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Blagojevich book deal sparks legislation

Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for trying to personally gain when appointing someone to fill Barack Obama's Senate seat after the 2008 election.
Bill Greenblatt | UPI

By AP/KWMU

Springfield, Ill. – Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's announcement of a six-figure book deal this week has prompted legislation meant to bar corrupt government officials from profiting from their misconduct.

The bill from Democratic Rep. Jack Franks would require officials convicted of misconduct to forfeit any payment for their stories. That means they couldn't make money from book, TV or movie deals.

Franks said officials should not be able to "cash in" after betraying the people's trust.

The legislation would likely not cover Blagojevich since he has no criminal conviction.

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