By Bill McMorris   Illinois Statehouse News
CHICAGO–Rod Blagojevich flirted with celebrity long before he and his wife ever hit the reality television circuit.

Wiretaps reveal the former Illinois governor considered seating talk show giant Oprah Winfrey or action star and moderate Republican California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for President Barack Obama’s vacant senate seat on Nov. 21, 2008.

Former Blagojevich Chief of Staff John Harris on Monday told jurors in Blagojevich’s federal corruption trial that he objected to the picks as unrealistic, but the former governor said a celebrity pick like Winfrey could help him regain some popularity.

“(Winfrey is) the kingmaker, she made Obama, we know she’s a Democrat–she’s for Obama,” he told Harris.

He also thought a Winfrey selection could shield him from media scrutiny.

“She’s so up there, so high, no one can assail this pick,” he said.

As for a Schwarzenegger pick, Harris testified “(Blagojevich) was throwing out a name of the stature of people he wanted (for the seat).”

Blagojevich’s zeal for a celebrity pick stood in sharp contrast to his consideration of Illinois politicians, like U.S. Rep. Danny Davis.

“I’m gonna feel like I’m not maximizing this situation (if I pick Davis),” he said.

The former governor’s short list was anything but, as he tossed around names seemingly at random on tape. Harris told the court Blagojevich’sNo. 1 concern was deriving some sort of personal or political benefit from the Senate pick. When it became increasingly clear that President-Elect Obama would not reward Blagojevich for picking his friend, Chicago businesswoman Valerie Jarrett, his potential appointees took a volatile turn.

“We’re stuck in the mud,” Blagojevich said on tape. “No one’s coming up with new ideas, new people.”

Harris testified he was not surprised by the lack of serious options once Blagojevich’s alleged scheming hit a dead end.

“There was no process in place,” Harris testified.

Harris is testifying against his former boss in exchange for a reduced sentence on a bribery charge.

Blagojevich faces up to 415 years in prison if convicted of more than 20 counts of corruption.