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* AG Madigan caused quite a stir on Meet the Press this morning…
“We have heard that there is a possibility that tomorrow [Gov. Blagojevich] will make an announcement that he will step aside,” Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” today. Blagojevich may take a temporary leave that would keep him on the state payroll because “one of his main concerns is his financial circumstances right now,” she said.
* But the guv’s spokesman shot it down…
Scandal-plagued Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will not resign Monday, his spokesman said Sunday, but pressure to do so continued to grow on the governor to step aside before he is impeached.
* House GOP Leader Tom Cross was asked on Fox this morning “Do you have any indication at all that that governor is voluntarily going to give up any of his powers?” His answer hit it on the head…
“I don’t think anybody knows that right now. The ability to predict what he may or may not do is almost impossible.”
Cross was also asked why he thinks the governor is still “holding on” to his office…
One, by nature, he’s a fighter. Two, I suspect that he, unlike Eliot Spitzer, has got to figure out how he lives day to day without a job. And third, I suspect he’s also talking to his legal team about how to handle this situation with the U.S. attorney’s office, does he plead, does he not plead, is it best to resign.
* LG Quinn has been all over the map on the Senate replacement…
Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn today said he would like to appoint at least a temporary senator before voters are given the right to pick a replacement for President-elect Barack Obama.
Speaking on NBC’s “Meet The Press” about allegations Gov. Rod Blagojevich tried to sell Obama’s senate seat, Quinn raised yet another option for finding a replacement for Obama.
“I saw a bill on Friday night that would provide for a temporary appointment to the U.S. Senate until we could have a special election,” Quinn said. “I am concerned that we always have two senators from Illinois representing us in Washington and I think it’s very important that whoever is governor get an opportunity to appoint at least a temporary person until an election could take place.”
Quinn’s comments come after he was criticized last week for pulling a power play by calling on the legislature to impeach Blagoejvich immediately so that he could take the executive reins and name Obama’s replacement.
I hope this isn’t how he plans to govern the state.
* The Republicans are launching a new TV ad and taking Quinn to task…
Illinois Republican Party leaders are launching a television campaign to push their position that a special election should be called to fill the vacancy caused by President-elect Barack Obama’s depature, a move to prevent a Senate appointment by scandal-scarred Gov. Rod Blagojevich or Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn if he takes over the top job. […]
“Blagojevich Democrats like Pat Quinn did nothing to stand up to Governor Blagojevich and his ethical lapses,” said Joe Birkett, the DuPage County state’s attorney.
Birkett questioned why “Pat Quinn stood silent” when they ran together in 2006, when it was known that Blagojevich was the “eye of the storm”
* Over on ABC, John McCain tells the national Republicans to tone it down on the Blagojevich stuff and focus on the ecomony…
Sen. John McCain, D-Ariz., took on his own party this morning for continuing to criticize the way President-elect Barack Obama has handled the scandal surrounding Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
“In all due respect to the Republican National Committee… I think we should try to be working constructively together, not only on an issue such as this, but on the economy stimulus package, reforms that are necessary,” McCain said in an exclusive “This Week” interview with George Stephanopoulos.
RNC Chairman Mike Duncan has released a statement every day since news broke of the Blagojevich corruption investigation calling on the Obama team to reveal all contact that they’ve had with the governor.
* And there was more criticism of Patrick Fitzgerald…
The court in which Mr. Blagojevich is charged, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, has a local rule mandating that a “lawyer shall not make an extrajudicial statement the lawyer knows or reasonably should know is likely to be disseminated by public media and, if so disseminated, would pose a serious and imminent threat to the fairness of an adjudicative proceeding.” The rule goes on to say that a public statement “ordinarily is likely to have such an effect when it refers to” a criminal matter and to “the character or reputation of the accused, or any opinion as to the accused’s guilt or innocence, as to the merits of the case, or as to the evidence in the case.” The American Bar Association’s model rules are similar, if not more restrictive.
Against this backdrop, it is hard to feel comfortable with Mr. Fitzgerald’s remarks in announcing the charges that Mr. Blagojevich’s conduct amounted to a “political corruption crime spree” and “would make Lincoln roll over in his grave,” that “the breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering,” that Mr. Blagojevich “put a ‘for sale’ sign on the naming of a United States senator” and that his conduct was “cynical” and “appalling” and has “taken us to a truly new low.”
[h/t: BB at Illinoize]
posted by Rich Miller
Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 3:17 pm
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Thanks for the H/T.
Fitz crossed a line the more I think of that press conference. He needs to watch some old Dragnet episodes and be more like Joe Friday… just the facts… just the facts…
Comment by Bill Baar Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 3:26 pm
Lisa Madigan seems to like the idea of Blago temporarily stepping down for “disability”. Which sounds like “acting Governor Quinn” as opposed to Governor Quinn.
To be fair it is a complicated situation. Can’t we all just agree that it would be best if Blago would resign and then run off to “sanctuary” in Serbia. He’s big there.
Comment by IrishPirate Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 3:42 pm
Another Gov defense…
Comment by Bill Baar Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 3:50 pm
Hats off to McCain. There’s a time for elections and a time to govern. We’re desperately in need of some governance now. Obama hasn’t taken office yet!
The nattering nabobs of the professional political class — GOP and Dem alike — need to step aside for a while.
What in the world was Quinn talking about? And Lisa “heard” something? Not a great performance by either.
Comment by wordslinger Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 4:19 pm
At the core of all the wild statements flying around is the lack of time to sit and think. Too many pols and media types (and bloggers) trying to come up with something to say when there has been very little in the way of new information since last Tuesday. Will we stop? Of course not, this is too much fun, and, for the pols, too good of an opportunity to be in the bright lights. (Not to mention the pressure to comment or be berated for not doing so.)
In this respect, Mike Madigan’s approach gets kudos; he has done nothing to embarrass himself and said nothing he might regret later. Of course, whether he ultimately gets high marks or low depends on what happens Monday and Tuesday in Springfield…
Comment by Pot calling kettle Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 4:30 pm
Fitzgerald did the same thing in Plame investigation. I guess it’s ok to call him on it now because… You know… It’s a Democrat being targeted this time.
McCain attacking Republicans, again. You can bet he’ll be a favorite of the MSM going forward.
Ok. Enough fun. Here’s my query. In the past Blagojevich’s problems weren’t perceived as Democrat problems. Quinn and the AG seem to be rushing out to get ahead of this and making themselves not look horrible but definately not putting the best foot forward either. Does this suggest that the wall of separation between Democrats and the Hon. Rod Blagojevich may be a concern now that something has happened?
Comment by Greg Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 4:37 pm
Quinn is a typical pol, he does what is right for HIM. If tomorrow it was popular to ware a pink rose on your suit he would, if it was popular to ask for a special election he would. He does what is popular and what is right for him….
Comment by Question for you Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 4:52 pm
So if Pat Quinn is a Blagojevich Dem, does that makes Birkett a George Ryan Republican or a George W. Bush Republican?
Comment by Bill Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 4:55 pm
This is fast becoming a circus, to no one’s credit. It was no doubt intoxicating for these people to appear on national news shows, but it is difficult to see how they helped anything. It was particularly unseemly given that Madigan and Quinn are each in open pusuit of being Governor.
Thankfully, on Monday the issue will finally arrive where it belongs - in the Illinois Legislature.
Comment by Bubs Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 4:58 pm
Quinn is anything but typical. People used to call him a “gadfly”, meaning that he could never fit in with the others, and was essentially an outsider. I don’t know him, but I have met him a few times and he comes across as a really decent person.
We are getting way too much cynicism on the comments page these days, e.g., they are all crooks, all motivations are political, no one ever acts in the best interests of the people.
We had better hope that someone starts acting in the public interest pretty soon. This is a truly bad situation for the state, and, despite the temptation to enjoy Blago’s downfall, things won’t get better unless some people get together to make it better.
Comment by DuPage Dave Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 5:00 pm
I think John Fritchey has really come out as a leader during this time of crisis. He has been a voice of reason calling for action that is in the best interest of the citizens of the state.
Thanks John.
Comment by Anon Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 5:16 pm
Where’s Daddy Madigan?
If the Illinois legislature is really serious about impeachment, they could do it inside a week. Let’s stop wasting taxpayer’s money!
Comment by Just Crazy Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 5:22 pm
Illinois has been without a junior Senator for the last 3-4 years anyways. Obama used the seat to run for President and one can argue what he was able to do for Illinois in the less than 200 days he showed up on the job. Let’s not rush and do this right- we can hang on a little longer.
Comment by Splitendz Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 5:23 pm
===there has been very little in the way of new information since last Tuesday===
Um, huh?
Resignations aplenty, subpoenas out the wazoo, details amany. Where have you been?
Comment by Rich Miller Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 5:23 pm
President Elect Obama has said that he is going to keep Fitzy on as the job. I expect him to do so, no reason to believe he wont keep his word on it. However, maybe this is a sign that Fitz is going to do something else after this case is done.
When you know that your going to be heading into a different job, or phase in life, you might as well get a few pot shots in (Lincoln rolling over in his grave etc) on a guy that you have been investigating for the last 4 years or so.
I’m probably reading too much into that, but its just a thought.
Comment by Speaking at Will Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 5:32 pm
Does anyone think Abner Mikva’s presence on the podium lends any more credibility to the AG’s maneuver to remove Blago from office? I’m not trying to over think this, and Mikva’s integrity is second to none, but could this be construed as Mikva supporting the AG beyond this and/or indirectly running interference for Obama?
Comment by Anon Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 5:33 pm
This afternoon Patti went to visit Genson at his office. Any ideas? Co-sign financial papers, get legal advice, get briefed on Genson’s view of their collective or individual exposure(s)?
Comment by A Citizen Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 5:40 pm
It was clear that Khrushchev was trying to paint the Stalin epoch as a massive aberration from a true Marxist-Leninist course.
For me, the unkindest censorial cut of all had to do with one episode. During the speech, a delegate yelled out, “Comrade Khrushchev, where were you when Stalin was doing all these terrible things?”
Khrushchev shouted, “Who is that? Stand up!”
No one rose.
Khrushchev said, “That comrade is where I was.”
http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/032006/03042006/172696
Comment by Ahem Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 5:42 pm
Agreed about Fitz being a little over the top. That he made all of the mentioned statements, and then said “I am not here to offer opinions” is funny.
Not a defense of those who’ve done wrong. Just a thought.
Comment by JonShibleyFan Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 5:46 pm
Anyone else remember “Pay to Play on Steroids?” That sounds a bit like political corruption crime spree, doesn’t it?.
And who gives him his best material? Rod R. Balgojevich, Governor.
The court has a legitimate need to impose rules on how potential criminals acts can be portrayed via the press. Its interest is in fairness and unbiased jurors and trials. I get that, as most of us do.
Given all that Fitzgerald must know about the governor, I’m sure he feels he was neutral and guarded in his language. If you think his remarks were imflammatory, wait until you see and hear more of the evidence.
Comment by 47th Ward Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 6:05 pm
Oh, I forgot Pat Quinn:
If he isn’t more careful, we could have a special election for governor too.
Comment by 47th Ward Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 6:06 pm
This is exactly how Quinn will govern, ask anyone who has ever worked for him. He is the type of guy that always thinks the latest idea he heard is the best. That is how bad it is in Illinois that we are all looking forward to a Quinn administration.
Comment by Obama's Puppy Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 6:15 pm
Let’s not forget Patrick Fitzgerald isn’t the one who has broken our laws.
Let’s not forget Patrick Fitzgerald isn’t the one who has been under investigation since 2004.
Let’s not get duped into believing that Rod and Patti are the innocent victims here.
Let’s not forget Rod and Patti have known all along what they have done and would have continued to do, if someone like Patrick Fitzgerald hadn’t brought it to Illinois’s and the country’s attention.
Let’s not forget who the real victims are here - every man, woman, child in Illinois.
Rod and Patti Blagojevich have brought nothing but shame on Illinois.
Comment by iMAGINE Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 6:22 pm
Anon are you Fritchey? He’s doing nothing but being a media bleep. And quite frankly, he needs another visit to the tanning booth. Prediction, he’ll throw his hat in the ring soon…not for the 5th CD, but for Senate!
Comment by Illinois.Pundit Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 6:27 pm
McCain has found his voice again. Too bad he did not campaign for himself when he had his chance.
Nationally this issue is a molehill. In fact, unless the president elect himself was dealing for a replacement, the most that will happen is a regretful resignation of an aide or two if they are on tape promising quid pro quo. What struck me today was the Trib’s editorial about Rep. Rangle. Seems like he was involved in the same type of dealings that our Gov was involved with, but there is no call for his resignation.
I’m starting to understand why Blagojevich did what he did.
Comment by plutocrat03 Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 6:38 pm
I think Fitz and other U.S. attorneys are guilty of being over the top in their press conferences. They have enough power without characterizing the actions.
For what it’s worth, Pat Collins, the former prosecutor said on the radio last week that Fitz at the press conference was the angriest he’d ever seen him.
Comment by wordslinger Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 6:41 pm
Rich -
How about a “best moment of the week” blog.
Mine would be our very own featured on Saturday Night Live. Priceless.
Comment by 2010 Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 6:51 pm
Looking back on Tuesday, IMHO it appeared that Patrick Fitzgearld was so mad he nearly had steam shooting from his ears. I attribute that to the press Blagoof received the day before at the door factory. Looking back it were as if Blagoof was taunting Fitzgearld in that statements he made. I thought the Federal Prosicutor held a lot in considering. Did anyone catch SNL’s opening last night?
Comment by Dan S, a Voter and a Cubs Fan Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 6:56 pm
I was pretty disappointed with the SNL performance.
1. Their Blago had a nasal New Jersey/mafia goon accent. There’s plenty of source material out there for them to actually get someone to mimic his voice.
2. Later in the show, in the news segment, they bring in Armison as the NY governor to talk about their corruption.
Yeah, New York, it’s all about you. Way to phone it in.
Comment by Frank Sobotka Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 7:14 pm
Wsn’t Mikva the ethics chief for Bill Clinton.
Comment by chicago sage Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 7:21 pm
Unlikely that Blago will resign. You have to think short term and hedonisticaly like he does. He needs the limelight and the income. It’s to his benefit to remain in office as long as he possibly can.
Comment by one of the 35 Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 7:33 pm
- one of the 35 -
“You have to think short term and hedonisticaly like he does. ”
I tried that and I got dizzy, a terrible headache followed by euphoria after which I found myself outside dancing naked in the snowfall. A really strange experience - Don’t try this at home!
Comment by A Citizen Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 7:47 pm
Bleep yeah Fitz was angry. Don’t forget that these meatheads made it personal when they thought it might be a good idea to use Karl Rove to take him out.
AA would be bleep in that situation, procedures manual notwithstanding, and I think most of you folks would be as well. I don’t think the blabber at the plant had any effect other than to give a flotilla of Feds a good laugh before a good night’s sleep knowing that justice was to be carried out the next morning.
If every USA got spanked for snark at the podium, there would be an open chair in courtrooms all over this great nation.
Leave it to the intellectually (and financially) bankrupt NYT to come up with such a worthless piece of bleep.
Over the top, probably. In need of saying-absolutely. Too bad our articulate POTUS-E didn’t do half as well.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 8:01 pm
Any word on Collinsville’s Dem. Representative Jay Hoffman - who is a defender of his old roommate Blagojevich. The same Jay Hoffman who has saturated IDOT with politican friends and family?
Comment by this voter will remember Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 8:03 pm
Dave Letterman’s “Top Ten Messages Left On Rod Blagojevich’s Answering Machine”:
http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/top_ten/index/php/20081210.phtml
Comment by Ahem Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 8:09 pm
Where is it written that a US attorney has to have a press conference to discuss an arrest?
Comment by Excessively rabid Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 8:11 pm
I’ve speculated before that Blago holds a grudge against Obama for “stealing” the presidential spotlight that Blago fully expected to be his. Everything he did from the moment he took office as governor was designed to position himself for a presidential run, most likely in 2008 — and then along comes Obama, stealing his thunder. On top of that, Blago is governor non grata for the Democratic convention and the big victory celebration in Grant Park. How much you wanna bet that another big reason Blago did what he did and was so brazen about it is because he WANTS to make Obama look bad?
Comment by Bookworm Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 8:13 pm
Also — maybe I’m reading too much into this — but Guerrero said only that Blago will not RESIGN tomorrow. That doesn’t rule out the possibility that he might agree to “step aside” temporarily under some kind of disability provision and continue to draw his paycheck while the whole impeachment thing is sorted out.
This might have the effect of 1) allowing Blago to maintain an income, 2) not looking as much like an admission of guilt as outright resignation would, 3) taking the pressure off the GA to impeach immediately, 4) allowing the media circus to subside over Christmas, and 5) perhaps discouraging Pat Quinn, who would merely be “acting governor,” from undoing too many of Blago’s policy decisions (e.g. closing the state parks).
Comment by Bookworm Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 8:32 pm
Bookworm, Blagojevich does not give me the impression of great emotional maturity so I mostly agree with what you say about his attitude towards Obama. Anyone who does not pay tribute to Mr. Big obviously needs some sort of comeuppance.
Comment by Ahem Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 8:35 pm
Article V, Section 6(c) allows the Governor to temporarily declare himself unable to carry out his duties by simply so notifying the Secretary of State and the Lt. Gov, in which case the Lt. Governor becomes the Acting Governor until such time as the Governor announces he is able to govern again. He would surely retain his salary, and that would effectively check almost anything important that Quinn would try to do, because anything significant might prompt the Governor’s “return.” And the Constitution has no limit on how many times the Governor can do this. Once upon a time, Special Sessions were unusual, weren’t they? This game would allow the Gov to have a measure of control and keep everyone else off-balance.
Back to an earlier post, having Abner Mikva, a former State Representative, Congressman, and the former Chief Judge of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, certainly added weight to the legitimacy of the AG’s Motion. And for those who worry that the Rule 382 Motions somehow tarnish or abuse those with disabilities, Mikva is also Chairman of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, having been appointed so in 2006 by none other than Rod R. Blabgojevich!
The only thing that surprised me about her presser was having Mikva there to say a few words. But apparently quite a few were unimpressed.
Comment by Oberon Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 9:21 pm
She could bring in Felix Frankfurter’s ghost, it’s still an uncalled for request for the Court to become a political Button Man.
Comment by Bubs Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 9:33 pm
If he doesn’t go soon, Quinn will show up at Blago’s presser and sling his size 12 doc martens at The Defendant’s ugly mug.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 9:50 pm
who cares what Fitzy says…in comparison to the tapes it’s nothing. Any description pales when compared tot he actual thing.
I love it how now he’s the one to blame. Wait was he the one trying to sell the Senate seat? Was he the one selling road contracts? What about the tollways and the oasis’. We all know about the corruption so why are we dismayed when the guy brings them up on charges? i can’t believe people are critical when he tells the press about it after it’s been under investigation and NOT talked about for 5 years.
If the press had made a biggger deal about this, Oepratin Board Games, in the last election Blago would have been out. He got a pass on the whole thing- until now when he actually get’s indicted.
“Pay-to-Play on steroids”- yeah and then some not even that statement says enough.
Comment by GofG Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 9:51 pm
This is ‘Pay to Play On Steroids with
Exponentiation’.
Comment by Frank Sobotka Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 9:55 pm
Oberon,
You did not bother to read the next paragraph of Article V, Section 6 -
(d) The General Assembly by law shall specify by whom and by what proce-dures the ability of the Governor to serve or to resume office may be questioned and determined. The Supreme Court shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction to review such a law and any such determination and, in the absence of such a law, shall make the determination under such rules as it may adopt.
He doesn’t get to decide when he comes back, the GA does.
Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 9:57 pm
Okay! Big Whoop. So Fitz and now we have caught him red handed, with his hand in the cookie jar etc. Let’s let him go! Then wait a month or two and we can catch him again and replay this past week. For the children’s sake, let him go.
Comment by A Citizen Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 9:57 pm
The Blago Crisis: Illinois Held Hostage, Day 6
Comment by Bookworm Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 10:05 pm
G, I think the rule is there for decorum, which I don’t think is a bad thing. The evidence and tapes speak for themselves; you don’t have to sell it like a carny barker. It’s a relatively small point, though.
AA brought up a mitigating factor that I can’t believe I forgot, and that’s how the boys allegedly were telling folks they had the Washington clout to get Fitz fired. That can make you mad.
The timeline really doesn’t work, because at the time Fitz was well into his special prosecutor role in the Plame Affair, and was untouchable. But there has been no lack of chutzpah among this cast of characters.
Comment by wordslinger Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 10:09 pm
I come late to the discussion, but it seems to me that Fitz was refusing to offer an opinion on the “political” aspects of the situation as opposed to the “moral” ones. And the sad reality is that these are uncharted waters and thus are going to be challenging to navigate. I just hate the thought of Blagojevich being able to continue sending us to hell in a handbasket while things get worked out.
Comment by cynically anonymous Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 10:15 pm
What in the world is the motivation and the perpetrators of the villainization of Fitzgerald. Could it be the vast 8% +/- 4% conspiracy? Come on guys, Fitz FINALLY drops the hammer - 3 or 4 months before planned and he is now the bad guy? Please, get serious.
Comment by A Citizen Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 10:21 pm
From the WSJ:
Yes you can, it’s $30 million.
Comment by Scooby Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 10:47 pm
Lets not focus on McCain, or Lisa, or Quinn, or Fitz. The story is about Rod. And lets put the criminal issue on the side for a moment. Looking at what this man said on the tapes, is he ethical? Do the people who care about the character of the governor of this state think it shows how unethical he is, and for nothing more than that he should resign now.
Comment by fed up Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 11:02 pm
McCain again highlighted why he’s a LOSER. There’s a wild political free-for-all taking place around the president-elect’s senate seat and that’s what he offers up.
Comment by Nero Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 11:23 pm
it is real easy to pile on and kick a man when he is down. nobody ever asks about what motivates the actions of the other players involved. ask yourself why a criminal complaint and not a grand jury indictment? Why the publicity and premature climax when the could have taped the actual crime? I enjoyed MTP today when the moderator questioned the LG and AG’s own political motivations on the matter and they were struck stupid.
Comment by anon Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:13 am
Anonymous - Sunday, Dec 14, 08 @ 9:57 pm:
==You did not bother to read the next paragraph of Article V, Section 6 - He doesn’t get to decide when he comes back, the GA does. ==
Actually, I have read it carefully.
The “law” mentioned in Section 6(a) is 15 ILCS 5/1(b), the Gubernatorial Succession Act. Search it as you will, it does not specify a procedure for “removal of disability” nor designate which branch of government, or whom within it, may make such a determination.
Section 6(b) simply says “unitl the disability is removed,” but not how or by whom.
Section 6(c) deals with the Goveronor’s voluntary step-aside. It says clearly that “When the
Governor is prepared to resume office, he shall do so by notifying the Secretary of State and the Acting Governor.” Neither the GA nor the Court plays a role in that case.
Section 6(d)states “The General Assembly by law shall specify by whom and by what procedures the ability of the Governor to serve or to resume office may be questioned and determined.” See 15 ILCS 5. This law does not exist, due to the negligence of the GA. I suppose the Governor’s voluntary step-aside and resumption could be challenged under Rule 382, but every step-aside and resumption would be new action, nor can the Court intervene on its own initiative; someone has to ask.
So I think my scenario for Blago-chaos is possible feasible under the current “rules of the game.” But just how much trouble does the Governor want to make?
Comment by Oberon Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 7:09 am
I agree with the gentlemen who wrote the article on Patrick Fitzgerald. The rush to judge the governor before his day in court is scary to me. It’s been like a public lynching. This is America where you presumed innocent until proven guilty. But this means in the last decade Americans are trying people by public opinion, and not giving allowing people to have their day in court. Americans criticize foreign governments for not allowing their citizens the right to a fair trial. Yet, the governor (no matter how wrong we think it he is) deserves to have a fair trial. The US attorney’s actions could be grounds in the future for an appeal, due to his unprofessional behavior during the press conference. Where can this governor get a jury that won’t be tainted? It seems like the Governor’s defense attorney, unfortunately, is already going to have something to use against the US attorney.
I still say all these people are in the same soup together. There is too much self interest going on with the people rushing to impeach and push this man out of office. Perhaps a special legal immediate mediator should be appointed to make the decision regarding the governor. Someone who doesn’t have something to gain if he’s impeached or physically removed from office.
Usually have to be careful when you point your finger at someone because several of your fingers are pointing back at you.
Comment by South Side Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 7:36 am
Rich, you wrote “Sen. John McCain, D-Ariz., ”
Many would agree with you, but supposedly it is still an “R”
Comment by anon Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 7:37 am
===Rich, you wrote===
That was in the linked piece. I didn’t write it.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 7:56 am
On a side note, L Mad cut a very impressive interview on meet the press.
Comment by Ghost Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 8:08 am
Hostage crisis indeed.
Comment by Ahem Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 8:17 am
Bookworm - I also thought that Blago was irate at Obama because he stole the spotlight. That would explain why Blago called Obama a “mother****er”. In addition, I bet Obama did not play the games that was presented to him by Blago.
Comment by this voter will remember Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 9:03 am
Yes, Quinn is making a power play. Lisa Madigan is making a power play by trying to keep Quinn confined to the diminutive role of “acting” Governor. Durbin is making a power play by having a special election that takes away Quinn’s power to appoint someone.
They all need to remember that any hesitation on the part of Democrats to get rid of Blagojevich immedeately opens up big opportunities for Republicans in Nov. 2010.
Comment by SangoDem Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:40 pm