Closing the ring: Ex-Blago chief of staff pleads guilty

In a deal to receive a lighter sentence, former Rod Blagojevich chief of staff Lon Monk had pleaded guilty today to corruption charges--he'll receive a two year prison sentence.

From CBS 2 Chicago:

Monk, 51, of Decatur, said in his plea agreement that during the ex-governor's first term in office, there was an ongoing agreement among Blagojevich's closest advisers involving making tens of thousands of dollars off of state business.

The money would be split four ways, according to the plea. The alleged recipients: Blagojevich, the now-deceased Christopher Kelly, convicted businessman Tony Rezko and Monk.

The plea indicates Rezko was responsible for setting up money-making arrangements from state deals. Monk said he and Blagojevich agreed to use "their power and authority in state government" to help Rezko and Kelly make money. Monk said as part of the agreement, he and Blagojevich would "share in the money that was made" but wouldn't get their cut until after they were no longer in government, according to the deal.

Blago's trial is expected to begin in June--which will give the Illinois Democratic Party numerous headaches because of its proximity to the 2010 elections.

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