*** 4:08 PM *** Somewhat exculpatory report, from CNN…
The law enforcement official said there was no evidence — other than the governor’s taped remarks — that Jackson or others on his behalf ever approached the governor in an improper way. The official also emphasized that no conversations with Jackson were ever picked up on bugs or wiretaps, and there is no evidence that he was aware of anything improper […]
[Jackson’s attorney] said he has spoken with federal prosecutors and confirmed Jackson is not a target of the investigation.
*** 4:05 PM *** Interesting…
James D. Montgomery Sr., Jackson’s attorney, said that Jackson learned he was mentioned in the complaint on the night before governor’s arrest, and that the House member never had a “pay to play” conversation with Blagojevich.
*** 3:30 PM *** And, we’re done. Not much “there” there except forceful denials. We’ll see what happens next.
*** 3:27 PM *** On advice of counsel, Jackson said, he will not be taking any questions. And now he’s starting to weep again.
*** 3:25 PM *** The congressman said, twice, that he met with the governor “for the first time in four years” on Monday. He said nothing toward was offered nor discussed.
*** 3:24 PM *** “I reject and denounce pay to play politics. I did not initiate nor authorize anyone at any time to promise anything to Rod Blagojevich on my behalf.”
Jackson said he didn’t send an emissary to cut a deal with the governor.
“I thought, mistakenly, that the process was fair, above board and on the merits.”
*** 3:22 PM *** Jackson calls on the governor to resign.
*** 3:21 PM *** It’s beginning.
*** 2:56 PM *** The feed went hot for a brief minute as reporters interviewed Jackson in a hallway. No news out of it. I’d click the link if I were you.
*** UPDATE: Watch live video of “Jackson 5’s” press conference at 3:15 pm by clicking here. ***
* 2:15 PM - He’s already back in DC, eh? Must not want to face Chicago reporters [Thanks to readers for pointing out that Congress is voting this week]…
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., will hold a news conference at 4:15 p.m. ET in Washington to respond to allegations that he is one of the Senate hopefuls listed in a federal criminal complaint that accuses Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich of trying to sell the seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.
ABC News and MSNBC are quoting anonymous sources who say Jackson is the person identified as “Candidate 5″ in court filings.
“It is impossible for someone on my behalf to have a conversation that would suggest any type of quid pro quo or any payments or offers,” Jackson tells ABC News. “An impossibility to an absolute certainty.”
Check back to this post for further updates.
- St. Lou - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:20 pm:
Run, Jesse, Run!
- HoBoSkillet - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:21 pm:
HuH? What’s the difference between an “impossibility” and an “Absolute certainty?”
- Gadfly - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:21 pm:
“An impossibility to an absolute certainty.”
Huh?
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:22 pm:
Basically, what he will say is that he’s not on tape so of course he is squeaky clean. Besides who’s gonna believe Blago now.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:24 pm:
PJW,
Don’t forget they may know who the reps of Candidate 5 were.
- Reading on Walden - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:24 pm:
Say it ain’t so, Jesse. Also, CNN is speculating that one of the Senate candidates wore a wire. Could that explain Congressman Jackson’s behavior thus far?
- Gabriel - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:25 pm:
“It is impossible for someone on my behalf to have a conversation that would suggest any type of quid pro quo or any payments or offers,”
How would J3 know this?
- Anon - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:26 pm:
Didn’t his dad teach him to rhyme or use alliteration? Or is speaking dull prose the family equivalent of being speechless?
- HoBoSkillet - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:26 pm:
This smells too much. First his Dad has “no comment” for the first time ever, then Jr. couldn’t say whether he was #5 or not, and now he says it’s impossible to an absolute that no one did anything wrong on his behalf?
- Bubs - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:29 pm:
The damage to Jackson is political, not criminal, and merely limiting, not destructive.
The “offer” was a vague one of proposed future fundraising goals, not a present sum, as Blago’s own desire for “something up front” shows. While the federal bribery statute is far broader than the state statue, which requires actual tender of the bribe, this just does not look like enough even to generate a grand jury investigation.
It is very doubtful that this will substantially harm Jackson’s political power in his District, or the other parts of the Chicago area where he is strong, but he can forget about statewide office after this fiasco.
- Rod sez I'm pork - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:30 pm:
Anon,
I think you are selling Jackson 5 short. I was most impressed with his phrase “completely guiltless.” Why claim mere innocence, which has no power to stir the soul?
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:35 pm:
Chip of the ol block. As the saying goes about politicians, never believe anything until they officially deny it.
- Sango Dem - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:35 pm:
It would be more believable if it weren’t said in such certain terms. Really. How does he know what other people said? It reminds me too much of this:
“I don’t care whether you tape me privately or publicly. I can tell you that whatever I say is always lawful the things I’m interested in are always lawful.”
- Paul - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:40 pm:
Hmmm. He may very well be on tape and feds will ask questions, which if he is caught in lie will result in lying to federal charges. Above post that offer is vague is speculating, it may very well have been specific. J3 says “he is not a target” or did they add “at this time”?
- Paul - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:41 pm:
Hmmm. What if he is on tape? Feds will ask questions, which if he is caught in lie will result in lying to federal charges. Above post that offer is vague is speculating, it may very well have been specific. J3 says “he is not a target” or did they add “at this time”?
- I knew it before term one - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:42 pm:
Still asking (repost):
I just got a call from Lansing, MI number polling me about Blago. Some of the questions: Do you think he should resign or stay in office? Do you think he should be impeached? Do you think he or Quinn should appoint the Senator? (BTW, nothing on a special election.) Plus demographics.
Any ideas about who commissioned this?
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:44 pm:
JJJ is back in DC because they are voting on Auto bailout today or tomorrow..but does have votes today. JJJ has I believe the lowest number of votes missed in the IL delegation, so
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:44 pm:
JJJ is back in DC because they are voting on Auto bailout today or tomorrow..but does have votes today. JJJ has I believe the lowest number of votes missed in the IL delegation, so he is
- anon - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:44 pm:
JJJ is back in DC because they are voting on Auto bailout today or tomorrow..but does have votes today. JJJ has I believe the lowest number of votes missed in the IL delegation, so he is back to vote
- Thought - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:46 pm:
Rep. Jackson may have had to return to DC to vote on the automakers bill. Yes, there are other things going on.
- Luis - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 2:58 pm:
This destroys any chance for JR., or his wife Sheila, to ever move up to higher office no matter what the outcome.
- Deeda - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:19 pm:
Watch his nose grow. I didn’t do it, I didn’t do it!!!!
- Deeda - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:24 pm:
This remindes me of Clinton saying “I didn’t have sexual relations with that lady!!” Then two day latter “Yes I had sexual relations with that lady”. Same song and dance.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:25 pm:
Trips denial is categorical. I hope he can back it up.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:26 pm:
Glad he cleared up that he still wants that Senate seat.
- South Side Mike - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:26 pm:
“I did not initiate nor authorize anyone at any time to promise anything to Rod Blagojevich on my behalf.”
There’s still a gap. He could have personally responded to an approach from Blago. That’s a big omission.
- Angry Chicagoan - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:30 pm:
An absolutely categorical statement. I’ll have to assume at this point that he’s telling the truth in every way. I cannot believe that he’d have been dumb enough or crooked enough to personally offer the governor a material incentive.
- Concerned Voter - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:31 pm:
Wow, you’d think he would have had met him more than twice over 4 years. He’s being very particular with his words. Lot’s of things to read between the lines on.
- Vote Quimby! - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:32 pm:
Translsation from JJJ statement: I have nothing to fear but the truth.
- Lazy Intern - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:32 pm:
What was that?
- How Ironic - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:33 pm:
Blah, Blah, Blah, I did nothing wrong. Blah, Blah, Blah I cant take questions. Blah Blah Blah.
Shoulda’ just put out a memo. Saved us the time.
- Milorod - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:34 pm:
He takes NO questions from the press!
What does he have to hide?
Here comes the media….RUN, JESSE, RUN!
- Angry Chicagoan - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:35 pm:
And re-reading the relevant section of the criminal complaint, it seems to me that the most Jackson could have been offering Blagojevich was stuff like hosting fundraisers, which is sort of something you do for politicians of your own party anyway and probably not a promise specific to the Senate appointment. It seems to me that Blago, in his delusional and self-important way, is putting a fair bit of spin on this.
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:35 pm:
Where did he meet with the Gov at his Campaign offices (that were bugged)?
- Commonsense in Illinois - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:36 pm:
“I thought, mistakenly, that the process was fair, above board and on the merits.”
Is it me or is J3 really that naive? Has he not read a newspaper in the last six years?
- sneaker - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:41 pm:
Are his actions criminal? If he’s #5 he did offer to pay 1 million dollars for the senate seat. Logic makes me believe that if it’s illegal for Rod to sell the seat to the highest bidder, then it must be illegal to try to bribe or buy the seat with either money or in-kind services.
- Wumpus - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:43 pm:
Jackson 5, thanks Rich for making my day
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:44 pm:
I just saw his presser…
Dear Congressman Jackson,
Sorry, you didn’t allow us to ask the questions to get a response. Your statement isn’t enough. You needed to have demonstrated the transparency you claim to seek at this time. It appears that either your legal team is advising you, or you are still waiting for the heat to let off a bit. I can’t know which it is at this point, and perhaps it doesn’t matter.
What I have seen over the past month hasn’t been very positive for you. We all recognized that the Governor was the only vote you needed, yet you campaigned across Illinois, obviously with an agenda and a mission. Now is the time to reveal to us what that mission was. Now is the time to reveal to us what your agenda was over the past month. You need to do this to regain any credibility.
Your presser was as odd as your previous behavior. How could a seasoned Congressman (as you proudly pointed out to us just now), appear so duped by a fraud as obvious as Blagojevich? Are you really that naive? Yet here you are portraying yourself as both a victim, and as a qualified US Senator candidate. That is not a very good combination from which to lead Illinois if that is your goal.
You are either so innocent that you can be easily taken, so not a good Senate candidate for Illinois, or you are a professional with 13 years US Congressional experience, trying to pee on a public relations firestorm by playing innocent.
Finally, the whole last name routine might play with some of your admirers, but came off as lame as your opening line. You have been given endless breaks due to your famous name. Attempt to equate that with some kind of a burden doesn’t do justice to your family, nor yourself. You were raised in privilege, attended the best private schools, and given this Congressional seat. The fact that you are involved in this scandal shows that you also believed that you could have been given a US Senate seat in a similar manner.
These are not very attractive traits, sir.
Try again.
- DuPage Dem - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:46 pm:
Could the JJJ representative be JJ Sr.? Hence his “no comment” ??
- Gabriel - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:49 pm:
Why give a press conference if you’re not taking questions?
A press release provides for all the things he said, but no cameras. Does he want the attention right now?
- Bubs - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:50 pm:
After watching that press conference, I now have greater concern over his potential culpability.
He sure did not look like a man with a clean conscience. He looked worried.
His portrayal does not wash. He tried to act like his only communication to the Governor was his own personal conference this week to discuss his record of accomplishments. Today he never reached the topic of whether he earlier sent emmissaries to talk to Blago and his people, and never got to the issue of what was said there. He must know.
This is a man that has been throwing everything but the kitchen sink into convincing Blago to pick him, to the point of looking foolish at times.
He must know, but Jimmy Montgomery wants him to be silent. Press conferences with no questions only inspire more questions.
Not good.
- Angry Chicagoan - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:50 pm:
VM raises an important point. Although at this point I am fairly convinced of JJJ’s innocence, there’s a sense of entitlement here that is not becoming — and I’ll add another point; it raises further questions to me about how well he’d fare in a statewide election as I think he’d take too much for granted.
- You Go Boy - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:51 pm:
Bingo Vanilla Man. Also, his lawyer Mr. Montgomery, stated (paraphrase) “He is experienced, qualified and ENTITLED….” to the Senate position. Oh, really? I can’t believe a reporter didn’t ask just why he felt ENTITLED.
Yet, I’m sure he does think he’s ENTITLED, after all he is JJJR.
- there you go again - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:53 pm:
As a downstate Democrat, it’s time for Chicago Democrats to step aside to let high-quality downstate Dems lead this state.
- Carl Nyberg - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:54 pm:
If Illinois does elect the U.S. Senator (I question whether this is likely or a good idea), it seems JJJ is off-the-table as an option.
This could not have been arranged better by Daley and other power brokers.
JJJ is bored on the House Appropriations Committee. But he’s on track to eventually be a huge rainmaker for Illinois and Chicago based on his age and seniority.
And now JJJ is just tainted enough he can’t go anywhere, but not so tainted he can’t stay where he’s at.
- Say WHAT? - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:55 pm:
If this turns out to be true, I will be crushed. Shame on ANYONE who had anything to do with any of this non-sense. Heard from someone today who has friends in Isreal and London. Our state was all over their news last night. They were speaking about CORRUPTION in Illinois, USA.
The day of reckoning has arrived for some and is on the horizon for others. While its sad and embarrasing, its time to clean house.
Rich, I don’t know how you have done it, but your coverage the last two days has been amazing. Thank you so much for all of your hard work. It is appreciated.
- Bakersfield - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 3:56 pm:
Here Here, Vanilla. Nicely done.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:00 pm:
Junior bawls too much.
- How Ironic - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:03 pm:
That VMan, he’s got it all. He is a songmaker, a poet, AND a mobile version of Politico.
Thanks!
- The Doc - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:04 pm:
===As a downstate Democrat, it’s time for Chicago Democrats to step aside to let high-quality downstate Dems lead this state.===
A great talking point, and nothing else. If you’ve got someone in mind, please enlighten me.
- Bill - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:04 pm:
===it’s time for Chicago Democrats to step aside to let high-quality downstate Dems lead this state.===
You mean like Jay Hoffman and Glenn Poshard?
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:07 pm:
I like Congressman Jackson. Yet if he still feels that he is to use this press conference as another political opportunity to present himself for a future US Senate run, he is not recognizing how concerned we are over our questions, which isn’t good.
What was with his campaigning? No one has really figured that out. He needs to tell us. Did he really believe he could somehow use public endorsements for Blagojevich’s approval? Was he trying to do something else? What was with his actions over the past month? He is the only candidate to do this. Naive?
Lets imagine the worse case for him, (which appears quite likely), that he is #5. Just how could this press conference have helped? In for a penny, in for a pound? I had hoped he would be smarter, open and more direct with us so that when he is exposed as #5, we could have at least seen him as a guy willing to try a little honesty.
This isn’t going to blow over. If a special election is called and he thinks it is his opportunity, he will be dogged out of the race with this.
- Anon - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:08 pm:
Didn’t OJ say that he was absolutely 100 percent not guilty? A charming echo.
- Keep Smiling - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:10 pm:
Bawls too much? That’s why the press conference, rather than the press release. Hey, if it worked for Hil, why not give it a shot? He’s got to muster as much support as possible in these next few days because his emissary will definitely break into a blab to minimize his/her own pain. Unless.. well, No comment.
- Luis - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:10 pm:
Bill, Phil Hare
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:10 pm:
1. If you’re innocent, don’t hold a presser to issue a denial.
2. Why was Jackson contacted the night before the arrest?
3. How can you say “It wasn’t me” and then say you were contacted in advance by the feds to tell you that you’re mentioned in the complaint?
- Bill - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:16 pm:
There is no evidence at all about #5. All they have on tape is Rod bragging to a subordinate and exagerating to make a point. That is hardly an unusual occurrence. That is not to say I don’t believe Jr. wouldn’t gladly pay 1.5 million to be Senator, he would. I just hope he was smart enough to keep himself insulated.
- Bill - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:18 pm:
Luis,
I like Hare. Excellent choice!
- Luis - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:27 pm:
Barack Obama your Honeymoon is now officially over
- Southern Illinois iPhone - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:28 pm:
Bill,
Poshard would be miles ahead of most of what Chicago has offered, save Obama.
- Luis - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:32 pm:
Bill, you have a 52 year old Governor with young children facing 30 years in Prison on tape.
Am I wrong to say that their is high probability that Blago will sing to the FEDS so he can see his daughters weddings?
Blago will not be giving up minions from the Water Department, he will have to give the big fish, if you get my drift.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:32 pm:
Replacing Obama with Phil Hare is like replacing Prince with Frankie Yankovic.
- Luis - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:33 pm:
Poshard, along with Denny Hastert, worked with Blago on the Capital Projects.
Tainted and Pro-Life, no way the Chicago Dems touch Poshard.
- True Observer - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:38 pm:
“Replacing Obama with Phil Hare is like replacing Prince with Frankie Yankovic”
Breslers went out of business. You’ve got to pick from the limited choices. Hare is the best that’s left.
A little saltie and fattie but still satisfying.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:38 pm:
Bill - I think the past 48 hours have gotten you a little punch-drunk. Sit in a corner, throw up in a bucket, and get a little vinegar water in you. Phil Hare only looks “excellent” with beer goggles and a massive brain concussion.
While I admit we’ve been through the wringer in Illinois, there is no reason to start passing out the cyanide pills.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:39 pm:
What’s Breslers?
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:42 pm:
===Blago will sing to the FEDS===
About what? Who can he give them?
Answer: Nothing and nobody. He’s cooked. They don’t want anyone else. They want him.
- Luis - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:44 pm:
Vanilla, hate to say it but a Special Election would be Mark Kirk’s to lose. He would have the Anti-Chicago DEM wind at his back, big $$$, Low Turnout, and a moderate history in a DEM district.
He also would not have to give up his House seat.
- True Observer - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:47 pm:
“Answer: Nothing and nobody. He’s cooked. They don’t want anyone else. They want him.”
How you wish.
- Luis - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:49 pm:
Rich they have Blago. They want to destroy the Machine. Cook County is their real target.
Taking down the Governor does not stop the war.
- Luis - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:52 pm:
Rich, you are the expert, but the 2006 scam with the Stroger placement was by far more corrupt than Blago. Ask Forrest Claypool.
The FEDS know that they only took off a arm of the Cook county Monster, they want the whole body.
- True Observer - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 4:54 pm:
“What’s Breslers?”
Baskin/Robins and Breslers were the Hertz and Avis of their time.
Breslers was based out of Chicago and went out of business in the 80’s.
- Bill - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 5:04 pm:
Who is Frankie Yankovic? Is he related to Weird Al?
- Bill - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 5:13 pm:
Luis,
You are reading too many comic books down there or maybe too many jkass columns. There is no machine and no Cook County monster and there hasn’t been for a long time.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 5:31 pm:
Poshard, along with Denny Hastert, worked with Blago on the Capital Projects.
This is the plan that everyone wants but no one wanted to implement while the Gov held the purse strings. Poshard and Hastert were honest enough to identify this publicly as a major problem while they were working the Capital Bill circuit. No stain there, IMHO.
- The Doc - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 5:31 pm:
Rich, I bet the federales would be interested if Blago could dish on da mare. Seems doubtful that the guv has anything that’s worthwhile, but the Harris connect springs to mind…
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 5:33 pm:
===No stain there, IMHO. ===
Bull. They were told how he operated and that he couldn’t be trusted. They chose to not believe the warnings. There’s a big stain there.
===Harris connect springs to mind===
They don’t appear to be interested in the mayor any longer. That investigation appears to have faded two years ago.
- Carnac - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 5:39 pm:
Thought I’d reprint a quote from JJJ that he gave the day before Blago was arrested. Don’t think I have much confidence in his judgement:
“I am convinced that the governor has a very thoughtful process that he has put in place and is wrestling and weighing a number of issues in this enormous decision that he has to make,” Jackson said. “Today, I leave confident that the governor has put in place processes and that his interview process for this position is thoughtful.”
Thoughtful. Yeah.
- Anon - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 5:49 pm:
Maybe Harris knows who promoted that gang member to the Hired Truck management position. Since Da Mayor has no idea.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 5:50 pm:
Rich, can’t blame 2 old guys for trying. as it is, they didn’t get anytthing done anyway. And they have 1,736,219 Illinoisans for company (not that I’m one!)
- Little Egypt - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 5:57 pm:
Bill, sometimes it’s better for you not to post at all. It was bad enough for you to always defend Blago as the best we have ever had. But to now become the standard bearer for “no machine Chicago politics”, well I’ve just wet my pants laughing. And you just blew your chance of being the Jr. Senator from Illinois.
- Bubs - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 6:03 pm:
“If Illinois is not the most corrupt state, it is one helluva contender.”
MINUS
“There is no machine and no Cook County monster and there hasn’t been for a long time.”
EQUALS
“Back to Busniess as Usual as soon as we get this messy Blagojevich thing over with.”
- Nuance - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 7:12 pm:
I just hope he was smart enough to keep himself insulated.
Bill, how about hoping he didn’t do it not just smart enough to keep himself insulated?
This line of thinking is equivalent to - if it’s illegal it’s ok as long as you don’t get caught. We in Illinois should have had enough of that.
- Suburban Republican - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 8:42 pm:
How can Jesse Jackson Jr. claim that he has not met the Governor in four years before this past Monday when everyone saw the two of them warmly hugging each other in a display of party unity this past summer in Denver?
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 9:55 pm:
Rich, is it just AA or do you find it odd that the G would make a “courtesy call” to JJJ the night before? I’ve reread the complaint, and although they are not in this document accusing him of wrongdoing, at the least he may have a couple jammed-up emmissaries.
AA has never observed this USAO to be overly concerned with professional courtesy. Besides, if JJJ had a heads-up, why would he have the deer-in headlights look on Wednesday afternoon?
Not.Buying.It.
- south of Route 80 - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 10:07 pm:
Did anyone else catch him saying First he met with him on Monday for the first time in four years….I want to say again…I met with him on Tuesday….?
He can’t even get that straight. I just wanted to cry at the end.. I am too so proud to be an American. Run J3 Run.
- Joshua - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 10:14 pm:
Just for fun I tried to branstorm a list of potential, halfway viable ways to get out of a special election:
http://www.urbanagora.com/2008/12/some-ways-to-fill-obamas-seat.html
- Joshua - Wednesday, Dec 10, 08 @ 10:15 pm:
Rich, sorry about half-a$$, I tried to redo it when i read the notice as I was hitting “say it” Wont happen again.
- ZC - Thursday, Dec 11, 08 @ 12:08 am:
Just once more for the record: Blagojevich came in third in Chicago, in the 2002 Democratic primary. Burris first, Vallas second. This is not to point fingers at any specific region of IL, just to disperse blame everywhere (for Dems, there’s plenty of it to go round).
Downstate Dems particularly centered around Madison Cty were just as responsible for unleashing this Frankenstein upon IL. And why? Because a lot of them thought he would be a patronage monster and would give them lots of government jobs.