AP

AP Exclusive: Gov says everyone hired on merit
Associated Press - March 31, 2008 4:24 PM ET
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A spokeswoman for Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says the administration hires people for state jobs on merit and doesn't seek legislative favors in return.
An 2003 e-mail from Blagojevich's legislative aide -- obtained by The Associated Press -- suggests a favorable vote from a senator if the senator's secretary gets a new job.
Joseph Handley seeks confirmation in the e-mail that two people -- including the secretary -- would move to new posts. Neither ultimately did.
Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff says a candidate's qualifications are the only consideration in hiring for jobs protected from political influence.
But she did not explain why a staffer in charge of legislative proposals would need to confirm who the administration is hiring.