* Congressman Jackson’s date with the FBI has been pushed back…
Jackson was originally slated to speak with federal prosecutors and the FBI Friday or Monday. Now, he says he’s been told there’s a long traffic jam of people waiting to come in.
Jackson says his interview has been pushed back, until the Justice Department calls him, and he doesn’t know exactly when that will be.
Traffic jam? Heh.
* The Supreme Court has created a new Web page so’s we can all follow the progress of the Attorney General’s motion to remove the governor from office.
* The transcript of AG Madigan’s press conference is here.
* Commenter YDD had this react to Madigan’s case…
By arguing that “Mr. Blagojevich is unable to distinguish between his financial interests and his official duties and between illegal and legal conduct,” Madigan actually establishes part of the legal basis for an insanity defense in his criminal trial: that he is unable to distinguish between right and wrong, legal and illegal.
I disagree with her on that point, by the way. In his own words, Blagojevich clearly shows that he was actively engaging in a cover-up, which proves he knew that what he was doing was illegal.
* The Washington Post has a handy “Pay for Play” chart. Um, WaPo, we call it “Pay to play” in these-here parts. Big difference.
* The governor is deeply in debt…
Blagojevich owes $750,000 in first and second mortgages on his Chicago home, another $150,000 on a Washington condo, and $500,000 in legal fees and if he decides to fight his latest legal problems, Canary says corruption cases can cost millions of dollars.
* And he’s deeply in denial…
Famous persecuted leaders, including Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., were reportedly on Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s mind Friday morning as he prayed with ministers in the aftermath of his ground shaking arrest on federal corruption charges.
Sitting in the governor’s home office lined with scores of books, the Rev. Ira Acree of the Greater St. John Bible Church said his conversation with the governor focused on the civil rights leader who was jailed and hounded by the FBI as well as the South African president who spent 27 years behind bars.
“We talked about great leaders. We talked about those who were persecuted,” said Acree, who, along with other Chicago ministers, has worked with the governor before on social justice causes.
* GateHouse polled state legislators. This is all they have divulged so far. The rest comes Sunday…
The survey of 134 of the 177 Illinois state lawmakers, conducted by the Journal Star and GateHouse News Service since Blagojevich’s arrest Tuesday, found 123 legislators think the state can rebound from the mess it’s facing now. That’s nearly 93 percent of lawmakers who responded to the survey, and nearly 70 percent of the full legislature.
Who came up with that question? Sheesh. Oh, we’re doomed FOREVER! Gimme a break. This, too, shall pass… eventually.
* Blagojevich: Son Of Serbia No More…
The disappointment in Serbia is rather palpable now. Writing for the Serbian e-Novine.com, one commentator said that December 9 was a sad day for the Serbian president as Russian Patriarch Aleksy II was buried and Blagojevich was arrested.
* With Chicago Serbs, Opinions Vary Over Blagojevich
* Now everyone wants to cash in…
More than 180 designs playing off the Blagojevich scandal are being offered on the CafePress Web site — with slogans ranging from “Don’t blame me, I voted for Topinka” to “Fitzie is My Homeboy.” The designs are available on T-shirts, tote bags, dog bowls and even thongs — for more intimate political conversations.
* Gov.’s troubles could deepen if Rezko testifies
* Rosti throws Rod under the bus.
* Gutierrez recognizes the obvious and takes himself out of the Senate “race.”
* The FBI’s History of Wiretapping
* Fritchey on MSNBC
LIVE session coverage...
- Amy - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 6:33 pm:
Fritchey on Maddow too? Joe Lyons was on the other night.
this state stuff going national is surreal.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 6:37 pm:
Re: YDD and whether this contributes to Rod’s insanity defense, this is exactly why impeachment is the best course of action.
An impeachment vote total 117 to Jay Hoffman is not admissable in federal court.
- JIMP - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 6:46 pm:
Fritchey on msnbc makes me think of a certain sketch/music video on SNL last week.
He may need a new pair of pants!
Let me see if I can find the link.
- Bill Baar - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 6:52 pm:
pay FOR play is a different kind of vice I think…
- Vote Quimby! - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 7:20 pm:
Who are the legislators who DON’T think we will recover and get them outta here!
- Crime Story - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 7:22 pm:
I think I picked up on something about Rod’s character in watching that Daily Show piece the other night. The one where Jason Jones goes over the old pharmacy story Blago first appeared on. Jones goes over some previously unused footage of Blago on the phone. The idea was just to shoot Blago looking like he was conducting business, Jones points out Blago made actual calls, and we here in Illinois noticed he mentioned “Tony” and “The Iraqi guy”.
What I get from this is, Blago was playing a mind game for himself there. That was a conscious choice of who to call.He was flirting with getting caught live on national TV. He was getting a rise out of doing something illegal and knowing the interviewer and camera had no idea they were so close to such a big secret. It is the same thrill as shoplifters and people having affairs in public get.
I think secretly he wanted to get caught.
- Larry - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 7:23 pm:
Kwame Raoul was just on MSNBC saying he was essentailly “shook down” by Blago and/or company over the seat and then withdrew his name from any consideration. Don’t even remeber his name was in.
- big fan - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 7:53 pm:
Rich-long time fan, first time commenter. Just had to say that you are doing the best job covering this unfortunate story and I appreciate it.
- thurber - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 8:17 pm:
A big remainder left is the talley of the fax’s from House Democrats on the impeachment issue that were due in at noon today. How many House Dems confirmed thier support for impeachment?
- interesting - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 8:24 pm:
I am curious if anyone has an idea what they will be voting on next week. I heard members of the house received a copy of a proposal.
Why is everyone ignoring the fact that an impeachment trial could HURT Obama? And what about the State. Do we really need all of these media hungry politicians trying to make a name for themselves on national tv.
I understand the criticism that we need impeachment, but it really is not the best thing for the State. Blago needs to resign.
- NWillinois - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 8:35 pm:
Thank you so much Rich for having the best and most coverage of the Blagovich problem. I hate it that I get so much pleasure out of someone else’s problems, but this guy has caused so much pain on so many people that he deserves every bit of pain that can be dished out to him. Up until December 1st I had worked with a person that I would have to say is one of the best state employees I have ever had the pleasure to work with was layed off because of Blago. The way this man has no regard for anybody besides himself is a shame and may he rot in prison.
- Little Egypt - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 8:42 pm:
Rich, no rest for the weary this weekend. A million thanks for keeping the blog open for any late-breaking updates. Not many of us, except perhaps the Mrs. and Kevin, realize the work and time away from family that this blog takes to make it run like the well-oiled machine it has become known as. Again, thanks my friend. Every one of us posting here appreciates you.
- Toni H. - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 8:48 pm:
I picked this little ditti up today from some of my still working State friends…
“Illinois - where our Governors make our license plates”
- Emily Booth - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 9:41 pm:
I could not finish watching Maddow. Too much verbage.
The cbs2.com article states the Guv gets a $177,000 pension (under other circumstances)? Is that accurate? 100% of his salary?
There were some comments made by Serbians how Blagojevich did fundraising among Serbians but never did anything for Serbians other than the Kosovo appearance with JJ. Basically, they see him as American and not Serbian.
Blogojevich is out one way or another by the end of next week. It’s really unfortunate he is hogging Obama’s limelight.
I once worked with someone who liked any kind of attention, good and bad. Blagojevich reminds me of him.
- Big Mama T - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 9:57 pm:
Wow, nice debt Rod. No wonder why you don’t understand what a budget is. And Patti has an economics degree. What a couple!
- Bookworm - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:25 pm:
I predict: Blago resigns next Friday around 5 p.m. (his favorite time for “taking out the trash”) after taking action one way or the other on the special election bill, and seeing how far impeachment goes in the GA session Monday and Tuesday. The Supreme Court will NOT remove him — too risky of a precedent.
- Frank Sobotka - Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:26 pm:
“e-Novine.com”
‘Novine’ (no-VEE-nay) is Serbian for newspaper.
Anyone care to guess what ‘Jeb Bush’ means in Serbian?
- watching - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 12:19 am:
Read between the lines. He will roll if no one heeds his national warning “I will have alot to say when the time is right”.
- zatoichi - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 12:30 am:
Met several retired stateworker friends over the last couple of days. Each time it took about 2 minutes for the conversations to jump to the Governor. They were each pretty pissed that other state workers had routinely been let go for situations that were tivial compared to the Governor’s alleged adventures. They insisted that state employee policy calls for state workers to be put on leave for serious allegations until an investigation is completed. Some leave would be paid, others unpaid. Their point was the Governor is a state employee so why isn’t he treated the same way as defined in the policy: put on leave until the investigation is done.
- vole - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 8:21 am:
So we get some bones on the “financial stress” part of the story. Have to ask: Why didn’t he just sell the Washington condo? And, why didn’t he sell the Chicago house and move into the Governor’s mansion early on? Plus had he kept his nose clean he would have had huge opportunities to use the revolving door, gain the type of high paying job that he sought recently in his nefarious scheme, moved into some really rich digs, and set himself up for higher national office. I can’t say that I particularly admire those who choose this path, but it does seem the more logical means for reaching the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
- no plan B - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 8:29 am:
I agree with YDD’s comment. I was surprised to see that language in the AG’s petition. I’m not a lawyer and haven’t stayed at a Holiday Inn Express lately, but even I know not to try to help this idiot make a case for insanity. Suffering from a personality disorder or two or three does not constitute the legal definition of insanity. There are a plethora of examples that could be cited which illustrate his inablity to serve.
- Cassandra - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 8:51 am:
Sneed suggests that Blago is considering Ed Genson, who surely doesn’t come cheap and probably wouldn’t let Blago run much of a tab given his financial situation.
Is there a Legal Defense Fund yet? Surely, there are a number of grateful state contractors who
would feel obligated to contribute, given the improvement in their fortunes under the Blago administration.
- vole - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 9:08 am:
“Surely, there are a number of grateful state contractors who would feel obligated to contribute” Cassandra
Why waste their scarce resources on past “pay for play” when they can better invest in future “pay to play”? Where there is a will there is a way. You don’t waste money on those who throw themselves under the bus. You just steer to clear the road kill. Plus, why advertise your past associations on the old game board?
- Cassandra - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 9:37 am:
vole-I was kidding about the state contractors.
Not about the Legal Defense Fund though. It’s still the same Chicago, same Machine. Surely they’ll find a way to pay our Blago’s legal fees. And there’s always the campaign fund, I guess. You never know, when you contribute to a candidate, just exactly where that money might end up.
- True Observer - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 9:40 am:
OK, you got us by the short hairs.
Ain’t I the luckiest guy in the world.
You sure are. If only they hadn’t kept the tape rolling with Rahm.
OK, so you willing to give me appreciation.
Hell, yes.
OK, I resign. Your Chief of Staff’s colorful language never gets aired. The main stream media continues to roll over for you by shutting down because there’s nothing more to investigate. Are you going to be able to help with Genson’s bill?
I’ll put in a few calls.
- thurber - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 10:17 am:
I’ll answer my own question, Sun-Times reports that Fritchey got commitments from 30 House Dems to support impeachment. Cross has commitments from at least 45 House Repubs. Sixty votes are needed to start the process so the votes are there, and when it comes to it how could anyone vote no.
Wonder why only 30 house dems committed to Fritchey…..Fear of the Velvet Hammer?
- Princess - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 10:50 am:
MSNBC was saying this morning that sources close to Rod were stating that Rod may make a decision as early as Monday as to resigning. If any truth to it, why the wait? Things can’t be going to get any better for him by Monday. At what point can they freeze his campaign funds if not already done so or can they at all?
- Joe in the KnoW - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 10:59 am:
Has anyone else noticed the name of the lawyer that’s representing Raghuveer Nayak, the Indian businessman who dined with Blago on Halloween to discuss Jackson’s bid for Senate? Why it’s Joel Brodsky of Drew Peterson fame! During the day he represents a suspected wife killer, by night, he’s the legal ace for an Indian businessman who is seeking to get the son of a noted civil rights leader appointed to the US Senate!
Hollywood couldn’t write this stuff, it wouldn’t be believed!
- ghostofthecolonel - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 11:14 am:
Fritchey riding in on a white horse to save the state? What a joke!
Fritchey is Blagojevich-Lite, eager successor to the “sponsored” seat Blago vacated to become Congressman. Itchy Fritchey’s sponsor’s: his inlaws the Banks–Chicago’s zoning czars. Fritch’s neighbors can’t stand him. (Seeing any Blago parallels here?) He drips of ambition so blatantly, particularly since his holding pattern in the State House has lasted much longer than his ambition can tolerate.
Then Poof, Obama’s elected and the game of Illinois Democratic musical chairs begins! Don’t think that Fritch didn’t think that he could merit that Senate appointment too…
Then Rahm got his Obama slot, and the next best promotion, following Blago’s footsteps exactly, for Itchey Fritchey is Rahm’s Congressional seat.
The State should be cautious with Itchey Fritchey’s command of the impeachment process. He has as much personal interest in outcomes as Lisa Madigan and dozens of others do.
- Amy - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 11:38 am:
senate list (and add on) that Emanuel gave to Blago makes sense, with one exception….Jan Schakowsky.
why in the world, especially in this ethical environment, would anyone, but especially Obama, think Schakowsky with her baggage- just- released- from- Fed -custody husband would
be appropriate?
sure, it’s not her, although there are misty messages about her involvement in Bob C.’s group, but it just sends a very bad messsage about ethics in Illinois. and reminds people that Bob C. had some involvement in the Obama campaign.
we don’t need the ethical cloud that Schakowsky brings.
- vole - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 11:41 am:
Can we just contract out governing the state to the adjoining states for a few months? Chicago to Michigan, N.IL to WI, Eastern IL to Indiana, Western to Iowa, East St. Louis to MO, and S. IL to Kentucky? Where’s that leave Springfield? And just what is it other than corruption and the legacy of Lincoln that unites us now?
- Hall of Fame? - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 12:20 pm:
Has anyone seriously ever considered opening an Illinois Political Corruption Hall of Fame? This could be a great tourist attraction. Wax dummies of all the greats.
- Arthur Andersen - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 12:27 pm:
Emily, AA thinks that was lazy reporting on the pension. They just used George’s pension amount and figured that would be what Rod would get. Assuming he didn’t take the money out after he left Cook County and the GA, and assuming he “serves” 6 years as Gov, a SWAG would be low six figures.
- Cheswick - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 12:32 pm:
Just to clarify: If by hook or crook Balgojevich were to resign on Monday before 3:00, the need to pass a bill to strip senatorial appointment powers is removed. (And any subsequent special election legislation.)
Will the legislature withdraw the bill or go forward with it if Blagojevich resigns first?
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 12:35 pm:
Jesse Jr. is being pushed back so the feds can talk to everyone else first and then see if he matches up. He might want to say no comment on advice from my attorney ect. by that time.
- Bill S. Preston, Esq. - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 12:38 pm:
I don’t want to rain on everybody’s Blago-hating parade, but Rich - don’t you have some Golden Horseshoes to award? Or something for us to vote on? I think a minor distraction is called for…
- lifeSofI80 - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 12:54 pm:
Blags laugh of the day at Belleville News-Democrat. Columnist Wally Spiers performs his song “Blagocabana.”
http://videos.bnd.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=2515810&item_index=&genre_id=00001528
- Gabriel - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 1:06 pm:
Anyone heard of this group before?
“Citizens of Illinois for Better Government”
They just issued a press release that they’re going to stage a demonstration outside of J3’s office calling for his resignation.
They do not appear to be the “Better Government Association”.
- IrishPirate - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 1:23 pm:
Tribune has animated Fournier toon regarding Blago.
It may have been mentioned before here. Or not.
- what! - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 1:47 pm:
MLK, Mandela? If he thinks he is being “persecuted” like these 2 world heroes then he literally is insane.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 1:51 pm:
When you get only 3 Google hits, it appears this “organization” was created out of the last few days’ news events. A “Harold Davis” seems to be one of its associates. Davis appears to be a longtime nemesis of JJJ’s dad, again using a Google search.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 2:01 pm:
Tribune is reporting that Blagojevich is visiting Ed Gensen’s office today. Forget any plea bargains if Gensen is hired.
- 2ConfusedCrew - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 2:12 pm:
Eddie Reed was a Play For Pay guy
StateWideTom was a MOU for Play guy
- Seen the Light - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 2:23 pm:
Oh, Dear Lord, thine has shone a light on us
A light we did not want the world to see
No where in the Bible does it say that pay to play is a sin, Dear Lord
So, how could Governor 1 have known what he was doing was wrong?
He was simply following those who have gone before him.
We pray that you watch over this man, Governor 1, during this time of public condemnation
There are too many of our followers who we stand to lose should this man go down
We need him to keep our precious Candidate 5 and his emissaries safely in your grasp
Should the darkness of their ways become known, we ministers will no longer benefit from the errors of their ways
Tread lightly on him dear Lord so that we don’t lose the foundation of our own contributors and those who give us divine power. Those who look after us, but do nothing for their constituents. Those who let their constituents in the poorest district in the country fall into the abyss, so that we become their only hope. So that we can lift them up from their sad state of affairs and ask them tithe to us in a mirage of hope.
Let justice be done in your name oh Lord, but not to us.
Amen
- Cassandra - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 3:07 pm:
If the R Kelly case is any indicator, Mr. Genson will indeed mount a masterful-and lengthy-defense.
If Blago doesn’t step down, or otherwise depart, this could go on for eons.
- wordslinger - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 5:34 pm:
Geez, Rosty piling on? That’s a bit surreal.
- Bill Baar - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 7:59 pm:
I wondered about Rosti too… what in the world prompts a guy like that to pop out and talk?
- Frank Sobotka - Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 10:05 pm:
R. Blaggy doesn’t have the financial resources that R Kelly has.
If he steps down, he still faces the criminal charges, without a salary, and without any good job prospects.