Michael Whatley Seeks Support from Controversial Figure in Senate Bid
Facing challenges in his U.S. Senate campaign in North Carolina, Michael Whatley has enlisted a surprising figure to bolster his efforts: former Illinois governor and convicted felon Rod Blagojevich.
Whatley made headlines by appearing with Blagojevich at a fundraiser held on March 19 at Trump Tower in Chicago. The event also saw the presence of Don Tracy, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois.
Blagojevich, who served as Illinois governor after being elected in 2002 and reelected in 2006, was impeached and removed in 2009. His downfall came after he was caught in an FBI-recorded phone call attempting to sell the Senate seat left vacant by then-President-elect Barack Obama. Infamously, Blagojevich remarked, “I’ve got this thing, and it’s fucking golden,” expressing his reluctance to give up the seat without personal gain.
In 2011, Blagojevich was convicted on 17 counts, including charges related to the Senate seat scandal and extortion involving state funds. His 14-year prison sentence was cut short when President Donald Trump commuted it in 2020. Trump later granted Blagojevich a full pardon last year.
Trump’s decision to pardon Blagojevich faced backlash from numerous Illinois lawmakers, such as several Republicans. Republican state Sen. Jil Tracy commented, “Anybody that had lived in the state of Illinois during that time and saw how dysfunctional and chaotic that administration was,” highlighting the abuse of power and pay-for-play accusations surrounding Blagojevich’s tenure.
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin also condemned the scandal, labeling it as “one of the worst” in Illinois history.
Whatley’s campaign has previously drawn scrutiny for its connections. Reports surfaced last month of his campaign receiving $21,000 in donations from individuals linked to health care fraud.
In the upcoming Senate race, Whatley is set to face Democratic contender and former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.
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