CHICAGO- In November 2008, just days after the election, Rod Blagojevich was already trying to make a deal for Barack Obama’s former senate seat, according to testimony today at the former governor’s corruption trial.  Blago’s former chief of staff, John Harris, was again on the witness stand, saying Blago believed Obama knew he wanted a cabinet post in exchange for agreeing to appoint Obama’s choice, Valerie Jarrett, to the vacant senate seat.  Harris claimed Blago, who was very worried about “life after governorship”, wanted to pressure Obama by “creating the appearance that there were other candidates” seriously being considered for the position, but that “Barack really wants to get away from Illinois politics”.

A phone conversation from November 7, 2008 was played, which included Blagojevich, Harris and Democratic consultant Fred Yang talking about opportunities for Blago.   Harris testified that it was suggested that a union leader could talk to Obama and explain to him that “we can get Rod to do X, if you will do Y for Rod” (apparently that meant: get Rod to appoint Valerie Jarrett if he helps get Rod a job).   Cash seemed to be a big concern for Blago, as he asked on several occasions “how much money” a particular job paid.

Harris said he stood by the governor, even though some others who had been close to him were no longer in contact.  Harris said he wasn’t afraid to “push back” against an idea of Blago’s that he thought was a bad one.  Blago nicknamed Harris “The Prince of Darkness” because he constantly pointed out the downside of Blago’s plans.

Another phone conversation between Rod and wife Patti Blagojevich was also played in court earlier today, in which Patti was apparently trying to check online for some information for her husband, about how much various jobs payed.  She seemed to be having trouble finding the information he wanted and the conversation sounded a little tense, but before the recording was played, Patti, sporting her chic new haircut, had already left the courtroom.

“God bless the judge” is what Blago said, after learning that judge James Zagel won’t gag him.  Prosecutors had asked Zagel to put a muzzle on the former gov.  Defense attorneys argued that when Blago speaks, he basically only says two things: “I’m innocent” and “everyone is lying about me”.   If he suddenly stops publicly saying those two things, the defense argued, he will be sending another type of message.