Report Puts Rahm In The Clear

An internal review prepared for Barack Obama found his incoming chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, had multiple conversations with Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s office on the subject of who would replace Obama in the Senate, none of which involved any deals or bribes. Emanuel spoke with Blagojevich once or twice, and four times with his top aide, John Harris. The report also said that the president-elect authorized Emanuel, who was the only Obama aide to speak with Blagojevich, to pass on the names of four potential replacements: Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes, Illinois Veterans’ Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, and Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Emanuel apparently recommended Obama aide Valerie Jarrett (before she accepted a job as senior White House advisor) without Obama’s knowledge. The review, which was conducted by incoming White House attorney Greg Craig, was dated Tuesday, but an initial copy was given to Obama on December 15. A transition official also revealed that Obama, Emanuel, and Jarrett have been interviewed in connection with the federal investigation into Blagojevich.