Ed Genson press conference
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
• Press conference is over.
• Genson said he is Considering a challenge to the validity of the state’s impeachment standards in the federal courts
• “The constitution, the laws are lacking” (referring to the lack of standards beyond just 60 votes)
• “this is a real witch hunt”. (referring to the public climate not the hearings)
• “Minimum standard should be clear and convincing or even reasonable doubt”
• Genson on why he is asking for a state subsidy: He is entitled to be represented by the attorny general”
• 2:36 pm - “my client may or may not testify… He was planning to make a statement Friday but maybe not until next week…
• 2:32 pm - Genson: “What we have seen so far is insufficient… It’s just not right”
* 2:25 pm - The governor’s attorney Ed Genson is planning to hold a press conference at the Statehouse “blue room” in a few minutes. You can listen to the live stream at Springfield Public Radio’s WUIS by clicking here.
Please, confine your comments only to the press conference. We’ve got tons of threads for other stuff. Thanks.
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Must-listen audio
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From WUIS Radio…
Near the end of a [1993] legislative session…tempers become short and frustration sets in. The frustration level seems to be highest among freshmen. Some say they were naive in expecting to be included in the end of session negotiations. WSSU’s Mary McNeil talks with freshmen representatives…including Rod Blagojevich.
WUIS looked for that recording after a Capitol Fax commenter mentioned the interview yesterday. Listen by clicking here.
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* 1:51 pm - The Illinois Supreme Court has rejected Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s motion to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office or strip his powers. The justices rejected the motion without comment.
* From AG Madigan…
Statement from Attorney General Lisa Madigan
I am disappointed in the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision.
Because of Governor Blagojevich’s refusal to resign, the State of Illinois is in an unsustainable situation. The serious criminal charges against Governor Blagojevich strike directly at the heart of his decision-making process and seriously impede his ability to legitimately exercise the powers of his office. Thus, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the impeachment process move forward, the State is left with a Governor who cannot make effective decisions on critical and time-sensitive issues.
The Illinois Constitution expressly gives the Supreme Court the authority to determine whether the Governor has the ability to serve. Given this constitutional provision, on behalf of the People of the State of Illinois, I sought relief in the Illinois Supreme Court to temporarily remove Governor Blagojevich so that the State could continue to function while the U.S. Attorney and the General Assembly proceed. The Constitution does not require the Illinois Supreme Court to act.
I am hopeful that the General Assembly will act with deliberate speed. It is imperative that we begin to restore the People’s confidence in their government.
* Press release from the two Republican legislative leaders…
Dear President Jones and Speaker Madigan:
In light of the Illinois Supreme Court’s rejection of the Attorney General’s request to remove Governor Blagojevich from office and the appropriately deliberative nature of the impeachment proceedings, we believe it is imperative that Illinois move immediately to set a Special Election date for the U.S. Senate vacancy.
Last week, you both scheduled special session dates to do just that. However, during both the House and Senate sessions this week, both of you refused to even allow debate on measures to strip the governor of his appointment powers, even after both of you publicly stated support for such efforts.
As representatives of the state of Illinois, we are called upon to be leaders. It is our obligation to ensure that the wishes of the many are carried out to the very best of our abilities. In light of the very serious charges brought against Governor Blagojevich and the formation of an impeachment committee, it is obvious that he cannot be allowed to appoint the successor to President-elect Obama’s seat. Any appointment to fill this seat by any single individual will be met with skepticism and questioned on ethical standards.
We ask you to call the Illinois General Assembly into Special Session immediately to take up action on legislation that would call for a special election to replace President-elect Obama. There is one group of people we can be sure that has not been tainted by political corruption in Illinois, and that is the electorate.
Sincerely,
Tom Cross
Christine Radogno
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Impeachment watch
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* 2:15 pm - Adjourned until 10 o’clock tomorrow morning.
* 2:14 pm - Currie: Tomorrow’s hearing will focus on whether the governor has exceeded his authority on administrative rules, plus FOIA stuff.
* 2:12 pm - Rep. Durkin: We have the right to accept hearsay. It’s up to the Senate to decide whether or not to use it.
* 2:06 pm - Genson on where to draw the line on impeachment: “I would offer for your consideration that the line should be based on evidence… due process.. and confrontation (of witnesses).”
“Sitting there listening to hearsay upon hearsay is inappropriate.”
* 2:01 pm - Genson: Ali Ata is a convicted perjurer. “He pled guilty with the idea that he, Mr. Ata, was going to be able to ask for probation… anything he says has no value for your consideration because you are dealing with a convicted perjurer.”
Neither of the plea agreements of Ata and Joe Cari are sworn. They’re signed but not sworn, Genson said, pointing out that the committee’s rules required signed and sworn statements. Genson also claimed Cari is a “convicted extortionist.”
* 1:58 pm - “This is Alice in Wonderland!” Genson just exclaimed about the trick-box his client is in regarding the use of the federal wiretaps.
* 1:54 pm - Genson is now claiming that using information from the wiretaps is “illegal.”
• 1:30 pm - Dave Ellis has moved on to the Ali Ata allegations. Mainly they are just eating up time today. At least, so far.
Also, they may wrap up the week tomorrow and take the weekend off while they await some documents, etc.
* 12:38 pm - 15 minute recess.
* 12:32 pm - If you’re having problems with the House’s video/audio feeds, WGN TV has a feed on its page. Click here.
Also, the Daily Herald has a story up about something we mentioned earlier below: Blagojevich attorney trying to get taxpayers to foot impeachment defense tab
* 12:24 pm - There are a few stories online right now… AP: Blagojevich attorney challenges impeachment panel… SJ-R: Governor’s lawyer sparks fireworks at hearing… CBS2: Gov’s Attorney Comes Out Swinging At Impeachment - Ed Genson Complains Blagojevich Cannot Get A Fair Hearing… USA Today: Republicans want more seats on Blagojevich impeachment committee…
• 12:03 pm - I’m hearing the committee is expected to wrap things up much quicker than some had thought. One reason is there is no expectation that Fitz will cooperate. A story in the SJ-R today quoted someone predicting a late January finish. Not so, I’m told.
Also, I am updating from my iPhone so please forgive typos and abbreviations. Thanks.
• 11;44 am - Genson also claimed that introducing the fed complaint was illegal. But the code he cited dealt with courts only so that was dismissed as well.
Earlier, Genson asked for the state to pay his defense costs. Denied, told to take his request to the attorney general.
• 11:42 am - Genson said he wants subpoena powers and more time to prepare. Both denied. Currie: this is not a court.
• 11:38 am - Genson wants members recused, including Reps Black, Traccy and Black, based on their previous positions on this case. They made comments which showed they can’t be fair. Currie: Committee is not in a position to expel members.
* The House impeachment committee meets today at 11 o’clock. Watch or listen to it live by clicking here.
Please help those who can’t watch by live-blogging the events in comments. I’ll be at the hearing as well, so I may or may not be able to post much.
Do not use this post to comment on other items, please. Stick to the hearing, and only the hearing. Thanks.
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* There has been much back and forth over whether Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s motion at the Illinois Supreme Court is the right thing to do. AG Madigan wants the Supremes to remove Blagojevich from office, or at least transfer his powers to Lt. Gov. Quinn.
You can refresh your memory by going here, here and here.
* The Question: Is this the right thing to do, or does it set too much of a dangerous precedent? Explain fully, please.
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Jackson has everyone scratching their heads
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This is a strange story on more than one level…
Shortly after his 2002 election, Gov. Rod Blagojevich told U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd) he’d planned to appoint Jackson’s wife as state lottery director but didn’t because the congressman refused his request for a $25,000 campaign donation, a person familiar with the conversation told The Associated Press Tuesday.
“Blagojevich went out of his way to say, ‘You know I was considering your wife for the lottery job and the $25,000 you didn’t give me? That’s why she’s not getting the job,’ ” the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing federal investigation.
Jackson spokesman Kenneth Edmonds declined to comment on the account but said Jackson has approached federal investigators to discuss the governor and others for years.
“He has shared information with federal prosecutors about public corruption during the past several years, including information about Blagojevich and others,” Edmonds said. […]
The person did not know whether Jackson’s wife, Sandi, who since has been elected to the Chicago City Council, had asked for the state lottery job. At the time, Blagojevich was the first incoming Democratic governor after years of Republican rule.
“The governor had kind of penciled Sandi in as lottery director and then asked for contributions from the congressman,” the person said.
Blagojevich and Jackson, Jr. had a major falling out before th 2002 primary. Jackson had promised an endorsement and then reneged. Blagojevich never forgave him. Ever. That’s one reason why I never thought that Blagojevich would appoint Jackson to the seat.
* The story began with this report from ABC7…
ABC7 has learned that since late last summer, the congressman has worked with federal prosecutors, informing on an alleged Blagojevich administration scheme two and half years earlier. […]
Then last summer, weeks after Rezko was found guilty of un-related corruption, the U.S. Attorney’s Office interviewed the congressman as a possible witness against the governor in the Peotone matter. […]
Hours before Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were arrested, Jackson says prosecutors gave him a ‘courtesy call’ to let him know he was mentioned in the criminal complaint.
The revelations prompted a rash of speculation amongst the DC and local talking heads. What the heck was this all about?
As I’ve told you before, the “courtesty call” claim doesn’t appear to be true. Jackson made no bones about the third airport stuff a while back, but this is the first time we’ve heard about the Lottery appointment.
* And then the congressman’s office released this statement last night at about 6:30 from spokesman Kenneth Edmonds…
“As a responsible citizen and elected official, Congressman Jackson has in the past provided information to federal authorities regarding his personal knowledge of perceived corruption and governmental misconduct. This was completely unrelated to the current federal investigation regarding the U.S. Senate appointment. And it is absolutely inaccurate to describe the Congressman as an informant.”
Parse away.
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* A good summary to start off the conversation…
Following the lead of their counterparts in the House, Senate Democrats blocked a plan Tuesday to hold a special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. […]
That would take a change in state law, but Democrats in both the Illinois House and Senate declined to take action on such a change this week. The Senate adjourned Tuesday afternoon and doesn’t plan to meet again until next year.
As Democrats adjourned the Senate, Republicans yelled loudly from across the aisle, imploring top lawmakers to debate the notion of a special election.
Democrats declined, and the power to appoint a new U.S. senator still belongs to Blagojevich for now.
* Here’s a more than slightly ominous quote…
“Now that this bill is not coming, the powers remain with him to appoint a senator,” spokesman Lucio Guerrero said, adding that he didn’t know what Blagojevich planned to do. “It is still his responsibility until - the powers are taken from him.”
Even God couldn’t help the Democratic Party if the governor goes ahead and makes the appointment.
* Senate President Emil Jones came up with a goofy alternative yesterday…
Jones, who has clashed bitterly with Quinn over utility rate-freeze legislation and a failed constitutional amendment allowing for the recall of corrupt officeholders, moved [yesterday] to push a bill that would strip the governor of the appointment power and give that authority to Secretary of State Jesse White.
“He’s the only out there who has indicated he doesn’t want to be governor so get a neutral more or less. That’s the only reason,” Jones said, when asked about the motivation behind that idea, which could resurface when the Senate returns to Springfield in Springfield.
Jones denied that the idea, which he said could surface as legislation when the Senate returns to Springfield next month, was a shot at his enemy, Quinn.
“No, no, that has nothing to do with it,” Jones said before adding a dig at the Sun-Times, which has endorsed another political enemy, U.S. Rep. esse Jackson Jr., for the vacant Senate post. “Maybe let the Sun-Times. They want to pick everyone.”
* The GOP is attempting to use the issue to gain some traction…
Republicans at the state and national level railed at the Democratic-led decision of the full legislature to adjourn until mid-January, effectively ending hopes for a special election to fill Obama’s seat
* Mark Brown is duly impressed…
Showing themselves more nimble than I can remember in many years, state Republicans are milking this for all it’s worth.
Since Monday, the Illinois Republican Party has been airing a stinging ad on cable television across the state, criticizing the prospect of Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, making the appointment if he ascends to the governor’s office.
* More on the GOP react and their new ads…
The Illinois GOP will not say how much it’s spending on ads criticizing Democrats, particularly Quinn, for their position on a special election. A spokesman said the ad is running on cable television in markets that include Springfield and Chicago.
The Republican National Committee has put together an Internet video on the topic that notes Obama’s connections to Blagojevich.
The video, titled “Questions Remain,” shows pictures of Obama with the governor, along with an array of headlines about Blagojevich’s arrest. It includes a 2006 quote from Obama saying he would be happy to help the governor’s re-election effort, if asked.
The video doesn’t mention two key facts: that prosecutors say they have no reason to think Obama did anything illegal or that federal wiretaps recorded Blagojevich saying Obama’s team was refusing to cut any deal on the Senate seat.
* And the Tribune editorial board forgets about the past twelve months…
Democratic leaders are scrambling to limit the political fallout from the Blagojevich scandal. Sometimes they have sounded ludicrous. We heard Madigan proclaim Monday on “Chicago Tonight” that Republicans have been the real “enablers” of Blagojevich.
Come on.
When Blagojevich ran for re-election in 2006, Madigan was his campaign co-chairman. Obama supported Blagojevich. Quinn stood by his running mate: “In all my interactions with him, I’ve found him to be an honest person, and I believe he’s telling the truth,” Quinn said.
Democrats lined up behind their governor even though they knew he was under investigation for just the kind of pay-to-play maneuvering that snared him last week. (One notable exception: Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan did not endorse him.)
The House and Senate Republicans were frothing at the mouth to cut a multi-billion dollar capital deal with the governor right up to the very end. In that way, they most certainly “enabled” Blagojevich.
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Was Blagojevich a bookie?
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The fact that Cooley has been telling this story for years seems to support his claims, but people are coming outta the woodwork in Chicago right now, so try to take a deep breath as you read this…
[Robert Cooley] was a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago in the late 1980’s who became one of the most potent witnesses against Chicago corruption, testifying for federal prosecutors in cases that resulted in dozens of convictions.
Cooley says that before Rod Blagojevich got into politics he was a bookmaker on the North Side who regularly paid the Chicago mob to operate. […]
Several years ago, when Mr. Blagojevich was running for re-election, Cooley provided the same information to the ABC7 I-Team. Because Cooley did not want to be identified at the time and the governor denied it, ABC7 did not report the story.
On Tuesday, Cooley spoke on the record.
He told ABC7 that Mr. Blagojevich regularly paid a so-called street tax to Robert “Bobby the Boxer” Abbinanti, a convicted outfit gambling collector. In the early 1980’s, Abbinanti was working for convicted West Side mob boss Marco D’amico. Bookies pay street taxes to the crime syndicate in exchange for being allowed to operate such a racket.
“I predicted five years ago when he ran the first time that he was a hands on person who would be selling every position in the state of Illinois and that it exactly what happened,” said Cooley.
*Semi-related rehash from yesterday afternoon…
* Rod Blagojevich pal Christopher Kelly to plead guilty in tax fraud case
* Is Rezko Still Relevant to Prosecutors?
* Delayed Rezko sentencing may mean more trouble for gov
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Impeachment roundup
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This passage from today’s SJ-R gets it right…
But lawmakers and others are quick to note the House investigation isn’t a legal proceeding. It’s a political process aimed at deciding whether Blagojevich is still able to govern.
“Our determination is not to find the governor guilty. Our task is to determine whether he’s capable of leading this state,” said Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago.
Kent Redfield, a political scientist at the University of Illinois at Springfield, says that creates a different expectation of what’s fair as lawmakers begin to grill Blagojevich and his administration in coming weeks.
“This is not about a murder that took place in Chicago or a bank robbery in Cairo. This is about running the state of Illinois,” Redfield said. “It’s a political decision, a political judgment, and so fair is not really the right term to use.”
* But one of the governor’s criminal lawyers has set the bar too high…
Another Blagojevich lawyer, Sheldon Sorosky, criticized the fast-moving impeachment process and, in particular, a Monday invitation from the committee for the governor to attend today’s hearing.
“In House Speaker Madigan’s press release regarding the Special Committee, he stressed that it was imperative that due process not be sacrificed for expediency’s sake,’ The Special Committee is failing to follow the speaker’s directive,” Sorosky wrote to Madigan’s chief legal counsel, David Ellis.
“By giving the governor and his counsel such short notice to be present before the Special Committee, the governor’s right to due process is being violated. Speaker Madigan’s demand’ not to allow passion and anger to overtake fidelity to the constitution and rule of law’ are being made empty words’ in light of lack of reasonable notice,” Sorosky said in a letter released by the House impeachment panel.
Impeachment is more like a grand jury than a criminal trial, and it’s not even that. The state constitution tasks the House with determining “the existence of cause for impeachment,” and then proceeding with impeachment itself. The committee is now determining if there is cause for impeachment.
And always keep in mind that impeachment is not a criminal process, with all the US Constitution’s protections involved, it’s a political process controlled by the House alone.
* Genson has no legal or constitutional right to demand anything at all. Keep that in mind today when he attends the impeachment committee hearing…
The attorney, Ed Genson, planned to attend Wednesday’s meeting of a special Illinois House committee reviewing potential impeachment and may provide the first hint of the embattled Democratic governor’s strategy.
Genson, a famously tough Chicago trial attorney, could signal that his legal team will participate fully in the committee’s work by cross-examining witnesses and arguing Blagojevich’s case. Or he could challenge the committee, perhaps arguing its review shouldn’t go forward for some reason.
* Some of this is right, some of it may not be…
The federal charges against Blagojevich represent the most scandalous information to be reviewed by the House committee. But with the investigation continuing and FBI officials saying they would not assist the impeachment, it is doubtful the criminal charges will play the biggest role in the proceedings.
Still, the criminal acts alleged to have been committed by Blagojevich provided lawmakers with a reason to proceed with impeachment after quietly discussing it for years.
The panel is expected to base its recommendation largely on actions Blagojevich has taken in the governor’s chair, including allegations of official misconduct, abuse of power and failing to follow state law. Specific acts include a questionable $1 million grant to a private Chicago school, spending millions of public dollars on outdated flu vaccines and expanding a costly health care program without legislative approval or the money to pay for it.
The committee also is expected to consider the guilty pleas of two Blagojevich donors on federal corruption charges. Ali Ata, a former agency director, said he gave Blagojevich a $25,000 donation and was later rewarded with a high-paid state job. Joseph Cari, a former national Democratic finance chairman, testified that Blagojevich discussed trading state contracts for campaign contributions.
* More on Genson…
With a curly mane of graying red hair and the demeanor of the late British dramatic actor Charles Laughton, Genson is a performance artist. He’s has been known to crack his cane across a defense table for the sheer theater of it or to bellow, “I am not your sweetie!” to a prosecution witness who dared address him as such. His presence fills up a courtroom and gives judges heartburn.
* And the governor is still not talking… much…
“I can’t wait to begin to tell my side of the story,” he said prior to going running through his Ravenswood neighborhood. “I’m dying to talk to the people of Illinois.”
A chipper Blagojevich added he would not be attending impeachment hearings in Springfield today, but he told reporters to “hang loose” while heading back into his house.
* Related…
* Road to impeachment is long; court action needed
* Illinois officials, governor’s attorney set for showdown
* Some answers about what will happen in Springfield
* State Capitol Q&A: Blagojevich’s potential impeachment
* Impeachment Day 1 now w/ Quote of the Day Reporter: What could the governor have done? Giannoulias: “Not get arrested.”
* Blagojevich scandal biggest non-election, non-economy story of the year
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Admitted nitpicking
Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Overall, this isn’t a bad story by the AP about the relationship between Speaker Michael Madigan and Gov. Rod Blagojevich. It’s incomplete, but this is the AP here.
Still, I have a couple of nits to pick with the piece. I wouldn’t otherwise bother, but Illinois is such a gigantic national story right now that it seemed worthwhile as I wait on some phone calls to be returned…
The relationship started to sour not long after Blagojevich finished taking the oath of office in 2003. After seemingly agreeing on a budget plan with Democratic lawmakers, he went home and vetoed big chunks of it.
The relationship soured when Blagojevich was in the Illinois House, but that’s neither here nor there. Also, don’t forget Madigan’s “indiscretions” remark from the 2002 campaign in response to a thwack by Blagojevich on pork projects. That relationship was sour way before Rod Blagojevich was sworn into office.
Anyway, the governor did not “seemingly” agree to a budget plan. He agreed to it. He shook hands on it. He gave his word. And almost everyone else involved with that budget agreement was furious at the governor. Secretary of State Jesse White practically had steam coming out of his ears after the guv reduced his budget.
Madigan, a slight man who shows little emotion in public, also has been offended by the bombastic, glad-handing Blagojevich’s personal behavior.
To the best of my knowledge, Madigan isn’t offended by glad-handers. The next few sentences disprove the AP author’s theory…
That was apparent at the 2004 funeral of state Sen. Vince Demuzio.
“Madigan told me … Blagojevich was late, he kept the priest awaiting and then he didn’t even go to the cemetery,” said Charles Wheeler, head of the Public Affairs Reporting program at the University of Illinois at Springfield. “He bopped in, held up the Mass, and you could just tell that to Madigan it was the protocol equivalent of mooning the congregation.”
Blagojevich’s tardiness and boorish attitude at the funeral of one of the most revered politicians in Illinois is what ticked off Madigan and everyone else who was there. Statehouse types still talk about the governor’s reprehensible conduct as if it was yesterday.
But Blagojevich hit one of Madigan’s biggest nerves — his sensitivity to suggestions that he got his daughter her job and calls the shots for her — in 2004, after Lisa Madigan shut down Blagojevich’s plan to mortgage the state’s Chicago headquarters. She said the move was unconstitutional, but Blagojevich accused her of retaliating against him on her father’s behalf.
“I don’t want to get involved in a family deal here but, you know, it’s her father,” Blagojevich said. “I’ve got two daughters. I hope they back me on stuff that I do.”
After the governor made that comment, Lisa Madigan was immediately defended by just about every political journalist and editorial writer in Illinois. Speaker Madigan got such a kick out of the media reaction that he personally thanked the governor for his comments.
Also, I’m pretty sure that Madigan fully understands that his daughter is a big girl now. She chose this business, she has to take the potshots that go with the turf.
…Adding… This MSNBC talking head seems to be outraged with Madigan because Rep. Bill Black got all angry on the House floor yesterday during the debate on the special election. Apparently, nobody told her that Black throws a tantrum every day. lol…
…Adding… I really despise the national press corpse…
But the whiff of scandal has hit [Pat Quinn] too. While a state treasurer from 1991-95, he accepted nearly $20,000 from a company tied to Tony Rezko
More from the piece…
As Blagojevich and his predecessors have shown, it doesn’t take too long to be corrupted by the same power that has swallowed four of the past eight governors.
[Sigh]
George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich were both inclined to corrupt misbehavior going into the office. The corruption isn’t just this ethereal dark force forcing good men to do bad things.
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* A new poll commissioned by the Illinois Republican Party finds strong support for a special election…
Two-thirds (66%) of the electorate favors the state legislature passing a new law requiring a special election to fill Barack Obama’s unexpired term as US Senator rather than letting the Governor pick the next US Senator. Only 26% oppose a special election.
This large majority support for a special election is strongest among Republicans (74%) but is also strong among Democrats (64%) and Independents (65%). In the collar counties and downstate, the support for a special election is huge (71% and 70% respectively).
* And this is what I’ve been talking about when I say that anyone with close or even not-so-close ties to Blagojevich is severely tainted in voters’ minds…
70% of voters would be less likely to vote for a candidate for office in Illinois who supported or endorsed Rod Blagojevich’s reelection for Governor in 2006 even though he was already under investigation for 3-years.
The “less likely to vote” result is strongest among Republicans (82%) but is also strong among Democrats (66%), Independents (66%), and voters in Cook County (65%), City of Chicago (65%) and the collar counties (76%). Clearly, Democrats who are tied to Blagojevich are vulnerable.
* More…
An overwhelming majority (79%) believes things in Illinois are headed off on the wrong track. Only 14% thinks things are going in the right direction. This very strong negative sentiment cuts across party lines.
Regardless of party affiliation, most Illinois voters (88%) have an unfavorable opinion of Rod Blagojevich. Only 8% has a favorable opinion of him.
* Methodology…
This Illinois statewide survey of 600 likely voters was conducted on December 15, 2008 by McLaughlin & Associates. All interviews were conducted by professional interviewers via telephone.
* Click the pic for a better look at the internals…
* We also have some info on a couple of potential GOP gubernatorial candidates. From Crain’s…
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce annouced that it has granted a leave of absence to its president, Doug Whitley, so he can “pursue personal goals, perhaps including a future political career.” The leave takes effect on Jan. 1 and comes after months in which Mr. Whitley was said to be testing the gubernatorial waters.
* Also from Crain’s…
U.S. Housing Secretary Steven Preston, who’s mulling a run for governor of Illinois in 2010, effectively makes his debut speech as a candidate for the GOP nomination Tuesday.
In the wake of Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s arrest and criminal charges last week, Mr. Preston revised a long-scheduled speech on housing issues in Chicago to focus on “leadership, accountability and transparency in government.” […]
“I’ve chatted with a couple of people about the needs of the state,” said Mr. Preston, a native of Janesville, Wis., who got his degree in political science at Northwestern University and considered a career in public service before getting into banking and moving up the corporate ladder. “Anyone who runs has to do a lot of soul-searching.”
*** UPDATE *** Mayor Daley reacts…
Republicans have accused Democrats of opposing a special election because they’re afraid an anti-Blagojevich backlash could pave the way for a GOP candidate to take Barack Obama’s seat in the U.S. Senate.
But, Daley denied the motive is politics.
“You cannot, because an individual does something wrong, change everything dealing with that office. You only have less than two years [until the next election]. It’s about thirty-to-fifty million dollars. That’s a lot of money,” Daley said.
“Whoever becomes the governor — if the lieutenant governor comes in — then, he has the responsibility [to appoint the next senator]. That’s the responsibility of the governor. If [Gov. David] Paterson can do it in New York, why cannot they do it here?”
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[Bumped up for visibility]
* 10:36 AM - More trouble for the guv…
Jailed political fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko’s sentencing has been postponed indefinitely, possibly adding to the legal problems of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who already is facing federal charges.
The order came at a one-minute hearing Tuesday amid speculation that Rezko has resumed talking to prosecutors about his relationship with Blagojevich and other figures in the federal investigation of state government.
But Rezko’s chief defense counsel, Joseph Duffy, declined to comment.
*** 12:13 PM *** The walls are closing in…
Another card may have fallen in the governor’s house of cards. Christopher Kelly - one of Gov. Blagojevich’s closest advisers, fund-raisers and friends - is set to plead guilty in his federal criminal case, according to a court filing.
*** 12:31 PM *** From the AP…
A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. tells The Associated Press the congressman has been talking to federal investigators about his dealings with Gov. Rod Blagojevich since summertime.
Spokesman Rick Bryant wouldn’t give details of those discussions Tuesday morning.
But a report from WLS-TV in Chicago cites unidentified sources as saying Jackson has told investigators Blagojevich wouldn’t appoint Jackson’s wife as state lottery director because Jackson wouldn’t donate $25,000 to the governor’s campaign fund.
*** 2:01 PM *** It’s not too difficult to read between the lines of Mayor Daley’s comments today…
Pressed on whether the state is “rudderless” with Blagojevich at the helm, Daley said, “It’s gonna be very, very difficult.You have economic problems in every home and every business. Every city and county and township and every state [has financial problems]. It’s not unique.
“So, you need a person 24 hours [a-day], seven-days-a-week who cannot ever be distracted on any other issue.”
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[Bumped up x2 for more visibility]
* The House impeachment committee begins its work at 10 o’clock this morning. Listen or watch by clicking here. [NOTE: There was a problem with the feed, but it’s now fixed.]
* The Illinois Senate convenes today at 10 o’clock as well. Listen or watch here.
It would be very helpful to all of us if some of you would take it upon yourselves to live blog the proceedings in both chambers. Thanks.
*** 10:51 AM *** House Majority Leader Barb Currie, who is the impeachment committee chairman, just disclosed that the governor’s criminal defense lawyer, Ed Genson, will arrive at tomorrow’s hearing.
Currie also said the committee wanted to call Alia Ata, John Harris, and others as witnesses, but won’t until they get clearance from US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
*** 10:57 AM *** The impeachment committee is adjourned until 11 o’clock tomorrow morning.
*** 12:03 PM *** WGN is reporting that Gov. Rod Blagojevich will attend tomorrow’s House impeachment hearing.
*** 12:15 PM *** WGN story doesn’t appear to be true. From the governor’s press secretary…
“No, he’s not attending the hearing tomorrow.”
*** 12:24 PM *** The Senate is now advancing a resolution to create a committe that will recommend the Senate’s rules for the impeachment process.
The committee’s nine Democratic members are: Cullerton, Clayborne, Haine, Harmon, Silverstein.
*** 12:35 PM *** The Senate is adjourning. They’re taking a roll call because the Republicans complained about the Dems not calling a special election bill to replace Barack Obama. 35-20-0. Motion carries. Senate adjourns without taking action on the elections proposals.
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Question of the day
Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Most of us have read the criminal complaint against the governor and seen all the coverage, the jokesters, the pundits, the whatever discuss the governor’s mental state.
In your opinion, is Gov. Rod Blagojevich suffering from some sort of mental illness? Or is he just a common alleged criminal? Somewhere in between? Explain.
No snark, please. I’m serious about that.
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Our train wreck of a government
Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Rod Blagojevich train wreck may be mitigated somewhat by a judge…
The state Department of Natural Resources may lack the power to close state parks to the public, a McLean County judge has ruled in a lawsuit challenging the closure of Moraine View State Park near LeRoy.
“The court finds nothing in plaintiff’s allegations that would show a manifestation of legislative intent to permit the agency to totally close the parks,” Judge Michael Prall said in his denial of a state motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Thomas Pliura.
The ruling released Monday does not mean seven parks and several historic sites closed Dec. 1 by the state DNR under an order from Gov. Rod Blagojevich will be reopened at this point. But if Prall rules favorably after hearing arguments on Pliura’s request for a temporary restraining order, the state’s closures could be reversed, Pliura said.
* But the problems persist from almost all other corners…
Fitch Ratings cut the credit rating yesterday on $19.1 billion of Illinois bonds because of concern the governor’s legal woes will make it more difficult to deal with a $2 billion budget deficit.
Standard & Poor’s has said it may lower the state’s credit rating in response to Blagojevich’s arrest, which would add millions of dollars to borrowing costs, according to Scott Burnham, a spokesman for Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.
* The Tribune editorializes on yet another topic that could cost the state serious money…
The Illinois Gaming Board could decide Tuesday where it will reactivate the state’s 10th casino license. We hope the board doesn’t put the urgency to create new tax revenue for Springfield ahead of thoroughly investigating the three finalists. Here’s why:
The FBI complaint filed against the governor of Illinois last week discusses his alleged fundraising efforts in connection with a bill affecting the casino and horse-racing industries. Hmm. And some people still wonder why public officials and law-enforcement agencies need to apply extraordinary scrutiny to industries that involve gambling.
The bill would extend the life of existing law that subsidizes the state’s racetracks with revenue from its largest casinos. The FBI complaint suggests that the alleged Blagojevich fundraising effort was tied to his expected decision to sign the bill. That would help the racing industry and take money from the casinos.
Is it possible, though, that investors in any of the three casino license applicants were involved in lobbying the governor’s office on this bill, either for or against it? We do expect the Gaming Board to know those answers before it votes on where to put a casino.
* And the governor actually vetoed a bill yesterday…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich vetoed Monday a bill that would have extended a Hoffman Estates development district.
Hoffman Estates officials wanted the TIF district at Barrington and Higgins roads extended another 12 years in hopes it would generate money for a $100 million full-service hotel next to the Stonegate Conference Centre.
Officials say the hotel would have created 200 jobs.
“We’re going to try to override the governor’s veto and get the bill passed again,” Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod said.
The TIF was established in 1986 and expires next year. McLeod said he wasn’t told why Blagojevich vetoed the bill. The governor’s office wasn’t available immediately for comment.
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Special election foiled by House Dems
Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Heartening news…
Secretary of State Jesse White said Monday he would block any appointment Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s makes for the state’s empty U.S. Senate seat, should the governor make one.
“I will not accept that nomination,” White said. “I would block it.”
Blagojevich has been urged by a chorus of Illinois officials not to make the pick after being arrested on federal corruption charges last week.
White would have to sign off on Blagojevich’s choice, but it has been unclear whether his role was simply a matter of handling paperwork.
* The headline on today’s Drudge Report was: “Illinois Democrats Let Blago Retain Senate Appointment.” Oof. Here’s the story…
Democrats in the Illinois House of Representatives postponed stripping Governor Rod Blagojevich’s power to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama that prosecutors say Blagojevich tried to sell. […]
Republicans said Democrats, who hold a 67-51 majority in the chamber, seek to avoid a loss of the seat to the GOP in a special election.
“Shame on you,” Representative William Black, deputy leader of Republicans in the House, shouted during a debate in the state capitol building in Springfield. “We had an opportunity to limit the power of this governor and you refused.” […]
“It’s extremely disappointing that Democratic leaders in Illinois are ignoring bipartisan calls for a special election,” Robert Duncan, chairman of the Republican National Committee, said in a statement distributed on PRNewswire.
* More GOP react…
“Tonight the world has seen up close the hypocrisy of Illinois politics,” decried Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna. “The people of Illinois deserve better.”
* There are fewer and fewer “bipartisan calls for a special election,” particularly from Illinois’ county clerks, who would have to run (and pay for) the thing…
Election officials statewide say they don’t have the money to pay for a special election that could be held to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat. […]
Officials have floated statewide special election cost projections between $30 million and $50 million - running individual counties anywhere from tens of thousand of dollars to as much as $8 million in Cook County’s Chicago suburbs. Chicago’s expenses could hit $16 million.
Clerks say they don’t have that money in their budgets. “We just hope the Legislature considers the additional expenses,” said Stacey Kern, director of the Sangamon County election office in Springfield. “It’s going to cost us. Hopefully they’ll do right the thing and find some funds for us.”
County Clerk Joe Aiello estimated a special election would cost Sangamon $300,000 - a huge burden for a county that recently offered employees voluntary severance packages and is looking to cut more expenses. Aiello said the county could tap its general fund, but that likely would mean cuts elsewhere.
* Back to the Repubs…
Republicans say a special election would erase the stain that Blagojevich has left on the Senate appointment in the wake of the allegations against him.
“I think the people’s trust in the state of Illinois has been shattered,” said state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington. […]
“The best disinfectant in a democracy is the people,” said state Rep. Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville.
Except “the people” elected George Ryan over and over again (lt. governor, secretary of state and governor) and elected Rod Blagojevich governor twice. But I see the point.
* A national pundit sucks his thumb…
Quinn might logically choose Lisa Madigan, the state’s popular attorney general. But there’s a problem there, too. Knowledgeable Illinois Democrats say that Madigan would vastly prefer to be governor, a job her dad, state House Speaker Michael Madigan, would also like her to get. Yet if Quinn were to take over from Blagojevich, he might well build up his own popularity and thus block Lisa Madigan’s ascension to the governorship.
* And Obama is staying mum…
Obama has not said whether he supports a special election or an appointment from Quinn should Blagojevich step down or be removed from office. Obama has only called on lawmakers to do what is “appropriate,” without explanation.
Thoughts?
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Photo of the day
Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From Gawker…
In 1980, a vacationing Rod Blagojevich camped in front of Richard Nixon’s home, with a friend, until the pariah ex-president emerged and this picture was taken.
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Impeachment thoughts and roundup
Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* There’s just no way to tell how long the impeachment process will take…
The estimated timeline has ranged from a few weeks to a few months. Madigan said the governor’s decision about whether to attend the proceedings as “invited” could play into how long the process takes. “If he does not appear personally or through an agent, it will greatly shorten the proceedings of the committee. If he appears personally or through an agent, it will lengthen the proceedings of the committee. That’s all I can tell you.”
* It’s also very likely that the committee will continue to meet, at least briefly, after the new General Assembly is sworn in on January 14th…
If the proceedings run into the next General Assembly, which is scheduled to start January 15, committee members said they would vote to allow their work to carry over.
There will likely be no problem with that.
* The Chicago Tribune is exactly right today…
Can the governor be impeached by the House and stripped of office by the Illinois Senate on the basis only of Fitzgerald’s criminal complaint?
Our belief: Yes. But there are reasons for this action beyond the criminal complaint, including the governor’s efforts to usurp the power of the legislature. The governor has lost his capacity to lead, and should be ousted from office so someone else can guide state government at this treacherous time. Separately, whatever happens in court, happens in court.
Right on, Tribsters.
* And before anyone else editorializes or writes a column about the impeachment process, I suggest they Google “Evan Mecham.” For example…
My guess is that at this point, Blagojevich would go to the state Supreme Court and attempt to block the impeachment proceedings, claiming that he’s being investigated by federal prosecutors for criminal conduct and cannot defend himself against impeachment for fear of compromising his right against self-incrimination.
The Supreme Court justices, all of whom have respect for the trial process, might be likely to accept that sort of argument.
Highly doubtful. Arizona Gov. Mecham was impeached and removed while awaiting trial on corruption charges. The Arizona constitution has a “high crimes and misdemeanors” component, unlike Illinois’ constitution, but the courts there refused to step in.
More…
I still don’t see how you can use the current federal charges against Blagojevich as the basis for an impeachment proceeding and expect him to be able to fairly defend himself.
Mecham argued that defending himself in the Senate trial would compromise his criminal trial. Too bad, the state Supremes ruled. Deal with it.
Impeachment is a political process, not a courtroom legal process. People need to stop thinking like a criminal defense lawyer and start treating this as a constitutional legislative process.
More…
At every turn, state officials need to consult with the U.S. attorney’s office to ensure they’re not working at cross-purposes. It would be counterproductive, for example, for the committee to interview witnesses before the feds got to them.
Maybe so, but Illinois has the right and the duty to deal with this as it sees fit. And Fitz has been consulted…
Rep. Gary Hannig, a Litchfield Democrat who will serve on the committee, said Fitzgerald had neither ruled out nor committed himself to helping the legislative inquiry.
“He said, ‘Give us a list of what you want, and we will talk about it,’” Hannig said.
* And I’m not too worried about this, either…
House Republican Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, supported the impeachment effort, but he echoed concerns about gridlock in government during the impeachment process.
“Will the state function? No. The state’s going to be on hold,” Cross said at a news conference after Madigan’s announcement.
Or this…
The impeachment and trial of Blagojevich would slow state government to an even greater crawl. Springfield would morph from turtle to snail. As little as state lawmakers have accomplished in the last year, imagine how little they would do while also juggling an impeachment.
Blagojevich’s arrest has halted everything anyway. Nobody can do a deal with him now, so impeachment is neither here nor there. We are paralyzed with or without it.
* And I checked with Madigan on this last night and was told there was no such plan…
Hours after Madigan announced the committee’s formation at a Monday news conference, a member of his staff contacted The State Journal-Register and said the committee Thursday will take testimony from journalists who have had trouble getting answers to requests made under the state Freedom of Information Act.
* This kind of stuff does worry me, however…
Republicans complained that Madigan stacked the committee with 12 Democratic members, but just nine GOP members.
“It’s obvious Speaker Madigan is trying to manipulate the whole process,” said state Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Spring.
That goofy debate went on forever. Republicans whined, Democrats attacked, etc. It was a truly disgusting display of partisanship at a time when the House should’ve come together as one. Disgusting.
* And this dismissive tone needs to stop…
“Impeachment talk’s nothing new for this governor,” Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero told reporters in Chicago, shrugging off the creation of an impeachment committee that meets for the first time today — one week after Blagojevich’s arrest stunned Illinois and the nation. “They’ve been talking about it for a long time.”
They’ve been talking about it for a long time for a very good reason. Downplaying impeachment is almost as goofy as allegedly auctioning a US Senate seat. This is serious business. Take it seriously.
* Related…
* Pressure grows on Illinois governor
* Impeachment inquiry launched
* Committee to report on Blago’s offenses
* House takes first step toward impeachment
* Process to impeach governor starts
* Prospect of impeachment now looms over Blagojevich
* Illinois House votes unanimously to create impeachment panel
* Who’s on the House impeachment panel?
* Madigan: Governor Will Get Fair Impeachment Review
* House speaker spells it out for Blagojevich
* Quinn Says Impeachment can be Done by January
* Should the House explore impeachment?
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Morning Shorts
Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 - Posted by Kevin Fanning
* Chicago factory where workers held sit-in files for bankruptcy
* At a crossroad on the economy
* Clean Coal Review Board to meet in Sparta
* Lawsuit: CN takes premature control of EJ&E
* Hoffman Estates agrees to deal with CN
* New mission for Pontiac Prison
* Olympic bid chief vows more jobs for minorities, women
Ryan was asking the Finance Committee to approve a sale of the Michael Reese Hospital site to the city.
It would be used first for the Olympic Village and later for a mixed-use development.
Aldermen said Ryan’s team had cut a sharp bargain for the 37-acre property because of its size and prime location close to the lakefront. City officials say they will have no trouble selling the property even if the city doesn’t land the Olympics.
“You couldn’t have made a better deal if you used a gun,” Ald. Bernard Stone (50th) told Ryan.
* Duncan has big job ahead
Chicago’s loss is the nation’s gain. President-elect Barack Obama is expected to name Chicago Schools CEO Arne Duncan as his choice for U.S. Secretary of Education today.
Word is that Duncan will be tapped at one of his showcase schools, the Dodge Renaissance Academy, one of the first failing schools that he shut down and reopened with great success. As Duncan departs for D.C. — one of a proud and growing group from Chicago — he will be remembered most for that effort: a radical program to shut down dozens of failing schools and replace them with 100 new ones.
Duncan stumbled while launching the program, dubbed Renaissance 2010. As he closed failing schools, students were dispersed temporarily to other schools for a year or more, stigmatizing many of those kids and leading to a spike in violence at some receiving high schools. Parents, advocates and kids rightly complained and, ultimately, Duncan took heed.
* Duncan to join Obama Cabinet
* About Arne Duncan
* Sources: Obama chooses Duncan for Education Secretary
* Commissioner pushed to get contract for pal
Cook County Commissioner Joseph Mario Moreno pushed to get his friend and political supporter, Ronald Garcia, a piece of a multimillion dollar hospital system billing collection contract, the Sun-Times has learned.
Moreno denied trying to influence Bardis, a South Side native ,to give Garcia, who has given $10,250 to the commissioner’s campaign, a piece of the contract.
“He’s full of s—. I told him ‘I don’t care if you use Chicago Medical. All I care about is that you comply with the [minority participation] statute,’” Moreno said. “I was absolutely not trying to help a friend. I was looking forward to make sure the [minority business enterprise] statutes were being complied with. [Garcia] has the only company that I knew was a MBE at the time and did that work. It was merely a recommendation.”
* Cook County contract more pay-to-play?
* Video speeds up CTA repairs
* City bars work on U.S. Cellular Field ramp
* Chicago Rush blame economy for AFL shutdown
* Chicago is second city to none
* Will County: The land of high property taxes
* Skip the ‘balloons’ this tax levy season
School districts that balloon levy often frame it as a way to collect the tax money they’re entitled to. Without it, “that money would just be lost,” U-46 Chief Financial Officer John Prince said.
Actually, that money would be in taxpayers’ pockets.
This year, setting a tax levy based on true numbers and on conservative spending is one gesture suburban residents will appreciate.
And it’s a gesture that surely will pay dividends in good will for school districts in the future if, as Schuler assures us, this challenging economy doesn’t last forever.
* Lake County sheriff’s party switch offers opportunity to slam Democrats
Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran’s announcement that he is switching from the Democratic to the Republican Party also served as a convenient stage Monday for prominent Republicans to criticize beleaguered Gov. Rod Blagojevich and other Democrats.
Among those taking a swipe was former Illinois Atty. Gen. Jim Ryan, who lost to Blagojevich in 2002. But Ryan had plenty of company, including a congressman
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