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“The evidence clearly showed that the governor attempted to put a price tag on the provision of financial assistance to the Tribune Company. And what was that price tag? He wanted some editorial board members at the Chicago Tribune fired. Fifteen conversations with [chief of staff] John Harris over a one-month period. Fifteen conversations in which the governor repeatedly directs Harris to talk to high-ranking members of the Tribune Company. Fifteen conversations in which the governor makes it clear the message he wants delivered – ‘No money from the state unless those editorial board members are fired.’
“Repeatedly, the governor follows up with John Harris. Repeatedly, Harris reports back that he delivered the directive. More than once we read the exchange between the governor and Harris — ‘He got the message, right?’ ‘Right. He got it loud and clear.’
