Former rival accuses Blago of shaking down lobbyists

12/22/2008 9:49:00 AM
By: Jim Anderson and Eric Stock    

Former state treasurer Judy Baar Topinka says lobbyists had to pay $10,000 to get to see Governor Blagojevich. Topinka says lobbyists who found the governor not in his office at the capital would then come to her office to talk.

   

Topinka says lobbyists didn't want to complain to the U.S. Attorney that they were being shaken down -- and they were afraid their bills wouldn't be signed.

Topinka lost to Blagojevich in the 2006 governor's race.

A spokesman for the governor said he could not comment.

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