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posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 5:51 pm
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Previous Post: Madigan advises candidates on impeachment talk *** UPDATED x3 ***
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Wow!
The Springfield chaos is the result of only Rod Blagojevich and no one else? The other two Democratic leaders have had nothing to do with the chaos? The Democrats in each chamber who remain silent while the chaos persists had nothing to do with it?
I’m no fan of Blagojevich but . . .
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 6:17 pm
There is one thing that they got right:
“As a democrat I believe that this is a very sad time for our state.”
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 6:18 pm
Bill, as a Republican I couldn’t agree with you more.
This is a very sad time for our state.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 6:24 pm
I wonder what the climate will be like at the leader’s meeting in the morning after this, will Madigan send anyone?
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 6:27 pm
Bill!!!
Great to hear from you.
My only complaint about the talking points is their too dang long.
1. I’m calling for impeachment hearings.
2. I think there’s ample evidence that the Governor’s administration is corrupt - 6 federal convictions and counting.
3. The court record shows he knew about the corruption, but even if he didn’t he should have, and he’s derelict in his duties.
4. He’s also trampling on the very State Constitution he swore to uphold.
5. Besides which, he’s incompetent.
6. See 1-5.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 6:45 pm
good luck tomorrow.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 7:17 pm
Didja notice the James Bond stuff on Page 5?
===So, neither Madigan nor his staff has had any involvement with you or preparing you to make this announcement?
I am calling for the House to begin impeachment proceedings because I believe that it’s the right thing to do. I’ve researched the issue on my own and after careful consideration believed that now is the right time to do it. ===
Oops.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 7:20 pm
Can’t wait to hear Mary Flowers recite these points.
Comment by pingu Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 7:30 pm
I think Madigan should think about supporting the Green for Governor during the next election, if Blagojevich is the Democratic candidate again. Heck, why wait? The Speaker could appoint several Greens to those boards and commissions on which no more than 3 out of 5 may be members of the same political party.
Comment by Squideshi Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 8:05 pm
Interesting..You’d think Madigan hurt his members enough by killing the capital bill. Now, he wants to pretend candidates came up with this stuff themselves.
What a farce..It just shows that he shouldn’t be the Speaker and the head of the Democratic Party. There are too many conflicts by holding both posts. Just ask Emil how much money he’s been given to donate to senate candiates over the years..Ask Alexi what kind of support he got or..how about Obama???
Comment by DD Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 8:18 pm
So does Obama dump super delegate Blagojevich now?
Comment by Bill Baar Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 8:27 pm
shhh….about Emil Jones…
Comment by Bill Baar Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 8:31 pm
How ridiculous–he tells his candidates to lie about getting this info from his office. And MJM says there is a trust issue? Whatever you do…don’t ask about lisa
Comment by Easy Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 8:38 pm
It’s not exactly telling the to lie. More like obfuscate.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 8:40 pm
I read the memo, and Madigan is safe from a charge of slander: truth is always a defense.
Reading the short list of offensive items in the first addendum, I found 18 of them serious enough to bring before at least an exploratory committee.
Who was the mole, um, “forthright upstanding citizen” that leaked this memo?
Big Q for tomorrow: do the Rodians go with “Those levees broke because Madigan won’t allow a capital bill” or “Mike is a big secret meanie who wants us thrown out”.
What AM I thinking, of course they’ll go with both.
“Tumor”? Well, cancer can be defined as normal cells multiplying and growing out of all control, even to the detriment of the host organism. I believe they are right; Rod and his policies and the shady crew he brought on with him, are a cancer on the body politic, choking it’s vitals thru excessive graft and corruption and malfeasance.
At this point, amputation is coming one way or another.
Give it to us straight, doc, we can take it.
Comment by Gregor Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 8:48 pm
Gregor wrote at 8:48:
“Big Q for tomorrow: do the Rodians go with “Those levees broke because Madigan won’t allow a capital bill” or “Mike is a big secret meanie who wants us thrown out”.”
AA postulated at 7:05 pm:
“Harris: Governor, as you may have heard, there has been some serious flooding in Southeastern Illinois. In Lawrence County, the situation is severe.
Rod: If we had passed a capital bill, this wouldn’t be a problem. Tell Abby to put out a release and blame it on Madigan. Bye.”
Just wait and see.
Comment by Arthur Andersen (one IP) Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 9:01 pm
well, if they get called back into a special session, i’d hope that impeachment is the first thing on the agenda…
Comment by bored now Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 9:14 pm
The point on the Senate being constitutionqally required to hold a trial fails to mention how they’d get the votes to convict if they don’t have the votes in that chamber to clear a recall measure. Also, the form, length, and list of evidence and aitnesses, etc. would all be up to the senate — remember CLinton’s “trial” was a recitation of previously reported info.
Comment by Muskrat Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 9:19 pm
==Didja notice the James Bond stuff on Page 5?==
James Bond? Don’t you mean Get Smart?
Comment by montrose Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 9:21 pm
Actually, it was “mission impossible.” “The Secretary will disavow all knowledge…”
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 9:24 pm
Too bad the memo didn’t self-destruct in 5 seconds
Comment by Bookworm Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 9:26 pm
Well the timing is perfect. The Rezko trial is over, I have rested up, and resupplied the liquor and snacks cave. I was worried I was going to get bored and go into withdrawal. Thank goodness and MM, I will engage once again in dynamic current events. All in all, I think this is an up day for the State of Illinois!
Comment by A Citizen Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 9:30 pm
Almost like a survival manual for the coming election.
Comment by Levois Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 9:34 pm
==Actually, it was “mission impossible.” “The Secretary will disavow all knowledge…”==
I think that might make him Sargent Schultz.
Comment by montrose Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 9:45 pm
FOX-TV call-in poll, as unscientific as it may be:
88% in favor of impeachment
12% against
Comment by This could explain the memo Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 9:58 pm
Well done until you get to the addendum. Too many petty gripes.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 10:01 pm
While I agree with nearly everything written in the memo, was I the only one who was amused by Madigan (or his minions) accusing Blago of “hiding from the public and refusing to
answer the media’s questions.”???
Comment by S. Illinois Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 10:02 pm
And Richie Daley thinks he is going to get the Olympics!!! Hah, this state is the laughing joke of the whole world.
Comment by ivoted4judy Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 10:44 pm
Rich -
I think we can all disagree with your statements earlier today that the only person pushing this conflict was the Governor and his people.
This is a huge shot across the bow.
Madigan just needs to get over himself.
Comment by JohnR Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 11:19 pm
Rich - just for my further reference, what was wrong with my comment that got it deleted? I really didn’t see that coming.
Comment by S. Illinois Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 11:26 pm
I mean - they can’t be serious! Someone has got to check on the mental health of the Speaker.
Impeaching the Governor because he called the Speaker a “conservative Republican”?
Seriously?
Comment by JohnR Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 11:31 pm
How about pursuing impeachment as the result of multiple testimonials under oath that the Governor was involved in rackets to raise campaign funds?
That he wasted millions of dollars calling special sessions but giving members nothing to vote on or consider?
His wife’s business dealings with convicted felon Rezko?
Cash ‘gifts’ to his daughter from people with state business?
The numerous ties between major contributors and the awarding in millions in state contracts?
You don’t think that these even merit a committee to see if impeachment is warranted?
Seriously?
Comment by Okay JohnR Tuesday, Jun 10, 08 @ 11:51 pm
Sorry, I am of the cloth that thinks that legislators having to actually work is not grounds for impeachment.
And not to defend him too much, but you will need some kind of proof that any of the things you listed were illegal.
An impeachment committee won’t get you that. They don’t have the investigative power. They will just review what is on the table - which is currently just allegations and innuendo - not even charges. If those charges are what you are concerned about - it looks like the Feds will be doing that due diligence.
This impeachment talk is about Madigan reclaiming Madigan’s power. If you think otherwise, you have been in Springfield way too long.
Comment by JohnR Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 12:02 am
S. Illinois -
Rich has been having a spam filtering issue lately. It’s likely nothing to do with you personally.
Did you have a few links in your post? That seems to be a trigger.
(And it’s happening to folks on all sides of the aisle — incl. me. Such is life in the Land of Spam.)
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 12:18 am
I’m not sure Madigan wanted this to get out. But it’s not something that many, many people in this State aren’t thinking.
If the Governor were, as Margaret Thatcher said, ’somebody we can do business with’, Madigan would be doing business.
Comment by Quizzical Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 12:22 am
“An impeachment committee won’t get you that. They don’t have the investigative power.”
JohnR, do your homework. You’re wrong. Just saying.
Comment by Hey John Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 12:37 am
Quizzical,
Whether or not the memo got out doesn’t matter for Madigan’s end game here (to pin Blagojevich down).
This memo was win-win for Madigan. Now that it’s public, so are all of his points. And if the whole memo wasn’t ever leaked, some of his recruits would be parroting the lines anyway.
…But sshhh, don’t mention “her” name.
Comment by Rob_N Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 12:55 am
Sorry, Hey John, but legislative investigations outlined in the constitution are not federal investigations…
Try getting wiretapping authority. And who will be grilling witnesses and making deals, Madigan himself?
Comment by JohnR Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 12:56 am
==It’s not exactly telling the to lie. More like obfuscate.
Absolutely, the candidate investigated by reading a very long memo from the Speaker’s office. That’s investigation. Actually reading the whole thing would be more than most members.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 2:25 am
More seriously, it’s a very good memo. I think the long list of particulars has some problems in it, but there are enough to stick. More importantly, it’s not just a rant about a political opponent, it’s based on the Illinois Constitution and impeachment customs in the United States.
The problem is the Speaker needs to pull the trigger.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 2:26 am
Does the Speaker’s staff know how to use the “spell check” function?
Talk about embarrassing? Do they want everyone to think that the Democratic candidates are illiterate?
Comment by Mind Your P's and Q's Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 4:00 am
This spills over on Obama. There is no way this doesn’t add to the clouds over him. To have Democrats turn on each other like this…I’m thinking Madigan here on Blagojevich, and Jackson on Halverson is curious. It’s not the think to do in what’s supposed to be a Democrat’s year.
Emil Jones is really the stand up guy for the party here.
Comment by Bill Baar Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 5:31 am
Pat Quinn has to be licking his chops…
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 6:23 am
Someone needs to buy the Gov a puppy…
…now, how many commenting above voted for B over JBT?
Comment by Bill Baar Wednesday, Jun 11, 08 @ 6:40 am