Monk flips on Blagojevich
Wednesday, Oct 21, 2009 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Keep in mind that when Rod Blagojevich was allegedly scheming to pad his own pockets, he was campaigning as a reformer who would clean up government…
Even before he was elected governor in 2002, Rod Blagojevich and three of his closest friends schemed about ways to enrich themselves by controlling state government, the former governor’s former chief of staff alleged as part of a plea agreement Tuesday with federal prosecutors.
When Blagojevich took office, his three friends became key players in his administration and met repeatedly with the governor to share moneymaking ideas and get updates on their plans to bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars that they could split up later, former top aide Alonzo “Lon” Monk alleged.
Monk, who also was a groomsman at Blagojevich’s wedding and twice his campaign manager, pleaded guilty in the sweeping corruption case and agreed to testify against the former governor in exchange for a recommended sentence of two years in prison.
Interesting…
Monk said he met with Blagojevich, Rezko and Kelly periodically in the early days of the administration to discuss ways of using state power to make money. But he said the meetings stopped abruptly in 2004 after they learned that FBI agents were questioning big-money campaign contributor Stuart Levine — who later became the government’s star witness at Rezko’s influence peddling trial.
But the lawlessness never stopped…
…[Monk] admits that he schemed with Blagojevich to shake down a racetrack businessman for a $100,000 campaign contribution in exchange for the governor’s signature on a pending piece of legislation.
Rezko, he said, delivered $10,000 in cash payments to him seven to nine times. Monk “understood that the money that Rezko provided was a gift, not a loan,” the plea states.
Monk also claims that Blagojevich, Rezko and Kelly met about making money off of a 62-acre parcel at Roosevelt and Clark that Rezko owned.
“Rezko talked about different ways that [Monk], Blagojevich, and Kelly could benefit from the Roosevelt and Clark Project, such as by having Blagojevich’s wife work on marketing the project or by allowing [Monk] to work on the project after [Monk] left state government,” the plea states.
If you think campaign finance reform would’ve prevented this insanity, you’re wrong…
Monk, who served as liaison with the state’s Office of Management and Budget on the pension deal, alleges that Kelly and Rezko “pushed” him to choose Bear Stearns, which is identified only as “Investment Firm A” in the plea agreement, for the first tranche of bonds.
At the time, the state intended to break up the $10 billion into several sales. Monk understood that Kelly and Rezko were pushing for Bear Stearns because the firm would either make a contribution to Blagojevich or because the governor, Kelly, Rezko, and Monk would “make money.” The firm could not make a direct contribution under regulatory bans on such payments from bond underwriters.
More on that alleged scheme involving Individual A, who is believed to be Springfield consultant Bob Kjellander…
Monk “learned from those conversations that Individual A, who Defendant (Monk) understood either had received or was going to receive money from Investment Firm A for acting as a consultant on the POB (Pension Obligation Bond) deal, was going to give Rezko $500,000 that would be held in a separate account,” the plea agreement states. “Defendant understood that the $500,000 payment was for the help that Rezko had provided to Investment Firm A and Individual A relating to the POB deal, and that the money would later be split between Defendant, (then-Gov. Rod) Blagojevich, Rezko, and Kelly.”
Kjellander in 2003 received $809,000 as a consulting fee for helping Bear Stearns & Co. get the lead underwriting role for the $10 billion bond issue. […]
“I do know that I did not participate in any scheme and I have not committed any crime. I never made any contributions to Mr. Blagojevich’s campaign, and never considered doing so.
“I never gave money to Chris Kelly,” [Kjellander] added. “I have met Mr. Monk and I know Mr. Rezko, but I did not involve myself in any conspiracy to give them money.
Let’s play “Blame the dead guy”…
Blagojevich defense lawyer Sheldon Sorosky called Monk’s allegations “absurd.”
“It’s completely false that Rod Blagojevich ever participated in any meetings or conversations where Tony Rezko and Chris Kelly talked about how they could make money illegally,” Sorosky said.
Read Monk’s plea agreement by clicking here.
- ZC - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 9:55 am:
I agree it’s a mistake, to think campaign finance restrictions would have stopped Blago. It is true, as they say in the courts, “Hard cases make bad law.” Blago is clearly a hard case.
Still, if there had been some caps on campaign contributions, it would been more difficult for him to pressure so many for so long. For me, one lesson of the Blago years is that campaign contribution caps might help prevent extortion as much as bribery.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 9:58 am:
Rod will figure out how to blame anyone and everyone. Because nothing ever is his fault…
- Third Generation Chicago Native - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 9:59 am:
Alonzo Monk could be the break the Feds were looking for. Information from Monk can only expidite the case.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:03 am:
Given the number of conspirators, schemes, shakedown targets and lack of discretion, it’s pretty amazing it went on as long as it did.
You have to wonder why the other shoe hasn’t dropped on Big Bob K.
I’m also intrigued about Nadhmi Auchi and his relationship with Rezko. Before Tony was arrested, wasn’t he making deals with Auchi in “rebuilding” Iraq — you know, the place where pallets of U.S. taxpayer Benjamins were disappearing?
Where, oh where, is Tony, who is he talking to and what about? He’s probably got stories from Iraq that makes the Illinois crimes look like a liquor store holdup.
- Tom Joad - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:04 am:
I think the Feds now have their “smoking gun.” Lon knew everything that went on in that administration. I am sure that he can coroberate many of the allegations about the pay to play schemes of the Gov.
These four remind me of the “Billionaire Boys Club” from the 80’s whose goal was to become rich.
- MOON - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:05 am:
ZC
Limitations on contributions will have no impact on graft and illegal behavior. If limitations are in place, those politicians who want more will find ways to get money or favors from the contributors.
No matter how many laws are instituted, people will find ways to get around them. There are already enough laws in place; whats needed is vigorous prosecutions!
- Leave a Light on George - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:12 am:
Looks to me that brother Rob has more to worry about than he lets on.
- siriusly - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:18 am:
During his “book” tour Blago routinely discredited Rezko, and said John Harris was getting bad advice but this plea by Monk is vital for the USA. Try to tell yourself this one won’t matter Rod.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:20 am:
So does anyone else think Rod will blame his teammates when things go bad on the show?
- just sayin' - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:23 am:
Sure, Kjellander just decided to go into the lending business. And there’s nothing fishy about the fact that his lending business consisted of just making one big loan to one person.
Nothing more to see here folks. Return to your homes.
- Monk - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:24 am:
Another sellout. It is so pathetic how people turn on those who provided their gravy train when the going gets tough. The former Governor may indeed be the incredibly corrupt, selfish person he is accused of being - this post is not about that. This is about people who flip on others. I have less respect for them than the ones who are really on trial. Pathetic!
- Ghost - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:25 am:
so how exactly does caps on contributions and term limits on leaders powers stop something like this?
More improtently, where would we have been if the legislative leaders had little power due to term limits and caps on contributing to campaigns, but the Governor weilded extraordinary influence over 25 billion in spending that could be shifted to legislatuors who supported whatever the govenro wanted?
The limitations people are demanding as “reform” serve only to consolidate the influen ce and power of the govenro and dilute the power in the general assembly. In other words, the current reform package ensures the next corrupt goveneor greater contriol and influence to conduct corrupt schemes.
its not refomr, its gunaranteeing that the next ryan or blag are unchecked and unimpeded.
- macbeth - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:31 am:
I suspect Blagojevich will now start spinning himself as isolated. He was at the top — and he alone knew the inner workings. Monk et al. are simply the people who stood in the way of fighting the good fight.
What will be particularly entertaining about this spin is that Blagojevich is clearly too dumb — literally — to be the sad and isolated and misunderstood politician. What I’m struck by — now even more than before — is Blagojevich’s lack of any intellectual or cultural foundation. The idea, for example, that Blagojevich has any understanding — or even critical curiosity — of the people he routinely quotes in his media appearances is painful and clear.
But this is his charm, I guess.
- Springfield Sceptic - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:45 am:
I’m sure it hasn’t dawned on Rod yet that he really is going to prison. When it does I wonder who he’ll try to roll over on to save himself.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:47 am:
–When it does I wonder who he’ll try to roll over on to save himself.–
Prosecutors swim upstream. If he could have, he would have done it by now.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:56 am:
wordslinger is almost undoubtedly correct.
- IrishPirate - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:56 am:
Wordslinger,
I’m not so sure Blago doesn’t have anyone he could turn on and try to cut a less bad deal. He’s still facing some major time in the big house.
Let’s just say Patti B. better have good counsel.
- Anon - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:02 am:
Wow, Monk. And people who report crimes are “snitches” who should be shunned too, I guess. As long as he is telling the truth, there is no dishonor in flipping.
- macbeth - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:05 am:
Who’s Blago gonna “flip” on? Obama?
It pains me to hear him name drop Obama whenever he gets the chance — always using it as a “see, he did it, too” kind of slimy guilt-by-association thing.
Put the man in jail and be done with it.
Raise taxes and be done with it.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:06 am:
IrishPirate, her info would be more valuable to the feds than anything from him. He’s a goner. He can’t flip on anybody. Get used to the idea.
- Little Egypt - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:30 am:
The Monk plea agreement was an interesting read. What I found most interesting was that after receiving so much cash from Rezko, Monk was concerned about not making any draws on a bank account. Hmmmmm, I’d say Monk isn’t exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer if he can’t figure out that he needs to “stash the cash” and continue with his own personal business as usual until this was all over.
- IrishPirate - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:37 am:
Rich,
I agree Blago is a goner. My comment was more “bad humor” than anything else.
That being said he still MAY be able to cut a less bad deal depending on if he is willing to cooperate.
If you’re a federal prosecutor do you really want to spend the time and effort of a months long trial IF you could get a plea deal?
The major issue is does Blago have ANY credibility?
I don’t think so.
I could also jokingly speculate on who else he might flip on, but even I have to show some minor sense of decorum.
- zatoichi - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:47 am:
Reading this stuff just brings up a picture of Clooney, Pitt, Damon and the Ocean’s group creating some cool, glamorous theft scheme that will be successful by sticking together. Unfortunately it’s Blogo, Monk, Levine, Rezko and the gang dreaming big, but they haven’t got script writers make the dream reality. They’ll get what they deserve.
- Secret Square - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:47 am:
Sorry to disappoint all those people who assume that Blago MUST have some dirt on Obama because they are both Chicago Democrats, but the scenario seems pretty obvious to me: Blago wanted to run for prez in ‘08 so bad he could taste it, Obama came along and eclipsed him, so Blago blames Obama for “ruining” his only chance to get in the White House, and will attempt to get back at him in any way possible. Can’t anyone outside of Illinois (and even a lot of people inside) figure that out?
- The Doc - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:59 am:
==Monk was concerned about not making any draws on a bank account==
LE, my guess is that Monk wanted to skirt bank currency reporting requirements, which apply to cash transactions in excess of $10k. Intentionally evading such requirements are illegal, and is what brought Eliot Spitzer down.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 12:41 pm:
“There is no honor among thieves.”
- Mongo - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 12:54 pm:
Has Brad Tusk’s name come up in any of this?
- George - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 1:04 pm:
Has Mongo’s?
- ZC - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 1:05 pm:
I agree corrupt pols and corrupt businesses will always find a way to meet up. They can exchange sacks of cash at midnight in dark alleys. Not talking about that, though.
I’m thinking about honest businesses who get a call from the governor saying, “I’d like you to give $50,000 to my campaign.” He doesn’t say why to his friends on tape (because, unlike Blago, he’s not a doofus). He doesn’t have to remind the business how much is riding on a new state decision. That’s all implicit.
Right now, the honest business has no _legal_ way to say no - they could say, sure, “No thanks,” but then they might get screwed and have no way to legally prove it. If we set the upper limit at - I don’t know, for starters, $20,000, $10,000? - then the honest business has at least more recourse to protect itself from a crook like Blago. Or at least it gets shaken up for less, because the crook can extort $30,000 less.
Of course the crook can come back and say, “I want you to pay me $50,000 extra, under the table.” But now he’s on record as having committed an illegal act. There could be a tape rolling. The FBI could be tipped off. The honest business might have some recourse and guts to fight back. A lot of sane crooks (again, perhaps excluding Blago) may shy off going that far.
So, for such reasons, standing by my point: some upper limit on campaign contributions by business to parties and pols could be a meaningful ethics contribution to IL politics.
- LoopLady - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 1:25 pm:
couldn’t have happened to a more deserving fellow…from my very limited experience with him, this guy is a jerk and deserves way more than two years in the slammer…
- Obamarama - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 1:38 pm:
===If you’re a federal prosecutor do you really want to spend the time and effort of a months long trial IF you could get a plea deal?===
Absolutely you would, especially with the US Atty here in Chicago. The real question is, have you ever met a federal prosecutor who doesn’t absolutely adore seeing pictures of himself in the papers and video of himself walking out of Dirksen on TV. The Blago trial will be a massive feather in the cap of the lucky AUSA that draws this assignment.
I don’t suppose you remember who the last federal prosecutor to bring down a governor in Illinois was. Wait for it… that’s right. Mr. Illinois Reform Commission himself: Pat Collins.
- Monk - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 1:40 pm:
@Anon - You couldn’t be more off-base with your analogy. Not even close. You make this guy sound like he was innocent. He wasn’t. Monk was doing the dirty work and (unless I’m mistaken) no one had a gun to his head while he did it. So, my point is, I can’t stand people who essentially are just as criminal as the ‘primary targets’ in these types cases but who then flip on their superiors to save themselves, like they’re innocent or something. It is so unbelievably pathetic. If Lon Monk was an innocent bystander and he saw a crime happen, then yes, he absolutely should have said something. Obviously that’s not the case here. Give me a break.
- Anon - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 2:03 pm:
Monk, so co-defendants should never flip? How does that serve public policy? It just makes the prosecutors’ job that much harder. It sounds like the mob’s Code of Silence. Take the rap and we’ll take care of your family and set you up when you get out.
The snitch analogy is a good one, although obviously not directly on point (which analogies never are). It exalts loyalty and peer pressure over civic duty.
Just because the flipper has unclean hands doesn’t mean that that head guy should escape punishment. And usually the crimes of the head guy are worse in severity or more of a breach of the public trust because of his higher position.
- Third Generation Chicago Native - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 2:08 pm:
Alonzo Monk is the Scott Fawell to the Blagojevich trial.
- Monk - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 2:13 pm:
@Anon - While I see your point this time, I respectfully disagree. Prosecutors go to school long enough to learn how to do their jobs. If it makes their job harder because someone who is guilty of their own crime doesn’t sell out the person they were allegedly doing the crime for/with, so be it. Come on. Lawyers are big boys and girls. Want to put someone away for a number of years? Alright, then earn your paychecks and do it. Furthermore, how any jury can consider the testimony of someone like Lon Monk (or any ‘flipper’ in any case for that matter) is beyond me. Some people will say anything to avoid further penalties for the crimes THEY did - especially, bringing down the ‘primary target’ if that’s what it takes. I take issue with that, yes. Sorry that doesn’t sit well with you but I think it is truly gutless to do such a thing.
- Fred former Anon - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 2:47 pm:
No connection to Obama, who was connected to Rezko. I can understand not wanting to say anything negative about the president. It makes sense. It worked when Blago was governor. No, we don’t want to prejudice people against the high office for no reason unless explicit evidence is there. Soooo, we wait until they corrupt, abuse, and permanently destroy the system until we get off our, you know whats, and then cry (without actually doing anything).
- Skeptic Cal - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 3:04 pm:
Too little — too late –
The voters still have not learned the lessons. In 2006 the newspapers had lots of this in print, but we still re-elected the crook.
But the same was true of Nixon.
We get the crooked government we vote for. I have not seen any ethics nor election “reform” proposal that will have any impact.
Only voters wising up will save us from our foolish political system.
Shame all around.
- Perplexed & Perturbed - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 3:14 pm:
Let’s hope this guy takes care of business. It’s a shame bad attitude can’t be factored in at sentencing; if that was the case Blago would go away for good and society would mostly be spared his behavioral problems.
- Little Egypt - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 3:26 pm:
The Doc - agreed. However, there are such things as home safes and bank safe deposit boxes. People stash cash all the time and find ways to geet around the Feds. Why couldn’t this guy? Never mind, if Monk could figure out his “cash” dilema, he wouldn’t be in this mess in the first place.
If these guys had talked to a Hollywood script writer(s) in the beginning, perhaps none of them would be in the mess they now find themselves. Good riddance to all.
- girllawyer - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 3:49 pm:
Monk (the commenter not the defendant) obviously has never been a prosecutor. Prosecutors don’t cut deals with “small fish” defendants because they are too lazy to try the cases. No trial is ever a sure thing no matter how hard they have worked on it. Better to improve the chances of convicting the “big fish” even if it means you have to settle for less of a sentence than you would prefer on the “little fish”.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:12 pm:
The Bear Stearns/POB deal as alleged was awfully greedy and reckless. It undoubtedly honked off a lot of wired local investment bankers who expected a taste, and I imagine they did a lot of loud squawking. It’s a very small community.
- one day at a time - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 4:54 pm:
….Furthermore, how any jury can consider the testimony of someone like Lon Monk (or any ‘flipper’ in any case for that matter) is beyond me. Some people will say anything to avoid further penalties for the crimes THEY did - especially, bringing down the ‘primary target’ if that’s what it takes. I take issue with that, yes. Sorry that doesn’t sit well with you but I think it is truly gutless to do such a thing.”…
@Monk…opps…Rod is it really you?
Manning up and telling the truth is not a ‘truly gutless thing to do’!
- Anon - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 5:29 pm:
Monk, I said in my original post that if the flipper’s testimony is true, there is nothing dishonorable about flipping. If the flipper is making things up to get a better deal, I agree that is despicable. You also fail to recognize that the highest person on the totem poll has the same opportunity to flip and finger all the other conspirators But they never do, because their egos delude them into thinking they can beat the rap.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 7:23 pm:
–….Furthermore, how any jury can consider the testimony of someone like Lon Monk (or any ‘flipper’ in any case for that matter) is beyond me.–
Most criminals don’t go into business with saints.
Prisons would be empty and criminals would run wild if juries didn’t soberly consider the testimony of flippers, rats, stoolies, criminals, scumbags, whatever you want to call them.
The key is corroboration.
- Lynn S - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:26 pm:
“Where, oh where, is Tony?” With any luck at all, the Feds are visiting him on a regular basis and asking him what he knew (and when) about Iraq. Wouldn’t that be a feather in Blago’s cap–to be associated with a guy who helped bring down corruption by U.S. contractors in a war zone? Isn’t that further proof of how Rod is such an anti-corrupting guy? (All sarcasm intended, but I do hope the Feds are visiting Tony and asking what he and his Iraqi friends are willing to tell them.)
- Lynn S - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:30 pm:
7. - Leave a Light on George - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:12 am:
Looks to me that brother Rob has more to worry about than he lets on.
Sorry, have to disagree. Brother Rob came into the game rather late in all the schemes, and wouldn’t have had much time to get his beak wet. For the time Rob is looking at, it is a shame he was only getting $12,000/month.
- Lynn S - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:42 pm:
8. - siriusly - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:18 am:
During his “book” tour Blago routinely discredited Rezko, and said John Harris was getting bad advice but this plea by Monk is vital for the USA. Try to tell yourself this one won’t matter Rod.
His ego won’t allow that. All that matters is Rod’s version of the truth, which he is all too happy to give when there is a TV camera or radio mic around.
9. - OneMan - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:20 am:
So does anyone else think Rod will blame his teammates when things go bad on the show?
Of course he will. That’s why they want him!! My question: when faced with various challenges, will Rod start talking about which public or other officials to bribe, and suggest prices? That would indeed be a learning experience for the rest of us!
- Lynn S - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:46 pm:
10. - just sayin’ - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:23 am:
Sure, Kjellander just decided to go into the lending business. And there’s nothing fishy about the fact that his lending business consisted of just making one big loan to one person.
He did that one for practice and the experience. It’s really unfair how you’re criticizing Big Bob for the fact he hasn’t gotten around to incorporating his lending business, or filing the necessary paperwork with the proper authorities, or hiring the necessary staff, or advertising and seeking clients. He’s a busy man, ya know! (all sarcasm again intended).
- Lynn S - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:49 pm:
13. - macbeth - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:31 am:
I suspect Blagojevich will now start spinning himself as isolated. He was at the top — and he alone knew the inner workings. Monk et al. are simply the people who stood in the way of fighting the good fight.
Too late for that. He’s already written and published his book.
But I have no doubt he will be willing to consider incorporating your suggestions in his second edition.
With any luck at all, he will have several years at Club Fed to do that.
- Lynn S - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:54 pm:
15. - wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 10:47 am:
–When it does I wonder who he’ll try to roll over on to save himself.–
Prosecutors swim upstream. If he could have, he would have done it by now
Sorry, Word, gotta disagree. The Feds are going for Daley, and they will be happy to take anything Rod can give them. Question is when he’s going to be smart enough to realize their intent and start singing.
Or maybe the Daley folks have made him a good offer to protect Patti and the girls (remember his father-in-law, who’s been the 33rd Ward Alderman for a couple of decades now), and he’ll actually do federal time to keep up his end of the bargain. I personally think he is too much of a narcissist to do that, because he will not have his weekly radio show when he is a guest of the feds.
Remember, Sorich hasn’t rolled yet.
- Lynn S - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:56 pm:
20. - Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:06 am:
IrishPirate, her info would be more valuable to the feds than anything from him. He’s a goner. He can’t flip on anybody. Get used to the idea.
Curiosity impels me, Rich: what do you know that you haven’t told us yet? Are you going to tell me I must get a subscription?
- Lynn S - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:59 pm:
24. - Secret Square - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 11:47 am:
Sorry to disappoint all those people who assume that Blago MUST have some dirt on Obama because they are both Chicago Democrats, but the scenario seems pretty obvious to me: Blago wanted to run for prez in ‘08 so bad he could taste it, Obama came along and eclipsed him, so Blago blames Obama for “ruining” his only chance to get in the White House, and will attempt to get back at him in any way possible. Can’t anyone outside of Illinois (and even a lot of people inside) figure that out?
Scuttlebutt here in Champaign-Urbana had Blago as a vice-presidential candidate in the future, but the feds ruined that scheme.
- Lynn S - Thursday, Oct 22, 09 @ 12:00 am:
28. - George - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 1:04 pm:
Has Mongo’s?
Who’s Mongo? I feel like I’m missing something here.
- Lynn S - Thursday, Oct 22, 09 @ 12:04 am:
34. - Third Generation Chicago Native - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 2:08 pm:
Alonzo Monk is the Scott Fawell to the Blagojevich trial.
Possibly one of the truest statements ever made here.
And when Monk is done doing his time, will he follow in Fawell’s footsteps and be all over the media proclaiming how endemic and good public corruption is?
The only thing positive I can say about Monk at this point: at least he doesn’t have the blood of six innocent children on his hands.
- Lynn S - Thursday, Oct 22, 09 @ 12:06 am:
38. - Perplexed & Perturbed - Wednesday, Oct 21, 09 @ 3:14 pm:
Let’s hope this guy takes care of business. It’s a shame bad attitude can’t be factored in at sentencing; if that was the case Blago would go away for good and society would mostly be spared his behavioral problems.
AMEN!!
- Bookworm - Thursday, Oct 22, 09 @ 6:39 am:
“Who’s Mongo? I feel like I’m missing something here.”
Lynn: Mongo was a prize winning steer at the State Fair that got disqualified because his owner used an improper medication to treat a hoof infection. The owner later sued the state to get his prize money back, claiming the Ag Dept. didn’t properly notify participants of the medication rules, and he won.
Mongo’s disqualification prompted Blago to proclaim that “If we discover that someone is cheating, whether they be human beings or cows, they’re going to pay a price.”
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Oct 22, 09 @ 8:29 am:
word, with $10 billion, plenty of white-shoe types got to eat. Most of the usual suspects, plus a couple that came absolutely out of nowhere. One turned out to be Kelly’s college roommate, and the other was an MBE firm that has done very, very well by Mr. Filan.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 22, 09 @ 9:23 am:
===and they will be happy to take anything Rod can give them. Question is when he’s going to be smart enough to realize their intent and start singing.===
LOL
You are out of your mind if you think Daley was stupid enough to do illegal deals with Rod Blagojevich.
- Lynn S - Thursday, Oct 22, 09 @ 10:40 pm:
“Who’s Mongo?” Thanks for the refresher–I used to be in 4H myself and had forgotten the steer’s name. “Mongo” in my world refers to an old co-worker who is a VERY big guy, but he wouldn’t be caught dead in politics, and my Mongo is smart enough to stay away from Rod and Gang.
@ Rich:
Did Daley do any illegal deals with Blago? I will agree that Daley has been very, very smart and very, very, very cautious and has always kept a layer or two between himself and those in his administration accused of wrongdoing.
But you can’t forget Chris Kelly’s suicide either, and Kelly was in trouble for crooked roofing deals at O’Hare. What did Kelly do, what did Kelly know, and what did Kelly tell Blago?
(and I absolutely will not doubt the possibility that Daley’s name will come up when any attempts to tar Obama fail.)