No bottom on this market, either
Thursday, Oct 23, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Thank you, Stella. This made my entire morning…
GOV. BLAGOJEVICH hasn’t officially said he will run for a third term in 2010, but he has said that “I love my job . . . and there is no reason to think I don’t want to keep doing this job.” Well, my sources tell me that he is already planning a series of fund-raisers. And, if all goes well, one will be held in Chinatown on Dec. 3 and another Dec. 5 with the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
I hate to break it to you, but that money may never wind up being spent in an actual campaign.
* Why would I say that? Maybe this…
Pushing further into Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s inner circle, federal investigators have subpoenaed records involving a lobbyist friend who represented a hospital company that won a favorable state ruling.
The company’s for-profit affiliate donated $25,000 to Blagojevich’s campaign a month after the state’s action.
John Wyma, a top fundraiser and former Blagojevich aide, was named in a federal subpoena delivered two weeks ago to Provena Health, according to sources. It sought records about Provena’s lobbying relationship with Wyma, the donation and the company’s efforts to win approval for a new heart program.
* Or this…
In the lowest ratings ever recorded for an elected politician in nearly three decades of Tribune polls, a new survey found few approving of the job Blagojevich is doing as governor and even fewer who want him re-elected.
The results show the state’s first Democratic governor in a quarter-century has lost the confidence of voters in his own party. Moreover, the backing of one of his strongest voting blocs—African-Americans—appears to be falling away.
Overall, the survey of 500 registered likely voters conducted at the end of last week showed a mere 10 percent said they wanted Blagojevich re-elected in 2010, while three-fourths said they didn’t want him back for a third term.
* Or this…
A poll conducted for the Chicago Tribune found that just 10 percent of likely Illinois voters want Gov. Rod Blagojevich re-elected in 2010.
Seventy-five percent of people surveyed in the poll… say they don’t want the Democrat back for a third term.
* Read the full poll by clicking here.
* He’s like Kryptonite to candidates…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich is used to raking in and spending big political dollars. This election season, he’s on the sidelines.
Blagojevich’s campaign this week filed a “non-participation” report with the State Board of Elections. That means he’s not giving out campaign cash to help other candidates or support or oppose policy issues on the ballot.
It also means he doesn’t have to disclose how much money he’s raised or spent this summer and fall until early next year.
* And this sort of stuff keeps a-coming…
Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan has asked the state Ethics Commission to delay approving a request from the head the Illinois Toll Highway Authority to join a politically connected company that has won millions of dollars in tollway work.
Madigan believes the state should enforce the so-called revolving-door prohibition, which requires state employees to wait a year before working for companies they once hired or regulated, Madigan spokeswoman Robyn Ziegler said Wednesday.
Brian McPartlin, the tollway’s executive director, asked the commission for a waiver from the one-year prohibition in the state’s ethics law.
* As does his penchant for Nixonian secrecy…
First, Gov. Rod Blagojevich gave out state-subsidized health care without permission.
Now, he won’t tell taxpayers how many people are participating, how much tax money has been spent, or even which state account he’s using to keep funds for the program.
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ rejection of The Associated Press’ request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act amplifies the mystery surrounding Blagojevich’s FamilyCare program and the administration’s reputation for secrecy after promising open government.
Pardon me if I just can’t believe he’ll actually run again.
Oops. Did I say “pardon”? That ain’t gonna happen, either.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:28 am:
Third term talk is bizarre for many reasons, many listed here.
Who in the world is contributing money to him now? It’s like an invitation to the U.S. Attorney to pull your tax records. And who in the world wants that?
- GoBearsss - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:30 am:
Rich, you are delirious.
The Governor is surging - he tripled his approval rating in the past week alone!
Even at a more modest pace, he will be well into the 60s or 70s in approval by next year.
- How Ironic - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:31 am:
Probably Thompsons Law Firm. This way they avoid doing the work “pro-bono” this time.
- stones - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:31 am:
The guy has been one huge disappointment.
Apparently he didn’t learn from the misdeeds of his predecessor.
- Greg - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:32 am:
Rod’s market and the stock market share a lack of bottoms, for sure…but only one market is seeing serious redemptions.
- Rod sez I'm pork - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:36 am:
What was that evaluation of a British officer during WWII? “This officer has hit rock bottom and has begun to dig.”
Dig Rod Dig
- Levois - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:37 am:
Are you saying pardoned as if you should be pardoned? Or are you saying pardon as if he should be pardoned? Also I can’t believe he’s running for a third-term, but he does seem deluded enough to try it one more time.
- 2ConfusedCrew - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:39 am:
It is safe to say the Blagoat has been “delisted”
Wow Wymaramabama looks like he lost some weight…could he b frettin’?
Can we now get the full description of the G’s raid at the Road Builders? One version is they ponced and told everyone to step away from their computers…Now that the Trib has provided the i.d. it is time to get all the color.
- Pat Collins - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:41 am:
You know, I think he’s on auto pilot. His whole plan went out the window when Obama ran. I mean, why else do what he did to beat Ryan? Or JBT?
He didnt’ need to do that, to beat them. To set up a funding base for a national run, yes.
So, looking at the pit, with no realistic options, he’s just on autopilot.
- Just Observing - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:43 am:
Does anyone think Blago will be brazen enough to appoint himself to Obama’s Senate seat if/when Obama wins the Presidency?
- Levois - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:50 am:
Oh he thought he was going to be President. DC would eat him alive. He didn’t learn when he was in Congress.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:52 am:
Believe, Winston and Strawn has no intention of providing pro bono work for another Illinois governor.
The Ryan situation was a surprise to many of the partners. They were not pleased; that was money out of their pockets.
- Bill - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:58 am:
Winston has already been paid in advance. Every cent will be used to elect Rod Blagojevich to a successful third term.
Bring it on!
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:00 am:
Bill, paid in advance of what?
- Leave a light on George - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:12 am:
Bill you and other 13% who support Blago are the reason I think I’ll change my position on the funds sweep. At least sweep the funds that would go to mental health treatment. You all need it - badly.
As to the health care records Rod won’t provide to the AP. I’ll bet my next paycheck they don’t exist or at least at the time of the request they didn’t exist (probably being made up as we speak). This bunch of amatures has not thought one move through past the intial press release. Correct, One of 35?
- Leave a light on George - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:15 am:
Anyone besides me see the comparision between Scott Faywell and Wyma?
- ivoted4judy - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:16 am:
So let me get this straight. Yesterday during the DAY (9-5) G Rod and his cronies met at the POLITICAL OFFICE to discuss strategy? Why is the Governor allowed to do political work during the day when he is SUPPOSE to be playing governor? MY TAX $$$$ paying his salary, and instead of workikng on STATE issues, he and his buddies are planning their next campaign??? Mr. Fitzgerald WHERE ARE YOU??
- phocion - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:16 am:
Does anybody (who actually knows something) know what the Road Builders connection is?
- Macbeth - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:17 am:
I’ve said this before here, but if the governor runs, he will win.
Note that I despise the governor. He’s biding his time — and will (barely) get the votes he needs to stay in office in a third term.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:18 am:
Blagojevich didn’t get to be governor by being a dummy. He can read the writing on the wall as well as anyone else.
So if Obama is elected, he will appoint himself as our next senator.
There a many reasons for him to do this. He was never gubernatorial material. He was always a talker, not a doer - so he is perfect for the bloviating US Senate. He prefers working on national issues and playing presidential candidate, than state issues and being governor.
He always saw himself as a presidential candidate. He does not believe he is at the end of his rope - only as a governor.
By appointing himself as senator, he will be able to get a new deal in political life. He will remain a major player and spend a lot of time in DC where being Illinois’ senator post-Obama will give him attention.
Yes he has legal problems. But he is finding out the limits of being governor with these legal problems, and is willing to try being our senator with the legal problems and hope this will reshuffle the deck for him.
The fund raisers he is having will go towards a Senate run in 2010. With him out of the governor’s office and Quinn and Obama in, the mood of Illinoians will improve. He will benefit from this.
One of the things I have learned by observing these sick people who believe they are our social messiahs is their endless delusion of self-worth. Appointing himself as Obama’s replacement will not lower him in the polls anymore than he already is, but give him a new lease on life to deal with his political and legal fortunes.
No third term, but a senate seat instead.
- Leave a light on George - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:20 am:
iv4j, I would guess they were getting their stories together before the next interview with the FBI.
- Mr. Ethics - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:28 am:
Concerning the State subsidized health care. Why doesn’t the Department of Professional Regulation step in? It’s their job to protect the policyholders. They have auditors.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:31 am:
VanMan - can’t agree with you less. I would hope Fitz would kick things into high gear if he thinks Blago has serious intentions to appoint himself to Obama’s seat. Blago is toast. He’s giving the appearance that he’s raising money and running for something because he thinks he won’t be a very effective governor if he’s a lame duck. Bahahahahahaha. The money is for Winston & Strawn because they aren’t exactly into doing pro bono defense for two governors, especially the democrat one.
- Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:32 am:
VM, how will that work being a US Senator while on trial in Federal Court?
- zatoichi - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:34 am:
What is Rod supposed say about a third term if he sees himself as a fighter? If he says “I’m done” (insert fork joke here), then he certifies himself a lame duck. If he says “Let’s do three” then he opens himself for endless, increased pundit statements on the state’s problems and that he is truly done while he wears the jacket. If he does the vague, ropa-dope statements, no one is sure what he plans which gives some measure (illusion?) of control. When the options are falling away, you need to work behind the scene to find something or simply wait for a good opportunity. If BO becomes prez, the senate spot is a nice way to transition the spotlight. (The daily DC/OHare plane rides would be kinda expensive out of his pocket) If not, keep your head down and wait.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:46 am:
Whether or not Rod is a dummy has nothing to do with how he got to be governor. A very wily politician named Dick Mell pulled every string he could to get him where he is today. Without Mell and a lot of luck (Vallas’ poor campaign, GOP scandal), does anyone believe Rod would be governor?
Then he cast Mell aside. That wasn’t very smart.
Where does Rod have his political meetings? Is it a pork store? Do they all give big Sopranos-like hugs and pat each other down for wires?
They should.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:47 am:
Boy you can sure smell the flap jacks cookin’ and they are ready to flip.
And as far as funders go, you can avoid having to listen to a bad Elvis impersonator and getting heartburn from some stale crab Rangoon by donating directly to Winston & Strawn in care of the Blago fund.
- Kings & Queens - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:48 am:
Democracy is alive and well in Illinois!
NOT!
- Captain Flume - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:50 am:
The headlines of the Governor’s attempts at expanded health care, pre-school for every child, women’s health issues, ethics reform, will play well outside of Illinois. National news orgs rarely dis candidates based on their local records unless there are indictments being floated. If the Governor is not indicted of anything, his chances at national electability are as good as anyone’s, and, as a matter of opinion, his chances at state re-electability in two years will also be good. And I do not think he would apoint himself to the U.S. Senate. He would have no power base there, nor anywhere to exercise power. Plus, he won’t move out of Chicago.
- Just Observing - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:52 am:
I agree with Vanilla Man — I’m not sure if he will actually pull the trigger, but Blago has nothing to lose by appointing himself Senator — his poll numbers can’t go any lower and it would be a hail mary attempt to improve his political career.
- Secret Square - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 11:54 am:
Has ANY governor in the U.S. ever appointed himself to an open U.S. Senate seat? I presume it legally CAN be done but is there any precedent at all for such an action?
- John Ghrist - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 12:01 pm:
The gov has angered just about everyone in the state with his political garbage. Everything he does has some sort of back room smell to it. So no wonder his rating is so low. Secondly, with all this talk of government bailouts for people about to be foreclosed…what program is going to get my house back? The present governor took my state job that I had for 19 years, and gave it to one of his inexperienced political cronies in 2004? They were paid more to do it too. I never voted in a primary election and worked under several governors. Blago caused me to lose my house, go bankrupt, and ruined my future…At nearly age 60, I’ve had to work at a bunch of low paying part-time jobs since then. Go get him Fitz..This slippery gov deserves the book thrown at him. There are also many past and present cronies that should follow him to jail too.
If the gov is raising any money these days, he will need it to pay his own legal fees.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 12:04 pm:
Appointing himself Senator doesn’t help one bit with the U.S. Attorney.
Revive his political career? From 13%? How is that possible? Any precedent anyone wants to cite?
Consider, Nixon’s approval rating at resignation was 24% — almost twice Blago’s and he resigned! Carter, when he lost in a landslide to Reagan, had a a 34%. approval rating. LBJ was at 49% and chose not to run.
13% means you’re done.
Pingback ArchPundit | You Hate Me! You Really Hate Me! - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 12:06 pm:
[…] Rich says he cannot believe Blagojevich will run again. I say that there are many things I cannot believe about Rod Blagojevich’s tenure as Governor. He may be under indictment by then, but he could well pull a Ted Stevens. […]
- bluedog demo - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 12:09 pm:
Bet the bulk of that 13% came from my County chairman and his cronies !
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 12:29 pm:
==VM, how will that work being a US Senator while on trial in Federal Court?==
Senator Ted Stevens is on trial right now and we can all see how that is going.
If Stevens is found guilty and is forced to resign, if Obama is elected, expect Governor Palin to appoint Steve Parnell as Steven’s replacement. Steve is a good guy.
- Ken in Aurora - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 12:30 pm:
“GoBearsss - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 10:30 am: Rich, you are delirious. The Governor is surging - he tripled his approval rating in the past week alone! Even at a more modest pace, he will be well into the 60s or 70s in approval by next year.”
Great - now I have to clean coffee out of my keyboard. Thanks!
- Bill - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 12:35 pm:
===Why is the Governor allowed to do political work during the day when he is SUPPOSE to be playing governor? ===
For the same reason Pat Quinn is allowed to shill for concon every day and most nights.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 12:40 pm:
==Revive his political career? From 13%? How is that possible? Any precedent anyone wants to cite?==
Dennis Kucinich went from a despised mayor to Congress.
Andrew Johnson went from impeachment to the Senate.
Evan Mecham went from four time loser to Arizona governor - to impeachment.
Marion Barry went from mayor to crackhead, back to city council.
There are always political resurrections for those who believe they are political saints.
- OneMan - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 12:59 pm:
Bill,
I too hope he runs for a third term. For a different reason than you.
The entertainment that the democratic primary would provide would be priceless. He would go after Lisa and Mike with a fury that one can only imagine…
- Cassandra - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 1:11 pm:
How involved would Obama be in picking his replacement at US Sen? It seems unlikely that he would approve our Blago appointing himself, but
could he stop him?
- ivoted4judy - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 1:14 pm:
Bill
I am in favor of the U S Atty indicting both the Gov and the Lt Gov. Both are shams!!!!!!!!!Please explain where your Gov gets his winning vote totals in 09?
- Kevin Fanning - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 1:25 pm:
===I am in favor of the U S Atty indicting both the Gov and the Lt Gov. Both are shams!!!!!!!!!===
What has the Lt. Gov done wrong?
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 1:27 pm:
Cassandra-
In a word, no. See Clause 2. Each state’s Executive has the power to make temporary appointments to Senate vacancies in advance of the next election. No legal input from the other U.S. senator; and really, no input from anyone else other than their power of personal persuasion.
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/constitution/amendment17/
- steal your face - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 1:30 pm:
While I shudder to think about a Blago third term, I can’t rule it out in my mind. What has changed since he was elected for a second term? The state Republicans are still in disarray and the voting public is still largely a bunch of sheep blindly faithful to partisan politics. We knew this guy was a piece of garbage when he was re-elected (no thanks to me) and we are getting precisely what we deserve.
- Secret Square - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 1:40 pm:
Phocion, “Road Builders” is Bill Cellini’s organization (actually called the Illinois Asphalt Paving Association or something like that). He also has been subpoenaed.
- Captain America - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 1:57 pm:
Governor Pinocchio can’t run again and he can’d hide either. Ever the contrarian, I wouldn’t object to Pinocchio appointing himself Senator because he won’t last very long before Fitz lowers the boom. In addition, it would be nice to have an rational Pat Quinn as interim Governor, instead of an irational sociopath. Governor Pinocchio has done and can do a lot more damage than a sociopathic United States Senator.
Slice it, dice it anyway you want, Pinocchio’s political career is over. It’s primarily a question of who/how many political associates/financial benefactors go down with them.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:01 pm:
I’m betting Bill Cellini now regrets climbing that fence to the other side to see if the grass really was greener.
- Captain America - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:02 pm:
I have abslolutely nothing against Brian McPartlin, but I think the revolving door needs to stop. The ehtics commission should just say no now and foevermore. A one year waiting period doesn’t seem very onerous to me. it probably should be longer.
- Cassandra - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:15 pm:
Of course, Blago would have to run again for senator in a couple of years, not at all a sure win depending on “events.” It’s not like we will have forgotten his gubernatorial tenure should he depart for Washington next year and run again the year after.
More scary to many Democratic machine powers could be a Governor Quinn (how many mistakes could he make in a year) gearing up for a run in 2010, with all the powers of incumbency. Possibly deferring the dreams of so many gubernatorial wannabees.
- Bill - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:31 pm:
Kevin,
He was born.
- Bill - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:35 pm:
==rational Pat Quinn as interim Governor==
oxymoron.
- Kevin Fanning - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:39 pm:
lol easy Bill, I know he’s no Rod but let’s keep the vitriol to a controllable level.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:44 pm:
LE-
Bill Cellini has been on every side of the fence for as long as anyone can remember, and it was always green.
- Bill - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:45 pm:
Yes,your majesty. Sorry.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:51 pm:
Captain-
There’s a restraint of trade issue here, too. I have spoken with attorneys who think even IL’s weak revolving door prohibition would be found unconstitutional if tested.
Here’s a few other tidbits…
1. Could McPartlin have recused himself from involvement in contracting work while still employed at the tollway, knowing in advance he was going to seek outside employment? If so, that may have weighed into the decision on the waiver.
2. If you were king, how long should the prohibition be? And should it be with any firm that ever did tollway work, any firm that did tollway work while he was there, or just any firm that he was personally involved with in awarding contracts? Nexus might be hard to prove in some cases.
- Kevin Fanning - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:55 pm:
===Yes,your majesty. Sorry. ===
lol
- wordslinger - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 2:58 pm:
Secret, Orvillee Freeman of Minnesota appointed himself to Mondale’s seat when he became veep. I believe a number of southerners did the same.
- Captain Flume - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 3:01 pm:
I bet Bill Cellini regrets very little about anything.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 3:44 pm:
SDOS, yes, but he crossed over into a mine field this time.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 3:52 pm:
==Has ANY governor in the U.S. ever appointed himself to an open U.S. Senate seat? I presume it legally CAN be done but is there any precedent at all for such an action? ==
Yes sir.
Quite a few times.
There are solid reasons this has been done. For Blagojevich, it gives him a new avenue to explore politically, keeps him in the spotlight, show he can be a senator like Obama, and get out of the turmoil in Illinois.
He has already lived in DC, and knows it. It would let him return to a familiar stomping grounds with the added panache of being Obama’s replacement, and a former governor.
I would recommend he consider it if I served on his staff, with Bill.
- DzNts - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 4:29 pm:
Oddly, I wonder if he did appoint himself to Obama’s seat, would he need to fly home every night to be with his kids, citing the same reason why he wouldn’t live in Springfield?
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 4:41 pm:
DzNts-
A review of his previous Congressional travel habits would seem to portend his future travel habits, should he be appointed thusly to the US Senate by his own person. Not aware of his travels there, except for that one trip to Belgrade with JJJSr to negotiate the release of some US POWs being held by the Milosevic regime.
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 4:51 pm:
==the denial letter said, would violate federal and state laws against disclosure of “individually identifiable health information.”==
Does this mean some counties had a single person sign up? And if they disclosed this, how would we be able to tell who it was?
- Emily Booth - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 6:12 pm:
AllKids apps, most of them, are maintained by the AllKids unit in Springfield. The client data base is computerized.
I heard the Guv on Skip O’Dell’s show last week and he sounded like his career was ending. He blessed Skip and congratulated him on his career. It was so unexpected that there was a moment of silence at Skip’s end.
- Bookworm - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 6:42 pm:
Quimby, if that person had told others (besides his or her physician or healthcare provider, who would be bound by confidentiality laws) about signing up for the healthcare plan, they could conceivably be “outed.”
Now I see where Blago is asking for a change of lawyers in the healthcare expansion lawsuit. Yet another stalling tactic. He is practically begging for a contempt of court citation.
- Keep in mind - Thursday, Oct 23, 08 @ 6:50 pm:
the only way that he could appoint himself Senator is if Patty was willing to move the family there.
NO way he’s going back to D.C. solo, and I don’t see Patty uprooting the family for what would likely be a very short stint.
- McTollway - Friday, Oct 24, 08 @ 12:14 am:
13% Approval Rating for Blagojevich:
WORST Governor EVER
Put that on a sign over the Toll Plazas.
- Bookworm - Friday, Oct 24, 08 @ 7:10 am:
KIM — Mr. and Mrs. Blago had been married for several years before he was elected to Congress in 1996. Their older daughter was born while he was in Congress, I believe. Did she stay behind then or move to DC with him? If she did it once before I would think she would, at least in theory, be willing to do it again.
- Anon - Friday, Oct 24, 08 @ 8:10 am:
Who are the 10% who think he should run again = Senior State Employees who are Rutan exempt who thought the phone poll was not legit and had to lie to keep their jobs.