Blago wanted 'special letter' for U of I applicant

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Records show Rod Blagojevich directed his staff to write a "very special letter of recommendation" in 2003 for the son of a friend and donor who was applying to the University of Illinois.

The letter was for Jack Gould of Lincolnwood. He's the son of Joel Gould, a Chicago defense attorney who gave campaign contributions of $5,600 to Blagojevich.

Jack Gould graduated with honors in 2008. His father says he merely sought his friend Blagojevich's recommendation as he and his son did other friends, teachers and coaches.

The Chicago Tribune revealed last month that the U of I kept a separate list of applicants with political connections and that some got in over more qualified hopefuls.

Federal officials have subpoenaed Blagojevich's communications about applicants with at least three universities.