By Ap/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's office took a personal interest in hiring a congressman's son as a state pilot.
Internal e-mails obtained by The Associated Press show Blagojevich's personnel office asked for the status of Brian Keen's application about three years ago. Keen is the son-in-law of southern Illinois Congressman Jerry Costello, who was hired for the job in October 2003.
The pilot's job is covered by laws that require it go to the most qualified applicant and not a political appointee. Blagojevich has said his office has never gotten involved in hiring individuals for such protected jobs.
A Blagojevich spokeswoman says she didn't know why the governor's personnel office made the inquiry but that it wasn't improper. State and federal investigators are reviewing Blagojevich's hiring practices.