I think this means that they just threw Joe Cini under the bus to save their own hides.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s own inspector general found that a top aide and a state agency engaged in — quote — “a concerted effort to subvert the laws.”

In a report obtained by the Chicago Tribune, former inspector general “Z” Scott described manipulation of job titles, candidate credentials and job descriptions.

She wrote that Blagojevich patronage chief Joe Cini worked with officials at the Department of Employment Security to get around veterans-preference and hiring laws.

A Blagojevich spokeswoman says three people involved were fired and Cini was given extra training, as Scott’s report suggested.

I’m still waiting for any statement or signal from US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald praising Governor Blagojevich and his top staff for their cooperation. Until then, this sort of thing proves little to nothing, and it still doesn’t address the “very serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud” statement made by Fitzgerald.

After all, whenever George Ryan was trying to prove how clean he was he would also boast about the people who were busted by his internal investigations.