and he made public statements to prejudice his case that were false.  I don't know whether he's doing that in your case or not but a statement like that in advance of the trial is the wrong thing to do," Sen. Thompson said.  Scooter Libby is former Vice President Dick Cheney's Chief of Staff. Referencing the fact that Blagojevich has been interviewed on countless programs and is fresh off of doing the "Top Ten" for David Letterman, the actor asked Blagojevich "who's your agent and what's his phone number?" For the record, Blagojevich is represented by The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) and is handled by agency founder Glenn Selig. Listen to Sen. Fred Thompson and Rod Blagojevich on WLS (Courtesy: WLS-AM, Chicago):  <A href="http://www.prnewschannel.tv/play-music.php?viewkey=08345f7439f8ffabdffc">http://www.prnewschannel.tv/play-music.php?viewkey=08345f7439f8ffabdffc</A> To sign up for updates on Rod Blagojevich: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm</A>, follow us on @publicityagency (<A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>) or visit <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A>.  Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Agency</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Trackback URL: <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/templates/?a=2347&z=7">https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/templates/?a=2347&z=7</A>

Chicago, Ill. /  Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will read David Letterman's 'Top Ten' tomorrow on CBS' "Late Show." "Rod Blagojevich is thrilled to have been asked to do the 'Top Ten' on Letterman," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's spokesman and founder of The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>).  "He had a blast the last time he was on the show and has a great deal of respect for David Letterman. He looks forward to being on the show again." Barbara Walters, Olympic gold medal skater Evan Lysacek and Britney Spears have each recently been selected to read the 'Top Ten' on Letterman. "That's quite a group to be a part of," says Selig.  "He's honored and excited."  This Sunday, the former Illinois governor competes on NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice" to raise money for his favorite charity, the Children's Cancer Center in Tampa as he appears on the Donald Trump reality show. For updates: Please monitor <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> or visit <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>http://www.governorrod.com</A>.   Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

New York, N.Y. and Chicago, Ill. / Accusing his own political party of "wasting" the opportunity to pass comprehensive health care reform, former Illinois Gov. <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> expressed his disgust with Congress to Fox News' Neil Cavuto. "I'm disappointed in my fellow Democrats," said Blagojevich. "The public option is a fair way to correct the marketplace and give people options who otherwise can't afford health insurance. The Democrats have wasted time and were posturing during the health care summit." <OBJECT width=340 height=285><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/7r6vwdyOWQ0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7r6vwdyOWQ0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></OBJECT> Blagojevich also reacted to New York Gov. <A href="http://www.state.ny.us/governor" target=_blank>David Paterson</A>'s announcement that he would not seek another term. Paterson's aide is embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of physical abuse toward a woman. "If he didn't do anything wrong, he shouldn't quit. He should fight," said Blagojevich, who was removed from office last year and faces criminal charges related to selling Pres. Barack Obama's vacant Sentate seat. Rod Blagojevich faces trial in June, but will first star in <A href="http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice" target=_blank>Donald Trump</A>'s reality business show, <A href="http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice" target=_blank>'Celebrity Apprentice</A>,' which premieres March 16 on NBC. For updates, please monitor <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected](BlackBerry" target=_blank>[email protected](BlackBerry</A>) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

New York, N.Y. and Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> declared his innocence to Fox News host Geraldo Rivera, days following the impeached politician's plea of "innocent" on revised federal charges. "I'm innocent, Geraldo," Blagojevich told Rivera on '<A href="http://www.foxnews.com/geraldo" target=_blank>Geraldo at Large</A>' Sunday night. "Don't you think the interest of justice trumps political considerations? I'm not afraid of what I did or what I said. I want those tapes heard by the people." <OBJECT width=320 height=265><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/TGIqecQu1O0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TGIqecQu1O0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></OBJECT> Rivera replied, "I think you were totally screwed by [US Attorney] Patrick Fitzgerald. He was motor-mouthed in saying things that were totally inappropriate." Following Blagojevich's arrest in December 2008 Fitzgerald infamously stated that the governor's conduct "would make Lincoln roll over in his grave." Blagojevich insists he never attempted to 'sell' then President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat. "I want you to get justice in this case," Rivera told Blagojevich, whose trial is scheduled to take place in June. Rivera also asked the former governor about his upcoming appearance with stars like Bret Michaels and Sinbad on <A href="http://www.trump.com" target=_blank>Donald Trump</A>'s series, '<A href="http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice" target=_blank>Celebrity Apprentice</A>.' "I've always had a tremendous amount of admiration for Donald," said Blagojevich. 'Celebrity Apprentice' premieres March 16 on NBC. For updates, please monitor <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected](BlackBerry" target=_blank>[email protected](BlackBerry</A>) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. and New York, N.Y. / Rod Blagojevich is scheduled to appear tonight on Fox News Channel's '<A href="http://www.foxnews.com/geraldo/index.html" target=_blank>Geraldo at Large</A>' for a live interview, according to The Publicity Agency, the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> that represents the former Illinois governor. "Geraldo Rivera has always been enormously fair when it comes to the governor," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's spokesman.  "Fairness is critical." "Geraldo at Large" airs at 10pm ET on the Fox News Channel. He will answer questions about what happened in court last week--which included his attorneys filing a petition asking that ALL the secretly recorded tapes be played, not just edited versions. "I challenge the government, if you're on the side of truth and justice like you say you are and if this is a crime spree like you claim it is, then don’t hide behind technicalities," Blagojevich said after court last week. "Play the tapes. Play the truth, and play the whole truth." The former governor was in federal court where he told the judge he was 'innocent' as he pleaded 'not guilty' to re-worked charges prosecutors filed against him in anticipation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling which could lead to some of the original charges being dropped.  For updates, please monitor <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. For more on Rod Blagojevich, please visit his Web site <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Governor <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A>, in an exlusive interview with Bill O'Reilly on the <A href="http://www.foxnews.com/oreilly/" target=_blank>Fox News</A> Channel, calls for the federal government to release hundreds of hours of taped phone conversations that led to his removal from office last year. Blagojevich pleaded not guilty this week to revised federal corruption charges. '<A href="http://www.foxnews.com/oreilly/" target=_blank>O'Reilly Factor</A>' host <A href="http://www.foxnews.com/oreilly/" target=_blank>Bill O'Reilly</A> repeatedly asked Blagojevich whether damning evidence exists against Pres. Barack Obama regarding the Senate seat the president vacated after the election. O'Reilly: "In your opinion, will these conversations with Obama and [Rahm] Emanuel be damaging to them when the tapes are heard?" Blagojevich: "There were no illegal conversations between President Obama and me. There are, however, FBI interviews with President Obama, with [Chief of Staff] Rahm Emanuel and other people in the White House. And we've asked the government to turn over those interviews." <OBJECT width=320 height=265><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/059Ttfr9MbQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/059Ttfr9MbQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></OBJECT> Blagojevich has not wavered in his claim that he never attempted to 'sell' Obama's seat in late 2008. "I challenge the government, if you're on the side of truth and justice like you say you are and if this is a crime spree like you claim it is, then don’t hide behind technicalities," he said this week. "Play the tapes. Play the truth, and play the whole truth." Blagojevich's trial is currently scheduled to take place in June. For updates, please monitor <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Washington, D.C. / While he addressed fellow senators during a hearing on Pres. Barack Obama's National Labor Relations Board nominee, Sen. <A href="http://enzi.senate.gov" target=_blank>Mike Enzi</A> (R-Wyo.) just couldn't quite get the word out. Enzi repeatedly stumbled over the pronunciation of former Illinois Governor <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A>'s name this week. The gaffe puzzled those in attendance, and was named CNN's "<A href="http://www.cnn.com" target=_blank>Random Moment of the Day</A>" on Thursday. "We've got 'Blagojevich' down now, and it's a lot easier for me to say than 'Ahmadinejad,'" said <A href="http://www.cnn.com" target=_blank>CNN Newsroom</A> anchor Tony Harris. "Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi must not watch a lot of news." <OBJECT width=340 height=285><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/PAKsnDt6VXA&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PAKsnDt6VXA&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></OBJECT> Blagojevich, who pleaded not guilty to reworked federal charges this week, was removed from office last year. "I challenge the government, if you're on the side of truth and justice like you say you are and if this is a crime spree like you claim it is, then don’t hide behind technicalities," Blagojevich said this week. "Play the tapes. Play the truth, and play the whole truth." Blagojevich appears Thursday on "The <A href="http://www.foxnews.com/oreilly" target=_blank>O'Reilly Factor</A>," at 8:00 p.m. EST on the Fox News Channel.  For updates, please monitor <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> faces one of the toughest interviewers on television when he appears Thursday night on "The O'Reilly Factor" at 8pm ET on the Fox News Channel. The top-rated program is hosted by <A href="http://www.billoreilly.com" target=_blank>Bill O'Reilly</A> who is known for his 'No Spin Zone'.  "Rod Blagojevich isn't spinning anything and neither am I for that matter," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's spokesman. "The governor is trying to get the truth out.  He's never avoided tough questions." This will be the governor's first interview on "The O'Reilly Factor." He will answer questions about what happened in court today--which included his attorneys filing a petition asking that ALL the secretly recorded tapes be played, not just edited versions. "I challenge the government, if you're on the side of truth and justice like you say you are and if this is a crime spree like you claim it is, then don’t hide behind technicalities," <A href="https://prnewschannel.com/absolutenm/templates/?z=0&a=2226" target=_blank>Blagojevich said</A> after court. "Play the tapes. Play the truth, and play the whole truth." The former governor appeared in federal court where he told the judge he was 'innocent' as he pleaded 'not guilty' to re-worked charges prosecutors filed against him in anticipation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling which could lead to some of the original charges being dropped.  "The O'Reilly Factor" airs at 8pm ET on the Fox News Channel.   For updates, please monitor <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / The following is a statement from Rod Blagojevich following his arraignment in federal court where he plead 'innocent' to the charges.  This statement also was made after this lawyers file a petition with the court so that all the secretly recorded tapes are played. "Today I’m throwing down the gauntlet. I know I have a constitutional right to try to suppress these tapes.  And as a former prosecutor I believe there's a good chance that it would probably be granted. Here’s what I'm not going to do: I'm not going to hide behind my lawyers, nor will I hide behind technicalities in the law to try to block these tapes from being heard. Instead, I've instructed my lawyers to petition the court so that every second, every minute and every hour that the government secretly taped me is provided to both sides to be played in court. And I challenge the government if you're on the side of truth and justice like you say you are and if this is a crime spree like you claim it was, then don’t hide behind technicalities. Play the tapes.  Play the truth, and play the whole truth. "I'm not just talking the talk here. I'm also going to walk the walk, which is right up to the witness stand. And when I take the stand, I'll testify and swear on the Holy Bible to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I expect and, more importantly, I believe the people of Illinois expect and deserve that the government does the same. "Play the truth, and play the whole truth. Play nothing but the truth. Play the tapes." For updates, please monitor <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will make a statement following today's arraignment federal charges.  The arraignment is at 11:00am before the Honorable James B. Zagel, Courtroom 2503, 219 South Dearborn Street, Chicago. For updates, please monitor <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / After holding a news conference late this afternoon, Rod Blagojevich's criminal defense attorney Aaron Goldstein released the following statement on charges prosecutors filed against the former Illinois governor: “Prosecutors overreached and brought charges they can’t prove.  So now they’re reworking the charges and back peddling.  They’re more interested in saving face than doing justice.” Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Attorneys representing former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will hold a news conference today at 3:30pm Chicago time to respond to today's developments. Where:  158 W. Erie, Chicago When:  3:30pm Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who competes in "Celebrity Apprentice" on NBC in March, joins Usher, Jimmy Kimmel, Valerie Bertinelli and 40 other celebrities in offering his <A href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1002/nfl.celebrity.super.bowl.picks/content.4.html" target=_blank>Super Bowl predictions</A> for SI.com's "Celebrity Picks for the Super Bowl" section. Blagojevich told the Web site of "Sports Illustrated" magazine that he believes the Indianapolis Colts will win with a score of 38-31. "The Colts' offense is better than the Saints' offense because they have the most valuable player in football, Peyton Manning," Blagojevich told SI.com.  "And the Colts' defense is better and faster than the Saints' defense. The only advantage the Saints have is on special teams, but that's not enough to overcome the advantage the Colts have on both offense and defense." In the online slide show, Blagojevich is number 4 of 43 "celebrities" listed; he's sandwiched between Chris Harrison of "The Bachelor" and Sherri Shepherd, co-host of "The View." Blagojevich's spokesman says Blagojevich was asked which team he thought would win, rather than which team he wanted to win.  "Rod Blagojevich does not consider himself to be a celebrity," says Glenn Selig, founder of the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> The Publicity Agency.  "But he liked being asked to give Super Bowl predictions.  He's a huge sports fan and he knows what he's talking about." Among the others included in the online feature:  Drew Carey, host of "The Price is Right," Chris Harrison, host of "The Bachelor," and James Denton, star of "Desperate Housewives." To view Rod Blagojevich's Super Bowl pick on SI.com: <A href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1002/nfl.celebrity.super.bowl.picks/content.4.html">http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1002/nfl.celebrity.super.bowl.picks/content.4.html</A> Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected](BlackBerry">[email protected](BlackBerry</A>) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Introducing him as a "twice elected governor," former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich told WLS-AM tonight that the fact the Democratic primary race for his old job between incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn and challenger Dan Hynes was so close was very telling.  "The fact that it's so close is interesting," said Blagojevich.  "When I ran in 2002 I was down in the vote... This could actually be a very close race and I would not write Hynes off.  My gut tells me Hynes will do well downstate." At the time, Pat Quinn had 53%, 47% went for Dan Hynes. Soundiing almost statesman-like, Blagojevich acknowledged that voters were angry. "These are very hard times and people are strugging and government is not easing the burden on people," Blagojevich said. When asked if he thought people were angry at him, he said: "I really fought to change things in Illinois... I actually got things done for people," said Blagojevich.  "I'm asserting very emphatically that the charges against me are false to the extent that the people are angry they've been lied to and I've been lied about." Blagojevich hosts a weekly live political talk radio program Sundays on WLS-AM.

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich today praised the <A href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/ct-met-michael-madigan-0124-20100122,0,1771641.story" target=_blank>CHICAGO TRIBUNE</A> for its expose on Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and the apparent conflicts of interest between his job as a powerful polician and the clients he represents in his law practice. "If this isn't corrupt I don't know what is," said the former governor on his WLS radio show this afternoon.  "Finally the CHICAGO TRIBUNE has done something about this." "I hate to tell you I told you so I told you so," said the former governor the show. Blagojevich says he doubts Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Michael Madigan's daughter, will do an investigation. "Madigan & Getzendanner has become a go-to firm in Chicago's lucrative field of commercial property tax appeals," CHICAGO TRIBUNE, the paper wrote.  "In 2008 it represented 45 of the 150 most valuable downtown buildings, based on values set by the last complete city reassessment in 2006, according to public records. That's more than twice what the closest rival represented." "Hey Mike Madigan why don't you call me on this show," Blagojevich said on the radio. "Why don't you disclose who your clients are.  We have a right to know." Madigan never called. But others did.  The lines lit up. "If Madigan has his way he's gonna make Illinois his personal feifdom," said Jerry from University of Illinois. As governor, Blagojevich rewrote HB824 which called for lawmakers to disclose their clients.  The bill died after that.   To read the article on Madigan in the CHICAGO TRIBUNE, please visit <A href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/ct-met-michael-madigan-0124-20100122,0,1771641.story">http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/ct-met-michael-madigan-0124-20100122,0,1771641.story</A> Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Attorneys for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich say the former governor has a right to know what President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and other members of the President's inner circle told FBI agents when they were secretly interviewed in Chicago last year as part of an investigation into the former governor and allegations that he tried to sell a U.S. Senate seat for financial gain. Blagojevich's legal team filed a reply to the government's response at 3pm CST today in federal court demanding access to those interviews. The motion comes in response to prosecutors claims that interviews with the President and others should remain secret because the defense team might "harass" the witnesses.   "If the accused has committed crimes he should be convicted and punished," the attorneys write in the response.  "All Blagojevich asks is that he should have the same shot at an acquittal that the government has to obtain a conviction.  Where is the transparency?  Where is the openness that the public, as well as an accused American, has the right to expect?  Why such governmental obscurantism?" The response goes on to say: "The government's alleged concern about the harassment and security of witnesses... cannot be taken seriously.  This defendant is Rod Blagojevich, not Tony Soprano.  This the trial fo the former governor for alleged non-violent offenses, not a reply of the "FAMILY SECRETS" trial. "A government confident enough in its own rectitude to try purported terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a United States District cout in New Yrk should likewise be secure enough to provide the accused former Governor of Illinois with the requested statements of the President of the United States." Blagojevich steadfastly denies all the corruption charges and maintains that he is innocent. He has said repeatedly in interviews that he is eager to confront the charges against him in court. To receive news updates regarding Gov. Blagojevich, please visit <A href="http://thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm" target=_blank>http://thepublicityagency.com/client-news-alerts.htm</A>. To download Reply to Government's Response to Defendant Rod Blagojevich's Pretrial Motions: <A href="https://prnewschannel.com/pdf/Blagojevich_Reply_Filed.pdf" target=_blank>https://prnewschannel.com/pdf/Blagojevich_Reply_Filed.pdf</A> Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich</A> is apologizing for comments he made in this month's <A href="http://www.esquire.com/features/people-who-matter-2010/rod-blagojevich-interview-0210?click=pp" target=_blank>Esquire magazine</A>. Blagojevich calls his remarks in the February issue of the popular men's magazine "stupid." "The metaphor was stupid.  I was expressing real frustration and the frustration is directed toward Washington for bailing out the big banks and the Wall Street firms and it's not being used to help people.   "What's so wrong with what I said, what's so stupid about it is, I don't think any white man could begin to presume to walk in the shoes of an African American. What I said clearly doesn't properly express where my heart is, and that's with the African American community. My comments are surely regrettable, and I just want to apologize. "We've elected the first African American president, and that's a great step forward for this country.  We've made great progress in many places across America when it comes to race and that progress must continue."   The <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>former governor</A> will compete on Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice, which premieres March 14th on NBC, to raise money for the Children's Cancer Center in Tampa.   A version of the <A href="http://www.esquire.com/features/people-who-matter-2010/rod-blagojevich-interview-0210?click=pp" target=_blank>'Esquire' article on Blagojevich</A> is online. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> (Blackberry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / The following is a Media Alert from former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. ROD BLAGOJEVICH TO APOLOGIZE FOR STATEMENTS ATTRIBUTED TO HIM IN 'ESQUIRE' MAGAZINE When:  8:15am CST THIS MORNING Where: Outside his residence, Chicago, Ill. The former governor called the remarks 'a stupid thing to say' this morning on WLS-AM radio. He will address the media outside his home this morning to make a public apology.  For media unfamiliar with the location, please use the contact information below. For more information and to follow this developing story, please visit <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A> and monitor Twitter (<A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>).   Media Contact:   Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>(Blackberry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Kim Polacek PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7780 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has added another accomplishment to his distinguished resume; <A href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1952461_1952460_1952457,00.html" target=_blank>TIME</A> magazine has named him the second-best Elvis impersonator of all-time. The news magazine released its list to coincide with what would have been the American icon's 75th birthday. Blagojevich is ranked just behind another music hero, Johnny Cash, but is ahead of celebrities Andy Kaufman and John Stamos. "The governor is honored to have been named to this list by TIME," says Glenn Selig, spokesman for Gov. Blagojevich.  "He loves Elvis and being associated with him in this way is a real thrill." <OBJECT height=364 width=445><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/d_01wjK8BDY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d_01wjK8BDY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></OBJECT> Blagojevich's Elvis impersonation was an internet sensation after his performance at a Chicago block party last summer. The <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>former Illinois governor</A> will compete on Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice, which premieres March 14th on NBC, to raise money for the Children's Cancer Center in Tampa. He will also sign copies of his new book, '<A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>The Governor</A>,' <A href="https://PRNewsChannel.com/absolutenm/templates/?z=0&a=2066" target=_blank>later today at DePaul University</A>. The event is sponsored by Barnes & Noble DePaul Center.   The book signing begins at 2pm at the DePaul Center, Concourse Level.  Media availability to precede the event at 1:30pm. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> (Blackberry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will sign copies of 'The Governor' this Friday at DePaul University.  The event is sponsored by Barnes & Noble DePaul Center.   The book signing begins at 2pm at the DePaul Center, Concourse Level.  Media availability to precede the event at 1:30pm. Rod Blagojevich Book Signing 'The Governor' January 8, 2009 DePaul Center, 1 East Jackson, Concourse Level Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry)  Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. and Tampa, Fla. / The following is a statement from Glenn Selig, spokesman for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on his upcoming appearance on season 3 of NBC's 'Celebrity Apprentice.' "The producers of 'Celebrity Apprentice' invited Rod Blagojevich to participate in the program.  The former governor accepted because it offered him a chance to raise money for a favorite charity and the challenge to compete against celebrities in the popular NBC program hosted by Donald Trump. "As the governor prepares for trial, he continues to receive offers and opportunities--most of which he turns down because they are not the right fit.  He looks forward to his day in court to clear his name for the sake of himself, his family and the people of Illinois who twice elected him governor." The governor hosts his own weekly radio program on top rated WLS-AM in Chicago and rallies his supporters on his Web site <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">www.governorrod.com</A>.  The governor is playing to raise money for the <A href="http://www.childrenscancercenter.org" target=_blank>Children's Cancer Center</A> of Tampa. 'Celebrity Apprentice' season 3 premieres Sunday, March 14th, 2010.  For more information about 'Celebrity Apprentice' please visit <A href="http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice/">http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice/</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry)  Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Los Angeles, Calif. / The following is a statement from Glenn Selig, spokesman for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, on Gov. Blagojevich being named the 'Worst Behaved Newsmaker' in an unscientific poll that aired last night on ABC's 'Nightline' program. "Those who are closely watching Rod Blagojevich's story unfold understand that he is in the midst of a campaign of a lifetime to clear his name for the sake of himself and his family, his friends and the people of Illinois who twice elected him governor.  Gov. Blagojevich looks forward to his trial because he’s anxious for the truth to come out.  "Until then he will talk to everyone he meets to let them know he's done nothing wrong and he has not let them down.  And he will do the modern day equivalent of standing on a mountaintop and shouting ‘I am innocent.’” Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> (BlackBerry)   Web site:  <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</a> Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</a> Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</a> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</a>

Chicago, Ill. / Rod Blagojevich, the former <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Illinois governor</A> who fought for affordable health care for hundreds of thousands of children in his state, hopes the senator he appointed this year will support Pres. Barack Obama's proposed national public option. "I hope <A href="http://burris.senate.gov/" target=_blank>Roland Burris</A> sticks to his guns," says Blagojevich. "The Democrats are breaking their promise by getting rid of the public option. It's basically giving a health care plan to the insurance companies." Burris has hesitated to support the public option that would extend an insurance alternative to families already paying high premiums to private companies.  House Speaker <A href="http://www.house.gov/pelosi" target=_blank>Nancy Pelosi</A> now says the option may have to die for the final health care package to survive next week's vote. <OBJECT width=425 height=344><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/KEN3TDrx7Mo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KEN3TDrx7Mo&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></OBJECT> "The idea that the American people are going to be forced and compelled to get health care without the public option to shop around -- it's upside down.  It's not what the Democratic Party stands for," Blagojevich told Fox Business' <A href="http://www.foxbusiness.com/our-team/personalities/neil-cavuto" target=_blank>Neil Cavuto</A>. "I think the president has missed his opportunity," Blagojevich adds, pointing out Franklin Roosevelt's passage of the New Deal and Ronald Reagan's tax cuts as swift and successful presidential moves that avoided Congressional deadlock. <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A>, who was removed from office earlier this year, will stand trial next year on charges that he attempted to sell Obama's vacant senate seat for financial and political gain - a charge he has steadfastly denied from the beginning. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. To be added to the email list for future news releases regarding the former governor, please send an email to <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> and put 'governor email list' in the subject line. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A>(BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A> Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. and New York, N.Y. / Rod Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois, will talk politics, health care and more when he joins Neil Cavuto as a guest on Fox Business Network's 'Cavuto' program tomorrow (Thursday). 'Cavuto' airs at 6pm EST and then repeats at 9pm EST on the Fox Business Network, which is owned by News Corp. (NASDAQ:NWS).  Check local listings for channel on your local cable system. For the latest news and information on Rod Blagojevich, please visit <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A>.  To sign up for alerts related to Rod Blagojevich, please visit <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>  (BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>  Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>  Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A>   Justin Herndon PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7778 or cell: (813) 528-6815 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>   Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>  Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>   Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>  Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A>

Chicago, Ill. / <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> still draws a crowd and that was clear again with his first book signing for <A href="http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467" target=_blank>THE GOVERNOR</A>, his memoir, at the University of Chicago. More than 100 people, mostly students, lined up at the University of Chicago book store to get their copy of the book that sets the record straight on the case that prosecutors have brought against him. <OBJECT width=320 height=265><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/hrvdWKC5JJA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hrvdWKC5JJA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></OBJECT> Besides Chicagoans with whom the governor chatted and posed for pictures, the signing also attracted news media outlets. “(Prosecutors) falsely accused me of things I didn’t do. They lied about me and they lied to you in a super sensational way,” Blagojevich told them. “I have never changed my story and my accusers who have falsely accused me of things are now changing their story. You can draw your own conclusions about what that means.” Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A>  (BlackBerry) Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>  Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>  Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A>   Justin Herndon <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7778 or cell: (813) 528-6815 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank><A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A></A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>   Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>  Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A> Patrick Flanary <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR Firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Web site:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>   Twitter: <A href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>www.twitter.com/publicityagency</A>  Facebook: <A href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151" target=_blank>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</A>

Chicago, Ill. / The former Gov. of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, will hold his first book signing to promote his recently released memoir THE GOVERNOR today at the University of Chicago bookstore. Univesity of Chicago students, the public and members of the media are invited to attend. What:  Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich book signing When: 1:30pm, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 Where: The University of Chicago bookstore Address:   970 East 58th Street on Ellis Ave. and 58th St. Chicago Web site: <a href="http://uchicago.bncollege.com">http://uchicago.bncollege.com</a> To receive email updates on former Gov. Blagojevich, please visit <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</a>     Media Contacts for Rod Blagojevich: Glenn Selig <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target="_blank">PR Firm</a>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>  (BlackBerry) Web site:  <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</a>   Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</a>   Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</a>   Justin Herndon PR Firm: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7778 or cell: (813) 528-6815 Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>   (BlackBerry) Web site:  <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</a>   Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</a>   Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</a>

Chicago, Ill. / Former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich wowed crowds when he sang Elvis to raise money for charity and now he's about to come to the defense of Elvis Presley, the actor, and one of his films when he participates in Columbia College's 'Cinema Slapdown' series next week. It will be Blagojevich vs. Columbia College Chicago Film & Video Assistant Professor Dan Rybicky as they debate the merits of Elvis' 1964 film 'Viva Las Vegas' (MGM). As part of the Cinema Slapdown series, the college screens a well-known, though, controversial film. So, following a screening of 'Viva Las Vegas,' the governor and the professor will fight it out before an audience which also gets to participate. "The former governor is a big draw," says associate professor Ron Falzone, who organized the event and is also referee. "He makes no secret of being an Elvis fan so we thought that he'd be perfect." As for the governor, apparently he couldn't stand idly by as someone ripped apart an Elvis classic. "He loves the movie and enjoys a good debate," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's spokesperson. "This would be too much fun to miss." The event is free and open to the public. A book signing for Blagojevich's memoir THE GOVERNOR follows the event in the lobby of Film Row Cinema. For the latest on Gov. Blagojevich, please visit <a href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</a>.   'CINEMA SLAPDOWN' INFORMATION: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 7:00pm Film Row Cinema 1104 S. Wabash Ave, 8th floor Free and Open to All Web site:  <a href="http://www.colum.edu/academics/Film_and_Video/Events.php">http://www.colum.edu/academics/Film_and_Video/Events.php</a> To receive email updates on former Gov. Blagojevich, please visit <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</a>    Media Contacts for Rod Blagojevich: Glenn Selig <a href="http://www.governorrod.com" target="_blank">PR Firm</a>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> (BlackBerry) Web site:  <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</a> Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</a> Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</a> Justin Herndon <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target="_blank">PR Firm</a>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7778 or cell: (813) 528-6815 Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>  (BlackBerry) Web site:  <a href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</a> Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/publicityagency">www.twitter.com/publicityagency</a> Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tampa-FL/The-Publicity-Agency/155443751151</a>

Chicago, Ill. / The following is a statement from Glenn Selig, spokesman for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich: "Let me make it clear:  the governor is not taking the Fifth Amendment  The governor is going to testify at his trial.  He can't wait to testify at his trial.  He can't wait for the truth to come out.  And when the truth comes out he will be fully vindicated." For the latest information on Gov. Blagojevich, please visit <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">http://www.governorrod.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone:  (813) 948-7767 x 7777 Mobile:  (813) 300-5454

Chicago, Ill. / Got Rod?  Not if you're in the business of selling hit Halloween costumes. It turns out <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A>'s fans are buying up "Illinois Big Wig" hairpieces based on the former Illinois governor's famous coif. At many stores it is second only to Michael Jackson jackets and many costume shops are quickly running out of the big wigs. "We're almost sold out," says A Magical Mystery Tour store manager Randy Israel. "They ask for the Blago wig." The Morton Grove shop has a few left for $29.99 apiece.  Even a Chicago Sun-Times columnist was outfitted in the wig and full "Rod Zombie" makeup for his visit to the Statesville Haunted Prison in Crest Hill. Rod Blagojevich hosts a radio show on WLS and recently published his <A href="http://http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467" target=_blank>memoir</A> detailing the events following his departure from public office. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 Mobile: (813) 300-5454 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Web: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Patrick Flanary <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>: The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

New York, N.Y. / The host of Comedy Central’s ‘<A href="http://www.thedailyshow.com" target=_blank>The Daily Show with Jon Stewart</A>’ promised former Illinois Gov. <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> a public apology Thursday, provided a federal court clears him of conspiracy charges. “If your story is true, please come on the show and allow me to apologize to you personally and publicly,” Stewart told Blagojevich during the interview, which can be seen in its entirety at <A href="http://www.thedailyshow.com" target=_blank>www.thedailyshow.com</A>. Blagojevich responded, “You can help me expedite this. Let’s hear the tapes.” The politician has publicly called on prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald to release phone conversations regarding the allegations of him trying to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Those tapes are sealed until Blagojevich’s trial in June. Rod Blagojevich has spent much of September promoting his memoir, '<A href="http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253893513&sr=1-1" target=_blank>The Governor</A>,' on national television and radio programs. To watch Gov. Rod Blagojevich with Jon Stewart: Part one: <A href="http://www.prnewschannel.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=126f152ed3d89a146b44" target=_blank>http://www.prnewschannel.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=126f152ed3d89a146b44</A> Part two: <A href="http://www.prnewschannel.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=4755ff269862ea77393d" target=_blank>http://www.prnewschannel.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=4755ff269862ea77393d</A> For more on Rod Blagojevich, visit: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">www.governorrod.com</A>. For more on The Publicity Agency, visit: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>. Media Contacts: Patrick Flanary The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7778 or (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Los Angeles, Calif. / The sale was both legal and ethical, a deal made between late night show host Jimmy Kimmel and former Illinois Gov. <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A>.  Blagojevich's guest chair from the set of '<A href="http://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live" target=_blank>Jimmy Kimmel Live</A>,' originally sold for more than $10,000 to an eBay bidder who failed to pay for the autographed item.  The seat now goes to the second-highest bidder, abstract photographer <A href="http://www.sabrinacomola.com/" target=_blank>Sabrina Comola</A>, of Brandon, Mississippi. “I am pleased to announce a bona fide purchase has been made,” <A href="http://www.prnewschannel.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=40f0c74a814ec9237b6e" target=_blank>Kimmel told his audience</A>.  “Sabrina bought it for her husband Drake, and we thank them.” Blagojevich had agreed to participate in the sale in exchange for Kimmel's promise to hire three unemployed workers. To watch Jimmy Kimmel announce who bought Gov. Blagojevich's seat, please visit: <A href="http://www.prnewschannel.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=40f0c74a814ec9237b6e" target=_blank>http://www.prnewschannel.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=40f0c74a814ec9237b6e</A> For more on Rod Blagojevich, visit: <A href="http://www.GovernorRod.com" target=_blank>www.GovernorRod.com</A>. For more on The Publicity Agency, visit: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7778 or (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Los Angeles, Calif. / Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich spiced up his book tour with a stop at ‘Chelsea Lately’, a late night show on the E! Entertainment Network.  The show’s host, comedienne Chelsea Handler, asked Rod about his new book, his family and his wife’s appearance on the reality show ‘I’m a Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here.” <OBJECT width=320 height=265><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/uyMTQNUdvqM&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uyMTQNUdvqM&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></OBJECT> “Guest appearances, like the one on Chelsea Lately, show just how popular and personable Rod is,” said Glenn Selig, the governor’s spokesman and founder of The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>). “His book sets the record straight about the allegations against him and I think people want to know the truth about what really happened.” For more information on Rod Blagojevich, please visit his website at: <A href="http://www.GovernorRod.com" target=_blank>www.GovernorRod.com</A>. For more information on The Publicity Agency, please go to: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 300-5454/ (813) 708-1220 x7777 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Los Angeles, Calif. / Tonight former Illinois Gov. <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> shares some laughs with Chelsea Handler, host of the E! cable network’s ‘<A href="http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/chelsea/" target=_blank>Chelsea Lately</A>’ prime-time program.  Blagojevich is promoting his memoir, ‘<A href="http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253640925&sr=1-1" target=_blank>The Governor</A>,’ to set the record straight on the case and to make sure people know the truth.  His interview on ‘Chelsea Lately’ airs at 11:00 p.m. On Thursday, Blagojevich heads to New York to be a guest on the the Emmy Award-winning news program ‘<A href="http://www.thedailyshow.com" target=_blank>The Daily Show with Jon Stewart</A>.’ The show airs on Comedy Central weeknights at 11 p.m.  For more information on Rod Blagojevich, please visit: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com">www.governorrod.com</A>. For more information on The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 Mobile: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Patrick Flanary The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Rod Blagojevich is scheduled for the following interviews for Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, according to The Publicity Agency, the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> that represents the former Illinois governor.  Blagojevich's new book <A href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1597776467/ref=s9_simz_gw_s3_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0HK5SBE4TVJ9MMVQCPCW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846" target=_blank>THE GOVERNOR</A> was released last week. RADIO 8:10am CENTRAL,  WIYY-FM Baltimore MD 8:20am CENTRAL, WJFK-FM Washington DC 8:35am CENTRAL, CFYI-AM Toronto Ontario 9am CENTRAL, KPOJ-AM Portland OR 9:15am CENTRAL, KMOX St. Louis MO 10:05am CENTRAL, KABC-AM Los Angeles CA 10:20am CENTRAL, WEBE-FM Bridgeport / NYC  CT / NY 10:30am CENTRAL, KSLG-FM Humboldt County CA 9:00pm CENTRAL, Westwood One,  60 min, Live, with Late Night The Jim Bohanon Show PRINT: Village Voice, NYC For more information on Rod Blagojevich, please visit his website at: <A href="http://www.GovernorRod.com">www.GovernorRod.com</A>. For more information on The Publicity Agency, please go to: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>. To receive Media Alerts on Rod Blagojevich:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 Mobile: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7778 Mobile:  (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Fort Myers, Fla. / From a chair autographed by <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> on the set of ABC’s ‘<A href="http://www.abc.com" target=_blank>Jimmy Kimmel Live</A>’ to a Blagojevich bobblehead and even collectible tiles, the Blagojevich brand has become big business on <A href="http://cgi.ebay.com/GOVERNOR-ROD-BLAGOJEVICHS-SEAT-FOR-SALE_W0QQitemZ180406512102QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a0110e9e6&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14" target=_blank>eBay</A>.   “They’ve just taken off,” says Kos Ballis of <A href="http://www.kosmasballis.com" target=_blank>Edison Clay Company</A> in Fort Myers, Fla.  The company created a ceramic tile featuring the former governor’s likeness to commemorate this unusual time in history.  It has produced 1,000 of these collectible tiles.  “It’s affordable art and it’s commentary on our culture.” <OBJECT width=425 height=344><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/M2wlLc9ECFI&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M2wlLc9ECFI&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></OBJECT> (MANDATORY VIDEO COURTESY:  GovernorRod.com/ThePublicityAgency.com.  Sept. 10, 2009/Hollywood, Calif.) Blagojevich may have lost his job as governor and been indicted, but his name is known worldwide and demand for items bearing his name and likeness has never been greater. “He’s got rock star qualities about him,” says Glenn Selig, whose <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, represents the governor and his wife Patti.  “He has a dynamic personality.  He is swarmed for his autograph and for photos just like actors and other larger-than-life celebrities.  People like him and believe he’s telling the truth.” Not bad for a man whose been characterized by some in the media as being ‘disgraced.’  Blagojevich has steadfastly and very publicly denied all the charges against him including the allegation that he tried to sell then President-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat. The hot <A href="http://cgi.ebay.com/GOVERNOR-ROD-BLAGOJEVICHS-SEAT-FOR-SALE_W0QQitemZ180406512102QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a0110e9e6&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14" target=_blank>eBay</A> merchandise includes a Blagojevich-autographed baseball from Wrigley Field that’s currently going for $99 and a limited-edition Blagojevich bobblehead doll that sell for $10 apiece.  The high bid for the chair autographed by Blagojevich after a taping of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ is currently at $5,700.  There are 43 bidders and the auction ends at 1:00am Friday.  The money raised will help put unemployed people to work. Blagojevich’s book ‘<A href="http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253214728&sr=1-1" target=_blank>The Governor</A>’ hit store shelves last week.  In it, he says his accusers are lying.  He sets the record straight on what’s really happening. For more information on Rod Blagojevich, please visit his website at: <A href="http://www.GovernorRod.com" target=_blank>www.GovernorRod.com</A>. For more information on The Publicity Agency, please go to: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>. To view the Jimmy Kimmel auction on eBay: <A href="http://cgi.ebay.com/GOVERNOR-ROD-BLAGOJEVICHS-SEAT-FOR-SALE_W0QQitemZ180406512102QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a0110e9e6&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14" target=_blank>http://cgi.ebay.com/GOVERNOR-ROD-BLAGOJEVICHS-SEAT-FOR-SALE_W0QQitemZ180406512102QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a0110e9e6&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14</A> Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7777 Mobile: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Patrick Flanary The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 708-1220 x7781 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

New York, N.Y. / Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his wife, Patti, will attend the funeral of Chris Kelly who died over the weekend.   The funeral is Wednesday.   To sign up for news media alerts on Gov. Blagojevich: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Office:  (813) 708-1220 x7777 Mobile Phone: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Office: (813) 708-1220 x7778 Mobile Phone: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Los Angeles, Calif. / An online auction for the seat former Illinois Governor <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> sat in during a recent television interview is nearing $3000 on eBay. The chair is from the set of the ‘<A href="http://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live" target=_blank>Jimmy Kimmel Live</A>’ show, where Blagojevich appeared Thursday night. Blagojevich gave Kimmel the ok to sell it seat, as long as Kimmel hired three unemployed people. <EMBED height=344 type=application/x-shockwave-flash width=425 src=http://www.youtube.com/v/SzTDd4IHhh4&hl=en&fs=1& allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></EMBED> The custom-made chair, signed by Blagojevich and used by other celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson, has received 18 bids since it was posted on Friday. The action ends on September 17. For more information, go to the auction listing at <A href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180406512102" target=_blank>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180406512102</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Office:  (813) 708-1220 x7777 Mobile Phone: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Office: (813) 708-1220 x7778 Mobile Phone: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

New York, N.Y. / The <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> that represents former Gov. Rod Blagojevich released the following media schedule for Monday, Sept. 14, 2009.  Blagojevich is promoting his new book <A href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1597776467/ref=s9_simz_gw_s3_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0HK5SBE4TVJ9MMVQCPCW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846" target=_blank>THE GOVERNOR</A> which was released last week.  TELEVISION: Fox and Friends (Fox News) NY1 Capital Tonight-Time Warner Cable Hardball w/ Chris Matthews (MSNBC) The Campbell Brown Show-CNN   RADIO: Howard Stern Brian and the Judge-Fox News Radio WNYC-AM-New York To view the latest behind the scene videos: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/events.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/events.htm</A>. To follow on Twitter: <A href="http://twitter.com/publicityagency">http://twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. To sign up for news media alerts on Gov. Blagojevich: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> To learn more about The Publicity Agency, please visit <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>.  Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Office:  (813) 708-1220 x7777 Mobile Phone: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Office: (813) 708-1220 x7778 Mobile Phone: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

New York, N.Y. / The following statement is from Rod Blagojovich, former governor of Illinois, on the death of Christopher Kelly. "I am deeply saddened to hear that Chris has died.  My heart goes out to his wife Carmen, his three daughters Grace, Jacqueline and Claire and his entire family.  They are in our prayers." The former governor is in New York and is not available for further comment. To sign up for News Alerts: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm">http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Office:  (813) 708-1220 x7777 Mobile: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Office:  (813) 708-1220 x7778 Mobile: Phone: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Los Angeles, Calif. / Thursday night on ABC’s 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' the host asked the former governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, to sell the seat in which he sat during his late-night talk show appearance. Blagojevich agreed to allow Kimmel to sell his seat if Kimmel would hire three unemployed people. <OBJECT width=425 height=344><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/SzTDd4IHhh4&hl=en&fs=1&"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SzTDd4IHhh4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></OBJECT> Blagojevich appeared on Kimmel to promote his memoir The Governor.  During the interview, Blagojevich acknowledged he may have picked up some enemies over the course of his political career and questioned the motives of his accusers. “Do you think it had to do anything with your hair?” joked Kimmel. Following the show taping, Blagojevich autographed the seat which will be available to the highest bidder on eBay at:  <A href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180406512102" target=_blank>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180406512102</A>. This custom-made seat has been used by Tom Cruise, Mariah Carey, Denzel Washington, Charlize Theron, Shaquille O’Neal and Paris Hilton to name just a few. Jimmy Kimmel Live airs weeknights on ABC at 12:05 ET/PT. 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Packed with hilarious comedy bits and a house band led by Jimmy’s childhood best friend, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' features a diverse lineup of guests that includes celebrities, athletes, musicians, comedians and humorous human interest subjects. Each night, Jimmy delivers up-to-the minute news addressing the hottest topics of the day in his monologue and recently has welcomed such notables as Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman, Robert Downey Jr., Cameron Diaz, Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, Don Cheadle, Hilary Swank, Orlando Bloom, Reese Witherspoon, Robin Williams, Kanye West, Heidi Klum, Kobe Bryant and Janet Jackson as well as performances by Coldplay, The Killers, Ozzy Osbourne, Kelly Clarkson, Linkin Park, Incubus, Destiny’s Child, Tim McGraw, Avril Lavigne, 50 Cent, Depeche Mode, Mariah Carey and many more including Matt Damon… well, almost Matt Damon. Jimmy Kimmel and Jill Leiderman serve as executive producers and Jason Schrift and Douglas DeLuca serve as co-executive producers. Emmy Award-winning 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' is shot live in front of a studio audience and produced by Jackhole Industries in association with ABC Studios. For more go to <A href="http://www.jimmykimmellive.net" target=_blank>www.jimmykimmellive.net</A> # # # Media contacts: Chelsea Hettrick for 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' 323.933.3399 / <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Glenn Selig for Gov. Rod Blagojevich at The Publicity Agency 813.948.7767 / 813.300.5454 / <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A>

Los Angeles, Calif. /  The former governor of Illinois, controversially ousted from office in January and now out with a new book that sets the record straight in his case, will do interviews with Jimmy Kimmel on ABC, the syndicated 'The Bonnie Hunt Show' and 'Chelsea Lately' on E! along with The Associated Press TV, according to his <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency. The governor also has a full slate of radio interviews lined up. TELEVISION: AP Television The Bonnie Hunt Show Chelsea Lately (E! - to air at a later date) Jimmy Kimmel LIVE   RADIO: Bill Press on Sirius Gordon Deal, WSJ Today, Wall Street Journal radio Bob an Sheri show, Bob and Sheri Network (national) Money & More Radio, David Latko and Earl Merkel (national) Dennis Miller, Westwood One Radio To view the latest behind the scene videos: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/events.htm" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/events.htm</A>. To follow the Agency on Twitter: <A href="http://twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. To sign up for news media alerts on Gov. Blagojevich: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> To learn more about The Publicity Agency, please visit <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>.  Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

New York, N.Y. / Patti Blagojevich is in New York to join her husband Rod, the former governor of Illinois, on ABC's THE VIEW.  Patti and Rod appear on the live program Wednesday. Other media appearances scheduled: Extra TV (Syndicated) Inside Edition (Syndicated) Various radio/print media On Tuesday, Rod Blagojevich's highly anticipated book <A href="http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467" target=_blank>THE GOVERNOR</A> was released and is now available on <A href="http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467" target=_blank>Amazon.com</A> and at bookstores nationwide. The former governor appeared on NBC's TODAY show, CBS' THE EARLY SHOW, FOX's ON THE RECORD W/ GRETA VAN SUSTEREN, FOX's syndicated radio program ALAN COLMES SHOW.  The former governor also did interviews with The Associated Press, THE WASHINGTON POST, THE NEW YORK TIMES and the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. To view the latest behind the scene videos: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/events.htm" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/events.htm</A>. To follow the Agency on Twitter: <A href="http://twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. To sign up for news media alerts on Gov. Blagojevich: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> To learn more about The Publicity Agency, please visit <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>.  Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Tampa, Fla. / Now you can follow Rod Blagojevich every step of the way through his national media tour, which kicks off Tuesday on NBC’s ‘Today’ and includes interviews with the ladies of ‘The View,’ Jimmy Kimmel, CNBC, Bloomberg and Howard Stern. The Publicity Agency, the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> which represents the former governor, will be giving folks a backstage pass with the governor. "There is huge interest in Gov. Blagojevich and his book 'The Governor,'" says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's spokesman and founder of <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>The Publicity Agency</A> and is accompanying Gov. Blagojevich on the media tour.  "We will be tweeting on Twitter, sending photos from the media tour and uploading videos from behind the scenes as the governor visits these shows and talks with folks on the street. This will be like a backstage pass." Even as he was controversially ousted from office, Gov. Blagojevich maintained that he was wrongly accused and is innocent of all the charges against him. His book, <A href="http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252110481&sr=8-1" target=_blank>The Governor</A>, is available on Amazon.com and at local bookstores. To view the latest behind the scene videos:  <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/events.htm" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/events.htm</A>. To follow the Agency on Twitter:  <A href="http://twitter.com/publicityagency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/publicityagency</A>. To sign up for news media alerts on Gov. Blagojevich:   <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com/rod-blagojevich/news-from-rod.htm</A> To learn more about The Publicity Agency, please visit <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>.  Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 948-7767 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / The nation's top rated morning program, NBC's <A href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com" target=_blank>TODAY</A>, has landed the first interview with former Illinois Gov. <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A> following the release of his new book on September 8, according to Blagojevich's publicist. ABC's <A href="http://www.theview.tv" target=_blank>THE VIEW</A> has secured the first joint interview of Blagojevich with his wife, Patti. The interview with TODAY is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8, the release date of Blagojevich's memoir, THE GOVERNOR, available on <A href="http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467" target=_blank>Amazon.com</A>. THE VIEW will talk with the former Gov. and Mrs. Blagojevich the following day. Other scheduled media interviews will be released late next week. "Governor Blagojevich is one of the most talked about public figures," says Glenn Selig, publicist for both the former governor and his wife and founder of the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency. "In his book, THE GOVERNOR, he gives a complete, honest and first-hand account of what's happened and it's truly eye-opening." Blagojevich was removed from office after being accused of trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. Blagojevich has flatly denied any wrongdoing. For the latest information on the former governor, please visit <A href="http://www.governorrod.com/" target=_blank>www.GovernorRod.com</A>. Blagojevich's book can be ordered through <A href="http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467" target=_blank>Amazon.com</A>. For more information on <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>The Publicity Agency</A>, please visit <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 948-7767 x801 or (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x803 or (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Los Angeles, Calif. / Even with dozens of guests slated for 'The Daily Show' with Jon Stewart over the next six weeks, Stewart last night promoted an upcoming appearance by former <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Gov. Rod Blagojevich</A> scheduled for late next month.  <OBJECT height=344 width=425><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://www.youtube.com/v/ksBobMTdYAA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><PARAM NAME="allowFullScreen" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ksBobMTdYAA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></OBJECT> “Congratulations, Rod Blagojevich,” Stewart teased on Thursday’s show. “You’re a guest here on <A href="http://thedailyshow.com" target=_blank>The Daily Show</A>.” Stewart approaches his political guests with humorous, yet direct, questions about issues often disregarded by the mainstream media. Blagojevich will address his ousting from office, his weekly <A href="http://www.wlsam.com" target=_blank>WLS radio show</A>, and his autobiography, <A href="http://www.amazon.com/Governor-Rod-Blagojevich/dp/1597776467/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250271234&sr=8-1" target=_blank>The Governor</A>, already in pre-release and available on Amazon.com. “I think this really speaks to how popular he is,” says Glenn Selig, the governor’s spokesman and founder of <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>The Publicity Agency</A>. “Jon Stewart decided to plug the governor's appearance more than a month from the interview date.” Blagojevich will appear on The Daily Show on Thursday, Sept. 24. For more information on Rod Blagojevich, please visit his website at: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>www.GovernorRod.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 300-5454/(813) 948-7767 x801 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Following speculation by the media and after an exhaustive search, a new lawyer has been added to former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s legal team. Jay Edelson, managing partner of the national law firm KamberEdelson, LLC (<A href="http://www.kamberedelson.com">www.kamberedelson.com</A>) has been recruited to lead civil litigation efforts.  His firm also may assist on electronic discovery issues in the criminal trial. “When it comes to legal strategy and execution, Jay is simply one of the best in the country,” said Blagojevich spokesperson Glenn Selig. “The governor knows Jay's tenacity and integrity will protect him and his family from baseless civil litigation." Edelson has testified before the US Senate and has built a national reputation of advocating for the underdog. "Having lived and worked in Chicago for 13 years and raising my own family, I'm honored to be involved with this case." Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency (813) 948-7767 x 801 Cell:  (813) 300-5454 Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry)   Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency (813) 948-7767 x 803 Cell:  (813) 528-6815 Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry)

Chicago, Ill. and Beverly Hills, Calif. / <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>Rod Blagojevich</A>, former Governor of Illinois, released the following statement on the death of Phoenix Books president Michael Viner, the publisher of his upcoming book 'The Governor.' "I will never forget Michael's faith in me at a time when few people were willing to listen. He believed in me and agreed to publish my story, for that I will always be grateful. Patti and I extend our deepest sympathies to Michael's family and friends. He and they are in our prayers." Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Cell Phone: (813) 300-5454 Office: (888) 399-5534 x801 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / For those who can't get enough of Rod Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois, the new Web site <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>GovernorRod.com</A> gives them their fill 24/7. Blagojevich, and news about him, has continued to dominate local and national coverage even after his controversial ousting from office earlier this year. Blagojevich made headlines as recently as this weekend after making a surprise appearance at a Chicago block party where he performed an Elvis song on stage to a roaring crowd. “Rod Blagojevich needed his own Web site.  It was time,” says Glenn Selig, the governor’s spokesman and founder of <A href="http://thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>The Publicity Agency</A>. “GovernorRod.com offers his fans and supporters a way to connect.” <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>GovernorRod.com</A> offers a multi-dimentional peek into Blagojevich’s life--including his highly anticipated forthcoming book, "The Governor," due out Sept. 8. It also connects the public to his radio show on WLS-AM in Chicago.  The program airs Sundays from 12pm-2pm CST on WLS.    For more on Rod Blagojevich, please visit his Web site at: <A href="http://www.governorrod.com" target=_blank>http://www.governorrod.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Cell Phone: (813) 300-5454 (813) 948-7767 x801 Web site: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / The Big 89, <A href="http://www.wlsam.com" target=_blank>WLS-AM</A> is Where Chicago Comes to Talk and for the next two Sundays, that is what Former IL Governor Rod Blagojevich will be doing.  Blagojevich will host a two hour talk show on WLS (890 AM) from 12noon to 2pm. “The personalities on The Big 89 are compelling, knowledgeable, opinionated and often times, controversial.” said WLS-AM Program Director, Bob Shomper.  “Former Governor Blagojevich has all of these traits and more. This will be ‘must-listen’ radio.” Blagojevich filled-in for The Big 89’s Don Wade & Roma morning show earlier this year.  Since his controversial ousting from office, Blagojevich has become a national celebrity who has appeared on TV news channels and programs such as NBC’s ‘Today’ show, ABC’s ‘The View’ and cable news outlets.  He was invited and planned to compete on NBC’s ‘I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here’ reality show this summer.  But when he could not go, his wife Patti, the former first lady of Illinois, went in his place.  She came in fourth place and was a fan favorite. For the outspoken former governor, radio is a natural fit. “The former governor misses talking with people and getting into the mix on issues that affect Illinois,” says <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>Glenn Selig</A>, Blagojevich’s spokesman.  “He wants to empower people by helping them understand what really goes on in Washington, Springfield, Cook County and the city of Chicago.  He’s going to be provocative, entertaining and, at times, controversial.”  Contact: Brad Wallace Phone: (312) 984-5324 About The Big 89:  WLS-890AM is a 50,000-watt radio station reaching over 38 states from Chicago, IL with a mass-appeal talk format.  The Big 89, Where Chicago Comes to Talk, is also the home of the Don & Roma Show, Mancow & Cassidy, Rush Limbaugh, the Roe Conn Show and Notre Dame football/basketball.  The legendary station has been on the air for over 80 years. Citadel Broadcasting Corporation is the third largest radio group in the United States, with a national footprint reaching more than 50 markets.  Citadel is comprised of 165 FM and 58 AM stations in the nation’s leading markets, in addition to the ABC Radio Network business, which is one of the three largest radio networks in the United States.  For more information, visit <A href="http://www.citadelbroadcasting.com" target=_blank>www.citadelbroadcasting.com</A>.

Chicago, Ill. / Patti Blagojevich is scheduled to return Thursday from Costa Rica after being eliminated from the competition a day before the show's final episode. Her husband, former <A href="http://thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>Gov. Rod Blagojevich</A>, released this statement tonight: 'Because of the love Patti has for her family she went to the jungle where she spent 24 nights.  I am so proud of her and so happy she will soon be home.  The American people had a chance to get to know Patti and see why we love her so much." Visit Patti Blagojevich's Web site:  <A href="http://www.junglepatti.com">www.junglepatti.com</A>. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency">http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html">www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>public relations firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x803

Tampa, Fla. / After two weeks of missing her family while participating in the NBC summer reality program 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here," former Illinois First Lady Patti Blagojevich will have the chance to talk with her husband and two daughters. The conversation will be featured in tonight's episode via Skype from the Costa Rican jungle, according to the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) which represents the Blagojevich family. On Wednesday night's show, fellow contestant Lou Diamond Phillips earned the opportunity to talk with his family via Skype because of his role as camp leader. He was also allowed to select two other contestants to do so and he selected Patti along with Daniel Baldwin. The conversation with her husband, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and their two daughters, 12 year old Amy and 6 year old Annie will be featured in tonight's show. Also on tonight's episode, one of the contestants will be sent home after America's vote is revealed.  "I'm a Celebrity..." airs tonight on NBC at 8/7c. Plus, if you'd like to see what people are saying about Patti's time in the jungle, just visit the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/im-a-celebrity/contact-patti-blagojevich.html" target=_blank>Contact</A> page on Patti's jungle website to read letters and emails that are coming in while Patti is braving the elements in Costa Rica!  Visit Patti Blagojevich's Web site:  <A href="http://www.junglepatti.com" target=_blank>www.junglepatti.com</A>. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x803

Chicago, Ill. / To benefit charity, former Governor Rod Blagojevich will join the cast of The Second City’s Rod Blagojevich Superstar this Saturday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. He will announce the extension of the hit musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. In honor of Rod Blagojevich’s appearance, a portion of the ticket proceeds for this performance will go to Gilda’s Club Chicago – <A href="http://www.gildasclub.org">www.gildasclub.org</A>– which offers support for everyone living with cancer - men, women, teens and children. Who: Former Governor Rod Blagojevich with the cast of Rod Blagojevich Superstar What: Rod Blagojevich will join the cast of Rod Blagojevich Superstar to announce the extension of the production on Navy Pier and participate in an improv set following the show. When: Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier Although Patti Blagojevich has left the country for the treacherous Costa Rican jungle on the show I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, Rod can’t seem to escape the brutal Illinois political and media jungles as his saga continues to make headlines. While the Blagojevich scandal unfolds, the hit musical will continue to evolve including a completely improvised piece in which audience suggestions prompt the reason for dismissing the former first lady from the jungle. For tickets, visit Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s website at <A href="http://www.chicagoshakes.com">www.chicagoshakes.com</A> or call the Box Office at 312.595.5600. Contact: Robin Hammond, Co-Producer The Second City 312.664.4032, <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Ben Frick, Public Relations Assistant Chicago Shakespeare Theater 312.595.5633, <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A>

Tampa, Fla. / Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich will appear on CNN's 'Larry King Live' tonight and Fox's 'Huckabee' with Mike Huckabee this Saturday, the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>public relations firm</A> The Publicity Agency that represents Blagojevich announced today. Rod Blagojevich will talk about his wife's role on NBC's 'I'm a Celebrity...' program. "Rod Blagojevich is so proud of his wife and the job she is doing on the show," says Glenn Selig, founder of the The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) and the Blagojevich family spokesman.  "He is his wife's biggest fan." Though he originally signed up for the job, Rod Blagojevich was not allowed to travel out of the country to participate in the program. CNN's 'Larry King Live' airs TONIGHT at 9/8c. 'Huckabee' airs weekends on Fox Newschannel. Follow Patti's adventures:  <A href="http://www.junglepatti.com">www.junglepatti.com</A> For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency">http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html">www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the PR firm, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x803

Costa Rica and Tampa, Fla. / When the men voted to give <A href="http://www.junglepatti.com" target=_blank>Patti Blagojevich</A> immunity on 'I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here' children battling cancer and their families benefitted. That's because the longer a celebrity stays on the NBC blockbuster summer program, the more money that goes to a celebrity's charity of choice.  And Blagojevich, the wife of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, chose the Children's Cancer Center in Tampa. Money is raised throughout the broadcast of the 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!' series from viewer donations, and all monies will be donated into the "I'm A Celebrity..." charity fund, which will be divided among the benefiting charities chosen by Patti and the other participating celebrities. “The <A href="http://www.childrenscancercenter.org/" target=_blank>Children’s Cancer Center</A> does phenomenal work and Patti is dedicated to the cause of pediatric cancer so the two are a perfect fit,” says Glenn Selig, founder of the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>public relations firm</A> The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) and spokesperson for Patti and her husband, former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. “The longer she stays on the show, the more money that comes here to help do incredible work with children affected by cancer.” <A href="http://www.nbc.com/im-a-celebrity/" target=_blank>'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here'</A> airs four nights a week on NBC at 8/7c. Upon completion of the series, the money raised will be divided into equal shares. Each competing celebrity's charity is entitled to at least one share. The charity of the winning celebrity who is crowned King or Queen of the Jungle is entitled to three shares and the charities of the celebrities finishing second and third are entitled to two shares each. The <A href="http://www.childrenscancercenter.org/" target=_blank>Children's Cancer Center</A> is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing children who have cancer or chronic blood disorders and their families with the educational, emotional, and financial assistance necessary to cope with their life-threatening illnesses. It is a Four Star Charity as rated by Charity Navigator for its financial management. If you'd like to donate to the 'I'm a Celebrity...' charity fund, please dial this toll-free line: 1-877-686-GIVE (1-877-686-4483). To learn more about Patti and her escapades on 'I'm a Celebrity...' please visit Patti Blagojevich's Web site:  <A href="http://www.junglepatti.com" target=_blank>www.junglepatti.com</A>. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the PR firm, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x803

Chicago, Ill. / Instead of going to Costa Rica as a cast member, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has joined Don Wade & Roma as a special correspondent for his wife Patti's appearance on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me out of Here!' The former governor's new job is being promoted on the WLS-890AM Web site (<A href="http://www.wlsam.com">http://www.wlsam.com</A>). In addition to a live interview each morning, a podcast of each report is available on the station's Web site. "Rod Blagojevich is so proud of his wife and the job she is doing on the show," says Glenn Selig, founder of the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>public relations firm</A> The Publicity Agency and the Blagojevich family spokesman.  "He is his wife's biggest fan." Though he originally signed up for the job, Rod Blagojevich was not allowed to travel out of the country to participate in the program. The Jungle Beat page on WLS: <A href="http://wlsam.com/Article.asp?id=1350926&spid=17450">http://wlsam.com/Article.asp?id=1350926&spid=17450</A> Visit Patti Blagojevich's Web site:  <A href="http://www.junglepatti.com">www.junglepatti.com</A>. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency">http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html">www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the PR firm, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x803

Costa Rica and Tampa, Fla. / The cast of 'I'm a Celebrity...' may be competing, but when it comes to their feelings about former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich they're in agreement. "This is who I would've voted for the President of the United States," Spencer Pratt said on the show.  Pratt met the former governor when he flew to Los Angeles to take part in promoting the program. During a quiet moment at camp, the celebrities banded together for their support of Patti Blagojevich, the former first lady of Illinois who is on the program because her husband was not allowed to fly to Costa Rica. She was offered the job to go in his place and she accepted. "I watched that scene unfold just like the rest of America and it was incredible," says Glenn Selig, spokesman for the Blagovich family and founder of the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>).  "The Blagojevich family has been going through hell with people thinking that Rod Blagojevich is guilty of doing something wrong--doing something terrible.  Patti knows the truth and she found support for her husband among the cast and you can't help but be moved by that.  Many of them on that show may be actors but that scene was real and moving."   On the program, Heidi Montag said a prayer for Patti and her family.  The prayer was moving for Patti as she broke down in tears. "When you hear your own hopes out loud it's moving," Patti said after the prayer.  'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here' airs Monday-Thursday in June on NBC. Visit Patti Blagojevich's Web site:  <A href="http://www.junglepatti.com" target=_blank>www.junglepatti.com</A>.  For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the PR firm, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x803

Tampa, Fla. / Want to learn more about the former First Lady of Illinois <A href="http://WWW.junglepatti.com" target=_blank>Patti Blagojevich</A> and her escapades in the jungle of Costa Rica?  Now you can do just that on the new Web site junglepatti.com (<A href="http://www.junglepatti.com" target=_blank>http://www.junglepatti.com</A>) launched to coincide with tonight's premiere of 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'. The NBC summer groundbreaking program co-stars <A href="http://www.junglepatti.com" target=_blank>Patti Blagojevich</A>. The Web site provides up-to-date information on Patti's ups and downs in the jungle. For the duration of the program, Americans are the puppet masters, controlling their favorite contestant by putting them into challenges and tasks to win food, supplies and luxury items by casting votes.   "The more votes Patti receives the more money she can help raise to support her favorite charity," says Glenn Selig, founder of the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) and spokesman for Patti Blagojevich. The site is <A href="http://www.junglepatti.com" target=_blank>www.junglepatti.com</A> (<A href="http://www.junglepatti.com" target=_blank>http://www.junglepatti.com</A>).  'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!' premieres TONIGHT at 8/7c on NBC.  For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x803

Chicago, Ill. / Embracing her new role as reality show contestant, the former First Lady of Illinois is on her way to Costa Rica to compete in an NBC reality show. Her email autoresponder now says: 'I will be out of the office and in the jungle until further notice.' "Patti is going to compete because this is what a mom does for her kids and for her family," says Glenn Selig, founder of The Publicity Agency and spokesman for Patti and her husband Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor.  Patti accepted an offer from NBC to go to Costa Rica when a judge said the former governor who has been indicted could not travel out of the country, says Selig. "On the show her strategy is to be herself.  She's funny, witty and I think extremely likeable." Based on the hit U.K. reality show, "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" is a groundbreaking live series event that premieres June 1 on NBC.  Celebrities of various backgrounds will be dropped into the heart of the Costa Rican jungle. They will face challenges designed to test their skills in adapting to the wilderness and to raise money for their favorite charities. It's the ultimate Swiss Family Robinson as participants face fun and comedic challenges designed to test their survival skills.  "Patti may be adventurous but at most she's only spent one night camping," says Selig.  "She is a 'big city girl' and this will be challenging." America is the puppet master, controlling their favorites by putting them into challenges and tasks to win food, supplies and luxury items by casting votes. "Patti hopes the public votes to keep her in Costa Rica because the longer she stays the more money she raises for charity," says Selig. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency">http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html">www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the PR firm, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x803

Chicago, Ill. / The following is a statement regarding the passage of Illinois HB 4078 from Glenn Selig, founder of The Publicity Agency, the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>public relations firm</A> representing former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "This is patently unconstitutional. There are legions of First Amendment attorneys all over America who can't wait to jump on this. Passing a vindictive law like this makes you wonder what those people in Springfield don't want the people to know." For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x803

Chicago, Ill. / The former first lady of Illinois, Patti Blagojevich, will go to Costa Rica to compete in 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' Patti and her husband, former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, appeared on <A href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com" target=_blank>NBC's Today show</A> to make the official announcement.  "The job was originally offered to her husband but when the judge said he couldn't go to Costa Rica NBC asked Patti to go in his place," says Glenn Selig, founder of The Publicity Agency, the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>public relations firm</A> which represents Patti and Rod Blagojevich.  "She accepted and went to LA. earlier this week to take part in a promotional shoot and to prepare for the show." While Patti Blagojevich goes to work for her family, the former governor will be 'Mr. Mom' to his two daughters, ages 12 and 6. "He jokes that in a way she will have it easier competing in the jungle," says Selig.  "He knows how hard it is to take care of the kids and to run a home." The former governor will be pulling for his wife as she competes on the show for a chance to be win top prizes for charity and for her family. Even though he won't be traveling to Costa Rica to be a contestant, the former governor will be involved in the program in other ways which will be a surprise, says Selig. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x 801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office (813) 948-7767 x 803

Chicago, Ill. / Reports that Patti Blagojevich will be traveling to Los Angeles today for the show "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" are false.  Mrs. Blagojevich is not traveling anywhere out of town today or this week for that matter. Both Patti Blagojevich, and her husband, the former governor of Illinois, ask that for the sake of their children that you give them their privacy. "There is no need for the media to park live trucks outside of the Blagojevich home," says Glenn Selig, founder of The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>) which represents Rod and Patti Blagojevich.  "They are living their day to day lives and they'd very much appreciate some privacy.  Cameras and trucks outside their home are jarring to their children." "When and if there is something of news value to report I will make sure you know about it." For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x801 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815 or Office: (813) 948-7767 x803

Los Angeles, Calif. / One of the stars of the upcoming NBC reality show ‘Help, I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!,’ wants to help get former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Costa Rica to participate on the show. Stephen Baldwin says he’s willing to go before Judge James Zagel to get permission for Blagojevich to join him in Costa Rica on the show. “If there’s an opportunity to go before the judge and it would help the situation I would be more than happy to go,” Baldwin told the former governor who is in L.A. to help promote the reality program airing on NBC in June. Baldwin said he believes people are innoncent until proven guilty so everyone should still be under the assumption that “he’s innocent.” The judge ruled earlier this week that he would not alter the conditions of Blagojevich’s bond to allow travel to Costa Rica for the reality show. “I would love for Blagojevich to be on the show,” Baldwin says. “He would add intensity and spice.” Baldwin, also in L.A. to help promote the new show, says he will start wearing a handmade button on his lapel during interviews that proclaims ‘Leggo My Blago.’ With the role of the former governor in the new NBC reality show still unclear, Blagojevich’s publicist welcomed the support of the Hollywood actor. “I think it’s great that a Hollywood star like Stephen Baldwin is behind the governor,” says Glenn Selig, founder of the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>), which represents Blagojevich. “Rod really appreciates his support.” Blagojevich is in Los Angeles with Baldwin and other stars to help promote the upcoming reality show, which he hopes to still have a role in at some point. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 300-5454 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Mobile: (813) 528-6815

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich delivered a suprise during an appearance this morning on NBC's 'Today' show by announcing he would be heading to L.A. to promote the upcoming reality program 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.' Earlier this week, a federal judge in Chicago said he would not alter the former governor's bond allowing him to travel to Costa Rica to participate in the show. "He's mindful and respectful of the court's ruling that he can't leave the country but we're still exploring ways for him to be part of the show," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's publicist and founder of the <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>). "He wants to be supportive of the program." Selig declined to elaborate on the options being explored. The former governor will attend a press event for NBC this Friday, April 24. Blagojevich had hoped to earn a salary for appearing on the program that airs in June, in addition to raising money for his favorite charity. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page: <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x 801 Mobile:  (813) 300-5454 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x 803 Mobile:  (813) 528-6815

Chicago, Ill. / Rod Blagojevich will appear on NBC's 'Today' show Thursday morning, according to the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> that represents the former Illinois governor. This is his first interview since a federal judge denied Blagojevich's request to travel to Costa Rica for the upcoming NBC reality show 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here' that begins in June, says Glenn Selig, the former governor's spokesman and founder of The Publicity Agency.  The <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> representing the governor, The Publicity Agency, will send out alerts and advisories as developments warrant. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency">http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page at <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html">www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://WWW.THEPUBLICITYAGENCY.COm" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x 801 Mobile:  (813) 300-5454 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x 803 Mobile:  (813) 528-6815

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich released the following statement, via The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">www.thepublicityagency.com</A>), the PR firm that represents him, following the judge's ruling in U.S. District Court today: "I respect the judge and his decision.  I am trying to find a way to work to support my little girls and family. "I'm fully aware of what the allegations are and I know what the truth is concerning me and I know that I've done absolutely nothing wrong." The PR firm representing the governor, The Publicity Agency, will send out alerts and advisories as developments warrant. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency">http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page at <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html">www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the PR firm, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x 801 Mobile:  (813) 300-5454 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x 803 Mobile:  (813) 528-6815

Los Angeles, Calif. / The following statement was released by NBC Entertainment: "NBC is disappointed in the court’s decision today regarding Rod Blagojevich’s participation on “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!,” but excited about the casting announcement for the show this Friday.  There are no plans to move the show to a location in the United States."

Los Angeles, Calif. / The following statement was released by NBC Entertainment. "Based on the hit U.K. reality show, "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" is a groundbreaking live series event premiering June 1 and stripped over four weeks in June. Ten celebrities of various backgrounds will be dropped into the heart of the Costa Rican jungle to face challenges designed to test their skills in adapting to the wilderness and to raise money for their favorite charities. Rod Blagojevich will be a participant on the show pending the court's approval."

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich released the following statement, via The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com</A>), the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> that represents him, following his arraignment in U.S. District Court today: "Now we can begin the process of getting the truth out and I can clear my name and vindicate myself. "I have not let down my family or the people of Illinois.  I am innocent of every single allegation." The PR firm representing the governor, The Publicity Agency, will send out alerts and advisories as developments warrant. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. Governor Blagojevich News Page at <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the PR firm, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x 801 Mobile:  (813) 300-5454 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x 803 Mobile:  (813) 528-6815

Tampa, Fla. / Former Illinois <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>Gov. Rod Blagojevich</A> released the following statement, via the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> that represents him, responding to the indictment announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois: "I'm saddened and hurt but I am not surprised by the indictment.  I am innocent.  I now will fight in the courts to clear my name. I would ask the good people of Illinois to wait for the trial and afford me the presumption of innocence that they would give to all their friends and neighbors." The PR firm representing the governor, The Publicity Agency, will send out alerts and advisories as developments warrant. The governor is not in Chicago and will not be doing any interviews.  He is spending family time with his wife and kids during spring break.  They ask that you respect their privacy.  For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. NEW! Governor Blagojevich News Page at <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html" target=_blank>www.thepublicityagency.com/gov_rod_blagojevich.html</A>. For more information about the PR firm, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Contact: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x 801 Mobile:  (813) 300-5454 Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (888) 399-5534 x 803 Mobile:  (813) 528-6815

Chicago, Ill. /  D.L. Hughley, host of 'D.L. Hughley Breaks the News' will be among Rod Blagojevich's guests as the former governor fills in as host on Chicago's WLS radio later this morning, according to <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>Blagojevich's publicist</A>. Hughley, who each week talks to a wide spectrum of newsmakers, pundits and ordinary people about what's going on in the world, offers a unique perspective as one of the original Kings of Comedy.  He also happens to be a news junkie and a fan of the former governor. "The former governor appeared on D.L.'s program earlier this year and had a great time," says Selig.  "He's looking forward to having D.L. as a guest this morning as he becomes the host." The stars of 'Rod Blagojevich Superstar' will be in studio with Blagojevich.  The Second City musical opened in early February and is a spoof on the real Rod Blagojevich.  The former governor will also discuss the presidential news conference and take calls from listeners, says Selig. Blagojevich is in the midst of writing a highly anticipated book due out in October.  The former governor received a six figure advance. Blagojevich is filling in for the vacationing Don Wade and Roma.  He was their guest March 17. Blagojevich will host from 7am CST - 9am CST this morning on WLS-AM. Note to TV, Print Media:  One video pool camera and one still camera will be allowed inside the WLS-AM studio.  For more information on obtaining dubs, please contact Tracy Slutzkin (312) 984-5302. Note to All Media:  Glenn Selig, publicist for former Gov. Blagojevich, is in Chicago.  Contact information is below. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Contact: Glenn Selig, The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry) Phone: (813) 948-7767 x 801 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A> Justin Herndon, The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> (BlackBerry) Phone: (813) 948-7767 x 803 or cell: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. /  He's done dozens of interviews since being thrust into the national spotlight--and countless more during his political days.  Now, for the first time, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will ask the questions when he takes over as guest host on a top Chicago-area radio station, the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> that represents the former governor confirmed today. Blagojevich will fill in Wednesday morning for the vacationing <A href="http://www.wlsam.com/sectional.asp?id=17450" target=_blank>Don Wade and Roma</A> - "the dynamic duo" on WLS 890 AM. "He's excited about hosting," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's publicist and founder of The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>).  "He's ready for the challenge and promises to be a fair interviewer.  He'll also be tough when he needs to be. He's a talented communicator." "Broadcasters and the public were witness to his talent when he went national to tell his side of the story," says Selig. "He thinks fast on his feet, is energenic and knows how to speak about complicated subjects so that anyone can understand what he's saying." Blagojevich is in the midst of writing a highly anticipated book due out in October.  The former governor received a six figure advance. Blagojevich was a guest on the "Don Wade and Roma" show March 17. Guests for Blagojevich's fill-in show will be announced later today, Selig says. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. For more information about the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A>, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Contact: Glenn Selig, The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 948-7767 x 801 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A> Justin Herndon, The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 948-7767 x 803 or cell: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich released the following statement on the proposal from Gov. Pat Quinn to raise the state income tax: "This is exactly what I said was going to happen.  It is unconscionable that the new governor, Pat Quinn, wants to raise the income tax by 50% especially at a time when people are hurting and the economy is in shambles. "When Pat Quinn and I ran as a ticket we promised the people not to raise their income taxes.  For six years I kept that promise.  It took him less than six weeks to break it." Former Gov. Blagojevich is not available for interviews and will not be making any other public statements today. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. To be added to the email list for future news releases regarding the former governor, please send an email to <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> and put 'governor email list' in the subject line. For more information about the PR firm, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Media Contacts: Glenn Selig, The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 948-7767 x 801 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A> Justin Herndon, The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 948-7767 x 803 or cell: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich today signed a six figure book deal with one of the largest independent book publishers in the U.S., the <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>PR firm</A> representing Blagojevich announced today. Blagojevich, who vehemently denies he tried to sell President Obama's senate seat, will write about the discussions, the considerations and the factors involved in picking Obama's successor to the U.S. Senate.  Blagojevich maintains he was hijacked from office because of politics. In the book, he will write about his journey that led up to the twice-elected governor and former congressman being ousted from office.  He also plans on exposing the dark side of politics that he witnessed in both the state and national level. <A href="http://www.phoenixbooksandaudio.com" target=_blank>Phoenix Books</A> is run by maverick publisher Michael Viner whose titles include books from celebrities like mega-rock star and businessman Gene Simmons and talk show host Larry King. Phoenix also has a large selection of popular fiction and intriguing mystery books. "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," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's publicist and founder of <A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com" target=_blank>The Publicity Agency</A>. "He simply did not want to accept constraints or conditions on what he could say in this book." Selig says the governor will tell the American public the truth about what happened.  He 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. "There were some people in high places who didn't want the governor to write this book and worked to try to squash a book deal," says Selig. The terms of the book deal were not disclosed. The book, which has a working title of "The Governor," is set to be released by Phoenix Books in October. The literary agent of record is Jarred Weisfeld of Objective Entertainment. For Breaking News developments on former Gov. Blagojevich, please follow The Publicity Agency on Twitter at <A href="http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency" target=_blank>http://twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A>. For more information about the PR firm, The Publicity Agency, please visit: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>. Contact: Glenn Selig, The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 948-7767 x 801 or cell: (813) 300-5454 Web site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A> Justin Herndon, The Publicity Agency Email: <A href="mailto:[email protected]" target=_blank>[email protected]</A> Phone: (813) 948-7767 x 803 or cell: (813) 528-6815 Web site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com" target=_blank>www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. / The following is a statement from Glenn Selig, publicist for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, to today's 'Chicago Sun-Times' article on the governor's appointment of Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate: "There’s absolutely nothing inappropriate that took place between Gov. Blagojevich and Sen. Burris in connection to the governor's appointment of Mr. Burris to the U.S. Senate. “The governor acted ethically and honestly and believes Sen. Burris did too.” For breaking news alerts and updates, please follow The Publicity Agency’s Twitter page. <A href="http://www.twitter.com/PublicityAgency">www.twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A> Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency A Selig Multimedia, Inc. Company Toll Free: (888) 399-5534 Cell: (813) 300-5454 Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> ***Please text a message or email Web Site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency A Selig Multimedia, Inc. Company Toll Free: (888) 399-5534 Cell: (813) 528-6815 Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> ***Please text a message or email Web Site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>

Chicago, Ill. and New York, N.Y. / Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has done interviews with Diane Sawyer, Meredith Vieira, Barbara Walters and even David Letterman.  But one of the more lively exchanges may come Wednesday evening when Gov. Blagojevich takes questions from conservative talk show host Sean Hannity, Blagojevich's publicist Glenn Selig of the publicity/PR firm The Publicity Agency (<A href="http://www.thepublicityagency.com">http://www.thepublicityagency.com</A>) said today. Gov. Blagojevich is in the midst of an aggressive media campaign to assert his innocence in light of allegations that he tried to sell the senate seat vacated by Barack Obama after he was elected president. Blagojevich was removed from office less than two weeks ago by the Illinois Senate after being denied the chance to call witnesses and present evidence that he did nothing wrong. "Gov. Blagojevich calls himself the 'anti Nixon' because he wants Americans to hear all the supposed incriminating audio tapes played so they can hear what was said in full context," says Selig.  "The governor is not afraid to take tough questions from even his harshest critics and an interview with Hannity proves it." Hannity has publicly criticized the former governor for what he said in conversations that were recorded by FBI wiretaps but he has also been critical of the government and what appears to be a smear campaign based on lack of evidence. The live interview is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 p.m. on FOX Newschannel.  The governor will be in New York. For breaking news alerts and updates, please follow The Publicity Agency’s Twitter page. <A href="http://www.twitter.com/PublicityAgency">www.twitter.com/PublicityAgency</A> Media Contacts: Glenn Selig The Publicity Agency A Selig Multimedia, Inc. Company Toll Free: (888) 399-5534 Cell: (813) 300-5454 Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> ***Please text a message or email Web Site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A> Justin Herndon The Publicity Agency A Selig Multimedia, Inc. Company Toll Free: (888) 399-5534 Cell: (813) 528-6815 Email:  <A href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> ***Please text a message or email Web Site: <A href="http://www.ThePublicityAgency.com">www.ThePublicityAgency.com</A>