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[Bumped up x2 for more visibility] * The House impeachment committee begins its work at 10 o’clock this morning. Listen or watch by clicking here. [NOTE: There was a problem with the feed, but it’s now fixed.] * The Illinois Senate convenes today at 10 o’clock as well. Listen or watch here. It would be very helpful to all of us if some of you would take it upon yourselves to live blog the proceedings in both chambers. Thanks. *** 10:51 AM *** House Majority Leader Barb Currie, who is the impeachment committee chairman, just disclosed that the governor’s criminal defense lawyer, Ed Genson, will arrive at tomorrow’s hearing. Currie also said the committee wanted to call Alia Ata, John Harris, and others as witnesses, but won’t until they get clearance from US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. *** 10:57 AM *** The impeachment committee is adjourned until 11 o’clock tomorrow morning. *** 12:03 PM *** WGN is reporting that Gov. Rod Blagojevich will attend tomorrow’s House impeachment hearing. *** 12:15 PM *** WGN story doesn’t appear to be true. From the governor’s press secretary…
*** 12:24 PM *** The Senate is now advancing a resolution to create a committe that will recommend the Senate’s rules for the impeachment process. The committee’s nine Democratic members are: Cullerton, Clayborne, Haine, Harmon, Silverstein. *** 12:35 PM *** The Senate is adjourning. They’re taking a roll call because the Republicans complained about the Dems not calling a special election bill to replace Barack Obama. 35-20-0. Motion carries. Senate adjourns without taking action on the elections proposals.
- Posted by Rich Miller
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LIVE session coverage...
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- Anonymous - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:14 am:
rich the link to the impeachment hearing did not work…
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:18 am:
Yeah. I just called and complained. Hold a bit.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:19 am:
The ilga.gov site; House Audio/Video section has no link for the committee hearing.
Of course the Speaker indicated that it would be “open to the public”.
Just not too “open”
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:22 am:
The link is working now. Opening statements from Curie and Durkin and they are now, in alphabetical order, each giving an opening statement. None of them are happy to be here, it is a sad day, the state is in trouble, blah, blah, blah.
- Concerned Observer - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:22 am:
Hit refresh. It’s on now.
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:23 am:
If they keep grandstanding, this impeachment will take years.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:27 am:
I was linked late to the party. Did they take a Roll Call? There looks to be several empty seats.
Are all appointed members in attendance?
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:29 am:
Is Franks one of the “no shows”?
- anon - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:30 am:
is anybody having audio problems? I can see, but I hear nothing.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:30 am:
Franks either appears to be AWOL, or he has craftily dodged the alpha-order in an effort to go last.
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:30 am:
Franks is there. Fritchey is talking now. They are all pretty restrained today. Hamos is now up.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:32 am:
If Franks is there; how could he pass on his moment in the spotlight?
Methinks he wants to have the last word
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:32 am:
Senate Dems just announced a 30-minute caucus.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:33 am:
AP-Jailed political fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko’s sentencing was delayed indefinitely Tuesday, most likely adding to the legal problems of Gov. Rod Blagojevich who already is facing federal fraud and bribery solicitation charges.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:34 am:
CLTV is running the House Committee live. Good for them.
Channel 11 PBS has Sesame Street.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:38 am:
While the committee members pontificate; let’s offer up a witness list that we would like to see called; and what information should be solicited from them; either in the form of oral testimony or document reproduction.
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:39 am:
Mautino spent 28 years of his life investigating white collar crime and political corruption. Rose and Durkin were prosectutors.
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:39 am:
Franks is up. “I called for these hearings”.
- anon - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:39 am:
After a week of letting the media tell me how to feel about this fiasco, I awoke today thinking for myself. I have some questions. During the impeachment proceedings, will witnessess be called? If so, will members of the general assembly ask quesions? Will the governor’s defense team be able to ask questions of witnessess? Could the defense ask a question of a witness like “in your experience, has a member of this chamber ever sought to influence a decision in government with regards to the award of a contract? Has any member of this chamber ever sought to gain employment for a family member, friend, or political patron?” Could the defense seek to define “pay to play,” then present information about members of the GA who sit on certain committees and take contributions from businesses or associations who have received favorable treatment from said member?
It seems to me that these proceedings could very well backfire on some members if there is true and open discourse allowed in the process. Rich, if the media was truly interested in ending the “culture of corruption,” wouldnt this impeachment be an opportunity for newspapers to do a story every day on each members political activities and how they relate to each members legislative duties? Couldnt the same be done for other constitutional officers? Everybody says they want to end “pay to play,” but nobody does what really needs to be done to end it.
In order for true reform and an end of pay to play, the house must be razed, the foundation recast, and a whole new house rebuilt. Making examples of individuals truly doesnt work in this state. Just ask the US Atty. The media should use their influence, put friendships aside, and use this extrodinary time to question everything and everybody.
This state needs to be grabbed by the ankles, hung upside down, and shaken until everything bad is out. Then we can start fresh.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:41 am:
CLTV just broke for an Obama presser, but I think they’re going back to the committee.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:42 am:
You have to believe that Franks written correspopndence on behalf of clients to state agencies on legislative stationery may come up.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:44 am:
What are the probabilities of this committee calling witnesses that are currently under indictment; but not presently jailed?
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:47 am:
DRAFT RULES? Available for public review? Most likely not.
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:48 am:
Curie: Invited Fitzgerald to “give us a hand”.
Fitz replied: write me a letter
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:49 am:
This letter of inquiry from the committee to Fitzgerald requesting evidence should also be posted and available for review.
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:49 am:
Can’t call witnesses until cleared by Fitz.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:50 am:
Ali Atta and Harris named as prospective witnesses
- Six Degrees of Separation - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:50 am:
Mautino spent 28 years of his life investigating white collar crime and political corruption.
28 years? Are we talking about the same guy? His FT job is with the family’s beer distributorship business. Other than his involvement with the GA, where he has been a member since 1991, I am not aware of his investigatorial background.
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:51 am:
Legal counsel sent correspondence to Sorosky. Curie sent letter to Rod.
Genson anticipates being present tommorrow.
- Concerned Observer - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:51 am:
Currie: Ed Genson says he will appear tomorrow.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:51 am:
The witnesses named are already under indictment
- Carl Nyberg - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:52 am:
Currie just got everyone to agree that the U.S. Attorney’s investigation takes precedent over the impeachment hearings.
I would not agree to this as a rule. Both the State of Illinois and the United States of America are sovereign on this matter.
I would handle conflicts on a case-by-case basis, not assume that any concern of the U.S. Attorney trumps any desire for information by the Illinois General Assembly.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:53 am:
He’s talking about Sacia
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:53 am:
criminal complaint plea agreements of Ali Atta and Joseph Cari; are expected on agenda tomorrow
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:54 am:
Committee wants to hear from whistelblowers.
- Carl Nyberg - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:54 am:
Currie asks for public and whistleblowers to give written information that is “relevant” to this hearing.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:55 am:
Looks like today is nothing more than a procedural time waster
- Carl Nyberg - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:55 am:
Currie: we thought we get to substance today, but pushed back til tomorrow.
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:56 am:
Ho Hum,
Another tough day at the factory.
Black doesn’t have enough clothes. He has to go home to change and get a warmer coat.
- Carl Nyberg - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:56 am:
Black is complaining he didn’t bring enough clothes.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:57 am:
Bill Black wants to go home for a change of underwear
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:57 am:
11 am tommorrow.
Same time same channel
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:57 am:
He also appears to be one fo those people driving 55 m.ph. in the left lane
- Carl Nyberg - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:58 am:
Currie pushes back start time tomorrow from 10 AM to 11 AM so Black can change his underwear, or something.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 10:59 am:
What a time waster. The DRAFT RULES should be made available for public review and posted to the ILGA House website
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:00 am:
At this rate it is going to be an exciting four or five months.
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:01 am:
“…When all is said and done a lot gets said and very litle gets done…”
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:02 am:
Draft proposals are never posted on the GA website. They have to be introduced first. Take a breath. This is not unusual. And there’s really nothing in the rules that’s out of the ordinary as far as I could tell from a scan-through last night.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:02 am:
While Ali Atta; and Joe Cari have both plead already, Harris has not yet. I don’t think Atta nor Cari has been sentenced yet however, although I could be wrong about Atta. I don’t think that they will be sentenced until the testify at additionals trials outside of that of Rezko.
- ValleyGal - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:04 am:
6degrees —
Mautino has not been with the distributing company since he was elected.
- Captain Flume - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:06 am:
“We are making history.” History takes a long time to make. Was that a hint?
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:07 am:
I am assuming that the GA cannot issue immunity in federal cases. There is probably going to be a lot of assertion of the 5th ammendment.
- Bill - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:11 am:
Do the rules allow Genson to cross examine witnesses? If so, Rod might serve out his whole term before getting impeached. Can impeachment be retro-active?
- I'm just saying - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:12 am:
Bill, Your enthusiasm is great, and Frank Mautino has always been one of my favorite members down there, really decent guy, however,
Frank is the King of Beers for the Illinois River Valley Region :)
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:21 am:
Well they shouldn’t worry about the NEXT GA coming in, they need to worry about the ONE FOLLOWING!!! How slow can you go???
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:22 am:
Rich;
Sorry; not out of breath, but you asked for a live blog, and I was just stating an opinion for discussion here.
Also JCAR publishes information about proposed regulations in the Flinn Report regularly. and when they consider DRAFT RULES, they are placed on the Agenda which can be available for review.
State agencies with regulatory power also often post proposed rule changes on their website and allow for a public comment period for interested parties prior to adoption.
I realize the legislative committees; and especially this one, could likely care less about how the public feels they should operate and conduct themselves, but regardless of their accepting public comment, I still feel they should be made widely available for review.
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. Enable them to see that it is their interest to preserve peace and order, and they will preserve them. And it requires no very high degree of education to convince them of this. They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” -
Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1787.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:29 am:
Bill-the “rules” along with the letter of inquiry and information sent to Fitzgerald, will help determine whether this hearing is meaningful; or just a charade. The committee has not limited itself to matters outlined in the Criminal Complaint against the Governor; and given Rezko’s sentencing delay, and the line-up of people that were looking to talk to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the initial and any superceding indictment may not either.
Among other things; the Rules will determine what if any penalties are applicable to those who fail to appear or refuse to testify; and these may include criminal contempt. Absent significant penalties, there could well be no leverage to elicit testimony or documents at all.
- jake - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:43 am:
It seems that the Governor’s behavior was not anticipated by people who knew him before he became Governor, and also that his behavior has deteriorated steadily for years since he became Governor. What happened? He is a physical fitness enthusiast, and misguided fitness buffs sometimes take steroids. Here is a description of the psychological symptoms of steroid abuse from the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health:
“Taken together, the preclinical, clinical, and anecdotal reports suggest that steroids may contribute to psychiatric dysfunction. Research shows that abuse of anabolic steroids may lead to aggression and other adverse effects.1 For example, many users report feeling good about themselves while on anabolic steroids, but extreme mood swings can also occur, including manic-like symptoms that could lead to violence.2 Researchers have also observed that users may suffer from paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility.”
Any of that sound familiar?
- Rocketman - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:50 am:
No one who is under indictment, is a target of the federal investigation, or who has plead guilty and is awaiting sentencing is going to say one word to this committee on advice of counsel. The feds are not going to help the GA with its investigation at the expense of revealing their criminal case. The entire exercise is a waste of time at this point. What a bunch of buffoons!
- Ghost - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 11:57 am:
They could raise money for a capital program if they sign a pay-per deal for tomorrow when Genson appears.
- The Doc - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:12 pm:
S-T is reporting that Chris Kelly will be pleading guilty next month.
- scoot - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:12 pm:
Why do I have the feeling that this is going to get screwed up?
- Ivote - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:12 pm:
As to “anon” at 10:30 AM, I would guess that any questions about what members of the General Assembly or other officials may or may not have done would be ruled out of order by the Chair, as they would be if this were in a court of law. What anyone else has or hasn’t done is irrelevant to the charges against the Governor. As to Blago Sphere at 11:22 AM, keep in mind that JCAR operates under the Ill. Admininstrative Procedure Act, which governs AGENGY rulemaking. Does not apply to legislative rules. It’s apples and oranges, no relation whatever! While I am anxious, like most others, to see the rules the Committee will use, you can bet they are being carefully vetted with Al Greiman, the Speaker’s other legal staff, as well as Currie and Madigan (who are both lawyers, I believe). Madigan will plan and execuite this process even more carefully that he does most things. Every “i” will be dotted, every “t” will be crossed.
- So. ILL - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:13 pm:
Rocketman,
If no one shows up to testify it shouldn’t take long to just send the criminal complaint filed by Fitz over to the senate as grounds enough for impeachment. The Gov. could be gone by Christmas. It is funny reading the drive by “baffoon” and “idiot” comments on here. Do you think any of you guys have thought further ahead on this deal than Madigan? Come on…
- Anon - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:23 pm:
Other than the Illinois Constitution, does anyone know what else spells out how the impeachment process works? Any statutes?
- Can't Use My Nickname - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:27 pm:
So, does this give Genson a free ride on the state plane?
- Go To Work - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:31 pm:
Blago Sphere - don’t you have a job? Or is this what the taxpayers pay you to do?
- tinman - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:31 pm:
They need to straighten Genson out from the get go, THIS IS NOT A COURT ROOM AND HOLD YOUR OBJECTIONS
- The Doc - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:40 pm:
Still curious about the source of funds from which Genson will be compensated. Campaign fund? Tapping into home equity? A loan from Alderman Mell (kidding, kind of)?
- TimB - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:40 pm:
I missed all but the last 30 seconds of the Senate. What was the broo-ha-ha about at adjournment??
- tinman - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:41 pm:
BILL BLACK NEEDS TO GET SOME UNDERWEAR
- ivoted4judy - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:43 pm:
Looks like a great deal for lobbyists. With this impeachment crap lingering for the next 3 months, the legislature will pass NOTHING. The union guys must be jumping out the windows, another year and no capital bill.
- the Other Anonymous - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 12:48 pm:
Blago Sphere, regarding agency rules: the Administrative Procedure Act requires that those rules be published and open for public comments. The GA is not an administrative agency, so the Act does not apply.
Besides, those rules are regulations with the force of law. Purely procedural rules such as the ones governing this committee are a different animal.
- Rob_N - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 1:06 pm:
anon - The State Constitution, Article IV, Section 14…
Pretty open and ambiguous and from what I gather purposefully so. An impeachment isn’t a criminal investigation or trial so if the state needs protection from a nefarious Executive or Judicial officer the Lege can move at a pace it sets for itself — quickly or slowly, it’s up to them…
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 1:14 pm:
Mautino has been a “full-time” legislator for years. (His bio on the House Dems site says he worked for Mautino Distributing “before succeeding his father” which was in 1990(?)) Also, since he is 46, 28 years investigating crime and corruption would mean he started when he graduated high school.
- Anon - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 1:38 pm:
Thanks Rob. So basically the House doesn’t need any evidence to impeach then right? They can really just take a vote today if they wanted to? (I know that is an extreme and impossibility, but just thinking logistically about what they are legally entitled to do). Also, does the Gov have any authority or right to challenge an impeachment?
- Ghost - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 1:51 pm:
An impeachment is the removal of a property right, so it must meet the minimial standards of complying with Due Process.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 1:52 pm:
Ghost. You’re wrong, unless by due process you mean “60 votes.” I responded to you on another post.
Read the IL Constitution.
- Blago Sphere - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 1:53 pm:
GO-TO WORK
Seeing as the rule with respect to gratuitous insults being deleted or held for moderation appears to have been suspended during these “un-precedented times”, I’ll be happy to respond.
The taxpayers pay me nothing; but if you are benefitting from the school lunch card program be careful not to bite the hand that feeds you.
While you were busy sleeping all night I was trading FX in Tokyo and London; selling dollars for yen and euros. Don’t take it personally; it’s just business. I was staying up long enough to make sure that the Fed indeed lowered their rate, and now that they have I can sleep well; which I intend to do now while your still waiting for the mailman to come with your check.
With the new lower interest rates; hopefully your FICO score is higher than your apparent IQ, and there’s a chance you might still be able to re-finance the trailer before year end.
TOA, I know the difference between Administrative Agencies; and their rules, and the legislature and its legislative committees and their rules. The simple point is that if they want this to be a truly transparent process they will make all relevant material readily accessible and widely available; and I was just pointing out a comparison to other areas of government; even if you don’t feel they are relevant, I still believe they are.
Illinois and its available web-content and disclosure policies is a joke compared to many other; if not most other states. When the legislature is preparing to consider removing the highest ranking statewide elected official however I think they should err on the side of the people, rather than just playing their cards close to the vest as usual.
Time for some sleep!
- Anon - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 1:53 pm:
So, the House can impeach the Gov for having a bad hair cut if it wanted to, correct?
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 1:56 pm:
The House can impeach for no reason at all.
- Anon - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 1:58 pm:
That’s what I thought. Thanks Rich.
- Rocketman - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 2:43 pm:
So.ILL. 12:13 p.m.,
If all the House has to do is send the criminal complaint over to the Senate as grounds for impeachment, then why don’t they do just that instead of having some stupid show trial giving Mr. Genson a forum to attempt to exculpate Blago. By the way, it is “buffoon” not baffoon.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 3:59 pm:
I like baffoon…it is a cross between buffoon and baboon.
- Anon - Tuesday, Dec 16, 08 @ 6:07 pm:
Ghost -
Rich is right. The House can impeach for anything. Its a political process and the courts should consider it a political question, outside of there jurisdiction - save an extraordinary breach of due process or equal protection, which is almost impossible.
However, Miss Lisa’s little attempt in the state SC would fit your denial of due process rights when taking away a property right. They could absolutley not remove the Governor or temporarily take away his power without allowing him or his office to present a case, since he is not “diabled” within any honest interpretation of the law. That is why, IMHO, if the court was a true court (which it is not because they are elected), they would politely slap Lisa on the wrist for taking an erroneous legal argument before the court for the purposes of advancing her poltical career.
My goodness - are there more than twenty nations in the world that are more functional than IL govt?
Illinois - more corrupt than Syria and Nigeria combined!
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Dec 17, 08 @ 7:09 am:
In anticipation that Ed Genson is going to figure prominently in the coming weeks (months? years?), I highly recommend the book “When Corruption was King,” by Outfit turncoat Robert Cooley.
Cooley has a lot to say about Genson and many other still prominent figures.
Cooley is an admitted crook who corrupted cops and judges for years for the First Ward Outfit types, so his credibility is not umimpeachable.
But he also had the guts to wear a wire on those guys and took down the First Ward and crooked judges and cops. Anton Valukas thought he was credible enough to testify in a number of cases, and the U.S. Supreme Court found him credible enough to allow a second murder trial of hitman Harry Aleman, who had been acquitted in a bench trial by a crooked judge.