[The governor has spoken on the issue at hand. Go here to comment. This one’s now closed.]
* As I write this (shortly after 10 o’clock) the governor is preparing to make a public appearance at Chicago State University…
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich will attend the dedication and help cut the ribbon at the unveiling ceremony of the new Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center at Chicago State University.
* You gotta figure that reporters are going to swarm all over him about this latest development…
In the first official sign that Antoin “Tony” Rezko and his lawyers are talking with federal prosecutors about his cooperation in corruption probes, the judge in his federal fraud case has been asked to delay his sentencing this month.
In a motion filed late Monday by prosecutors, the two sides ask that the Oct. 28 sentencing date for the former fundraiser and adviser to Gov. Rod Blagojevich be delayed indefinitely.
“The parties agree that the [sentencing date], as well as dates related to sentencing filings, should be stricken while the parties engage in discussions that could affect their sentencing postures,” says the motion written by Assistant U.S. Atty. Reid Schar.
The motion seeks a hearing to discuss the status of the case in December. U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve, who presided over Rezko’s trial this year, was expected to hear the motion Wednesday.
The delay is good news for Barack Obama, since the original October 28th sentencing date would’ve ginned up a bunch of unflattering press coverage right before the election. With everything I’ve heard so far about who is being contacted and the subject matters being probed, Obama’s connection has been nil. So that’s probably more good news for him.
* More about the probe…
Several criminal-defense lawyers, who spoke to the Sun-Times only on the condition they not be named, said prosecutors have asked to interview or reinterview their clients about allegations that Blagojevich’s campaign took contributions in exchange for state contracts or appointments. One lawyer said prosecutors told him they sought the interview in response to new information provided by Rezko.
Not good.
* More reform and renewal…
* Will County official says FBI investigation was a dirty political trick - County executive Larry Walsh says county auditor Stephen Weber used his position to further an FBI inquiry
* Did Will County auditor abuse his power?
* Why voters need to monitor leaders
* Dozens caught in Chicago scandal banned from city work
* Dozens Of Companies Barred From City Business
[The governor has spoken on the issue at hand. Go here to comment. This one’s now closed.]
- Steve - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:19 am:
Indictments on Blago and his wife before January 20,2009?
- Macbeth - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:21 am:
Thousands of former (and current) state workers are trembling with anticipation.
Dreams of “payback” begin to swirl …
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:22 am:
The only question now-I imagine-is whether the Feds want to reign in a host of other witnesses by getting them to plead before going after the main target. It is unfair to the citizens to be governed for 2 more years by someone who is going to be indicted and there needs to be some remedy that prevents this occuring.
- I'm not man behind the curtain - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:24 am:
Is there a backdoor, reporters should have all exits and escapes covered, you tube is waiting.
Blagojevich is sitting duck!
- BandCamp - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:25 am:
While we are all interested in the Governor’s dealings with Rezko, I am more interested in some of the residual of other Illinois political insiders. While Mrs. B. surely didn’t do everything on the up-n-up with regard to her real estate dealings, and Gov. B. is just plain silly in his political $$$ dealings, there were others who helped facilitate all this funny business (just like Scott F. helped George).
I would not want to be the guy/gal answering the door when the G-man come a’callin.
It’s no wonder people are/have been jumping ship from his office.
- Macbeth - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:28 am:
But does jumping ship somehow make you immune to what might be happening now? In other words, even though X is no longer part of the administration — isn’t X still on the hook for whatever he/she took part in?
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:30 am:
Rezko talking is like the music stopping in musical chairs. Everyone is going to be scrambling for a seat. No one wants to be left standing.
- Just My Opinion - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:37 am:
I don’t think they are even close to Blago - YET. The Feds are going to squeeze Rezko like a sponge and get information on way more people than just Blago. As the Feds were going up the GRyan ladder, ol’ George was the last to go. They made him sweat for many years. I’m thinking the same thing is going to happen again. Oh it will be sweet when it does, but remember there are still rungs with names on them like Cari, Kelly, Kjellander and Cellini, just to name a few. This is a really tall ladder and I can’t help but think it’s gonna be a while before they get to Blago. Politicaly, at this point in time though, Blago is toast. And I’m betting his daily dietary routine includes handfuls of Tums and a more than occasional Prilosec.
Even though it may have been a dream of Dick Mell’s to have his son-in-law as the governor of the state, one has to wonder if Dick realized he was not only helping to put a nincompoop in office but Dick was not going to successfully get Blago geographically out of his hair by living in the Executive Mansion. Ya think Blago is now wishing he had relocated to Springfield instead of having ol’ Tony remodel that family room and build a deck for $90K? Has anyone seen either? Because I’m wondering if that black iron railing has gold plating on it.
- Captain Flume - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:41 am:
All speculation. Other than the request for the sentencing extension, there is no news.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:43 am:
You have to appreciate the feds game plan. They probably have a line of informers and pleaders outside their offices right now.
My only question is whether they can delay sentencing indefinitely, keep Rezco in some posh facility for a couple years till all trials are over and then sentence him to time served?
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:43 am:
===there is no news.===
Really?
===Several criminal-defense lawyers, who spoke to the Sun-Times only on the condition they not be named, said prosecutors have asked to interview or reinterview their clients about allegations that Blagojevich’s campaign took contributions in exchange for state contracts or appointments.===
- ChiCountryGuy - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:47 am:
Not good.
What do you mean “Not good.” ?
This is great news for the people of Illinois. Maybe Not Good for the Governor but who cares. He’s finally getting his.
- Justice - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:48 am:
What I know of this investigation is that the Feds are slow, meticulous, methodical, thorough, and will get the governor….and likely his wife. The tragedy here is that he was handed a mandate by the citizens of Illinois and chose to ignore it. Had he followed through with his promise to clean up corruption he would be in the limelight for a spot on the national ticket. Now the only light likely to shine upon him will be the one in his cell.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:51 am:
Cari already pled guilty and testified.
- Anon - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:52 am:
== Other than the request for the sentencing extension, there is no news. ==
You mean naming a new state-financed convocation center after a current member of the state senate isn’t news? Or is it named after his father? Or maybe this kinda thing is so routine in this state that it really isn’t news.
- Levois - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:54 am:
I’ll bet the governor will put himself in a position where he’ll get some love. Probably would be different if this was open to the general public. Especially those that don’t like him.
- Just My Opinion - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 10:59 am:
What purpose will this convocation center serve and does it need a soon to be unemployed State Senator for whom it is named to act as the Director and pull in a big salary?
- Captain America - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 11:00 am:
These stories about the federal investingation are like Chinese water torture. Most of us understand that Governor Pinnochio will eventually be indicted and expect that he will be convicted. But none of us know when - hence the anticpation is somewhat tortuous - particularly since Pinnochio is doing suhc a miserable job of governing the state.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 11:02 am:
I don’t mean to post too many comments on this issue but I’m curious about what Blago will do about all the positive statements he’s made about Rezco since his indictment and conviction-when he wasn’t talking? Does he now start saying he never trusted him? Does he start calling him dirty Tony-ala Bill?
- Little Egypt - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 11:04 am:
If this was to start at 10:00, my bet is Blago is still not there. Shortly after arrival, he will make a very short speech and then Elvis will quickly exit the building via the laundry chute. Thing is, this is to honor his BFF, Emil Jones, so he couldn’t exactly excuse himself. But one thing he is good at is dodging questions and I have faith he will do so again, although we’re due for a new YouTube moment.
- JohnR - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 11:05 am:
In the end, the feds are going to have to produce something more than testimony.
The jury in the Rezko trial didn’t believe, Levine, Cari, etc.
Highly unlikely that another jury would believe them, or even Rezko.
I assume the feds are looking for something material that they can present.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 11:07 am:
I don’t believe anything Mr. Blagojevich says anymore than I would believe Miss Cleo can really tell my fortune over the telephone.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 11:10 am:
“Signs point to yes”?
Sounds like Rich has been consulting a Magic 8-Ball, which at this point is probably about as accurate an indicator of how soon Blago will be indicted/impeached/whatever as anything else
- northern_water_sports - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 11:17 am:
I wonder if the former Tollway Director’s exit is a sign to others to get out now while the getting is good?
- Jake from Elwood - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 11:33 am:
Who knew that the County Auditor’s position was so political?
- Leave a light on George - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 11:39 am:
I think this is going to take a while. The feds will indict a few of the letters of the alphabet named in the Rezko indictments/trial. A few more of those letters will be given immunity in exchange for testimoney without being charged. In the end though when the indictments come against the Gov. and Mrs B. the number and depth of the charges will be staggering and worth the wait. State government will tie its self in knots as a result and take twenty years to recover.
- Captain Flume - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 11:44 am:
Rezko’s sentence extension is apparently a fact. People speaking anonymously about what they have heard are to be topics of discussion with unnamed parties is hearsay. Take a breath and wait until some is indicted or charged or something. Othwerwise, saying an investigation is ongoing is all one can say with any certainty.
As to Emil’s eponymous facility– wasn’t he the one who wrangled millions of tax dollars toward Chicago State? You think the facility would be called the John and Jane Q. Public Convocation Center??? Taxpayers are only recognized when they don’t pay their taxes.
- Cassandra - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 12:06 pm:
I still say Blago is going to stay in office until the bitter end and fight this…maybe even run in the primary.
That little comment he made about Rezko getting caught up in something he might not have understood was wrong clearly reflects Blago’s overall perspective on the mess. And he has paid out so much money in legal fees, why would he cave now. GR fought on to the bitter end. Our Blago will too. And on into a three or four-way primary.
If he really believes he is innocent (not to say he isn’t, no trial yet), why wouldn’t he run again.
- Spa Treatment - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 12:48 pm:
Governor Blagojevich’s office refuses to release the subpoenas, claiming they are exempt from public disclosure. In a letter to Judicial Watch
December 7, 2006
Allison Benway, Legal Counsel for Governor Blagojevich stated, “This Office cannot confirm or deny the existence of the documents requested, and even if this Office were to have documents responsive to your request, such documents would be exempt from release…”
The time is near!
- fed up - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 1:12 pm:
I wonder if state taxpayers are paying for top shelf booze, first class air fare, theater tickets and cruises for those attending the Emil Jones pork pavillion. It is shameful that a man who has roadblocked every attempt at ethics reform has anything but the ATM machine at the state capital named after him. But since there is no accountability or oversite in spending at chicago state. emil jones fits right in.
- He Gone..... - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 1:40 pm:
Rich,
Is there any truth to the rumor or have you heard anything regarding Congressman Luis Guiterrez and Rezko having dealings that will put the congressman in some trouble? Just curious as the congressman has been very quiet lately…
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 1:46 pm:
“I wonder if the former Tollway Director’s exit is a sign to others to get out now while the getting is good?”
The former-former Tollway director exit should have been a sign of when to get out and as smart as he is I hope it was in time.
- anon - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 1:47 pm:
Listen, nothing is happening soon in this investigation (as far as the B’s are concerned). Many people who can support Rezko’s claims still have yet to be indicted.
As for the Governor, not stepping down. When the Feds have him they will inevitably come at him with an all or nothing approach. We know they are targeting Patti. It could be that the family angle is the most promising. Call Blagojevich what you will but one thing you have to acknowledge is that he is a family man. He loves his children and there has been no news questioning his fidelity to his wife. The man refused to spend nights away from them during session (resulting in the numerous flights). And he spends many of his hours at home with the children.
Knowing this, the prosecutors are going to say, “either you do x,y,and z or your kids will be raised by their uncle or grandparents and we will put you and Patti in federal facilities 500 miles apart from each other.”
Blago may be a lunatic when it comes to public policy and bull-headed when it comes to negotiating with his enemies BUT one often forgets those issues only affected Illinoians and their taxdollars. He doesnt care about either. He does care about his family which will be his achilles heal and the feds know it.
That day will come. It will be a sad one for Illinois. But to say its happening next week, month, or even next year is beyond anyone and i suspect Patrick Fitzgerald doesnt know yet.
In summary, be patient. We will all have to endure it and then hopefully our state can move on.
- anon - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 1:52 pm:
==The delay is good news for Barack Obama, since the original October 28th sentencing date would’ve ginned up a bunch of unflattering press coverage right before the election. ==
But I bet the American people would like to know what the level of involvment is here before they vote?
- A Citizen - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 2:05 pm:
This just in from the Springfield Journal Register - “…Governor Rod Blagojevich is calling on Tony Rezko to tell the truth…”
Hmmm ? Witness tampering ?
- Big Mama T - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 2:06 pm:
I would bet there are a lot of people who are very nervous at the prospect of Rezko squealing. Tony must have come back from Syria for his trial just so he could take everybody down with him. Why else would he have returned to the States?
- Objective Dem - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 2:20 pm:
One interesting part of this investigation is it sounds like the Gov’s wife is in jeopardy of going to jail.
I can’t think of any other case where the spouse of a corrupt politician went to jail. I’m curious if anyone else can think of one.
- BandCamp - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 2:34 pm:
I’m sure Rich will ask this to the blog, but the Gov’s comments that are in the Suntimes’ piece:
“Tony Rezko sent a letter to a judge. In that letter, he expressly states neither Sen. Obama nor I did anything wrong,” Blagojevich told reporters this morning.
“That letter is a pretty strong statement. It speaks for itself,” the governor said later.
Well, you can see where this is going. The Governor, if Rezko implicates him, will simply say Rezko is not unlike Levine: a liar, someone who can’t get their story straight, trying to get out of jail time.
And then the Governor made comments about the home addition and the cancelled checks. Very smooth comments. He is either clean as a whistle or ignorantly confident. Blows me away.
- BandCamp - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 2:38 pm:
LOL. Some type of Freudian slip? Sorry Rich.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Oct 7, 08 @ 2:44 pm:
The governor has spoken on the issue at hand. Go here to comment. This one’s now closed.