Was Barack Obama connected to Rod Blagojevich?

They have a connection through Illinois politics and Obama's incoming chief of staff Rahm Emanuel did have contact with Blagojevich's office concerning the Senate appointment. However, there is no evidence so far that Obama or any of his staff members acted improperly. In fact, Blagoyevich has been recorded complaining that Obama's office is "not willing to give me anything except appreciation."