American Journal News: “Blagojevich was found guilty on 17 counts related to the attempted sale of the Senate seat, as well as additional extortion charges…”
New reporting is highlighting how DC insider Michael Whatley cozied up to convicted felon Rod Blagojevich for campaign cash at a Chicago fundraiser last week. Blagojevich spent eight years in federal prison for attempting to sell a U.S. Senate Seat for $1.5 million in campaign cash and other benefits, as well as the attempted shake down of a children’s hospital. Currently, Blagojevich is lobbying for a key Putin ally.
Whatley found the time to jet off to Chicago to fundraise with a “convicted felon” but continues to dodge reporter’s questions for elevating a child predator.
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American Journal News: Michael Whatley turns to convicted ex-governor for campaign boost
Jesse Valentine | March 23, 2026
- Michael Whatley’s U.S. Senate campaign in North Carolina has been beleaguered by tight polls and sluggish fundraising. Now, he’s turning to an unlikely ally for help: former Illinois governor and convicted felon Rod Blagojevich.
- Whatley appeared alongside Blagojevich at a March 19 fundraiser at Trump Tower in Chicago.
- In 2011, Blagojevich was found guilty on 17 counts related to the attempted sale of the Senate seat, as well as additional extortion charges involving state funds. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
- This is not the first time Whatley’s campaign has turned to questionable characters for help. It was reported last month that the campaign accepted $21,000 in donations from various individuals accused of health care fraud.
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