Sources: Report says no deal with governor

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Rahm Emanuel, chief of staff to U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, had only one phone conversation with Illinois' embattled governor, sources say.

ABC News reported Sunday that the one contact with Gov. Rod Blagojevich came in the form of a courtesy call as Emanuel was named Obama's chief of staff.

Most of their discussion reportedly concerned Emanuel's congressional seat, which had previously been held by Blagojevich. Sources said there was only a "passing reference" to the U.S. Senate vacancy left open by Obama.

Meanwhile, Emanuel also had four phone calls with Blagojevich Chief of Staff John Harris. During at least one of those calls, the open Senate seat was discussed. The sources said Emanuel made the case for Obama confidante Valerie Jarrett.

Harris reportedly asked if, in return for picking Jarrett, "all we get is appreciation, right?" "Right," Emanuel responded.

Politico said the report is expected Monday or Tuesday. Obama last week said he was delaying the report's release until this week at the request of federal prosecutors.

Federal prosecutors allege Blagojevich and Harris conspired to sell Obama's former Senate seat. The governor is also accused of refusing to free up funds for a children's hospital in Chicago until he received a $50,000 campaign contribution.