Impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has hired a public relations firm whose specialties include crisis management as part of his last-ditch national media blitz before the impeachment trial next week, it was reported in Chicago on Saturday.
Blagojevich hired The Publicity Agency for "his dealings with the news media that are outside the scope of his job as governor," according to a news release issued by the firm.
A Blagojevich Spokesman said he was unaware that the governor had hired an outside PR agency.
According to reports, Blagojevich, who could face a Senate conviction and removal from office next week, is embarking on a high-profile media campaign with scheduled appearances Monday on ABC's "Good Morning America" and "The View," followed later by an appearance on CNN's "Larry King Live."
Blagojevich was accused of attempting to sell the US Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama. He was impeached on January 9 by the Illinois House.
It was also reported that newly released subpoenas show federal prosecutors are looking at potential criminal wrongdoing that would go beyond charges the Illinois governor already faces -- involving everything from state road contracts awarded to campaign donors to his wife Patti's real estate dealings.
The subpoenas also seek information about any contacts the governor's administration had with two top advisers to President Obama, David Axelrod and Valerie Jarrett.