*** Very Important Update: The US Attorney’s office has issued a “correction” to the Levine guilty plea. In “Update 11″ below, Individual B should read “Individual E.” So, it’s not Kelly. ***
*** Take a look at Update 11 for some of the only new information to come out of this plea. It could bring this thing closer to the governor’s inner circle. ***
Sun-Times:
No bombshells against the governor are expected in today’s plea. However, Blagojevich might show up as an unnamed official who wasn’t necessarily tied to a criminal act, sources said. […]
Sources say much of the plea will revolve around the allegations previously revealed in Rezko’s indictment. It could also discuss a controversial deal tied to the sale of a Gold Coast property and former Chicago Ald. Edward R. Vrdolyak. The Sun-Times previously reported the feds are investigating Vrdolyak’s ties to that deal, and that Levine had provided to the feds potentially incriminating information on Vrdolyak.
Essentially a rehash of the Cari plea?
* Check here for the press release. It’s not there yet, but will likely be posted on that page as soon as it’s distributed, or shortly thereafter.
* Yes, I’m still alive. It shouldn’t be much longer now.
*** UPDATE *** AP: Millionaire campaign contributor Stuart Levine pleads guilty to two counts of mail fraud and money laundering.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Doesn’t appear to be much new in here yet, according to people who have read it. No names. $1.5 million to campaign fund mentioned (as with the Rezko indictment).
*** UPDATE 3 *** The Tribune’s story is now up, but it appears to have been written before the hearing.
*** UPDATE 4 *** From a reporter friend who has read the plea: “I can’t see anything new here…” But, Levine was originally “facing life and now he’s looking at 67 months.” In other words, he appears to be cooperating in a major way.
*** UPDATE 5 *** Download the plea right here. [pdf file]
*** UPDATE 6 *** “With respect to Count One, beginning no later than in and about the spring of 2003 and continuing through at least in or about July 2004, in the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, and elsewhere, Defendant, Antoin “Tony†Rezko (“Rezkoâ€), Joseph Cari, Steven Loren, Jacob Kiferbaum, Individual A, and others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, devised and intended to devise, and participated in, a scheme and artifice to defraud the beneficiaries of the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois”
*** UPDATE 7 *** If Individual A is Bill Cellini and Individual B is Chris Kelly (as they allegedly were in the Rezko indictment), then this next part shows Cellini either had some significant pull within the Blagojevich administration or some good sources:
In about August 2003, Defendant was re-appointed to the Planning Board. Prior to that point, Defendant discussed his possible re-appointment with Individual A and, separately, with Individual B. Individual A said he’d get back to Defendant about
his request and later called Defendant and said that it would happen. A short time later, Defendant was at a meeting in Rezko’s office with Individual B and Individual B said that the board seat Defendant wanted had been taken care of. Defendant understood from these conversations that he would be re-appointed to the Planning Board.
About the time Defendant was re-appointed, Rezko and Defendant discussed Defendant’s appointment and Rezko said that he had suggested that Defendant be made the vice-chairman of the Planning Board and that Rezko expected to influence a certain number of votes on the Planning Board. In February 2004, the Planning Board elected Defendant as vice-chairman.
*** UPDATE 8 *** Reading these things can be maddening sometimes, but this is interesting. A “local public official.”
In or about the spring of 2003, Individual A indicated to Defendant that Rezko had complained to Individual A that a certain local public official, who Defendant knew had a relationship with and raised money for a certain public official, had been pushing Rezko and Individual B for money, which Defendant understood to mean that the local public official wanted to make money from the State of Illinois because of his assistance to the certain public official. Defendant offered to have Individual C share his finder’s fee with the local public official so that Defendant could gain favor with Rezko, and Individual A later indicated that Rezko wanted Individual C to split his finder’s fee with the local public official. Defendant then told Individual C that Individual C would have to split his finder’s fee from Investment Firm 1 with a local public official.
*** UPDATE 9 *** As before:
In or about April 2004, Rezko and Defendant agreed to use their influence and Defendant’s position at TRS to prevent Investment Firm 7 from getting its $220 million allocation unless Individual J agreed either to pay an approximately $2 million fee to a consultant chosen by Rezko and Defendant, or to arrange for approximately $1.5 million in political contributions to be made to a certain public official.
*** UPDATE 10 ***
Shortly before the Planning Board meeting on April 21, 2004, Defendant had several telephone conversations with another Planning Board member about Mercy and its application for a CON. That Planning Board member said he had his “marching orders†from Rezko and that Rezko wanted to help on Mercy’s application.
*** UPDATE 11 *** Was this in the Rezko indictment? It seems new to me and could be quite significant. As reported before, Individual B is alleged to be Chris Kelly ….[After checking the Rezko indictment, it does appear to be new info]:
In or about the Spring of 2004, Rezko, Individual B, and Defendant agreed to establish or obtain a company that they or their nominees would own and control. Rezko, Individual B, and Defendant further agreed that they would use their influence and Defendant’s position at TRS to ensure that TRS would make hundreds of millions of dollars of real estate investments with their company. Defendant, Rezko and Individual B expected to share the profits from the company. Defendant intentionally concealed from and failed to disclose to the TRS Board material facts relating to his plan to establish a real estate asset management company, including his arrangements with Rezko and Individual B.
*** UPDATE 12 *** From the Daily Herald this week:
Asked if he’ll stand by Kelly in the event of an indictment, Blagojevich said he wouldn’t answer, because “I don’t believe that will ever happen.”
*** UPDATE 13*** WARNING: I don’t want to see any idle speculation in comments about who the “local official” might be. Go somewhere else if you can’t contain yourself. Let the reporters do their jobs. Be patient. And, please, don’t call me with this stuff either. I’m kinda busy at the moment. One last thing: A legislator is almost definitely not a “local official.”
*** UPDATE 14 *** Statement from the governor’s campaign office:
Statement is attributable to Sheila Nix, Blagojevich campaign spokesperson:
After nearly one year of the Topinka campaign attacking the Governor and distorting the facts, today’s plea agreement makes clear that Governor Blagojevich had absolutely no knowledge of any of the wrongdoing perpetrated by Stuart Levine, a long-time supporter and contributor to both Judy Baar Topinka and Joe Birkett.
*** UPDATE 15 *** From Tony Peraica’s campaign:
“Two weeks and two days ago, Stroger Organization major donor Antoin ‘Tony’ Rezko was indicted by the U.S. Attorney on 24 counts stemming from a corrupt scheme with Stuart Levine to extort kickbacks from firms that wanted state business. Today, Stuart Levine gave up his fight, and pled guilty to the charges lodged against him. Now that Tony Rezko’s partner in this corrupt scheme has acknowledged his own guilt, it’s going to be hard for Mr. Rezko to defend himself. […]
“For too long, the residents of Chicago and Cook County have had to rely on U.S. Attorneys to fight corruption. That’s embarrassing. The good news is that every couple of years, voters have a chance at the polls to select for themselves elected leaders who can wage the war on corruption on their behalf. Tuesday November 7 offers the voters one such choice - they can choose me, someone committed to reform, or they can choose Todd Stroger, a man who willfully overlooks the corruption in his own inner circle.”
The Teachers Retirement System response is here.
*** UPDATE 16 *** “Yellow Dog Democrat” made this point in comments:
Those indicted and implicated are all friends, appointees, employees, major campaign contributors, or political allies of Governor Blagojevich.
In scientific terms, that’s a correlation of roughly 100%.
*** UPDATE 17 *** Archpundit:
I’d say that pretty much puts the lights out on the Topinka campaign unless she has some magic tactic she hasn’t used yet.
*** UPDATE 18 *** The Daily Herald published this handy guide after the Rezko indictment:
Individual:
> A William Cellini
> B Chris Kelly
> C Sheldon Pekin
> D Joel Aramanda
> E Robert Weinstein
> F unknown attorney from Downers Grove
> G Mike Winter
> H Myron Cherry
> I Unknown
> J Thomas Rosenberg
> Firm:
> 1 Glencoe
> 2 LLR
> 3 Stockwell
> 4 JER
> 5 Sterling
> 6 Unknown to TRS
> 7 Capri/Capital
Let’s close comments now and move it to another thread.
- DOWNSTATE - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:16 pm:
The feds will not themselves or allow someone to lay their cards on the table.The hand you see today will not have any of the aces they have for another hand.This is about Levine not anyone else.
- Citizen A - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:17 pm:
“…an unnamed official…” hmmmm, VERY suspicious !
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:21 pm:
The Gold Coast property scandal is more bad news for Alderman Burt Natarus, and his alleged co-conspirator Fast Eddie. Here’s what Natarus had to say in today’s Tribune:
“fact of the matter is, I have a lot of things that come across my desk. It may very well be that I didn’t pay as much attention to this as I should
have.”
Guess Natarus is too busy lining his pockets over land deals to serve his constiuents.
- Guy Fawkes - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:26 pm:
Regarding the following comments from Sun-Times..
Blagojevich might show up as an unnamed official who wasn’t necessarily tied to a criminal act.
The words - might, unnamed official, wasn’t necessarily tied are all bit foggy.
Would anyone care to dissect the Sun-Times report?
- Belle - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:30 pm:
groundwork for 11/1?
- Benjamin Matlock - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:32 pm:
“It appears that this city-slickin’ US attorney is gonna do what he’s gonna do, when he sees fit … He ain’t in no rush to goin’ in the hen house to get some eggs, if dem chickens ain’t laid ‘em… so let’s all get some lemonade, sit on the porch, like we’s a’courtin and watch this like we’s watchin’ an egg fry on a sidewalk on a hot August afternoon.”
- Cassandra - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:33 pm:
I assume the ST’s sources are the feds?
In any case, if all we have is “unnamed official who wasn’t necessarily tied to a criminal act” then Blago is in for a second term.
He may not have a nice time, but he’ll have the job.
- ME - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:43 pm:
Looks like Judy’s hat just fell on the floor because there is nothing to hang it from anymore. 4 more years
- Belle - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:44 pm:
Anyone else have Carly Simon’s “Anticipation” song in their head?
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:55 pm:
Cassandra — We’ve all known Blagojevich was “in for a second term” for some time. The question is, will he finish it?
“Blagojevich…wasn’t necessarily tied to a criminal act” isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement. But it does mean all eyes turn to Tony Rezko and Chris Kelly, who the US Attorney has tied to criminal acts. Based on past experience, if Blagojevich was tied to any criminal acts, Kelly and Rezko will tell us what they know.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:56 pm:
ME — I wouldn’t bet on four more years. Maybe 11 more months, but definitely not four more years.
- coalminersforrod - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 1:58 pm:
The Governor has done a Great job for the working people of Illinois. Thank goodness he will get another 4 years to continue to help the people of Illinois.
- coalminersforrod - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:06 pm:
Eleven more days and we can finally be rid of Judy forever. Republicans will be happier than anyone. She has destroyed the Republican Party.
- Anon - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:08 pm:
So what is life going to be like with Pat Quinn as governor? I would think that even the Dems would prefer JBT to him. Quinn makes Walker look reasonable.
- Mr Vindication - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:13 pm:
Finally… The feds admit that they cant tie Blago to any criminal activity.
Vindication.
Nice knowing you Topinka. Your last hope has just been squashed. You tried and tried to tarnish Blago, but in reality there was nothing there.
- Tom DeLay's Mom - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:20 pm:
Coal Miner…just keep main-lining that Blagojevich Kool-Aid. Richard Nixon was not a crook either.
- anonymous99 - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:22 pm:
- coalminersforrod - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:06 pm:
Eleven more days and we can finally be rid of Judy forever. Republicans will be happier than anyone. She has destroyed the Republican Party.
No, Judy Topinka didn’t destroy the party. The Moonbat Right Wingers who just can’t accept their ultra-minority status in Illinois ruined the state GOP, when they created a dynamic in which a moderate wouldn’t get their support, but their supported candidate proved to be a bigoted buffoon who’d lose even worse in a general election.
- coalminersforrod - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:23 pm:
The little handful of Judy supporters sure spent alot of money for nothing. They were looking for something that just wasn’t there. Goodbye Judy you are finished.
- Flashback - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:24 pm:
Is it just me or does all of this remind anyone of the MSI scandal and Jim Edgar’s contributors and aides being put through the meat grinders and in the end, he walked away?…to do some commercials for Judy while a few who cashed in and tried to cash in went to prison.
- OneMan - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:24 pm:
Yeah, he is in the clear. Just keep telling yourselves that.
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:24 pm:
Hold that thought, Vindication.
- Little Egypt - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:26 pm:
Mr. Vindication, where are you getting your information? What are you reading that I have not? The feds are not admitting anything regarding Blago because it’s not time to. But they have stepped up on another rung on the ladder. The Feds are patient and can certainly sit and watch those chickens as they lay their eggs. What do you think they have been doing for the past couple of years? Yep, that’s right. They’ve been gathering eggs. It has been suggested that Blago is Public Official A or have you not been reading the Rezko indictment or any information on this and other blogs. No, there is no vindication here today for your boy Elvis. Not now, now ever.
- ChuckAmok - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:27 pm:
Vindication, wishing won’t make it so.
- Daniel Simpson Day - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:30 pm:
There are a lot of people talking a lot of smack considering this is a governor that has a 23% hard approval number
- Guy Fawkes - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:31 pm:
This is far far from over, this is just the beginning.
I like the “main-lining that Blagojevich Kool-Aid”.
- Tom DeLay's Mom - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:32 pm:
I just hope I get invited to Governor Quinn’s Inaugural Ball at Chuck-E-Cheese’s this Spring.
I’ve got dibs on the Space Invaders video game!
- cermak_rd - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:34 pm:
I seriously doubt that Judy ever had the delusion that the feds would win her election for her. They’ve historically refused to do that, usually waiting till after the election to do anything substantial so they aren’t seen to be playing faves in what, to them, is a parochial election.
- OneMan - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:37 pm:
Does anyone think what is on page 7 is interesting?
- Bart Simpson - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:38 pm:
If I do something bad and there’s no one there to catch me, does that make me good?
- Busto - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:41 pm:
JBT put all her eggs into this basket. It appears that Levine’s plea is one big let down and without another “October” or maybe “November” surprise Rod wins.
- (618) Democrat - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:42 pm:
This is good news for the Governor and good news for the people of Illinois. Grand Slam HOMERUN.Score Four More…..Years.
- Bill - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:42 pm:
Ho Hum,
Back to the phones. At least I’m inside today.
- BUDDHA - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:45 pm:
Watch Rod mannerisms when his responses aren’t scripted next time, see below.
Physicals cues believed to be associated with lying include an increased incidence of blinking, leaning forward, licking the lips, touching the nose, averting the gaze and handling objects. An insincere smile, characterized by lack of movement of the wrinkle lines around the eyes is another well know indicator of lying. People who are lying also often reveal themselves verbally. Verbal cues include the increased use of verbal qualifiers or modifiers, repeating oneself, the use of expanded contractions (e.g. I did not rather than I didn’t), stuttering, throat clearing and speech errors.
- OneMan - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:49 pm:
618
Your best case situation with all of this is he wins releection. The media smelling something and with nothing else to do goes to court to get the two latests AG rulings actually enforced on the governor and hiring lists and supenas from the feds become public.
The media start going over these documents and in fact find some fire where there is all of this smoke. (If all this stuff did not make him look bad he would have released it, don’t kid yourself)
- B Hicks - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:49 pm:
Hey Bill, do you need a ride tomorrow morning?
- a plain dumb citizen - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:50 pm:
Rich,
Update 8 - Is that implying that Rod was shaking down Rezko there and Rezko and Individual C figures who was going to give Rod the $$$?
It is hard to sort all the alphabet out.
- Tom DeLay's Mom - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:51 pm:
(618) Democrat, if Tusk, Monk and the boys are high-fiving over this calling it a “homerun” I’d suggest they put down the wacky-tobaccy for a minute…winning the election may be one thing, holding the office for 4 more years is something entirely different.
Blagojevich will likely win in November…but I’d bet even money he is also going to “win” the top bunk at Federal charm school by Year 2 of his second term.
So…declare victory, keep passing the hooch around and high-five all you want…but let’s not be declaring “4 More Years” - you might be revising that to read “15-to-20, with time-off for good behavior”…Sheesh.
- OneMan - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:52 pm:
Mike Madigan seeing that Rod’s troubles might have an impact of Lisa’s chances in 4 years, in a worst cases situation tosses Rod under the bus. In the best case, makes it imposible for Rod to get much done. All the while the drumbeat of coruption sounds in the background.
- Guessing Game - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:52 pm:
Any hints as to who the “local public official” is?
- SilverBackDemocrat - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:53 pm:
So basically what this event means is, absolutly not a thing concerning Governor Blagojevich. Like I have been saying for a very long time. There is no there, there! People who have been wishing and hoping that the Governor was public official A for many, many months were WRONG! Quit Hating! Quit smearing and creating a fictitous reality to meet your own personal vendettas because you don’t like the Governor! Get over it…… Putting people first is how we Democrats get down. Vote Democrat.
- OneMan - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:53 pm:
You don’t get your sentence down to 5 years 5 months for serving up Tony….
- He Makes Ryan look like a saint - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 2:58 pm:
I need a dang scorecard here. who is the “certain public official” to get the campaign contribution? Who is “Local public official”?
I wish they would just name names!!!
- (618) Democrat - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:02 pm:
Grand Slam HOMERUN. Score Four More Years.
- smack-o-cratic - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:02 pm:
In fact, the JBT election folks have not waged a campaign based on a Blago indictment. They’ve run one taking on Blago’s countless failures on all fronts. They’ve done it without the cash he has. An 11th hour indictment would have been great for the campaign but most folks already know Balgs is dirtier than the dog’s blanket.
- Tom DeLay's Mom - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:03 pm:
(618) Democrat, if Tusk, Monk and the boys are high-fiving over this calling it a “homerun†I’d suggest they put down the wacky-tobaccy for a minute…winning the election may be one thing, holding the office for 4 more years is something entirely different.
Blagojevich will likely win in November…but I’d bet even money he is also going to “win†the top bunk at Federal charm school by Year 2 of his second term.
So…declare victory, keep passing the hooch around and high-five all you want…but let’s not be declaring “4 More Years†- you might be revising that to read “15-to-20, with time-off for good behaviorâ€â€¦Sheesh.
- Deeper & Deeper - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:04 pm:
Time to throw Bill Cellini and Chris Kelly under the bus. God save the the KING.
- This Guy - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:04 pm:
Pray tell then, SiverBackDemocrat, who IS Public Official A?
Could it possibly beeeeeeeeeeeee Satan????
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:06 pm:
Check update 11 before you comment again, please.
- He Makes Ryan look like a saint - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:08 pm:
OK Rich, Were they planning on using a certain real estate agent in some of their investments?
- He Makes Ryan look like a saint - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:09 pm:
Didn’t the former Director of CMS go to work with Rezko? What company?
- Belle - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:11 pm:
Isn’t Mr Kelly a rather close associate, employee, friend and supporter of Official A?
- GetaGrip - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:12 pm:
How will Rod distance himself from his wife? Wasn’t she working for or with Rezko?
- Anon - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:12 pm:
Is this it for Stu or does he still face another sentencing hearing next week?
- He Makes Ryan look like a saint - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:19 pm:
Oneman…Great point, he must have given them the keys to the capitol. Plus was he wearing a wire?
- Belle - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:20 pm:
GetAGrip - GOOD POINT! Especially after today. Will Rod hide behind her skirts? My guess is yes. Any guy who launders $$ thru his kids accounts is lower than scum.
- Squideshi - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:23 pm:
Why would Rezko and Levine ask for $1.5 million in political contributions be made to a “certain public official” unless that official knew about the scheme? This wouldn’t be to Rezko or Levine’s direct benefit; so in order for them to gain anything, the official would have to know.
Who is this “certain public official” and why have they not yet been charged? Are there other instances in which this official has received such kickbacks? Is this official currently being permitted to use money that may have been raised illegally? Why haven’t these funds been seized?
- Country Girl - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:27 pm:
GetAGrip and Belle….I see shades of Falwell and his girlfriend, here….If I remember correctly…didn’t they both go to jail? AND wasn’t Falwell forced to testify to get her a lesser sentence? You really think Blago will “fall on the sword” for Patty?
- Shelbyville - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:27 pm:
What if, after all of this, it’s Mrs. Blago who is in trouble?
- Tessa - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:30 pm:
I’m just willing to let Fitz take his time and do his job the right way. Get that paperwork in order. Let Lisa do her job and push the whole FOIA thing, let us see what Blago’s trying to hide from us about his hiring practices, etc..
But let Fitz do his job. I’m sure he’s far from done putting everything together. Remember there are quite a few investigations going on against our “fair” Governor. This stuff is just a sideshow. Just my thoughts.
- He Makes Ryan look like a saint - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:31 pm:
For the kids sake I hope not, but given the headlines of today…would it not be easy to use her (without her knowledge) purchase real estate, and allow her to get commission?
- Belle - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:31 pm:
Country Girl - Falwell & his girlfriend were guilty. No disputing that. I think Rod will have his very own indictments - so don’t you worry yourself, he’ll be going to the ‘party’ to! And maybe Falwell can offer advice, for a fee of course. I hear it’s cig’s in prison….
- ME - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:34 pm:
If I or anyone I know runs for office I will suggest Judy’s team. They really had there stuff together putting all there eggs in one basket (Oct. 27). They are a crack staff and brilliant What Were they Thinking.
- Southern Illinois Boy - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:37 pm:
When I read the info. from the indictments and the updates posted this afternoon I fail to see any direct coorelation between the corruption and Governor Blagojevich. Many bloggers today are trying to make something out of nothing. Until recently my vote was up in the air. I’ve now decided that Rod has my vote of confidence for four more years.
- The Babe - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:49 pm:
With all the FBI investigations of the Governor, why haven’t they indicted him yet? I hope they do something before the election. What are they waiting for? This Governor has so blatantly withheld subpoenas, misused state monies, contracts, etc., in the short time he’s been in office, more than even Governor Ryan. Blag is doing the samething but twice as fast.
What are the feds waiting for? Time is of the essence.
- GetaGrip - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:50 pm:
“I fail to see any direct coorelation between the corruption and Governor Blagojevich.”
I’m betting you will soon.
- The Federalist - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 3:57 pm:
When Rod is Georges roomie at the Federal Bad Boys School, get used to saying Governor Quinn
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:00 pm:
Southern Illinois Boy - Let me help you out. Those indicted and implicated are all friends, appointees, employees, major campaign contributors, or political allies of Governor Blagojevich.
In scientific terms, that’s a correlation of roughly 100%.
- Cassandra - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:10 pm:
With no smoking gun on Blago we must conclude at least so far that he is a fool not a knave. A very big fool, I might ad.
An Illinoisians are equally foolish if they vote for him.
- Southern Illinois Boy - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:10 pm:
Yellow Dog Democrat —- No, that correlation is roughly 0%. Stu Levine was a Republican operative. He was not an ally of Governor Blagojevich. Levine was an ally of Edgar and Ryan not Blagojevich. You are basing everything on….As Rich said in Update 13….Idle Speculation.
- Wumpus the Free - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:14 pm:
Ricardo Miller, let the journalists do their job? That is almost as silly as saying let Lisa Madigan do hers. But the rumormongering needs to stop…I guess.
- Belle - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:17 pm:
I really wouldn’t want to claim support for a person whose best case scenario right now is “Oh woe is me I am just so very, VERY stupid!” Think he’ll cry like the fallen televangelists did? I think 11/1 is going to be much more interesting! Hey where are the rumored indictments today?
- (618) Democrat - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:23 pm:
Yellow Dog: Do you claim to know who all of the un-named people are? That would be the only way your statement of 100% correlation would be true.
- Jaded - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:25 pm:
Just a question Rich.
I am sure you have your reasons, but why let everyone (including myself) speculate that the current Governor is Public Official A, but not let people speculate who the Local Official is? You have been accused by some on this site of picking on poor Rod, but in this instance, I think you might have a double standard. Now, I understand the realtionship between Rezko, Kelly, Levine, and Blago, might lead to speculation, but what if there is a similar relationship between these folks and lets say a local mayor. Why wouldn’t you allow a blogger to say, “I see Rezco, and Kelly dining with Mayor soandso all the time and they raised him a ton of dough, might he be the local official involved?” It just seems to me to be the same speculation that is taking place with the Governor (who, I think I have made very clear, I am not a fan of).
Now, I know it is your blog, and, again, I am sure you have your reasons, but I would just like to know what they might be.
- Mr. TeaBags - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:29 pm:
Where the heck is our Lt. Governor Pat Quinn? Based on his past record as a public servant he should of been throwing dozens from this administration under the bus starting 3 years ago.
Tusk and Monk must have him bound and gagged somewhere. Or maybe he’s been bought like the rest of them.
- Anon Sequitor - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:36 pm:
Teabags, you would easily lose a game of chess with moves like that.
Quinn is the only smart man in the bunch. He gets more (possibly Governor) by saying nothing.
- Real Clear - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:46 pm:
Well a lot of people in the press and on this blog certainly have a lot of egg on their face.
Maybe the Blago haters should go back to pushing the hooker and/or love child garbage.
Jim Edgar should be apologizing to the people of Illinois today for bringing Stu Levine into Illinois government.
Hey Judy, na na na na, hey hey hey, good….bye
- Mr. TeaBags - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:48 pm:
Anon Sequitor - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 4:36 pm
Pat Quinn has always been such an outspoken advocate for the people.
Chess game or no chess game he needs come out clean up this royal mess.
He’s an absentee Lt. Governor, the people deserve more.
He certainly can’t be afraid of Weaselvich.
- Bart Simpson - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 5:01 pm:
I get it now! Governor Blagojevich is a prophet and untouchable……
- GOPGal - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 5:02 pm:
Looking more and more like Blago’s gonna be just like Jim Edgar. A Gov who saw his top fundraiser go to jail, indictments and scandal in his administration, rumors that he himself would go to jail, but eventually got off scott free.
Hey, that could be Blago’s new ad. “Blagojevich. Jim Edgar without the massive tax increase.”
- Country Girl - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 5:03 pm:
No Bart….He makes a profit!
- Jaded - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 5:09 pm:
Well there is one thing for sure, if there is anything Nix and the Blagojevich campaign are experts at it is attacks and distortions.
Hey wait, that statement she made, sounds like both an attack and a distortion to me.
But what do I know I guess I am just…..Jaded.
- GetaGrip - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 5:11 pm:
She’s right, his knowledge of came through Tony Rezko not Levine. What a perfect way to spin… You go Sheila!
- Atticus Finch - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 5:24 pm:
Question: Why would Rezko and Levine ask for $1.5 million in political contributions be made to a “certain public official†unless that official knew about the scheme?
Answer: Because rezko was a fundraiser and that was his job–to bring money into the campaign.
“This wouldn’t be to Rezko or Levine’s direct benefit;”
Yes, it would. Directing large sums of money to the campaign would allow Rezko to curry favor with the guv–and we all know why he wanted to “sit at the table.”
“so in order for them to gain anything, the official would have to know”
Not necessarily. I don’t think you can make that assumption at all. Maybe Rod knew, maybe not but your line of reasoning doesn’t show that he must have known.
If Rod knew this was going on and did nothing, he deserves to go to jail. And he will. The feds are doing a good job and will continue to do so. When they have something substantial enough to indict the governor, I’m sure they will let us know.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 5:25 pm:
“Jaded,” the answer to your question is simple:
Journalists have already figured out who Public Official A is. This info is not classified as rumor.
However, speculation on this blog about others mentioned in the Levine plea bargain would be pure rumor and very unfair.
Big, big difference.
- Ron Burgundy - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 5:44 pm:
Anon 3:12. It will probably be several years before Levine is sentenced. The cooperating witnesses aren’t sentenced until after their cooperation is over. In his case that could mean not until the trials (if there are any) of anyone he provides evidence against. In the meantime, he’ll be meeting with the Feds and the grand jury a lot. They need to see how much actual cooperation he provides before recommending a sentence.
As for the future, while it appears nothing more will come before Election Day, to use a Halloween metaphor, assuming this means that anyone is in the clear down the road is like whistling through a graveyard.
- Ron Burgundy - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 5:51 pm:
Another point — anyone truly in the clear could ask for and possibly receive what’s known as a Non-Subject Letter from the Feds, essentially saying they are not a target of the investigation. Somehow I doubt they are handing those out yet. Probably too early for most.
- MIDSTATE - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 5:55 pm:
Just another brick in the wall.
- steve schnorf - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:04 pm:
GOPGal
Tell me about Edgar’s massive tax increase. Maybe I missed it.
- Benjamin Matlock - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:06 pm:
“B …E … and y’all want to tarrr and fedder everyBODY … just sit a spell … hate to say dis, but Rod jus’ dogged him an arrow”
- In the Land of Silos and Cows - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:28 pm:
So all of a sudden this guy gets a sponge-bath from everyone out there, that there is no “there” there? Up until yesterday, everyone could connect dots and have flow charts and every possible way Rod has to somehow linked, and now that is “poof”? Is everyone of the belief that this is the end? Innocent until proven guilty, I get that, but in the political/campaign aspect, do you want a governor whose claim to any and every probe into his office is, “See, I am just a fool!” … That is worthy of a 2nd term? I don’t recall Fitzgerald saying, “this is the last of …” . So let’s look at this with open eyes and really recognize that the only difference from yesterday to today is that the next set of indictments and pleas are in the offing, and that this is far from over …
- tough guy - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:32 pm:
Say good night Judy. The party’s over!!!!!!!!
- SilverBackDemocrat - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:35 pm:
I see exactly where this story want’s to go (whether it has legs or not). I should have seen this coming, but what the heck, who would of thought that the “witch-hunters” would go after ….. Now that I think about it, I’m not surprised at all. When the right-wing goes after Democrats or anyone who does not think exactly like them, the Karl Rove propoganda machine (or in this case, the Feds) kicks into high gear and goes after you, no matter if there is anything there or not; they’ll go after you just in case. This is going to back fire on whoever is instigating all of this attack and smear campaign. If it is what I think it is and who I think they are going after. Those folks are ruthless, and I’m not talking about the people who are being chased.
- Walking Wounded - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:41 pm:
No, tough guy….knowing how the Feds work, the party’s just begun.
- Northern Man - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:46 pm:
Have journalists previously revealed who individual E is?
- SilverBackDemocrat - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:52 pm:
I would have to disagree. The election is all but over. The fat lady is about to start singing. The Governor will win re-election based on his agenda that addressed peoples wants, like health care for all kids, pre-school for 3 and 4 year olds, health care for veterans, and a massive energy independence initiative with ethanol, etc. A political party that is praying for an individual to get indicted so they can win does not deserve a single vote. Vote Democrat. I just finished putting up yard signs all over the neighborhood. Notta single Republican signe in sight! Imagine that. Vote Democrat! Have a good night; it’s been a while since I have been on and participated with this bunch, but it is nice to know that nothing has changed (people still hoping ill-will on the Governor-which I must say, his policies for the poor reflect the Lords sermon on the mount). The Governor is a God fearing. He has not done anything illegal, so if people want to speculate and rumor monger, go ahead and waste your time. But, it will not work.
- Squideshi - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:55 pm:
All of this scandal is making Pat Quinn look pretty bad for just being so near Blagojevich. If Quinn really wanted to play chess, he would denounce Blagojevich and look toward a run in 2010.
- Squideshi - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:56 pm:
SilverBackDemocrat said, “The Governor is a God fearing. He has not done anything illegal…”
That’s not what Lisa Madigan says.
- Sarge - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:57 pm:
OK, here’s a dumb question. The Fitzgerald letter from this summer talked about “endemic hiring fraud.” The Rezko indictment, the Levine guilty plea, and the U.S. Attorney’s office comments – none of them have talked much at all about “hiring” as such. It’s all been extortion related, if you will. Is the “endemic hiring fraud” investigation an entirely different field of fire for the feds? And won’t that spell bigger trouble for the administration?
- anne - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:58 pm:
the Daily Herald guide ices it…..
Judy/kimme/Noven …..you are toast.
- Cal Skinner - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 6:59 pm:
So, who is Individual K, which A (Cellini, according to your Daily Herald chart) subsequently indicated to Defendent (Levine) that because he had helped Individual K, Defendant could stop paying fees to Individual K for lobbying the state of Illinois on behalf of a client of Defendant’s?”
- Anon - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 7:01 pm:
Hey “Real Claar 4:46″, good point. However, I submit it all depends on who “Local Public Official” is.
- Link - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 7:12 pm:
Trying to figure out who is who lends me to ask if anyone has ever watched the movie “My Fellow Americans”?
- Tessa - Friday, Oct 27, 06 @ 7:20 pm:
While this is interesting, the people cheering on the Gov need to remember that Fitz still has more than 10 open investigations going on of Blago. None of which are the Levine or Rezko cases. This is nothing to be happy about or easy to explain away. If he has nothing to hide, Blago’d answer Lisa’s questions, his office and the agencies under him would respond to the FOIAs, etc..
Rich, thanks for posting the Heralds guide to who’s who. It got a little bit confusing.
Biding my time for real justice.
Trackback MoveOnAndShutUp.org - Sunday, Oct 29, 06 @ 12:45 pm:
I’ve got writers block….
so my readers will suffer………through a Sunday link and run.
It’s pretty bad. Usually when I suffer from serious writers block, I either seek inspiration at the bottom of a bottle of Scots or I turn to my nifty deck of Oblique Strategies. Scots…
Pingback ArchPundit » Blog Archive » 100% Correlation - Monday, Oct 30, 06 @ 10:48 am:
[…] YDD has the comment of the day over at Capitol Fax: Southern Illinois Boy - Let me help you out. Those indicted and implicated are all friends, appointees, employees, major campaign contributors, or political allies of Governor Blagojevich. […]