Blagoje-Watch: Impending Indictment Edition

We're likely just a few days away from the indictment hammer coming down on former governor Rod Blagojevich (most office pools have Thursday pegged as the favorite) so plenty of news is swirling around the embattled ex-gov. Today, the Chicago Tribune discussed records they obtained that show that then-governor Blagojevich and the Tribune Company were undergoing secret negotiations, named "Project Elwood" after the Blues Brothers character, to sell Wrigley Field to the state of Illinois. Things got a little complicated when it was learned the Tribune Company would be filing for bankruptcy. William Brandt, chairman of the Illinois Finance Authority, wrote, "This could measurably complicate Project Elwood."

The Trib explains:

State records recently released to the Chicago Tribune offer a deeper look at those private talks, outlining an ongoing series of contacts between Tribune Co. representatives and the scandal-plagued Blagojevich even as federal investigators closed their noose around him.

The records—including e-mails, telephone logs and calendars obtained under the state's Freedom of Information Act—provide new details about the urgency of Tribune Co. efforts to get a financial bailout from the state and the Cubs-crazy governor's personal contacts with the company and Cubs officials.

The documents leave much unsaid, and most of the people who could fill in the blanks would not comment.

While Tribune Company CEO Sam Zell refused to comment, Tribune Co. spokesman Gary Weitman issued this via email: "Mr. Zell never believed he was being asked to interfere with Chicago Tribune's operations, including the editorial board, as a result of Wrigley Field discussions with the state. Further, he is not aware that anyone at or representing Tribune was ever approached with a request of this kind. Regardless, Tribune would never consider interfering with editorial board staff in relation to a transaction." According to the Trib's report, the records also indicate Zell and Blagojevich communicated directly. The report also details Blago's claim that Zell wanted to tear down Wrigley and replace it with a stadium similar to that of Coors Field, where the Colorado Rockies play. Zell was also listed on Blago's "campaign contribution hit list" the Sun-Times released this weekend.

Meanwhile, final preparations for that indictment are being made and the federal grand jury getting ready to hand that indictment down heard all about Lady Blago and her allegedly nefarious real estate dealings yesterday.

Per the Sun-Times:

Defense lawyers said witnesses were questioned about Patti Blagojevich, her former firm, River Realty, and commissions she was paid on real estate deals involving political supporters, donors or state contractors. The former first lady took part in more than half a dozen real estate dealings with convicted businessman Tony Rezko, sources said.

One included a 2002 deal in which Patti Blagojevich won nearly $50,000 in commissions. Months later, the former governor named Rezko friends to prominent state posts. Patti Blagojevich was also a broker in a deal involving lobbyist John Wyma, a former Blagojevich friend and fund-raiser.

Patti's attorney, Raymond Pijon, said, "She did work as a broker and that's as much as I can tell you...[grand jury questioning] doesn't mean anything in and of itself."