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CHICAGO (AP) A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Reid called Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in early December to discuss the seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

Reid spokesman Jim Manley says the Nevada Democrat made one call to Blagojevich on Dec. 3.

That was six days before federal authorities arrested Blagojevich for allegedly trying to sell Obama's seat.

Manley couldn't immediately provide other details.

He says Reid also spoke to the New York and Colorado governors about openings created when senators from those states accepted Obama administration jobs.

Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero says the call shows Reid has a conflict of interest in saying he won't accept Blagojevich's appointee for the seat, Roland Burris.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-03-09 1114CST | save this article / add to your favorites list