As with most moments in the impeachment and federal corruption trial of Mr. Blagojevich, the auction did not go off without a spectacle. Two Elvis impersonators crooned on stage — in a tribute to Mr. Blagojevich’s favorite singer — before people began digging through boxes of the former governor’s belongings, which included personal photos, videotapes and campaign buttons. The most coveted item was a life-size statue of Elvis, which sold for a reported $20,500.
Boyer-Rosene Moving and Storage said it had reached out to Mr. Blagojevich and his lawyers to try to collect several thousand dollars the company was owed for storing seven wooden crates since 2002, but never got an answer. The auction proceeds will go to Children’s Memorial Hospital, the Chicago hospital Mr. Blagojevich was accused of trying to shake down during the trial, the moving company said.
The auction quickly turned into a roast of the former governor. When the auctioneer held up a box of his law books, someone in the crowd of about 200 shouted, “Unread!” Before taking bids on a framed photo of a favorite son of Illinois from the governor’s office, the auctioneer said, “Here we have Abraham Lincoln, who is probably turning in his grave right now.” It was a reference to a statement by prosecutors on how Mr. Blagojevich’s greedy behavior had embarrassed the state.
No item went untouched, including his personal planner from 1991.
Steve Huisel, 25, a Motorola employee on his lunch break, came to bid on a souvenir from this crazy chapter in the state’s history. “The videotapes are too much,” he said. “We shouldn’t be looking at his family’s business.” But he bought a framed photo of the former governor with a group of children for $75.
“I think it will be funny to have in my home right in my living room,” he said. “I am going to laugh every time I see it.”