Elvis statue, campaign items sold at Blago auction

[August 20, 2010]  ARLINGTON HEIGHTS (AP) -- Elvis Presley impersonators and a colorful inflatable bounce house are making for a festive auction of items connected to former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

A life-sized statue of Elvis Presley and a neon "Governor Blagojevich" sign were among the hot items available Thursday after a suburban Chicago storage facility evicted material being stored by Blagojevich's campaign fund.

The statue sold for $20,500. Other items included a $120 plaque rewarding Blagojevich for political leadership.

The owner of Boyer-Rosene Moving & Storage says the Friends of Blagojevich fund hasn't paid in a year and auction profits will benefit a local hospital.

Blagojevich was convicted this week of lying to the FBI. A federal judge declared a mistrial on the other charges against him.

[Associated Press; By SERENA DAI]

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