Ill. governor accused in pay to play probe

CHICAGO, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. officials investigating alleged corruption in Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration now include the governor in their probe, a report says.

He is accused of being part of a "pay to play" scheme where state contracts were offered in exchange for political favors, the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday.

"You stick with us and you will do well for yourself," court papers say a man identified as "Public Official A" told a federal informant.

Prosecutors say that public official is Blagojevich, the Tribune said, but the governor's office denied the governor ever made the statement.

The scrutiny will only intensify next year, when Antoin Rezko, one of Blagojevich's biggest fundraisers, goes on trial for allegedly offering to intercede with the governor on behalf of large campaign donors, the newspaper said.

Blagojevich's legal woes, combined with a stalled political agenda, have caused the man who was already known for relying on a tight circle of advisers, to become something of a recluse, the Tribune reported, conducting most of his state business from his home.