Yes, Obama’s people talked to Blago about the Senate opening. No, there was no talk of quid pro quos. Well, of course not. Smart operators know some things need not (should not) be spoken.
A governor can reasonably expect some sort of goodness would flow from appointing a president of the United States’ favorite to succeed him in a Senate seat. Blago, a very practical sort, apparently wanted more specific assurances.
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Do unspoken understandings about quids following quos amount to a crime? No, lest capitols across the land be depopulated abruptly.