Blagojevich's wife, brother retain counsel

CHICAGO, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Illinois first lady Patti Blagojevich and the governor's brother both retained counsel as the spotlight of a federal investigation turns on them.

Federal investigators indicated they are interested in conversations of Patti Blagojevich and Robert Blagojevich, allegedly captured on wire-tapped recordings, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Friday.

Robert Blagojevich was overheard on more than 30 different conversations, sources told the newspaper. They include ones in which Gov. Rod Blagojevich allegedly discussed peddling President-elect Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder and state contracts for campaign contributions.

Blagojevich was arrested last week on federal corruption accusations that included trying to sell his appointment to the U.S. Senate seat. The Illinois House named a committee to investigate whether he should be impeached.

Patti Blagojevich reportedly was present at and participated in of some of the conversations the governor had, the federal criminal complaint said. She also is under scrutiny for some real estate dealings with entities that do business with the state.