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[Bumped up for visibility because of the Genson & tapes stories]
*** 5:58 PM *** Oy…
What about a double dose of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich?
ABC provides it Monday. The governor visits “Good Morning America,” then stops by “The View” with his wife, Patricia.
*** 5:35 PM *** Senate President John Cullerton explains the Senate impeachment trial rules in a very rational, intelligent way over at Zorn’s site. Go read the whole thing. Here’s an excerpt…
As a witness, Rahm would have minimal value. He would be able to say only that Blagojevich didn’t try to sell the senate seat to him. That tells us very little about what he did or didn’t say to other people.
These rules are fair. And the governor is right when he says that they set a precedent. That’s why we were being so careful when we drafted them. Theoretically they could apply to any one of us (in the Senate) someday if we were ever impeached. So in one sense it was a selfish thing.
The public will see that, even with [Blagojevich] not showing up, the senators are going to take this trial very, very seriously and consider the evidence carefully.
* Just a though here, but Ed Genson’s resignation announcement revealed that he’s leaving because the governor doesn’t listen to him. That announcement came right on the heels of Blagojevich’s goofy press conference. So, Genson pretty much undercut everything the governor said today.
Good for you, Ed.
*** 4:55 PM *** This ought to be a whole lot of fun…
A federal judge today ordered that four undercover recordings from the criminal investigation of Gov. Rod Blagojevich be released to the state Legislature.
The decision by U.S. District Chief Judge James Holderman this afternoon clears the way for the Illinois Senate to consider the tapes as evidence in its impeachment trial of the governor.
*** 4:46 PM *** I told subscribers about this today…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s lead attorney says he plans to resign from his criminal case. Genson’s decision Friday comes one day after Blagojevich’s defense team sent mixed signals over whether the governor would file a lawsuit to block his impeachment trial in the state Senate.
Saying today the governor has not taken his advice, Genson said, “I wish the governor good luck and Godspeed.”
This is a huge mess. You don’t know the half of it unless you subscribe.
* 4:40 pm - The WVON website appears to have been swamped by listeners. I can’t hear a thing. If you’re listening on the radio, please tell us what’s going on in comments. Thanks.
*** 4:18 PM *** The governor is now on WVON, which has always been a safe haven for him. Expect softball questions and supportive callers.
Once again, he’s lying about Rule 8(b). He could have contested the House impeachment report by filing a motion to dismiss the report under a different rule claiming that the impeachment article itself was not sufficient.
* Cliff Kelly asked the governor how he felt about the feds coming to his home at 6 in the morning and placing him in handcuffs, rather than just calling his lawyer and asking that Blagojevich surrender himself. Blagojevich politely refused to answer.
The governor said that while Speaker Madigan was his campaign co-chair, he wasn’t really supportive. Understatement.
* The guv said that when everything comes out about the Senate appointment (for which he was arrested) they’ll find it was “all about the people.” From the criminal complaint…
Rod Blagojevich stated that his decision about the open Senate seat will be based on three criteria in the following order of importance: “our legal situation, our personal situation, my political situation. This decision, like every other one, needs to be based upon
on that. Legal. Personal. Political.”[John Harris] said, “legal is the hardest one to satisfy.” Rod Blagojevich said that his legal problems could be solved by naming himself to the
Senate seat.
* Two stories during the news break have to be making the guv a bit uneasy. The first was about Daley’s latest “cuckoo” comment regarding the governor. The second was a story featuring Rep. John Fritchey, one of the governor’s harshest critics.
[ *** End of Update *** ]
* Stick around, cowboys and cowgirls. The governor is scheduled to appear on Cliff Kelly’s WVON radio program today at four o’clock. Listen here.
Federal prosecutors [in Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s criminal case] this afternoon filed a new request with the chief judge asking that he allow the release of four tapes to the Senate as it prepares to start the governor’s impeachment trial Monday.
A decision could come at a 4 p.m. hearing in federal court later today.
Defense lawyers said the tapes shouldn’t be released now, arguing the issue was moot since the house already voted to impeach Blagojevich.
But prosecutors disagreed, saying they are authorized by law to disclose the four tapes that contain edited conversations of alleged dealmaking by the governor and others.
The House did already vote to impeach Blagojevich, but that won’t necessarily prevent the Senate from hearing additional evidence. Literally, in this case.
*** 3:18 pm *** Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn responds to the governor’s press conference…
“He can try to delude people outside of Illinois that somehow he is standing at the barracks in a heroic stance. The people of Illinois know much better. Our governor has let us down. He’s disgraced himself. He’s disgraced our state. As a result he’s going to be removed from office.”
Still, Quinn wouldn’t say whether he would raise taxes or not if he were the next governor. He says he doesn’t know enough about the state’s financial situation to make that call. Quinn blames the Blagojevich administration for keeping that information from him.
* Meanwhile, in the real world…
Illinois companies cut their payrolls for a seventh straight month and state unemployment jumped to 15-year high in December, government figures show.
Employers in the state cut 36,000 jobs last month, according to figures released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Illinois Department of Employment Security. In the last two months of 2008, Illinois lost a total of 73,600 jobs. That’s the largest two-month decline since 1990, reflecting the devastating impact of the economic slowdown.
The governor needs to go now so this state can start dealing with its very real problems.
Several legal experts said they could see some benefit to participating in the trial or resigning office. But refusing to do either makes little sense, they said.
“There’s no benefit at all, except to make himself look ridiculous. In addition, anything he says can be used against him later” in court,” said Leonard Cavise, a law professor at DePaul University.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:45 pm
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I’m thinking Ed Genson’s going to walk away from this one eventually. He is too much of a pro to embarrass his client but a good defense lawyer needs control and Blago is out of that.
Comment by Governor Cuckoo Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:30 pm
How would you like to be in Emmanuel’s office today, the Gov has drawn his name out like a “Six Shooter” (sorry about the wild west pun)
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:35 pm
While I can’t blame Pat Quinn for sidestepping the tax increase question — he is, after all, not governor yet, and (unlike Blago) isn’t going to make promises he can’t keep — it seems to me that most of what he needs to know about the state’s financial situation could be obtained from Dan and Alexi, and perhaps MJM… does he really need cooperation from Blago to know how bad things are?
Comment by Secret Square Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:36 pm
What’s Quinn been doing all this time that he doesn’t know? Sounds like impeachable ignorance of the job.
Comment by Bill Baar Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:37 pm
The State Journal Register has posted their editorial position as requested by the Governor, http://www.sj-r.com/archive/x1589172855/Our-Opinion-Sorry-governor-were-not-writing-what-you-want, guess he should remember what his mother told him years ago, “be careful what you ask for!”
Comment by cardinals fan Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:39 pm
“There’s no benefit at all, except to make himself look ridiculous.”
Did plenty of that already today! Don’t know how he can top that there cowboy yarn!
Might want to trade that tie for a kerchief!
Would take a 10-gallon hat to fit over all that hair!
Rod and Howdy Doody share the same stylist! The little woodman never wore a hat, either!
Gotta stop myself, I’m killin’ me!
Comment by enrico depressario Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:39 pm
Unless, and this is quite possible, Blago has been cooking the books to an extent that no other state official has yet discovered.
Comment by Secret Square Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:44 pm
Updated SJ-R link:
http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1589172855/Our-Opinion-Sorry-governor-were-not-writing-what-you-want?view=print
Comment by Anonymous Coward Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:46 pm
=What’s Quinn been doing all this time that he doesn’t know? Sounds like impeachable ignorance of the job.=
Bill Baar, You don’t pay attention in school. Anyone knows that with this Governor, the only way you will know anything is when the 10:00 news tells you. This Governor doesn’t give anyone the respect of telling them things that directly concern them. He governs by press conferences. He panders. Always has.
Comment by Say WHAT? Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:46 pm
===Unless, and this is quite possible, Blago has been cooking the books to an extent that no other state official has yet discovered. ===
That’s pretty much on target. It’s been difficult for anybody, including legislators, to get an answer out of the governor’s office about what the real situation is.
Barr, you jumped the gun again.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:46 pm
This may be obvious to some, but it appears to me that the Gov’s play is to pit the impeachment process against the criminal investigation in hopes that one or each will reduce the other and possibly open an escape or delay in the inevitable. The rules that “are unfair or unconstitutional” are essentially the rules that protect the investigation from being compromised by the impeachment. Interesting – I don’t see how this play could do anything but delay. Having read SR006and the two sections the Gov has questioned, I am now wondering how, the Gov will be physically removed.
Will that be Sec of State police or US Marshal’s? What agency or office enforces the ruling of the tribunal?
Comment by sinequanon Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:47 pm
So on Monday will several buses of protesters appear in Springfield at the start of the trial?
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:49 pm
“…I am now wondering how, the Gov will be physically removed. …”
Rich Miller will be swearing in a special posse to go after the varmint and bring’em to justice, ma’am.
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 3:54 pm
I suggest that a Blago sized humane mouse trap be created to help after he is found guilty by the Senate and removed from office.
Place some hair care products, running suits, TV cameras, $100 bills, and some cheese in the trap and watch Blago take the bait. Then use a forklift to remove the trap to Ravenswood Manor.
Comment by IrishPirate Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:01 pm
I was wondering. Does anyone know the sentence for russlin’ a senate seat back in the day?
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:05 pm
“…I am now wondering how, the Gov will be physically removed…” He’s never there to begin with, so there’s nothing to physically remove, right?
Comment by What planet is he from again? Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:06 pm
How many of my “hanging” references have you deleted over the past month?
I’ve got Dandy saddled up, borrowed some working gear at the livery, and am ready to ride when you are Chief!
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:08 pm
4:15 Gov still not in the studio. At least he’s late for everything.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:13 pm
==nothing to physically remove, right?==
I think changing a few key cards and locks should do it…make sure to shut that balcony window that caused the pipes to freeze!
Comment by Vote Quimby! Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:15 pm
$100.00 to the first reporter who can sneek an actual kitten into his next presser.
Comment by Spiney Norman Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:15 pm
What if he holes up at the JRTC and attempts to form a Chicago government-in-exile?
Comment by Secret Square Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:17 pm
I thinking Rod will be like the the guy in the movie Office Space (Jennifer Anniston was a waitress).
“Milton Waddams (Stephen Root), a meek, fixated collator who constantly mumbles to himself (most notably about his workmates borrowing his favorite red Swingline stapler).”
That’s going to be Rod after he is convicted by the Senate and then Fitz. Except instead of the stapler he’s mumbling about the hanging.
Comment by Been There Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:19 pm
OMG. And you thought the AM interview was a cream puff interview…give this one a listen.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:20 pm
I’m a little shocked at how many of the WVON callers have been taking Blago’s side.
Comment by Tim Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:20 pm
I’m back in the saddle again
Out where a friend is a friend
Where we sleep out every night
Where the only law is “right”
I’m back in the saddle again
Comment by Sangamon Sage Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:20 pm
not a horse this time, a candy bar
Comment by Princess Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:21 pm
This morning Frank Capra, afternoon was westerns, and now candy? Talk about being all over the place.
Comment by HoBoSkillet Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:22 pm
Now it’s about Madigan. Jones and I vs the evil Madigan empire.
Jeez
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:25 pm
and now the Evil Madigan, I’m done, can’t listen to this.
Comment by Princess Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:26 pm
C’mon, he didn’t do anything wrong. It’s all Madigan’s fault! Now, he’s conspiring with Cullerton who is the godfather to one of MM’s children.
Blago doesn’t get it. This is not a civil trial. It’s an impeachment.
Comment by Nearly Normal Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:27 pm
It nevers hurts to insert this into the discussion
Profile of the Sociopath
This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.
Glibness and Superficial Charm
Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.”
Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
Incapacity for Love
Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet “gets by” by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others’ lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:29 pm
Softball? This is T ball with a soccer ball!
Comment by vole Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:37 pm
Other than not funding their free social programs I wonder if there is a crime Blago could commit that would turn some Afro-American against him.
Comment by Busted Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:39 pm
Where’s David Frost when you need him?
Comment by HoBoSkillet Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:39 pm
Well, I guess Cliff makes up part of the 7% that still support the Gov.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:39 pm
He is not a good governor simply by irresponsibly giving things away with no way to pay for it.
Comment by he gone Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:40 pm
I wonder if the governor knows this?
The governor’s attorney, Edward Genson,says he is quitting the case entirely.
Complete details from NBC Chicago:
Comment by Been There Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:42 pm
I listened for a while, then the feed cut out. Just as well…I don’t know who was turning my stomach more, Cowboy rod or the radio ‘personality’. Oh, my!
Comment by anon36 Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:43 pm
brokeback spring patch
Comment by anon Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:44 pm
Genson is gone, Tribune has more details:
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/01/govs-lawyer-intends-to-resign-from-criminal-case.html
Comment by he gone Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:46 pm
Well it appears Blago can drive even the great Ed Genson insane. It was probably the cowboy story.
Comment by Governor Cuckoo Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:47 pm
Rod did say he has someone working on gettin on “The View” for Monday…
Comment by HoBoSkillet Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:48 pm
Well, good thing he got that retainer up front in cash.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:48 pm
Twill be hard for the Gov to talk his way out of Genson resigning…
Time to face the music Rod.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:49 pm
Beat me to it, Rich.
Comment by Nearly Normal Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:49 pm
===Beat me to it, Rich.===
By about nine hours. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:52 pm
I can’t believe all the callers that are supporting the governor. They’re almost repeating his talking points word for word.
Comment by HoBoSkillet Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:53 pm
So in Gov. palence “Today was an up day!”
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:53 pm
The governor must think he is acting in a soap opera. Friday’s episode always ended with a dramatic cliffhanger. Today, we have had the governor doing his media rounds and now his attorney for the criminal case has resigned.
Cue the music. Fade out with title–To Be Continued.
Trouble is that this audience is looking for a permanent fade out and the words THE END.
Comment by Nearly Normal Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:54 pm
I heard that the judge ruled to release the tapes. I don’t have the details but its from a reliable source.
Comment by so i hear Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:55 pm
Cowboy up, Rod!
Comment by Regarding Genson's resignation Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:56 pm
http://tinyurl.com/d854o2
This may be old news, but I wonder why Genson is leaving the Governor’s defense team.
Comment by Levois Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 4:59 pm
Levois, I’ll tell you Monday.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:02 pm
Hello Rich,
I have been online and still on the phone in line for comments to the radio station.
In a nutshell, kissing butt, you are the greatest Gov., comments, the State of Illinois is behind you, etc. are the only comments yet to be made. Kelly is bowing down to the Gov. and is encouraging others to do the same. As for the Governor, he is playing the white knight on a charger that everyone wants to hang without due process. My comments probably won’t be heard on air as they disagree completely with the circus I have been listening to. I will keep you posted tho. OBTW - www.thepetitionsite.com has a petition asking the Gov. to resign and needs comments and opinions that can be forwarded on since the Gov. thinks he is “beloved by all”…simply go to the website and click on politics as the category and seek out Gov., please resign petition. Talk to you soon, SherryBear.
Comment by Sbear Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:02 pm
If he makes it through the weekend, which I suspect he will do, I will enjoy how the Senate will digest this weekend’s events, the Governor’s pressers, and how they will sit stunned listening to those tapes.
It will be incredible! I don’t know how the senators will just sit there without exploding in anger. A complete fireball of fury against Cowboy Rod.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:02 pm
Judge: Lawmakers can hear some Blagojevich tapes
January 23, 2009 4:43 PM | No Comments
A federal judge today ordered that four undercover recordings from the criminal investigation of Gov. Rod Blagojevich be released to the state Legislature.
The decision by U.S. District Chief Judge James Holderman this afternoon appears to clear the way for the Illinois Senate to consider the tapes as evidence in its impeachment trial of the governor.
The U.S. attorney’s office had offered to make the tapes public, something rarely done before a criminal trial.
Prosecutors have said the tapes concern Blagojevich’s alleged attempt to solicit campaign contributions in exchange for supporting a bill to divert a percentage of Illinois casino revenue to the horse racing industry.
From the Trib–http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/01/judge-lawmakers-can-hear-some-blagojevich-tapes.html
I just heard Quinn called this a “soap opera.” Guess I’m not the only one who thinks the same.
Comment by Nearly Normal Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:02 pm
Godspeed, gee I wonder what ole’ Ed meant by that.
Comment by Give Ed a hand Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:04 pm
Or is this a horse/soap opera. If so, I can guess which part of the horse Blago is playing.
Comment by Nearly Normal Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:04 pm
When Genson could hold his nose and defend R. Kelly but can’t continue to work with Blago, that there tells you something.
Comment by Gregor Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:10 pm
The guy spends all day trying to drum up some press and all he’ll get out of the day is “Governor’s Lawyer Resigns”.
Bummer for him
Comment by Poor Blogo Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:16 pm
Rich, the HOUSE got the tapes. Not the Senate.
Comment by Correction Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:21 pm
Hi Rich,
I did get on the radio just now and I asked the Gov. for a comment on how he felt about the tapes being released to the Senate and also to confirm that Atty. Genson is no longer his attorney and I was cut off before I could let people know of the petition for resignation on www.thepetitionsite.com under the heading politics…but his “amusing” response to the tapes being released was that and I quote, “It will good to know that everyone will be able to hear that I have done nothing wrong” and that the “truth will finally come out” to paraphase. In response to Genson question, he wasn’t able to really confirm that as fact as he hasn’t spoken to him.
Comment by SherryBear Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:22 pm
===as he hasn’t spoken to him.===
Figures.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:23 pm
How long before WE get to hear the tapes? Any predictions?
Comment by Hair today, gone tomorrow Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:23 pm
I know a lot of people have tossed around ideas that the Gov may have a personality disorder. But, listening to him this afternoon, I wonder if it isn’t something more ominous. Like a brain tumor. I’m not trying to make a joke, as a friend of my family some years ago had one which no one knew about until after he passed away. The Gov is starting to remind me of that friend.
Comment by Cheswick Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:23 pm
Forgot to add in the last post….can we say “delusional”. Geez, give the citizens of Illinois the respect we deserve….resign now Mr. Governor.
Comment by SherryBear Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:23 pm
Per many others the strategy is clear: use the impeachment process to appeal to the jury pool. Losing the Governor’s office is chump change compared to spending years in jail. It was not happenstance that the Governor used the loaded word ‘lynching’ in his metaphor of the impeachment process. He merely followed Bobby Rush’s preemptive strike that struck so much fear in the hearts of Reid, Durbin, et.al. The most he can hope for is a hung jury in the criminal trial, but such is his position that that would be a major victory.
Comment by walter sobchak Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:27 pm
Rich why did you delete my post?
Comment by Giddy Up Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:27 pm
Governor, please do not resign! The House and soon the Senate have and will continue to work very dilligently on your “case”. They deserve the rush they and also we will feel when your sorry butt is kicked the heck to the curb and Illinois goes back to the serious business of the citizens.
Comment by A Citizen Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:27 pm
Maybe Genson’s dumping his ‘client’ because he’s finally had enough time: 1) getting press coverage; & 2) finally figured out he can’t win this one and doesn’t want the loss on his ‘ego’?
“I can’t believe all the callers that are supporting the governor. ” Maybe family-call-in-hour?
Comment by sal-says Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:29 pm
I think every contract and payment made by agencies under this administration needs to be examined. Invoices have been paid that don’t show up in IDOT’s financial system because they were processed off tape.
Comment by Old Timer Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:30 pm
Walter Sobchak is right, my only hope is that any jurors predisposed to sympathizing with Blagoof because of his ‘fighting for little people’ schtick will be persuaded otherwise by his voice on tape clearly more interested in himself than in any little people.
Comment by Quizzical Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:34 pm
–”Maybe family-call-in-hour”? –
More likely preplanned call ins. You know, line them up in advance and get as many as you can to volunteer. That way the others either give up and hang up before they get on or have a slim chance of getting ‘anti’ calls in. It’s not rocket science.
Genson? I think he’s learned what everybody else has, Rod’s not a team player and it’s his way and no other way, no matter how stupid that way may be. Hope Genson gets to keep some of his fees, poor guy has earned it.
Comment by Princess Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:40 pm
The best Blago could ever hope for is 1 or 2 jurors being so snowed by his omnipotant presence that the jury gets hung on some charges ect. The feds will retry him to infinity and beyond till they get a fair group. There will be only one conclusion right thinking people will be able to draw.
Comment by For the people Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:42 pm
sal-says, you have no idea what you’re talking about on this one. None.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:48 pm
Giddy Up, I think it was deleted because you posted something from the subscriber section.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:49 pm
I just listened to his press conference - unbelievable. Why doesn’t he mention that the people of Illinois want him out of office because he tried to sell the Senate seat for his benefit. He had no intention of sharing his gains with the people of Illinois. What a crook. In addition, he is trying to garnish support from the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune - the very people he was hoping to fire on the Feds tape. I’m sure they are jumping through hoops trying to help him.
Comment by this voter will remember Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:51 pm
I have a bad feeling about all this. I keep thinking of the scene in the “Untouchables” in the courtroom where the evidence is piling up against Al Capone and he’s just sitting smiling away because (as we later saw) he bribed the jury. Does Blago know something or have something that has yet to come out that will exonerate him?
It’s a bit unsettling.
Comment by anon-athon Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:52 pm
Maybe it was Blago’s staff calling into the Kelly show. How else could you find that many people supporting him?
Comment by Fed Up State Employee Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 5:59 pm
Given the fact that nearly every policy proposed by the Blago Administration had to go through GOMB, and getting a straight answer from most agencies about the cost of anything is like pulling teeth, Quinn probably IS telling the truth when he says he will have no idea of the real state of the state’s finances until he becomes governor and has the authority to find out.
Comment by Bookworm Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 6:04 pm
Somehow after today’s performance, I’m totally convinced that the Governor’s mind has — ahem — “thrown a rod”
train111
Comment by train111 Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 6:34 pm
The Governor and his wife remind me of a play about a Scottish King and his wife who had their way for a while. Eventually, all the backstabbing and intrigue caught up with them. There are so many appropriate quotes…how about this one:
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing.
Who will tell the Governor that Birnam wood is moving? What will he say? I suspect he will, as did MacBeth, fight on futilely until the very end, even after all around him is laid waste.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Jan 23, 09 @ 9:22 pm
The cowboy story has been played all over the news tonight; nightly, MSNBC, CNN, Fox. Each replay seems to be worse than the previous one. It’s been said before, but the entire nation is making fun of him and the state. We know he’s not embarrassed, but everyone else in the State of Illinois is. It’s time for him to go.
Comment by Fed Up State Employee Saturday, Jan 24, 09 @ 12:29 am
Rush Limbaugh makes a prediction that somehow Rod Blagojevich beats the rap entirely…
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_012309/content/01125115.guest.html
Comment by Segatari Saturday, Jan 24, 09 @ 1:03 am
Perhaps Rod is going to veg out in front of the TV this weekend:
“AMC’s Hollywood Icon for January 2009 is Sylvester Stallone. This weekend, hunker down with Sly for a weekend of Rocky and Rambo. If two days of Stallone isn’t enough for you, then it’s time to find out…”
http://www.amctv.com/movienights/rockyweek/
Comment by Anonymous Coward Saturday, Jan 24, 09 @ 9:03 am
Mencken said it best. Blago is as “appalling and fascinating as a two-headed boy.”
Comment by wordslinger Saturday, Jan 24, 09 @ 1:37 pm
“American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” text with GRod specifically mentioned on page 14.
http://www.rules.house.gov/111/LegText/111_hr1_text.pdf#page=14
Comment by Anonymous Coward Saturday, Jan 24, 09 @ 2:57 pm
Bookworm, that is baloney.
If what you say is true, then why do we have a State Comptroller? Or an Auditor General?
Quinn’s gubernatorial credibility will not be enhanced if he pays Sgt. Schultz on the budget.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Saturday, Jan 24, 09 @ 3:57 pm
After seeing the ST, Trib and SJR editorials today, it doesn’t look as if his appeal to them was such a good idea.
Comment by Fed Up State Employee Saturday, Jan 24, 09 @ 4:07 pm
==Blago doesn’t get it. This is not a civil trial. It’s an impeachment.==
Blago has admitted that he was a “C” student, and he probably didn’t pay much attention in class. That explains why he doesn’t understand the law.
Comment by Mighty M. Mouse Saturday, Jan 24, 09 @ 11:48 pm