Blago eyes 2016 presidential run

The 79-page criminal complaint against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is filled with vulgar remarks and jaw-dropping revelations related to his alleged attempt to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat.

But overlooked amid the spectacle is this bizarre gem, buried deep within the document: Blagojevich toyed with the idea of appointing himself to fill Obama’s seat to “remake his image in consideration of a possible run for president in 2016.”

He’d viewed himself as a presidential contender after winning the governorship in 2002, but much had transpired since then. He had an undistinguished first term, limped to reelection in a solidly Democratic state against a weak field, alienated much of the Legislature and was well-aware the feds were closing in on his administration on corruption issues unrelated to the Senate seat.