Top 11 Reasons That Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich Considered Appointing Himself To Fill Obama's US Senate Seat

11. He was frustrated at being "stuck" as governor*

10. Wanted to consult with experts on how to commit fraud without being caught

9. He thought that it would be easier to fight an indictment as a sitting Senator as opposed to a sitting governor*

8. Figured if they let Ted Kennedy stay, the Senate would never kick him out

7. He thought he could remake his image as a Senator in consideration of a possible run for President in 2016*

6. Needed more clout to shake down the American Cancer Society

5. He thought he could make lucrative corporate contacts that he could cash in after leaving public office*

4. Tired of taking the same old bribes from the same old cronies

3. Having a Senate seat would facilitate his wife's employment as a lobbyist*

2. Junket opportunities as Governor of Illinois severely limited

1. He could generate higher speaking fees as a former Senator should he decide to leave public office*

* These reasons were actually given by Blagojevich in intercepted communications