CHICAGO — An unflattering portrait depicting Illinois first lady Patricia Blagojevich as a modern-day Lady Macbeth who plotted against her husband's perceived enemies and backed his corrupt schemes emerged in court documents connected to the governor's arrest.
Her alleged ambitions and brashness are outlined in a 76-page federal criminal complaint: She helped her husband hatch a plan to sell President-elect Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat. She angled to trade her husband's power for lucrative spots on corporate boards. And she unleashed an obscenity-filled tirade suggesting Tribune Co. ownership should "just fire" Chicago Tribune editorial writers if the media company wanted the state to help it unload Wrigley Field to ease its crushing debt.
"Hold up that . . . Cubs" sale, she is quoted as saying in the background as her husband talked on the phone, authorities alleged.
Patricia Blagojevich, 43, has not been charged with wrongdoing.
The affidavit also alleges she participated in a two-hour conference call last month in which she, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his aides discussed selling Obama's seat in exchange for her placement on paid corporate boards. Patricia Blagojevich suggested she would be qualified for such positions because she has a background in real estate and appraisals, and the governor said he hoped she would be able to pull in at least $150,000 annually to alleviate the family's "financial stress," according to the complaint.
When the governor debated appointing himself to the Senate seat, one of the arguments in favor was that it would be easier for his wife to become a lobbyist, authorities alleged.
Democratic Gov. Blagojevich, 52, was arrested at his Chicago home early Tuesday. He was released on his own recognizance after a court hearing, having posted a $4,500 bond.
Illinois' first lady, who did not attend her husband's bail hearing, is no stranger to rough-and-tumble politics. She grew up the eldest daughter of a longtime ward boss, Alderman Richard Mell, bearing witness to the ways of the Chicago Machine since grade school.
Patricia Blagojevich famously feuded with her father after Mell accused the governor of pay-to-play politics in 2005, though they briefly reconciled after her mother's death two years ago. Despite their chilly relationship in recent years, Mell expressed concern for his daughter Tuesday -- but not for his son-in-law.
