Unlike other Illinois governors of recent decades, Blagojevich's lobbying style does not include backslapping office visits and chatty phone calls. And the state's Washington office also has cut back its personal contacts.

"I would have to say Governor Blagojevich's style doesn't include that. It is rare for me to speak to him personally," said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Springfield resident and the second-highest ranking Democrat in the Senate. "I still know what his priorities are in his administration and do my best to try to help him."

"He's aloof; he's unresponsive; and he never shows gratitude," said Rep. Jerry Weller, R-Ill. Weller recalls showing up at the Statehouse for an appointment with Blagojevich only to be told it was canceled and that he was in Chicago.

Some senior Democrats say Blagojevich doesn't help or hurt the state's success in Washington. The influence of the delegation, particularly Hastert and Durbin, is the key to bringing home the bacon, they say.