By AP/KWMU
Chicago, Ill. – New legal documents suggest Illinois state agencies under Gov. Rod Blagojevich's control gave politically connected job applicants internships for which they were over-qualified.
About a dozen applicants were rated highly qualified for top state jobs. But hiring them as interns doesn't require following laws giving military veterans preference.
The Associated Press reported in February that at least one-third of interns hired under Governor Rod Blagojevich have ties to Democrats.
The new documents filed with the Civil Service Commission are meant to justify the firing of two employees for allegedly rigging hiring.
But they raise questions about why Blagojevich aides put eleven applicants suited for regular state jobs into training posts.
Blagojevich's office has had no comment.