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Impeachment trial live blog
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2009 [Comments are now closed. We have a fresh thread open. Click here.] * They’re starting now. Have fun in comments. * 9:31 am - The Senate Democrats have no questions for Rep. Rose. But the Republicans do want to question him about his testimony yesterday. * 9:45 am - The Senate Republicans asked for a caucus to reformulate their questions to Rep. Rose, apparently because their original questions were outside the scope of Rose’s testimony. 30 minute caucus. * 10:17 am - Senate Republicans want to ask some questions , but there will be no live witnesses to ask. So, the House prosecutor just offered to answer those questions himself. The Senate agreed. The SGOPs are complaining that some witnesses have been dropped. * 10:25 am - The Senate Republicans have a strange agenda today. For instance, a questioner just asked Rep. Rose whether it was true that removing the governor would not solve the state’s budget deficit. The focus now is on the state’s credit rating. The trouble with this line of questioning is that Rep. Rose testified yesterday about Ali Ata and Joe Cari. The Republicans are asking him about completely unrelated topics, like the governor’s security clearance. * 10:35 am - Two storage boxes were wheeled in to the governor’s Statehouse office not long ago and then four boxes were wheeled out a short time later. No comment yet from the governor’s office about what’s going on. * 10:40 am - The SGOPs appear to have gotten their questions back on track with Rose. * 10:58 am - The Senate will take a short recess. The Chief Justice wants to see both party leaders in his chambers. Interesting. By the way, Senate President John Cullerton is getting more direct about his criticisms of Blagojevich today…
* 11:03 am - Sen. Hendon was just talking to reporters. He repeated his assertion that he wants the single impeachment article split up. He also said that he wants to listen to all the federal wiretap tapes. * 11:05 am - The Chief Justice is back at the podium. He’s calling them back to order. * 11:09 am - Vicki Thomas, the executive director of JCAR, is now testifying. [Comments are now closed. We have a fresh thread open. Click here.]
- Posted by Rich Miller
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LIVE session coverage...
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- Question ... - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:34 am:
Any internet feeds available besides ILGA?
- Mike Murray - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:34 am:
They moved to approve the journal from yesterday. And are continuing with the testimony (Q&A) of Rep. Chapin Rose.
Sen. Dems have no questions from Rose because his testimony is only on the info that can in found the House record.
- Fed-up - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:36 am:
Just a quick question…is “context” a place or a state-of-being? It sounds like a place because Blago is always being “taken out of it”. If it is a place maybe he needs to go back there and hopefully it is not in the state of Illinois!
- How Ironic - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:37 am:
Google “ABC Chicago 7″ They have nice audio and video.
- Bud Man - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:40 am:
To Question: I haven’t found a better feed than that on Foxnews.com. It never freezes up and is very smooth.
- Mike Murray - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:42 am:
Witness dropped: Rep. Howard. Witness list is now down to 7 from the original 15 individuals, and may possibly be 6 before the end.
Sen. Radogno is concerned about public perception of the trial and does not want the trial to appear rushed.
Sen. Radogno wants to make sure that all necessary witnesses be called.
Ellis responds that these eliminated witnesses had no firsthand knowledge and were just summary witnesses. Prefer not to rely y on witnesses that summarizes events in the House (i.e. Rep. Chapin Rose)
- DB - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:43 am:
Live audio and live video feeds available via WBBM radio (and I imagine WGN as well). God this argument about the record is getting repetitive and tedious.
Nice - they just recapped how the IL govt was NOT allowed to call any witnesses who could be involved in the federal prosecution. That to many questions yesterday. In fact, Blago (if he would have deigned to grace us with his presence) could have had any willing volunteers be there for him. Except…no willing volunteers.
- Rob_N - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:43 am:
Are there transcripts available online? Not liveblogs or vids… I’m looking for written transcripts of the proceedings.
- Rob_N - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:44 am:
DB - I thought Blago also had power of subpoena if he chose to do so… I could be wrong
- Bill - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:44 am:
==Sen. Radogno is concerned about public perception of the trial and does not want the trial to appear rushed.==
Too late to worry about that now, Chris.
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:45 am:
Rich, I am confused, WHY do they need to go into caucus, this should have been dealt with before the start time?
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:49 am:
just saw the update, man your quick
- DB - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:51 am:
Rob-N - you could be right - I was just going by what the rules were the guy was re-stating. I don’t think what he was saying was “all inclusive”.
- Question ... - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:53 am:
Thanks … I concur about FoxNews feed, but it seems they are not feeding … will go to wgn or ‘bbm …
- Question ... - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:56 am:
Spoke too soon, FoxNews has it up now …
- TT - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:56 am:
Unbelievable… the Republican caucus keeps dragging this on! They requested to leave early to review the “large amount of documents.” And they even knew that Rose was coming back and nothing new happened and now they have to reformulate questions? Give me a break… This is the only time their caucus will have any kind of power this session, so they better enjoy it.
- Mike Murray - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 9:57 am:
Sen. Radogno responds that the witnesses would have been available to answer possible questions on the information presented in the house articles of Impeachment.
Ellis responds that that is true, but the witnesses would only summarize information available in the House record and the prosecution thought it was more important not to rely on summary witnesses.
Sen. Radogno responds: where I can direct my questions on house testimony then?
Ellis: in the House record, or the prosecution and its witnesses.
Sen. Cullerton reminds Senate that witnesses are reduced due to Sen rules 8B and 15F.
Sen. Radogno asks for a 45 min recess to caucus and prepare new questions.
Sen. Cullerton points out that the point of early start was to have questions ready
Sen in recess. Returns at 10:15
- Blago Sphere - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:09 am:
Republicans are laying the ground work to question the sufficiency of written evidence without the ability to pose questions about it to witnesses associated with its production.
I would anticipate more questions on the absence of Z-Scott, when that report rolls around, and why they can’t get to the bottom of who collaborated on issuing that report that could answer questions, if ZScott was not the appropriate person. When the prosecutor responds again with “report by committee”, etc. I suspect they’ll say well then, lets have all the collaborators available to testify then and answer questions about their report.
The by-passing of the Veteran’s Preference situation is politically potent, and has not yet been fully exposed and leveraged yet. Colorful testimony by someone on the subject could produce some real “made for TV moments” that a dry old report simply can not match.
- Blago Sphere - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:12 am:
In the meantime, you get to watch and listen to this cue ball headed guy try to lay his rap on the two hotties seated at the front.
This guy had the distinct honor of getting shot down on the “world wide web”, LOL
- 32nd Ward Roscoe Village - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:14 am:
Rob N: The General Assembly’s website has transcripts from the first two days: See this link:
http://www.ilga.gov/senate/transcripts/default.asp
- Blago Sphere - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:19 am:
“Answer them ourselves”
What kind of non-sense is that?
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:19 am:
On CLTV
- DB - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:20 am:
Is Radogno clueless? YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS READY AT THE START OF THE DAY.
- Mike Murray - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:21 am:
Senate is back for questions from the Republican cau.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:23 am:
Everybody, settle down.
Drive-by comments will be deleted from now on.
- bored on 1 - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:26 am:
fox news is showing movement in gov’s springfield office. boxes going in and coming out. Plus Rep. Franks says a vote is likely tomorrow.
- DB - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:28 am:
Some of the questions don’t make sense. “Isn’t it true getting rid of B will not solve budgetary crisis” Well, DUH. But we certainly can’t move ahead with him either. This *is* entirely outside Rose’s scope. Also duh: of course taxes will probably go up. Look at how far in the red the state (the nation!) is. Money, as they say, does not grow on trees. Would that it did.
- Secret Square - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:29 am:
I hope I’m not overreacting, but I really do want to know: why on earth do the Republicans suddenly seem to be getting cold feet?
Are they just trying to get answers to questions they expect to be asked during campaign debates, et al, next year?
- Scooby - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:31 am:
Here’s the background on the credit rating downgrade and the cost to the state during the short term borrowing from December.
- One of the 35 - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:36 am:
Rich: Why are some Senators commenting about the trial to the media? Isn’t such commentary prohibited by Senate approved rules? It looks bad when the body trying the governor who can’t follow the rules, also can’t follow the rules!
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:37 am:
I wonder if the GOP is just trying to get some partisan talking points in for the benefit of the TV cameras.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:38 am:
Shredding party at Rod’s house?
- Concerned Observer - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:42 am:
RE: The questionable questions from the GOP…
I wonder if CJ Fitzgerald read both the stack of questions submitted yesterday, AND the stack of questions the GOP assembled during its :30 recess earlier. That would explain why some seemed off the reservation, and why they needed the recess.
- Bill - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:43 am:
Objection! Assumes facts not in evidence..Calls for a conclusion on the part of the witness.
- Bill - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:44 am:
Objection, Hearsay!
- Bill - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:45 am:
Quadruple hearsay
- Captain Flume - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:47 am:
Senators are commenting to the press because they are, above all, hounds for attention. But hounds nonetheless. And for its part, the press knows that these comments require virtually no work on its part to research the veracity of the comments.
- Bill - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:47 am:
Even Rose knows these questions are out of line. He’s refusing to answer.
- DB - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:49 am:
So…annoying. This is like students coming to class having read the wrong assignment, or taking a discussion way off-topic of the purpose stated in the syllabus.
- Bill - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:54 am:
Rep. Rose,
What was going through the governor’s mind when he jogged around the capitol on March 23, 2004 and don’t you think that he was thinking about trading jobs for campaign contributions and selling his office and that he was sweating and his hair might have been messed up?
- Bill - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:56 am:
Rep. Rose,
What did Ata say that Levine told him that Rezco told him that Cari told him and wasn’t Cari a Democrat?
- Captain Flume - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:57 am:
Representative Radogno?? Nice.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:58 am:
Uh, oh. I think CJ Fitz is getting out the ruler and is going to wrap some knuckles.
I
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:58 am:
I wonder if the Judge is going to get on them about the out of line questioning?
- Mike Murray - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:58 am:
Have not heard all of the questions, but a good synopsis would be…
Rose is there only to provide testimony about information found in House Article of Impeachment.
Most substantive questions have revolved around Rezko and Ata, specifically on both the actions and documented statements of these individuals as well as their connections to RRB.
With regard to Rose’s answers to these questions: he has referred questions on Cain’s affidavit to the testimony of Officer Cain and the actual affidavit itself.
“I don’t have any personal knowledge on these issues” –Rep Rose (His knowledge comes from his role in preparing the Articles of Impeachment, he is a summary witness)
Rep. Rose is excused.
Short recess.
Radogno and Cullerton to report to Judges’ chambers.
- HoBoSkillet - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:58 am:
I’m wishing I could be a fly on the wall in the Chief Justice’s quarters right now.
- Scooby - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:59 am:
The Chief Justice just asked that the two Senate leaders “meet me in my small chambers.” Hilarious.
- GOP'er - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:59 am:
Watching the General Assembly in session is hopefully just a reminder that removing Blago is just like removing a small tip from the iceberg.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 10:59 am:
Rep. Rose, aren’t Democrats bad?
- Belle - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 11:03 am:
another live link - http://www.abclocal.go.com/wls/livenow?id=6546124
- One of the 35 - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 11:05 am:
Cullerton’s statement to the press violates the very rules he voted to approve regarding the process. What is it with politicians that they don’t think they have to follow any rules??? I am so sick of this MO in our state!
- BandCamp - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 11:05 am:
In trying to make this look uber legitimate, the opposite effect is happening. It would be different if the Gov or one of his lawyers were present. He’s not, he WANTS you to remove him, so do it.
Just get on with it.
- BehindTheScenes - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 11:12 am:
RE: those boxes. Be my guess they’re hauling out all that Elvis memorabilia…
- Mike Murray - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 11:22 am:
Current witness is testifying to JCAR charges relating to expansion of SCHIP.
Mainly, JCAR said health care could not be expanded, RRB and his administration ignored legislative ruling and expanded program without legislative authority.
Recess for caucus and lunch back at 1.
- Scooby - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 11:25 am:
Mike did she conclude her testimony pending questions after caucus or is there more to come after lunch followed by a caucus followed by questions from left field?
Also, is this witness number 4 of 7? By my unofficial count there’s been the two agenst, Rep. Rose and Ms. Thomas.
- Blago Sphere - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 11:29 am:
Seems as though the courts sided with JCAR thus far as well. Just another example of the law and the constitution trumping the exercise of brute political power. Seems even the legislature believes that is the case, and has gotten the judicial branch to concur thus far as well.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 11:29 am:
Scooby, yes.
Also, another warning for all: No more goofy drive-by comments on this post. Try to elevate yourselves, please.
- cover - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 11:29 am:
Bill, if the Governor had legal representation at the Senate trial, those objections you listed could have been heard. But he chose not to participate.
Is a big income tax increase coming? Probably. Would the people of Illinois have suffered similar ill-effects if the Governor’s gross receipts tax had been implemented last year? You bet. Sure, the tax would have been on businesses, not directly on “the people”. But when a customer buys goods and services from businesses, the added tax is built in to the price, so “the people” still pay.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 12:11 pm:
Based on what I’ve seen of the impeachment trial these past three days, coupled with our soon to be ex-governor’s media tour and statements, all I can say is I’m PROUD to be a lifetime Illinois citizen.
Just so long as everyone puts the above comment which I may or may not have made or may or may not have remembered making into its proper context?
- Rob_N - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 12:35 pm:
Thanks Roscoe, but I was looking for transcripts of the actual questions and responses… The current IL-Sen Transcripts link only has resolutions and other legislative functions listed.
Anybody know if those are going to be online, either at the IL-Sen site or a news site?
- Rob_N - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 12:40 pm:
LOL Louis…
The new phraseology is:
“We just would prefer that they don’t, look, that — that the things that they’re advocating that I [– insert issue concerning self-interest –] it’d be nice if they they laid off on an issue like that.”
….Then act like you realized mid-sentence you were letting the cat outta the bag and going off-message….
Maddow was right. It literally looked like he was trying to suck the words back into his mouth as he spoke them.
I now return to your regularly scheduled impeachment trial live blog.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 12:42 pm:
Rob_N: the transcripts are posted here: http://www.ilga.gov/senate/ImpeachTranscripts.asp
- WCIL - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 12:45 pm:
Transcripts from the first two days are here http://www.ilga.gov/senate/ImpeachTranscripts.asp
Todays will not be posted until read for approval
- Random Thought - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 12:50 pm:
What if the republicans want to keep Blago in office to beat up on him and dems in general in next state elections?
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jan 28, 09 @ 12:52 pm:
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