Ill. Gov. arrested in Obama successor probe [Archive] - Dallas Cowboys Forum

View Full Version : Ill. Gov. arrested in Obama successor probe

BrAinPaiNt

12-09-2008, 10:08 AM

Linky Linky (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081209/ap_on_re_us/blagojevich_corruption_probe)

CHICAGO – Federal authorities arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday on charges that he brazenly conspired to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder.

Blagojevich also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., the owner of the Chicago Tribune, in the sale of Wrigley Field, according to a federal criminal complaint. In return for state assistance, Blagojevich allegedly wanted members of the paper's editorial board who had been critical of him fired.

A 76-page FBI affidavit said the 51-year-old Democratic governor was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps over the last month conspiring to sell or trade the vacant Senate seat for personal benefits for himself and his wife, Patti.

Otherwise, Blagojevich considered appointing himself. The affidavit said that as late as Nov. 3, he told his deputy governor that if "they're not going to offer me anything of value I might as well take it."

"I'm going to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and therefore I can drive a hard bargain," Blagojevich allegedly said later that day, according to the affidavit, which also quoted him as saying in a remark punctuated by profanity that the seat was "a valuable thing — you just don't give it away for nothing."

The affidavit said Blagojevich also discussed getting a substantial salary for himself at a nonprofit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions.

It said Blagojevich also talked about getting his wife placed on corporate boards where she might get $150,000 a year in director's fees.

He also allegedly discussed getting campaign funds for himself or possibly a post in the president's cabinet or an ambassadorship once he left the governor's office. He noted becoming a U.S. senator might remake his image for a possible presidential run in 2016, according to the affidavit. And he allegedly said a Senate seat would also provide him with corporate contacts if he needed a job and present an opportunity for his wife to work as a lobbyist.

"I want to make money," the affidavit quotes him as saying in one conversation.

The affidavit said Blagojevich expressed frustration at being "stuck" as governor and that he would have access to greater resources if he were indicted while in the U.S. Senate than while sitting as governor.

U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said in a statement that "the breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering."

"They allege that Blagojevich put a for sale sign on the naming of a United States senator," Fitzgerald said."

Among those being considered for the post include U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Jesse Jackson Jr.

Blagojevich also was charged with using his authority as governor in an attempt to squeeze out campaign contributions.

His chief of staff, John Harris, also was arrested.

Corruption in the Blagojevich administration has been the focus of a federal investigation involving an alleged $7 million scheme aimed at squeezing kickbacks out of companies seeking business from the state. Federal prosecutors have acknowledged they're also investigating "serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud" under Blagojevich.

Political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko who raised money for the campaigns of both Blagojevich and Obama is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of fraud and other charges. Blagojevich's chief fundraiser, Christopher G. Kelly, is due to stand trial early next year on charges of obstructing the Internal Revenue Service.

According to Tuesday's complaint, Blagojevich schemed with Rezko, millionaire-fundraiser turned federal witness Stuart Levine and others to get financial benefits for himself and his campaign committee.

Federal prosecutors said Blagojevich and the chairman of his campaign committee have been speeding up corrupt fundraising activities in the last month to get as much money as possible before the end of the year when a new law would curtail his ability to raise contributions from companies with state contracts worth more than $50,000.

According to the affidavit, agents learned Blagojevich was seeking $2.5 million in campaign contributions by the end of the year, with a large part allegedly to come from companies and individuals who have gotten state contracts or appointments.

Blagojevich took the chief executive's office in 2003 as a reformer promising to clean up former Gov. George Ryan's mess.

Ryan, a Republican, is serving a 6-year prison sentence after being convicted on racketeering and fraud charges. A decade-long investigation began with the sale of driver's licenses for bribes and led to the conviction of dozens of people who worked for Ryan when he was secretary of state and governor.

FBI spokesman Frank Bochte said federal agents arrested the governor and Harris simultaneously at their homes at 6:15 a.m. and took them to the Chicago FBI headquarters.

Bochte said he did not know if either man was handcuffed or if the governor's family was their North Side home at the time of his arrest. He did say Blagojevich and Harris both were given time to get dressed before being taken to the headquarters.

He also did not have any details about Blagojevich's arrest, only that he was cooperative with federal agents.

"It was a very calm setting," he said.

The governor was to appear later Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan to answer the charges. The time was not immediately set.

iceberg

12-09-2008, 10:09 AM

well so much for selling some stock options for this then. :)

BrAinPaiNt

12-09-2008, 10:11 AM

well so much for selling some stock options for this then. :)

Guy sounds like real trash and I hope they slap him with the maximum sentence.

iceberg

12-09-2008, 10:18 AM

Guy sounds like real trash and I hope they slap him with the maximum sentence.

well they could have done it after i bought my way into power. hell, i'd have joined in on the witch hunt to denouce him! :)

Phrozen Phil

12-09-2008, 11:21 AM

This guy sounds like a real piece of work, if all of this holds true. It's influence peddling at it's worst.

WoodysGirl

12-09-2008, 11:24 AM

3 ex-Ill. governors have served time since 1970s

The Associated Press – 1 hr 53 mins agoThree former Illinois governors have gone to prison in the past 35 years.

_Otto Kerner, a Democrat who was governor from 1961 to 1968, served less than a year of a three-year sentence after his 1973 conviction on bribery, tax evasion and other counts. He was convicted of arranging favorable horse racing dates as governor in return for getting horse racing association stock at reduced prices. Kerner died in 1976.

_Dan Walker, a Democrat who was governor from 1973 to 1977, served 1 1/2 years of a seven-year sentence after pleading guilty in 1987 to bank fraud, misapplication of funds and perjury. The charges were not related to his service as governor.

_George Ryan, a Republican who was governor from 1999 to 2003, was convicted of corruption in 2006 for steering state contracts and leases to political insiders while he was Illinois secretary of state and then governor. He is serving a 6 1/2-year prison term.

In addition, William Stratton, governor from 1953-1961, was later indicted but was acquitted on charges of income tax evasion.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081209/ap_on_re_us/governors_prison

Phrozen Phil

12-09-2008, 11:31 AM

vta

12-09-2008, 11:34 AM

I wonder how much of this has to do with him telling Bank of America he won't allow them to do business in Illinois, just the day before...

Dopes.

joseephuss

12-09-2008, 11:39 AM

I wonder how much of this has to do with him telling Bank of America he won't allow them to do business in Illinois, just the day before...

Dopes.

What kind of business?

ThaBigP

12-09-2008, 11:47 AM

What kind of business?

A window factory was going broke, so BofA withdrew their line of credit. The factory closed. Workers had a sit-in strike demanding their beneifts and severance from the broke-arsed company. IL gov demanded BofA reopen the line of credit so the broke-arsed company can continue to operate, or at least pay out benefits and severance. BofA balked (as they should), saying it's not their responsibility to keep bad businesses in business by keeping open lines of credit for broke arsed companies. In response, the IL gov said he'd consider cutting BofA out of doing business in IL.

Here's the problem...we all realize that extending credit to uncreditworthy individuals and companies is what got us in this mess. And much of that activity was DEMANDED by the government. Here we are again...with a member of the government DEMANDING a financial institution finance a dying company. More of the same. Take the factory's failure and put it off on BofA. You might not mind, except for this fact: any BofA failure is now on the taxpayer (you and me). And there's nobody we can put failure on if we inherit it (or in many cases cause some of it ourselves).

vta

12-09-2008, 12:13 PM

A window factory was going broke, so BofA withdrew their line of credit. The factory closed. Workers had a sit-in strike demanding their beneifts and severance from the broke-arsed company. IL gov demanded BofA reopen the line of credit so the broke-arsed company can continue to operate, or at least pay out benefits and severance. BofA balked (as they should), saying it's not their responsibility to keep bad businesses in business by keeping open lines of credit for broke arsed companies. In response, the IL gov said he'd consider cutting BofA out of doing business in IL.

Here's the problem...we all realize that extending credit to uncreditworthy individuals and companies is what got us in this mess. And much of that activity was DEMANDED by the government. Here we are again...with a member of the government DEMANDING a financial institution finance a dying company. More of the same. Take the factory's failure and put it off on BofA. You might not mind, except for this fact: any BofA failure is now on the taxpayer (you and me). And there's nobody we can put failure on if we inherit it (or in many cases cause some of it ourselves).

Thanks. ;)

And that's not say the dope wasn't doing what he's accused of, it's just hilarious, when these people have so many dirty deals, they lose track of who they can try to muscle.

Bach

12-09-2008, 12:36 PM

Most Chicago politicians are scum.

WoodysGirl

12-09-2008, 12:48 PM

Impeachment hearings likely against Blagojevich

Several Democratic operatives from Illinois say the Illinois state legislature will likely move as quickly as possible to hold impeachment proceedings against Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), in attempts to prevent the jailed governor from appointing President-elect Barack Obama’s successor in the Senate.

The Illinois General Assembly would be tasked with holding impeachment hearings, and the state Senate would vote on a conviction.

Illinois law allows Blagojevich to make an appointment while in jail. While the decision would be a disaster for Democrats politically, no one is ruling out that prospect. Any candidate appointed by the jailed governor would be immediately tainted, and would face immense hurdles winning on their own in 2010.

Blagojevich could also appoint a caretaker to the seat, but that also would not bode well for Democrats politically. Having a sitting Democratic senator from Illinois appointed by a jailed governor would hurt the party’s chances of holding the seat in 2010.

Lieutenant governor Pat Quinn would take over if Blagojevich was forced to step down. He’s from the progressive wing of the state Democratic party, and is very close with Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)

Schakowsky was not considered a frontrunner in the appointment process, but could get newfound consideration if Quinn becomes governor.

UPDATE: Now one leading member of the local media is calling on the Illinois legislature to impeach Blagojevich.

From CBS-2 political reporter Mike Flannery on the 11 am newscast:

"This is disgraceful, and I'm going to tell you, there is every reason for the Illinois House of Representatives to convene. And if he doesn't have the decency to resign, then the House ought to impeach him, the State Senate ought to hold a trial quickly. And I hope that the Governor does not move to make an appointment at this point."

iceberg

12-09-2008, 12:49 PM

A window factory was going broke, so BofA withdrew their line of credit. The factory closed. Workers had a sit-in strike demanding their beneifts and severance from the broke-arsed company. IL gov demanded BofA reopen the line of credit so the broke-arsed company can continue to operate, or at least pay out benefits and severance. BofA balked (as they should), saying it's not their responsibility to keep bad businesses in business by keeping open lines of credit for broke arsed companies. In response, the IL gov said he'd consider cutting BofA out of doing business in IL.

Here's the problem...we all realize that extending credit to uncreditworthy individuals and companies is what got us in this mess. And much of that activity was DEMANDED by the government. Here we are again...with a member of the government DEMANDING a financial institution finance a dying company. More of the same. Take the factory's failure and put it off on BofA. You might not mind, except for this fact: any BofA failure is now on the taxpayer (you and me). And there's nobody we can put failure on if we inherit it (or in many cases cause some of it ourselves).

i'm not a BafA fan by any means but i agree 100%. why should they lend money to a business that's dead so it can give it to employees who while earned it, are caught in a bad situation.

how would the bank be repaid for this? they wouldn't. in a time like this that's a tad important.

joseephuss

12-09-2008, 01:09 PM

A window factory was going broke, so BofA withdrew their line of credit. The factory closed. Workers had a sit-in strike demanding their beneifts and severance from the broke-arsed company. IL gov demanded BofA reopen the line of credit so the broke-arsed company can continue to operate, or at least pay out benefits and severance. BofA balked (as they should), saying it's not their responsibility to keep bad businesses in business by keeping open lines of credit for broke arsed companies. In response, the IL gov said he'd consider cutting BofA out of doing business in IL.

Here's the problem...we all realize that extending credit to uncreditworthy individuals and companies is what got us in this mess. And much of that activity was DEMANDED by the government. Here we are again...with a member of the government DEMANDING a financial institution finance a dying company. More of the same. Take the factory's failure and put it off on BofA. You might not mind, except for this fact: any BofA failure is now on the taxpayer (you and me). And there's nobody we can put failure on if we inherit it (or in many cases cause some of it ourselves).

Thanks, I had not read that news before. My next question is how did he think he could keep a bank as big as BofA from doing business in the entire state? I doubt he could have pulled that off and now he has much bigger issues to deal with in his life.

Cochese

12-09-2008, 01:56 PM

This is great. I dont think there is anyone in the state of Illinois that likes this guy that isnt related to him or works for him.

Put him in the cell next to Ryan and throw away the key.

WoodysGirl

12-09-2008, 02:28 PM

Illinois gov. released on own recognizance

CHICAGO – A federal judge in Chicago has ordered Governor Rod Blagojevich released on his own recognizance after the Democrat was hit with federal corruption charges.

The governor was arrested at his home Tuesday on charges he conspired to sell or trade President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder.

U.S. District Judge Nan Nolan said "Good afternoon, governor" in greeting Blagojevich at the afternoon bond hearing. The governor was wearing sweat pants, gym shoes and an athletic shirt.

He was released on a signature bond that specifies that he'll forfeit $4,500 bond if he doesn't appear in court. Blagojevich also was ordered to relinquish his passport and his firearm owner's identification car.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on charges he brazenly conspired to sell or trade President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder as part of what federal prosecutors called a "political corruption crime spree."

Prosecutors did not accuse Obama himself of any wrongdoing.

Blagojevich also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., the owner of the Chicago Tribune, in an attempt to strong-arm the newspaper into firing editorial writers who had criticized him.

The 51-year-old Democrat was also accused of engaging in pay-to-play politics — that is, doling out jobs, contracts and appointments in return for campaign contributions.

"We were in the middle of a corruption crime spree, and we wanted to stop it," U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said, calling the charges against Blagojevich "a truly new low." He added: "The conduct would make Lincoln roll over in his grave."

Federal investigators bugged the governor's campaign offices and tapped his home phone, capturing conversations laced with profanity and tough-guy talk from the governor. Chicago FBI chief Robert Grant said even seasoned investigators were stunned by what they heard, particularly since the governor had known for three years was under investigation for alleged hiring fraud.

Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero had no immediate comment on the charges but issued a statement saying the "allegations do nothing to impact the services, duties or function of the state."

The charges do not identify by name any of the political figures under consideration for the Senate seat, calling them only "Candidate 1," "Candidate 2," and so on. However, those being considered for the post include: Reps. Jesse Jackson Jr., Danny Davis, Jan Schakowsky and Luis Gutierrez; Illinois Senate President Emil Jones; and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth.

The scandal leaves the Senate seat in limbo. In Washington, Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said the state should hold a special election to fill the seat instead of letting Blagojevich pick someone. "No appointment by this governor, under these circumstances, could produce a credible replacement," Durbin said.

The FBI said in court papers that the governor was intercepted on wiretaps over the last month conspiring to sell the Senate seat for campaign cash or plum jobs for himself or his wife, Patti. He spoke of landing a job with a nonprofit foundation or a union-affiliated group, and even held out the possibility of a Cabinet appointment or ambassadorship for himself.

"I've got this thing and it's (expletive) golden," he said of his authority to appoint Obama's replacement, "and I'm just not giving it up for (expletive) nothing. I'm not gonna do it."

Blagojevich also considered appointing himself to the Senate seat, telling his deputy governor that if "they're not going to offer me anything of value, I might as well take it," prosecutors said.

He said becoming a senator might remake his image for a possible presidential run in 2016, according to court papers. And he allegedly said that he would have access to greater resources if he were indicted while in the Senate.

Prosecutors said Blagojevich also talked about getting his wife placed on corporate boards where she might get $150,000 a year in director's fees.

In court papers, the FBI said Blagojevich expressed frustration at being "stuck" as governor. "I want to make money," the governor, whose salary is $177,412, was quoted as saying in one conversation.

The head of the FBI's office in Chicago said he phoned Blagojevich at 6 a.m., telling him of a warrant for his arrest and that there were two FBI agents at his door of his Chicago home. Blagojevich's first comment was, "Is this a joke?" said agent Robert Grant.

Nothing in the court papers suggested Obama had any part in the discussions or knew of them — something Fitzgerald repeatedly made clear at Tuesday's news conference.

In fact, Blagojevich was overheard complaining at one that Obama's people are "not going to give me anything except appreciation." He added: "(Expletive) them."

The conversations took place between Election Day and as recently as last week. On the recordings, Blagojevich was clearly aware authorities might be listening, warning one person not to use the phone and saying, "The whole world is listening. You hear me?"

Political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko, who raised money for the campaigns of both Blagojevich and Obama, is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of fraud and other charges. And Blagojevich's chief fundraiser goes on trial next year on obstruction charges.

The court papers also outline Blagojevich conversations related to Tribune Co., which has been hoping for state aid in selling Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. Blagojevich was quoted as telling his chief of staff, John Harris, in a profanity-laced Nov. 4 conversation that Tribune executives should fire the editorial writers "and get us some editorial support."

Harris is later overheard telling the governor on Nov. 11 that an unnamed Tribune owner, presumably CEO Sam Zell, "got the message and is very sensitive to the issue."

Blagojevich was elected governor in 2003 as a reformer promising to clean up former Gov. George Ryan's mess.

Ryan, a Republican, is serving a six-year prison sentence after being convicted on racketeering and fraud charges. A decade-long investigation began with the sale of driver's licenses for bribes and led to the conviction of dozens of people who worked for Ryan when he was secretary of state and governor.

___

Associated Press Writer Don Babwin contributed to this report.

WoodysGirl

12-09-2008, 02:30 PM

This crap is so bad, I honestly laughed. It's not funny, but how can you not at the arrogance of this guy.

ajk23az

12-09-2008, 02:32 PM

Most Chicago politicians are scum.

:hammer:

DIAF

12-09-2008, 02:33 PM

Some of the quotes from the indictment are hilarious. This is on the Barack-seat appointment:

--------
Later on November 5, Blagojevich said to Advisor A, "I've got this thing and it's [expletive] golden, and, uh, uh, I'm just not giving it up for [expletive] nothing. I'm not gonna do it. And, and I can always use it. I can parachute me there."
--------

Also, there are mentions of the candidates to fill the senate seat. Whoever "Candidate D" is, is really, really screwed. Democrats better hope and pray that "Candidate D" is NOT Jesse Jackson, Jr.

Interesting to note is that there is speculation that the one that tipped the government off on some of this might have been Rahm Emannuel.

WoodysGirl

12-09-2008, 02:34 PM

FBI: Blago wanted payoff to give Obama adviser Senate seat

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich told aides he had something “****ing golden” – sole power to pick Barack Obama’s Senate successor – to barter for a key White House post or a lucrative outside job for himself, and he sought to auction off the seat to the highest bidder, federal prosecutors allege in a sweeping complaint against the Democratic governor.

The Senate seat “is a ****ing valuable thing, you just don’t give it away for nothing,” Blagojevich said, according to the complaint. He even threatened to name himself “unless I get something real good.”

Blagojevich weighed a stark quid-pro-quo – he’d appoint a top Obama adviser only if Obama would in turn name Blagojevich secretary of health and human services. The criminal complaint makes clear the Obama adviser is Valerie Jarrett, who was an early contender for the Senate seat. She was then tapped as a top White House aide.

When Blagojevich was spurned, he went after Obama in expletive-laced conversations with the governor’s top aides and his wife.

Blagojevich said he knew that Obama’s top choice was a certain candidate – apparently Jarrett – “but 'they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation,” Blagojevich said to his chief of staff John Harris on Nov. 11. “**** them."

Blagojevich was expansive in his view of the price he could ask for the seat – even weighing whether he could involve Obama backer and billionaire investor Warren Buffett in a deal, the complaint says. The governor’s price was steep, the complaint alleges: he wanted HHS, an ambassadorship, or a six-figure job with the union coalition Change to Win.

“The conduct would make Lincoln roll over in his grave,” federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald said at a midday press conference. “Governor Blagojevich has taken us to a truly new low. He attempted to sell a Senate seat.”

Fitzgerald said the complaint makes no allegations about Obama, who has not yet made a public statement about the complaint. His transition team hasn’t responded to requests for comment.

The charges threaten to distract the president-elect as he confronts an onslaught of press scrutiny about his knowledge of the investigation. The case will also upend the process of filling his open Senate seat. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin now is calling for a change in the law so the legislature, not the governor, would replace Obama in the seat.

Federal authorities arrested the two-term governor Tuesday morning. When a federal prosecutor called Blagojevich at 6 a.m. to inform him that agents were outside his home, the governor asked: “Is this a joke?”

The 76-page criminal complaint reveals a governor who no longer wanted his job and badly wanted cash – and quickly realized that the chance to name Obama’s successor was the answer to both of those problems. He and his aides spoke in expansive – and often profane – terms of replacing Obama as a naked act of political horse-trading, something to be maximized for as much personal gain as possible for Blagojevich, the complaint says.

Blagojevich compared the process of filling the Senate seat to that of a sports agent shopping around a free agent: “How much are you offering, (President-elect)? What are you offering, [Senate Candidate 2]? . . . Can always go to. . . [Senate Candidate 3].”

“It is not coming for free,” the governor said. “It’s got to be good stuff for the people of Illinois and good for me. … [President-elect], you want it? Fine. But, it’s got to be good or I could always take [the Senate seat].”

In a two-hour conference call on November 10th with top aides and his wife, Patricia, the governor, recognizing Obama would not likely appoint him to an administration job, mentioned this and another brazen path to financial gain: getting his wife in on the deal.

Citing advice given to him by his counsel, Blagojevich said that his wife, the daughter of a powerful Chicago alderman, could get tapped for lucrative corporate boards in exchange for naming Jarrett to the Senate.

Patricia Blagojevich spoke up, saying that her background in real estate made her qualified to sit on such boards.

Jarrett is CEO of The Habitat Company, a large Chicago real estate developmental firm.

In the same conversation where Blagojevich signaled he’d pick the Obama adviser in exchange for the HHS job, the governor also discussed a three-way deal:

Blagojevich would take a top post in Change to Win, the splinter labor group that includes powerful unions such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Harris said an unnamed SEIU official could appoint Blagojevich the head of Change to Win and, in return, they could extract promises from Obama to help the labor coalition with its agenda.

Harris said such an arrangement could provide a “buffer so there is no obvious quid pro quo for [Senate Candidate 1].”

Blagojevich said that such a position with Change to Win would have to include a substantial pay increase above his gubernatorial salary. The governor of Illinois is paid $155,600 each year.

In another conversation the with Harris, his Chief of Staff, Blagojevich floated the notion that Buffett could somehow be brought into the deal..

Blagojevich said he could start a 501(c)(4) organization to extract money from the billionaire Sage of Omaha, whom the governor called Obama’s “friend.”

“What, for you?” Harris replied.

“Yeah,” said Blagojevich.

The governor and his chief of staff John were also charged with demanding the firing of members of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board in exchange for helping the Tribune Co. with the sale of Chicago’s Wrigley Field.

If Blagojevich is forced to step down, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, would take over.

Several Democratic operatives from Illinois say the Illinois state legislature will likely move as quickly as possible to hold impeachment proceedings against Blagojevich to prevent him from appointing Obama’s successor.

The Illinois General Assembly would be tasked with holding impeachment hearings, and the state Senate would vote on a conviction.

ConcordCowboy

12-09-2008, 02:37 PM

Man what a corrupt piece of garbage.

Aikbach

12-09-2008, 02:56 PM

bobtheflob

12-09-2008, 04:17 PM

I'm sure Obama's glad to have had photos taken with him and glad his political career was spawned in the trenches of Chicago.

With acquaintances such as this fraud, Ayers and Wright I'm remembering all too well why I found him suspicious.

What about McCain and fellow Arizona Congressman Renzi?

There are enough corrupt politicians on both sides of the aisle that I'm sure every major political figure has had dealings in one way or another with a corrupt member of their party.

vta

12-09-2008, 04:18 PM

What about McCain and fellow Arizona Congressman Renzi?

There are enough corrupt politicians on both sides of the aisle that I'm sure every major political figure has had dealings in one way or another with a corrupt member of their party.

McCain didn't get elected.
He's no longer under the microscope...

BrAinPaiNt

12-09-2008, 04:20 PM

McCain didn't get elected.
He's no longer under the microscope...

And since it is pretty clear that the Obama people have spurned him and he is mad at it...I guess there is nothing to really complain about concerning Obama and this guy.

I know people want to, but in THIS case...zilch.

bbgun

12-09-2008, 04:25 PM

The guy's wife sounds like a real piece of work, too.

ethiostar

12-09-2008, 04:30 PM

What an idiot.

Sadly enough, that's how the majority of politicians work. That's why the bickering on this zone between the hard left and the hard right is so silly. Once they are in power, most politicians don't care about us, much less our political affiliation.

vta

12-09-2008, 04:58 PM

And since it is pretty clear that the Obama people have spurned him and he is mad at it...I guess there is nothing to really complain about concerning Obama and this guy.

I know people want to, but in THIS case...zilch.

Well, everyone's just going to have to get used to this kind of guilt by association thing that has been cultivated in our political climate

I didn't even think about the dopes association with Obama, but I can tell you, this case is just a small taste of things to come.

Cochese

12-09-2008, 05:03 PM

vta

12-09-2008, 05:07 PM

Obamas got nothing to do with this, did you happen to read what Blago actually said about him

During a wiretapped November 10 call, a frustrated and financially strapped Blagojevich referred to Obama as a "************" and said that he would not appoint an ally of the President-elect to the Senate vacancy if "I don't get anything."

I didn't even think of the association until after someone else brought it up.
I still don't, I responded to something else...

Aikbach

12-09-2008, 06:21 PM

I didn't even think of the association until after someone else brought it up.
I still don't, I responded to something else...Something fishy afoot and obama doesn't look zest fully clean:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/12/questions-arise.html

burmafrd

12-09-2008, 08:16 PM

Its hard to see how any politician from the Chicago area can be considered clean.

WoodysGirl

12-09-2008, 08:30 PM

Obama seen untouched by Illinois governor charges

CHICAGO (Reuters) – President-elect Barack Obama's decision to keep a distance from his state's governor, who was arrested on corruption charges on Tuesday, should enable him to escape becoming tainted by the scandal, analysts said.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich stands accused of trying to sell the president-elect's vacant U.S. Senate seat for financial and other personal benefits for himself and his wife, among other charges.

"Obama is not related to the corruption pattern in Chicago," said political scientist Dick Simpson of the University of Illinois in Chicago. "He has not been pressing for any person to replace him in his Senate seat."

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, announcing the charges, also said Obama was in no way implicated.

Obama, who takes office on January 20, left the Senate soon after winning the November 4 presidential election. As governor, Blagojevich, a Democrat, has sole authority to announce a replacement to serve the remaining two years of Obama's term.

Obama told reporters he was "saddened and sobered."

"I had no contact with the governor or his office and so I was not aware of what was happening. As I said, it is a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that I don't think it's appropriate to comment," he said.

Obama senior adviser David Axelrod had said on November 23 in an interview with Fox News Chicago that Obama had "talked to the governor and there are a whole range of names many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them."

Axelrod issued a brief written statement on Tuesday saying he had been wrong.

"I was mistaken when I told an interviewer last month that the president-elect has spoken directly to Governor Blagojevich about the Senate vacancy. They did not then or at any time discuss the subject," Axelrod said.

Relations between Obama and Blagojevich had long been tense, with Obama pointedly not including his own governor in campaign events. That should help Obama, analysts said.

"Obama had the good sense to stay far, far away from Blagojevich and all of his people," said Democratic consultant Dane Strother.

"You never saw Blagojevich in Obama's camp, you never saw his name during the campaign. Obama's people were plenty smart enough to stay way away from Blagojevich and all the people around Blagojevich," he said.

Jay Stewart, director of the Better Government Association, a Chicago watchdog group, agreed: "This is all about Rod, it's not about the president-elect," he said.

REPUBLICAN VIEWPOINT

Still, Republicans tried to make political hay from the scandal. The Republican National Committee issued a statement saying Obama had advised and supported Blagojevich's 2006 re-election, four years after he became the first Democratic governor of Illinois in nearly 30 years.

"Given the President-elect's history of supporting and advising Gov. Blagojevich, he has a responsibility to speak out and fully address the issue," said RNC chairman Mike Duncan.

Another connection is Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a Chicago real estate developer and one-time fund-raiser for both men. Obama severed ties with Rezko, who was found guilty of corruption earlier this year, but their relationship caused him some embarrassment during the presidential election campaign.

"I don't think that this is going to impact one iota on Barack Obama," said Democratic strategist Doug Schoen. "Given the nature of the problems we're facing in the country, this has no relevance. No impact."

(Additional reporting by Steve Holland, editing by David Alexander and Alan Elsner)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081210/pl_nm/us_blagojevich_obama

REDVOLUTION

12-09-2008, 08:40 PM

ninja

12-09-2008, 10:07 PM

No public outrage. He's not a Republican. The media will sweep it under the rug.

I'm sure the media is looking real close to find some other dirt on a Republican to get the heat off.

silverbear

12-09-2008, 10:23 PM

Ebay?? :laugh2:

What do you reckon the split was supposed to be, Obama 60 per cent, Blagojevich 40?? :D

silverbear

12-09-2008, 10:24 PM

No public outrage. He's not a Republican.

That's simply not true, I'm quite outraged that he's not a Republican...

The media will sweep it under the rug.

Yeah, I can't hardly find nothing about it... LOL...

bbgun

12-09-2008, 11:21 PM

No public outrage. He's not a Republican.

They can only hide his party affiliation, but that's old hat for the MSM. Conversely, they made damn sure you knew Ted Stevens was a Republican.

Rogah

12-09-2008, 11:40 PM

My golden rule of political scandals is to not get worked up if I never heard of the guy prior to the scandal taking place. Sorry to say that if you asked me yesterday who the governor of Illinois was, I wouldn't have the first clue. I know who the mayor of Chicago is though, for what that's worth :D

Those 2 Republicans with the recent sex scandals were also guys I had never heard of beforehand. But at least I can honestly say I knew who Eliot Spitzer was before his indecent revelations so I enjoyed those :D

burmafrd

12-09-2008, 11:57 PM

Spitzer is someone who pissed off the media which is one reason he got a lot of flack- though the whole "state paid for hooker" was pretty attractive to the media anyway. If its really juicy enough the MSM will forget their bias and enjoy the feeding frenzy.

SuspectCorner

12-10-2008, 01:27 AM

Something fishy afoot and obama doesn't look zest fully clean:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/12/questions-arise.html

Aikbach, you'll grasp at anything these days... it's really kinda sad. You're starting to remind me of Sean Hannity.

Hey, maybe it's time to get over that last election. Maybe.

ThaBigP

12-10-2008, 01:29 AM

Obamas got nothing to do with this, did you happen to read what Blago actually said about him

During a wiretapped November 10 call, a frustrated and financially strapped Blagojevich referred to Obama as a "************" and said that he would not appoint an ally of the President-elect to the Senate vacancy if "I don't get anything."

Uh, not so fast there, tiger. If Blago suggested Obama stroke his back financially in return for filling his vacant seat with Obama's pick, Obama refused, then did not turn him in, then he has TONS to do with this. The investigation continues though, so we shall see.

ThaBigP

12-10-2008, 01:35 AM

By the way, a month ago, Axelrod said that Obama was in direct contact with Blago in regards to the list of candidates the gov could appoint.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/12/questions-arise.html

Then...almost immediately after Blago's arrest...Axelrod has to *ahem* correct his "misspeak" that he made a month ago. Supposedly.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Aide_Ax_misspoke.html

Viper

12-10-2008, 01:46 AM

This is Chicago/Ill. politics. Party doesn't matter, they are crooked. Him and George Ryan can talk about the good ole times. Unfortunately it is much worse than what you are witnessing.

Aikbach

12-10-2008, 02:33 AM

Aikbach, you'll grasp at anything these days... it's really kinda sad. You're starting to remind me of Sean Hannity.

Hey, maybe it's time to get over that last election. Maybe.I'll grasp at anything these days? Do tell, I show enormous restraint and avoid the mud fests as much as possible, there is a discrepancy afoot whether it is yet another damning guilty by association case remains to be seen, even if so, that's about four too many for Mr.Obama and it makes one wonder about his judgment in whom he chooses to keep company.

I'm over the election, I'm concerned about the character of the president-elect, it is yourself that seems stuck in last months proceedings, I recommend you buy a commemorative plate and get on with your daily life.

DIAF

12-10-2008, 07:17 AM

I like how the same bunch that is all over the Obama Birth Certificate deal are all over this, and then deny that they haven't gotten over losing the election last month. Pretty funny stuff.

WoodysGirl

12-10-2008, 08:19 AM

Talked with my dad last night and he told me that every level of government in Illinois knew Blago was corrupt and did everything in their power to stay away from him so they didn't get caught up in the wash. They knew he was under investigation by the feds. Also knew that it wouldn't serve them well to do business with him.

Guess it was jut a matter of time before dude was busted. Just the manner in which he was taken out is what makes me chuckle.

REDVOLUTION

12-10-2008, 08:59 AM

What do you reckon the split was supposed to be, Obama 60 per cent, Blagojevich 40?? :D

Never mind that... Ebay has restructured their FEE Tiers so much that you aint making enough to split anything with anyone..
:laugh2:

Rogah

12-10-2008, 10:25 AM

ninja

12-10-2008, 10:25 AM

They can only hide his party affiliation, but that's old hat for the MSM. Conversely, they made damn sure you knew Ted Stevens was a Republican.

As usual, right on the money, bbgun. I had to search myself to find out if he was a Dem or Rep.

BrAinPaiNt

12-10-2008, 11:38 AM

They can only hide his party affiliation, but that's old hat for the MSM. Conversely, they made damn sure you knew Ted Stevens was a Republican.

At least with fox news they put a D beside Republicans when they get in trouble. :laugh1:

Aikbach

12-10-2008, 12:50 PM

I like how the same bunch that is all over the Obama Birth Certificate deal are all over this, and then deny that they haven't gotten over losing the election last month. Pretty funny stuff.Simply untrue, I haven't said a word about the birth certificates, sorry to ruin your generalizations.

SuspectCorner

12-11-2008, 06:13 AM

I'll grasp at anything these days? Do tell, I show enormous restraint and avoid the mud fests as much as possible, there is a discrepancy afoot whether it is yet another damning guilty by association case remains to be seen, even if so, that's about four too many for Mr.Obama and it makes one wonder about his judgment in whom he chooses to keep company.

I'm over the election, I'm concerned about the character of the president-elect, it is yourself that seems stuck in last months proceedings, I recommend you buy a commemorative plate and get on with your daily life.

Commentary from Huffington Post:

Obama Unfairly Tainted by Crimes He Didn't Commit

by Bob Cesca ~ Posted December 10, 2008 | 03:50 PM (EST) - Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/obama-unfairly-tainted-by_b_150011.html

Obama Blagojevich Connection Attempted And Failed On "Hannity And Colmes"

by Jason Linkins - Posted December 10, 2008 10:19 AM

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/10/after-several-citations-o_n_149896.html

the kid 05

12-11-2008, 06:20 AM

Guy sounds like real trash and I hope they slap him with the maximum sentence.

you sir have just scratched the surface. only good thing about him was the introduction to open road tolling along with the i-pass.

Aikbach

12-11-2008, 08:01 AM

Commentary from Huffington Post:

Obama Unfairly Tainted by Crimes He Didn't Commit

by Bob Cesca ~ Posted December 10, 2008 | 03:50 PM (EST) - Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/obama-unfairly-tainted-by_b_150011.html

Obama Blagojevich Connection Attempted And Failed On "Hannity And Colmes"

by Jason Linkins - Posted December 10, 2008 10:19 AM

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/10/after-several-citations-o_n_149896.html
It is your favorite ploy to condemn anyone that disagrees with the character of Obama as Sean Hannity. I've stated repeatedly now that even association is damning for a president, especially one with a track record of poor company, one rightfully begins to wonder how peripheral and innocent one that keeps such consistently sleazy company can actually be. Relax, the change candidate is merely being held to the standard he set for himself of being corruptionless and open so don't fall back on the tired line of every president being associated with corruption and scandal when he promised otherwise.

Me thinks you are masking your own disappointment with overprotectionism, you don't need to do that if you are consistent in your demand for open government and accountability.

arglebargle

12-11-2008, 01:53 PM

.... I've stated repeatedly now that even association is damning for a president, ....

The modern political scandalous relationship comparison chart would be pretty interesting to see.

The problem here is that you won't find a single high level politician without these types of associations. The Big Money and Big Power draws a lot of players, and a big chunk of them are going to be shady types who are gamers of the system. Sometimes they are in positions where, to get stuff done, you have to deal with them. The question is, can you do it without getting infected by the sleaze?

Otherwise you just get to ride around a dinky rink on your high horse.