The idea that what Blagojevich did is somehow worse than for example, Christie's wife making $475,000 working for a company that has special deals with New Jersey's pension plan is absurd.
It's a question of degree. There were multiple instances where Blago was recorded saying to a group (eg Children's Memorial Hospital) that he would only sign a document releasing millions of dollars of properly appropriated funds if there was a substantial donation (50K$ was typical). That type of quid pro quo for an official act crosses the line.
Blago was truly an incompetent criminal. so much so that I'm shocked he was able to rise as high as he did before ruining himself.
first, be that blunt, while at home or in his office, about selling a Senate seat and all the other cash for favors. an effective crooked pol should always begin by speaking in riddles and subtleties. this at least gives you a shot at establishing reasonable doubt should the sh**t hit the fan. then, once you think you have a fish biting, for the real explicit stuff, meet personally in remote areas (and bring bouncers/muscle men).
he also should NOT have used landlines or traceable e-mail to conduct his worst business. buy a MoneyPak w/cash (or better yet have someone else buy one of those "gift" type cards, in cash) and use a pay-as-you-go phone.
