On Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:06:06 -0800, Calif Bill wrote:


Most likely a crime. Conspiracy to commit a crime is criminal even if
the crime is not committed. But the question is: "Is it illegal to sell
a senate seat."?

IANAL, but, yes, I think. ;-) The first count against Blagojevich is
written, in part, "in a scheme to defraud the State of Illinois and the
people of the State of Illinois of the honest services of Rod R.
Blagojevich". So, I'm guessing selling a Senate seat constitutes fraud.
It becomes Federal because they used mails and interstate wire
communications.