Late afternoon linkies
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Unless something else breaks, this will be the last post of the afternoon. I wasn’t able to get to a few topics, particularly the Tribune stuff. We’ll talk about that tomorrow.
Until then, here are a few tidbits to chew on.
* Not a bad idea…
State Sen. Dan Rutherford wants the Department of Corrections to suspend the closure of Pontiac Correctional Center.
“I have heard repeatedly … that the Department of Corrections really wasn’t keen on wanting to close Pontiac to begin with,” Rutherford, a Chenoa Republican, said during a press conference Wednesday. “I think it’s time for Director (Roger) Walker to step up … and show some leadership right now.”
* Oof: Republican Edgar regrets choice not to run in 2006 race
* Armchair psychology from a psychologist tends to confirm what most of us suspected…
[Blagojevich’s] behavior is consistent with what we would term the psychopathic personality and in that he’s very charming but he’s not really an authentic person,” said Dr. Larry Grimm, UIC Director of Graduate Studies.
Psychologist Larry Grimm doesn’t know the governor, but from his office at the University of Illinois Chicago office he’s read and heard reports of the governor’s behavior that sound to him like a personality disorder.
“They can be quite successful. But the people around them come to know them and can see how manipulative they are and see how they engage in behavior most people would feel very guilty about,” said Dr. Grimm.
A personality disorder is not considered a mental illness, said Dr. Grimm. He also says that personality disorders are believed to be created by both biological characteristics as well as environmental factors.
* Tribune has some behind the scenes stuff…
Meanwhile, top Blagojevich staffers held a conference call Tuesday and were urged by deputy governors to reassure rank-and-file workers that there still will be a chain of decision-making, to not let the governor’s arrest paralyze or distract them, and to keep serving the public well, according a high-ranking state official.
I bet that was a fun call.
* CBS 2 shares some private moments…
CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports Blagojevich was at home Tuesday night, visited by his attorney, Sheldon Sorosky. Patti Blagojevich was also at the home, for much of the day with her sister, Deborah Mell.
* Speaking of family…
On Jan. 14, Deborah Mell will be sworn in as the new state representative from the district her brother-in-law once represented. She could be called up to vote on his impeachment. What will she do?
* Mell ‘horribly sad’ for Patti, grandkids
* More linkies from Kevin…
* DoJ left Fitzgerald alone in Blago probe
* Daley Dodges Blagojevich Resignation Questions
* ‘Chicago Tribune’ Blago Coverage Scores Record Web Traffic
* Blago’s health care legacy tainted by scandal
* Pat Quinn waiting in the wings
* ‘Are we nuts in this state?’
* Suburban Democratic leaders calls allegations ‘horrendous’
* Southlanders react to governor’s arrest
* G-men’s audacity befits case against Gov. Blagojevich
* Illinois shamed, embarrassed by Blagojevich
* Blagojevich’s promise crashes down: Governor who swept into office promising change indicted on corruption charges
* Gov’s tapes even better than Nixon’s recordings
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This just in… Zell “contacted by the FBI”
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* 3:43 PM - From the Tribune…
Tribune Co. chief executive Sam Zell — who is indirectly referred to in the government’s criminal complaint against Gov. Rod Blagojevich– said on CNBC that he has been contacted by the FBI but wouldn’t give details, the Washington Post reports on its Web site.
A lengthy FBI document released Tuesday alleges Blagojevich wanted to help Tribune Co. with its sale of the Chiocago Cubs in return for the firing of Tribune editorial writer John McCormick.
On CNBC, Zell said that as far as he knew, no pressure was ever applied to John McCormick.
The question becomes, was that FBI contact before or after Tuesday morning?
I’m working on a couple of Tribune-related posts, but ran out of time. We’ll deal with that topic a lot more tomorrow.
* 3:47 PM - The CNBC interview is here.
* 3:53 PM - When asked about reports that the governor and his chief of staff sought to force firings at the Tribune, Zell said he wasn’t “personally familiar with any of that.”
Zell then said, when asked, that he had been contacted by the FBI.
“I think they’re asking questions as far as my knowledge is concerned,” Zell said.
Was there pressure to change coverage of the governor at the Tribune?
“I certainly can’t speak to that.”
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*** 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.
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* 1:50 PM - There’s been a whole lot of speculation that Greenlee is “Deputy Governor A” in the federal criminal complaint against Rod Blagojevich and John Harris.
Well, Greenlee just resigned…
A spokeswoman for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says one of his top aides has resigned.
Spokeswoman Kelley Quinn on Wednesday said Deputy Gov. Bob Greenlee resigned. The reason for his resignation wasn’t immediately clear.
Greenlee’s resignation comes a day after Blagojevich was arrested on federal corruption charges.
Greenlee was promoted to be a top aide to Blagojevich in June, replacing former Deputy Governor Sheila Nix. Greenlee had been a top administration aide previously.
Thanks once again to a commenter.
* 2:01 PM - The Illinois Senate is convening Monday at 5 o’clock and then against Tuesday morning at 10. They can’t convene much earlier than that on Monday because the electoral college is meeting that morning. Fun.
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* Part of my Sun-Times column today discusses a bill that will be taken up by the General Assembly next week to strip Gov. Blagojevich of his power to appoint the next US Senator and instead create a special election…
Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin supports this idea. But the Democratic campaign consultants I’ve talked to are worried to death that a Republican such as moderate U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk could win a special election because Blagojevich’s arrest and subsequent prosecution could easily ruin a Democratic candidate.
* RollCall reported late this morning that Rep. Kirk is interested in the race…
Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) said Wednesday he is considering running for Senate if there is a special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s seat.
* Obama says he’s for the special election…
[Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs] said Obama believes the Illinois legislature should consider a special election to fill the seat.
Gibbs says the hope is to put a process in place to select a new senator who’ll have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois.
* Hotline On Call provides a cost guesstimate…
A special election to fill Pres.-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat could cost the state of Illinois between $45 million and $50 million, a state Board of Elections official told On Call this afternooon.
Ken Menzel, an elections specialist with the board, called the figure a “gross guestimate” based on the cost per precinct of running a special election earlier this year to fill the 14th District seat vacated by retiring Rep. J. Dennis Hastert.
“We don’t do specials for statewide offices,” Menzel said. “This is one of the reasons we appoint to them. It’s expensive to do these things.”
Menzel said the counties will largely be tasked with covering the costs.
“If it isn’t there, I don’t know where it would come from,” he said.
After consulting with State Board of Elections Executive Dir. Dan White, Menzel said he based his Senate contest estimate on the cost per precinct — $10,000 — to conduct the race to replace Hastert. He said that at approximately half that rate per precinct, with 11,600 precincts statewide, it could run as much as $50 million to hold a special Senate election.
* Back to my column…
The first problem which springs to mind is that Blagojevich, who was arrested Tuesday for allegedly trying to auction Obama’s vacant seat to the highest bidder, would have to sign the [special election] bill into law.
Our jailbird governor could sit on the bill for 60 days before he does anything. And he might just veto it, which would only prolong the process.
* Plus, if he waits to veto the bill after the General Assembly adjourns sine die on January 14th, the bill dies.
And then there’s this…
Dawn Clark Netsch, a former state comptroller and an author of the state’s 1970 Constitution, said someone might challenge whether a new law would apply to a vacancy already pending. […]
Even if it becomes law, the matter could end up in the Illinois Supreme Court, which would prolong the drama.
Better to just impeach him now.
* By the way, there is little to no danger that Blagojevich could go ahead and make an appointment anyway. Well, he might, but it wouldn’t stick…
Secretary of State Jesse White could refuse to certify the choice.
The U.S. Senate could refuse to seat Blagojevich’s appointee.
* More on that topic…
The office of Sen. Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, is circulating a letter Wednesday to the Senate Democratic Caucus for signatures that recommends indicted Gov. Rod Blagojevich resign and under no circumstances make an appointment to fill Illinois’ vacant Senate seat.
The letter contains a threat to the governor, saying that the Senate is poised to use its power to refuse to seat any appointment Blagojevich makes.
* Attorney General Madigan makes a good political point…
“Nobody in their right mind would accept an appointment from this governor,” she said. “It is so tainted at this point…”
* But this baffles me…
Madigan said ne of the wilder speculations is that of the governor thinking of appointing himself.
“If he did that, we would be able to step in legally and say there is an inherent conflict of interest. He can’t appoint himself to this seat,” Madigan said.
Huh?. There’s no law against that, is there? He’d just get rejected by SoS White and the US Senate.
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* My Sun-Times column today demands that the House get off its duff and start working on impeachment…
Enough, already. […]
What Illinois needs most right now is to excise this fatal tumor on our body politic.
Rod Blagojevich has been an astoundingly bad governor. His list of achievements is short and unimpressive. He has alienated almost the entire political establishment in Illinois. He is the most unpopular governor in the United States. And now we learn that he allegedly tried to sell a U.S. Senate seat, “like a sports agent,” according to U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
Illinois has, according to Fitzgerald, been subjected to a “political corruption crime spree.”
It’s time for that crime spree to end.
The Illinois House needs to convene as soon as possible and begin impeachment proceedings. Fitzgerald’s criminal complaint has basically given the General Assembly a 78-page road map.
We’re not talking a lot of hearsay. Much of Fitzgerald’s criminal complaint is composed of the governor’s own words caught on federal surveillance tapes.
All the House has to do is stipulate that Blagojevich’s words caught on tape are facts and then vote on whether that should be an impeachable offense.
For instance, the governor is quoted as saying this about Obama’s people refusing to go along with a quid pro quo for the Senate seat appointment: “They’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. F - - - them.”
Here’s our governor talking about using the Senate appointment for financial gain: “[T]he immediate challenge [is] how do we take some of the financial pressure off of our family.”
The governor sure has a way with words: “I’ve got this thing and it’s f - - - - - - golden and, uh, uh, I’m just not giving it up for f - - - - - -nothing. I’m not gonna do it.”
Blagojevich also was caught talking about using $8 million in state pediatric funding to extract a $50,000 campaign contribution from Children’s Memorial Hospital: “I’m going to do $8 million for them. I want to get [Hospital Executive 1] for 50.”
There’s more, but you’ve probably already read most of the quotes yourself.
The Illinois Constitution’s guidelines for impeachment are pretty bare-bones. Impeachment requires just a majority vote in the House. There’s no “high crimes and misdemeanors” language as in the U.S. Constitution.
After the House votes to impeach, a two-thirds vote in the Senate is all that’s needed to remove Blagojevich from office.
And then he’d be gone. Forever.
Blagojevich’s attorney said Tuesday that his client did nothing wrong and has no intention of resigning. He’s expected to be back in his office today.
Knowing him as I do, I am absolutely sure that Gov. Blagojevich thinks he’s in the clear. So nothing will stop this man except impeachment. This necessity can no longer be delayed.
Get it over with.
* As I noted to subscribers this morning, Speaker Madigan’s office distributed an impeachment memo several months ago which argued that there was enough evidence to impeach him back then.
If Blagojevich could’ve been impeached then, he most certainly can be impeached now.
* The House Democrats are being way too timid on this topic…
But Madigan spokesman Steve Brown cautioned there are several complications to proceeding with impeachment, including timing.
A new legislature will be sworn in Jan. 14, and if impeachment proceedings start before then, there’s a question of whether they could continue with new lawmakers or have to start over.
Rep. Gary Hannig, D-Litchfield, said the timing issue is why legislators might wait a few weeks to push impeachment. Hannig agreed that Blagojevich should resign first.
Just start holding the committee hearings now. Forget the holiday break. Get this over with.
* As I told you yesterday, this is what House Speaker Madigan had to say…
On the question of impeachment, I am prepared to discuss the suggestions of the House Republican Leader.
The House Republicans have taken the initiative and filed a resolutionwhich creates “a Special Investigative Committee to investigate the conduct of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and make a recommendation as to whether cause exists for impeachment.”
Why let the minority party get ahead of the curve? Blagojevich is a Democratic governor. Madigan was his campaign co-chairman in 2006 and is the state party chairman. He’s also the Speaker of a House with 70 Democratic votes. This is his responsibility.
* Democratic Rep. John Fritchey is trying to take the lead…
A leading member of the Illinois General Assembly says he’ll begin immediate impeachment proceedings against Rod Blagojevich if the governor doesn’t quit first. […]
Mr. Fritchey said he already has phoned House Speaker Michael Madigan about moving an impeachment bill.
Trouble is, Madigan hasn’t returned Fritchey’s call, which Fritchey said he made yesterday morning. What the heck?
* This is a good summary of how it can be done quickly…
Under legislative rules and the Illinois Constitution, the House can convene in a committee of the whole and move to a fairly fast vote, or first hold a separate committee hearing, Mr. Fritchey said. If a majority of the House votes to impeach, the matter then moves to the Senate, which could remove the governor if a supermajority of at least 37 of the 59 senators so vote.
* History…
Only one other state official has been removed by the process in the history of Illinois, Mr. Fritchey said, a judge in 1832.
* IL Constitutional provisions…
SECTION 5. SESSIONS
(b) The Governor may convene the General Assembly or the Senate alone in special session by a proclamation stating the purpose of the session; and only business encompassed by such purpose, together with any impeachments or confirmation of appointments shall be transacted. Special sessions of the General Assembly may also be convened by joint proclamation
of the presiding officers of both houses, issued as provided by law. […]
SECTION 14. IMPEACHMENT
The House of Representatives has the sole power to conduct legislative investigations to determine the existence of cause for impeachment and, by the vote of a majority of the members elected, to impeach Executive and Judicial
officers. Impeachments shall be tried by the Senate. When sitting for that purpose, Senators shall be upon oath, or affirmation, to do justice according to law. If the Governor is tried, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall preside. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senators elected. Judgment shall not extend beyond removal from office and disqualification to hold any public office of this State. An impeached officer,
whether convicted or acquitted, shall be liable to prosecution, trial, judgment and punishment according to law.
* Related…
* Governor’s arrest brings hope to Pontiac, but prison ‘fight is not over’
* Park supporters warm up to idea of new governor
* Some Illinois lawmakers call for Blagojevich to resign
* Message To Blago: Resign Or Face Impeachment
* Blagojevich should resign immediately as governor
* It’s time to scuttle Blago’s pirate ship of state
* Governor should resign immediately
* SJ-R Opinion: Blagojevich must resign now
* Governor Blagojevich, resign
* Blagojevich editorial cartoons
* Our bleeping governor must quit now
* He let us down: Blagojevich should resign
* Netsch: Blagojevich ‘Should Think About Going Elsewhere’
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*** UPDATE *** Man, things are moving quickly today. With a hat-tip to a commenter, here’s the latest on this particular topic…
President-elect Barack Obama is calling for the Illinois governor to resign.
Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs says the president-elect agrees with other prominent politicians in Illinois and elsewhere that “under the current circumstances, it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois.”
He should’ve said that yesterday.
[ *** End of Update *** ]
* Gov. Blagojevich was caught on tape talking about appointing someone favorable to Barack Obama to the vacant US Senate seat…
“they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation.”
That pretty much sums up the situation here. Obama has little to answer for.
* There are some problems, however…
“I have not discussed the Senate seat with the governor at any time,” [Obama] said. “My strong belief is that it needed to be filled by somebody who is going to represent the people of Illinois and fight for them. And beyond that, I was focused on the transition.”
* That’s not what Obama’s chief strategist David Axelrod said several days ago…
“I know he’s talked to the governor and there are a whole range of names many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them.”
* Axelrod was forced to backtrack yesterday…
“I was mistaken when I told an interviewer last month that the President-elect has spoken directly to Governor Blagojevich about the Senate vacancy. They did not then or at any time discuss the subject.”
First he said he knows, then he says he was mistaken. Not good.
* However, Patrick Fitzgerald seemed to back up the president-elect…
“We make no allegations that he [Obama] was aware of anything.”
* Another problem is Obama’s weak statement yesterday…
“It is a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that, I don’t think it’s appropriate to comment.”
The whole state is freaking out and this is all he says?
* Republicans were quick to pounce…
“President-elect Barack Obama’s comments on the matter are insufficient at best,” said Robert Duncan, chairman of the Republican National Committee. “Given the president-elect’s history of supporting and advising Gov. Blagojevich, he has a responsibility to speak out and fully address the issue.”
“The serious nature of the crimes listed by federal prosecutors raises questions about the interaction with Gov. Blagojevich, president-elect Obama and other high-ranking officials who will be working for the future president,” said Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia, the new GOP House whip.
* Jake Tapper takes a look back…
On the Chicago TV show "Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz" on June 27, 2002, state Sen. Obama said, "Right now, my main focus is to make sure that we elect Rod Blagojevich as Governor, we…"
"You working hard for Rod?" interrupted Berkowitz.
"You betcha," said Obama.
"Hot Rod?" asked the host.
"That’s exactly right," Obama said.
In 2004, then-Gov. Blagojevich enthusiastically endorsed Obama for the Senate seat after he won the nomination, and Obama endorsed Blagojevich for his 2006 re-election race in early 2005.
In the Summer of 2006, then-U.S. Sen. Obama backed Blagojevich even though there were serious questions at the time about Blago’s hiring practices.
Axelrod worked for Blagojevich during his first run for Congress, but has since not been close to the man.
* There is this tiny item as well, posted by somebody in comments…
This is flying around the internet in many forums. I want to know if there is truth this…
“Michelle Obama Is The “Specifically Named Individual” On Page 64 of The Affidavit Submitted by FBI”
Whatever. Here’s the quote from the complaint…
ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated that he needs to find a way to take the
“financial stress” off of his family and that his wife is as qualified or more qualified than another specifically named individual to sit on corporate boards.
Big whoop.
* This is a stretch, but I wouldn’t put it past the national media to pursue the angle…
One prominent Chicago Democrat close to many of those named in the indictment suggested the risk for Obama is “Whitewater-type exposure.” That was a reference to an Arkansas real estate deal that produced a series lengthy and highly intrusive investigations in the 1990s that never proved illegality by the Clintons.
What this Democrat meant with his analogy—which on the facts so far seems a bit premature—was that Obama could suffer by being in the proximity of a back-scratching and deal-making culture, even if he was mostly a bystander. “What will splatter on to Obama is he is to some degree a product of this culture, and he has never entirely stood against it,” said the Democrat, who wanted anonymity for fear of antagonizing the president-elect.
* Actually, the AP’s national desk has already picked up on the meme…
President-elect Barack Obama hasn’t even stepped into office and already a scandal is threatening to dog him. Obama isn’t accused of anything.
But the fact that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a fellow Democrat, has been charged with trying to sell Obama’s now-vacant Senate post gives political opponents an opening to try to link him to the scandal.
A slew of questions remain. The investigation is still under way. And the ultimate impact on Obama is far from certain
* Clarence Page gets the last word…
But from Chicago’s point of view, Obama and Blagojevich occupy two opposing worlds of Democratic politics that work together out of convenience. Obama launched his political career among the Hyde Park and lakefront liberals. Blago came straight out of what’s left of the old Bungalow Belt machine.
It is not uncommon to build a winning coalition in Illinois politics by making friends or, at least, neutralizing rivals.
Blagojevich’s troubles will test how well Obama kept his own hands clean on his way up, even as Blago was slipping down.
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* 10:50 AM - No wonder J3 kept such a low profile yesterday. He was busy talking to the G…
Chicago Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) is the anonymous “Senate Candidate #5″ whose emissaries Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich reportedly claimed offered up to a million dollars to name him to the U.S. Senate, federal law enforcement sources tell ABC News.
According to the FBI affidavit in the case, Blagojevich “stated he might be able to cut a deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH” with something “tangible up front.”
Jackson Jr. said this morning he was contacted yesterday by federal prosecutors in Chicago who he said “asked me to come in and share with them my insights and thoughts about the selection process.”
Jackson Jr. said “I don’t know” when asked if he was Candidate #5, but said he was told “I am not a target of this investigation.”
Jackson Jr. said he agreed to talk with federal investigators “as quickly as possible” after he consults with a lawyer.
Not good.
*** 1:20 PM *** J3 may have a Friday date with the G…
Jackson hired longtime Chicago lawyer James Montgomery Sr. on Tuesday after federal prosecutors unveiled criminal charges against Blagojevich and top aide John Harris, sources said.
“There is nothing there to implicate the congressman,” Montgomery told the Tribune. The attorney said he and Jackson have been advised by a top deputy to U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald that Jackson is not a target of the investigation.
Montgomery said he expected Jackson would meet with officials from Fitzgerald’s office as soon as Friday.
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What is Rule 382?
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* We’ve been hearing about this little-known rule which could be used to oust Gov. Blagojevich…
If Blagojevich does not resign or is not impeached, Attorney General Lisa Madigan says she’s prepared to move ahead under state Supreme Court Rule 382 — which allows someone to file a request for the Supreme Court to conduct a hearing to determine if the governor has the ability to serve or resume office.
* Here’s the rule…
Rule 382. Original Actions in the Supreme Court Pursuant to Article IV, Section 3, and Article V, Section 6(d), of the Constitution
(a) Institution of proceedings. Proceedings in the Supreme Court when the court has original and exclusive jurisdiction under article IV, section 3, and article V, section 6(d), of the Constitution, which relate to redistricting of the General Assembly and to the ability of the Governor to serve or resume office, shall be instituted by filing a motion for leave to file a complaint, which motion shall be accompanied by the complaint and a brief in support of the motion. The complaint may be supported by affidavits or other pertinent documents.
* This is the relevant passage from the Illinois Constitution…
The General Assembly by law shall specify by whom and by what procedures the ability of the Governor to serve or to resume office may be questioned and determined. The Supreme Court shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction to review such a law and any such determination and, in the absence of such a law, shall make the determination under such rules as it may adopt.
* Procedures…
…The court may dispose of the case on the papers filed or may order further briefing or may order oral argument on the motion for leave to file or on the complaint or on the pleadings or on the pleadings supplemented by pertinent documentary evidence, or may call for additional evidence and for briefs and argument after such evidence has been received. If the court determines that disputed issues of material fact must be resolved on the basis of oral testimony, it may appoint a judge or retired judge of any Illinois court to take testimony and to report his findings of fact and recommendations to the Supreme Court.
* From “Committee comments” of July 1, 1971…
The defendant need take no action until the Supreme Court indicates what is appropriate. If the court deems the complaint obviously insufficient on its face, it may dispose of the case without calling the defendant to do anything. It may request the defendant to file either an answer to the complaint or a brief, in part depending on whether factual issues are presented. Because of the constitutional prohibition against “fee officers in the judicial system” (art. VI, §14), the evidence must be taken by an active or retired judge, who will be already receiving a State salary, rather than by a master.
* So, is the governor fit for office? Mark Brown is not alone with this assessment…
Rod Blagojevich’s defense lawyers might want to consider an insanity defense.
The federal government’s secret tape recordings of the governor’s scheming during the past two months confirm what a lot of people have been saying about him for a long time now.
He’s utterly mad. Completely and totally off his rocker.
And here’s where it might actually work as a legal defense: He’s incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong.
* Jim Edgar seems to agree…
“It just amazes me that he would continue to try to do these things. You just wonder, I mean, you heard some talking about the arrogance, or if there’s just something wrong with him.”
* More background…
The state Constitution doesn’t explicitly indicate an officeholder can be ousted by the court or by impeachment if that person faces criminal charges. Instead, the Constitution uses terms such as “failure to qualify” or “disability” in laying out causes to impeach someone.
In other words, the Court could decide if he fails to qualify to hold office or is disabled.
But, to me, that’s the chicken way out. The General Assembly ought to do its job. More on that in a bit.
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Decoding the criminal complaint
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The Sun-Times identifies a couple of players not named in the federal criminial complaint against Gov. Rod Blagojevich…
Gov. Blagojevich was on a mad dash for $2.5 million in campaign cash in advance of a new state law that will stop him from taking political donations from state contractors as of Jan. 1, federal prosecutors alleged Tuesday.
And the governor allegedly was asking two of his closest advisers — lobbyists John Wyma and Alonzo Monk — for help, according to court documents and sources.
Wyma and Monk are not identified by name in the FBI affidavit accompanying Blagojevich’s criminal complaint. But sources said Wyma is “Individual A” and Monk “Lobbyist 1.”
Monk, Blagojevich’s former chief of staff, is a lobbyist for a horse-racing group controlled by the Johnston family, which owns the Balmoral and Maywood park horse tracks. Monk last month allegedly was seeking a $100,000 contribution for Blagojevich in exchange for signing legislation to give the horse-racing industry a share of revenues from Illinois casinos.
Monk “assured Rod Blagojevich” that somebody associated with the Racing Associations of Illinois “would be good for the donation because [Monk] ‘got in his face,’ ” according to the affidavit.
Children’s Memorial Hospital and a highway contractor also were targets.
On Oct. 8, Blagojevich allegedly told Wyma that he wanted a $50,000 contribution from Patrick M. Magoon, chief executive officer of Children’s Memorial Hospital, which had recently received a commitment of $8 million in state funds. When the contribution was not forthcoming, Blagojevich discussed rescinding the funding.
* Sneed files this report…
Sneed is told the feds also visited the home of attorney Bill Quinlan Jr., Gov. Blagojevich’s chief counsel, while the FBI was arresting Blago and his chief of staff, John Harris.
Questions were asked.
Cooperation was requested.
No arrest was made.
You do the math.
• • The buckshot: Sneed hears Gov. Blago will have a hard time claiming executive privilege. Quinlan’s salary is paid for by the State of Illinois.
* Fran Spielman looks at Chief of Staff John Harris’ role…
What happened is that a desperately ambitious Harris filled a power vacuum in state government caused by the federal investigations swirling around Blagojevich.
“The governor isn’t around. He’s never at the Thompson Center. … Everything goes through John Harris. He’s been filling the void. John Harris thinks he’s the governor,” one longtime observer said.
Complete arrogance.
* Ben Smith at the Politico outs ‘Advisor A’…
A source familiar the situation tells me that “Advisor A” in the Blagojevich complaint– who is present in some of the key conversations — is former Deputy Governor Doug Scofield.
Scofield left the Blagojevich Administration in 2003, but has remained a key campaign advisor and spokesman, with strong labor ties, while running his own consulting firm.
Scofield isn’t named in the complaint, and he appears there mostly listening to Blagojevich, placing items in the Sun-Times, and offering political advice about the merits of relative candidates.
* And claims the SEIU official mentioned in the complaint is SEIU President Andy Stern…
There’s no allegation that the SEIU official did anything wrong, and what appears to be a wiretap transcript has the official reacting non-commitally to Blagojevich’s offer of a quid pro quo. Another Democratic source tells me that Stern was been in Chicago November 3 meeting with Blagojevich, a discussion thought to have included talk about the Senate seat — though that meeting isn’t mentioned in the complaint.
* Illinois Review gets this wrong, according to my sources…
From the affidavit:
Only ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s portion of the phone call can be heard. The call started with ROD BLAGOJEVICH saying hello to “Mr. [Highway Contractor 1]” and noting that ROD BLAGOJEVICH was “excited” about the “Tollway” (believed to be a reference to ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s recent announcement of $1.8 billion in Illinois Tollway funding that will benefit Highway Contractor 1 and the trade association with which he is affiliated). ROD BLAGOJEVICH talked about speaking with “[Individual C],” (Individual C is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives who is believed to be attempting to assist ROD BLAGOJEVICH in passing a capital bill worth billions of dollars that would benefit Highway Contractor 1 and the trade association with which he is affiliated) and began, in the context of asking Highway Contractor 1 to do fund raising, to discuss fund raising rule changes that will take effect on January 1, 2009. The conversation ended with ROD BLAGOJEVICH stating to Highway Contractor 1: “Call me if you need anything.”
Individual C isn’t mentioned as doing anything wrong, but Blago mentions speaking with him to let HC1 he was in contact. Only two former U.S.Congressmen were helping to promote the Governor’s capital program — Democrat Glenn Poshard or Republican Denny Hastert. Got any ideas who these guys are?
I’m told that Bill Lipinski is likely Individual C.
* J3 evades the questions…
Is U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Senate Candidate 5?
Federal prosecutors say someone approached Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Candidate 5’s behalf and offered to trade campaign contributions for an appointment to the Senate. […]
Jackson (D-2nd), in a pair of written statements addressing what he described as “rumors” that he is referenced in the government’s complaint, declined to address the question but protested his innocence and said he would cooperate “fully and completely” with federal investigators as they continue to examine the governor’s alleged efforts to auction off the state’s vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder.
“Since the federal investigation of the governor is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment,” Jackson said. “However, I reject and denounce pay-to-play politics and have no involvement whatsoever in any wrongdoing.”
* Schakowsky fully denies…
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky said Tuesday she’s not the woman referenced by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald as taking herself out of the running to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.
That’s true.
* Somewhat related…
* Timeline of the federal investigation into Gov. Rod Blagojevich:
* Breaking down the charges: 2 counts, 76 pages
* Key Southland project noted in gov’s corruption bust
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Our day together
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* We’re going to take this Blagojevich arrest topic in steps. Each area will have its own post. Use this comment section to ask specific questions and I’ll try to answer them in subsequent posts. Thanks.
And try to avoid snark. Kinda busy today and really not in the mood. Keep your questions legit.
Also, sorry about the site performance yesterday. We were absolutely slammed with visitors and struggled all day to keep the blog accessible - to varying degrees of success.
One more thing. Y’all had ample opportunity to get your drive-by “I hate Rod” comments out of your system yesterday. Let’s try to keep a bit of decorum today as we discuss this very grave matter. If I have time, I’ll be deleting those comments. Don’t waste your time or mine.
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Morning Shorts
Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 - Posted by Kevin Fanning
* Illinois civil-union bill appears to be stalled
A proposal to allow civil unions in Illinois between same-sex couples has been stalled in the state legislature and seems likely to stay that way, as gay rights activists Wednesday plan nationwide “Day Without a Gay” rallies to protest California’s Proposition 8 and other measures opposing gay marriage.
* Republic Windows & Doors plant sit-in still a stalemate
Early Tuesday, Bank of America sent a letter to Republic offering to provide limited loans so the company could pay employee claims. Though that sparked hope of a resolution, Bank of America spokeswoman Diane Wagner said agreement on the terms of those payments was still to be reached between management and union representatives.
“We’ll worry about ourselves later; right now we want to do what’s right for those employees,” Wagner said.
She also responded to a timeline released by Republic Monday, which stated that the company had proposed plans in October for an “orderly wind down” of the factory that the bank rejected. The bank had been concerned about Republic’s finances since February and had discussions with owners about closing the plant as early as July.
“Republic had plenty of time to give their employees 60 days’ notice under the WARN act,” Wagner said. “But instead they kept employees in the dark about the company’s dire financial circumstances.”
* 2 suburbs in top 10 for unemployment
* Shopping mall operator cuts jobs
Debt-heavy shopping mall operator General Growth Properties Inc. cut more than 100 jobs this week.
The publicly-traded Chicago-based Real Estate Investment Trust, which owns and manages more than 200 regional shopping malls in 44 states, cut about three percent of its 4,000-person workforce, a spokesman said Tuesday.
* Lawmakers question federal report on CN rail bypass plan
An analysis of the Canadian National Railway’s plan to use a suburban rail line as a freight bypass around Chicago does not sufficiently address economic and safety issues, Sen. Dick Durbin and several members of Congress said Tuesday.
The environmental impact review conducted for the federal Surface Transportation Board falls short in its recommendations to ease traffic, noise and safety concerns in suburbs along the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway, the lawmakers said.
“A cursory reading of [the report] shows that the staff did not take into consideration the serious questions of safety and economic impact that this acquisition would have,” Durbin (D-Ill.) said.
CN seeks federal approval for its $300 million purchase of the EJ&E. The Montreal-based railroad wants to run freight trains on the line to avoid rail congestion in Chicago.
* Chicago’s police recruits take the same oath, accept new challenges
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* Oy…
The attorney for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said the governor will be vindicated and he has no plans to resign.
“He didn’t do anything wrong,” attorney Sheldon Sorosky told reporters after Blagojevich was arraigned. “A lot of this is just politics.”
Blagojevich should be in the office Wednesday, Sorosky added.
So, reporters asked, he does not intend to resign?
“Not that I know of, no,” said Sorosky, who added that the governor was “surprised” by the day’s events.
Gov. Blagojevich may have been the only one “surprised” by the day’s events.
* 5:21 PM - A House Republican resolution creating “a Special Investigative Committee to investigate the conduct of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and make a recommendation as to whether cause exists for impeachment” can be found at this link.
* Ambinder: Blago’s Taint: Who Succeeds Obama, And How?
* The Hill: Senate GOP Sees Hope in Blagojevich Scandal
* Crain’s: Illinois’ top lawmakers to strip Blago of senate pick power: A quick special election also could draw interest from one top Republican, north suburban U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk.
* Blagojevich attorney rises, for now, from relative obscurity
* Politico: What’s wrong with Illinois?
* ABC7: Allegations governor threatened Tribune Company: The Tribune Company released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying the actions of the company, its executives and advisors working on the sale of Wrigley Field have been appropriate at all times. It went on to say no one working for the company or on its behalf has ever attempted to influence the staffing decisions at the Chicago Tribune.
* Former IL Governor Edgar Reaction to Blagojevich Arrest
* 10 Colorful Quotes in the Blago Scandal
* Governor Wears Tight Pants to Court: When he entered the courtroom through a side door, Blagojevich was somber nodding a hello to acquaintances and shaking hands with lawyers. He was dressed in a black turtle neck under a greenish/blue pullover fleece jacket. And he was wearing tight black running pants that tapered near the bottom to show white sox peaking out of his runners.
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Photo of the day & Updates
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
NY Times: Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, right, returned to his home in Chicago on Tuesday afternoon after being released on a $4,500 cash bond.
* 4:17 PM - More linky goodness from Kevin…
* If Blagojevich is in custody, who’s running the state?
* Schakowsky to Blagojevich: Resign or be impeached.
* Chicago Cubs Become Pawn In Most Obvious Corruption Scandal Ever
* Who’s Who in Illinois?
* Now, Finally, We Can Clean Up This State
* Quinn: I am ready to be governor
* Governor Blagojevich: In His Own Words
* Governor’s arrest: Car doors, footsteps
* Obama Senate seat scandal inspires eBay, Amazon pranks
* Second City goes back into rewrites
* Annals Of Corruption: Lightning “Rod”
* Blago’s greatest hits
* Blagojevich’s New York Guy
* Profile: Patrick Fitzgerald
* Pontiac mayor says arrest may keep Pontiac open
* Blago’s walkin’ on sunshine
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*** 3:28 PM *** Here we go, campers…
STATEMENT FROM HOUSE SPEAKER MICHAEL J. MADIGAN
CHICAGO — House Speaker Michael J. Madigan on Tuesday issued the following statement:
“Today’s events are shocking and disappointing. It represents a new low for conduct by public officials. I believe in the rights of individuals to due process, but I also believe action must be taken to avoid certain functions of state government from being irrevocably tarnished by Governor Blagojevich’s continued exercise of power.
I am prepared to convene the House next Monday to change state law to provide for a special election for the U.S. Senate replacement. I would urge U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin to take note of this action.
On the question of impeachment, I am prepared to discuss the suggestions of the House Republican Leader.
We have many important issues to confront. Today’s events do nothing to help us attain solutions.”
* Here’s the relevant passage from House GOP Leader Cross’ letter to Blagojevich…
Should you decide to remain in office as the legal process determines your innocence or guilt, please be aware that I have requested that Speaker Madigan immediately create a bi-partisan committee for the purpose of investigating grounds for impeachment.
* From a letter to House members…
The House will convene session on Monday, December 15, 2008 at 3 p.m.
The House Elections Committee will meet Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, December 16, the House plans to convene at 9 a.m.
Session will take 2 days, as House Members should be able to depart on Tuesday, December 16, 2008.
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So, where’s the party?
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I’m in Springfield, and was thinking we should all gather for Fitzmas tonight. Besides, I’m gonna need a drink.
How about the Alamo?
* Chicagoans can use this opportunity to talk about the location of their own Fitzmas gathering.
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* 1:11 PM - I just talked to Senate President-in-waiting John Cullerton. Here’s what he had to say…
Before I take office as the President, we should pass legislation changing the law to allow for special election for the replacement of Sen. Obama. And I believe that Sen. Jones will support me in that effort.
A spokesperson for retiring Senate President Emil Jones said she had not heard that yet, but would check.
Sen. Dick Durbin has already said today that he supports changing the law to take away the governor’s appointment powers. Sen. Cullerton said he has also spoken with Durbin about that issue. House Speaker Michael Madigan has yet to issue a statement on anything.
*** UPDATE 1 *** We’re coming back for session. No word yet on the date…
PRESIDENT JONES TO RECONVENE SENATE TO PASS LEGISLATION CREATING SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL THE U. S. SENATE SEAT
CHICAGO, Illinois – “The events this morning are shocking. The faith of the citizens of Illinois has once again been shaken. I will call the Senate back in to session to pass legislation that would create a special election for the U. S. Senate seat to help restore the confidence of the people of Illinois during this difficult time.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Tribune…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, were each released on his own recognizance at a federal court hearing this afternoon.
The hearing lasted 15 minutes. Blagojevich entered with U.S. marshals, dressed in a blue-gray track suit, a turtleneck and running shoes.
He was allowed to leave the federal courthouse via an underground ramp.
The governor and his aide each signed signature bonds of $4,500.
*** UPDATE 3 *** President-Elect Barack Obama told reporters today that he didn’t want to comment on a pending case against the governor. But he did say that he had no contact with the governor or his staff about the push to replace him and that he was not aware of what was happening.
*** UPDATE 4 *** The US Marshall’s office says that neither Blagojevich nor the governor’s attorney will address the media today.
[ *** End of Updates *** ]
* Other stuff of note…
* Chicago reporter suggests Rahm Emanuel may have ‘tipped’ off federal investigators about Blagojevich
* Quinn: Blagojevich should consider stepping aside
* Source: ‘SEIU official’ was Stern
* Don’t lump Ryan, Blagojevich together, says Ryan’s son
* Ex-Wrigley deal point man surprised by shenanigans
* Cross calls for governor’s resignation
* 1:45 PM - More…
* Lawmakers Already Calling For Blago Impeachment
* Hinz: Stupid, arrogant, bonehead, all and more apply to Blago
* 2:26 PM - Kevin collected us some linkies…
* ABC: Did Chicago Tribune Owner Cut Deal to Fire His Editor?
* Lt. Gov. Quinn calls on Blagojevich to ‘do the right thing’
* Ill. AG Madigan: Blagojevich should resign
* Statement from Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias
* NEW: Impeachment would be tricky process
* Pat Quinn: Illinois’ Lieutenant Governor, Future Governor?
* So, who’s in charge? Blagojevich — for now
* Blagojevich’s conduct audacious, raises questions about filling
* Rod Blagojevich’s ponderings on who to name to the Senate
* State Journal-Register editorial: Blagojevich must resign now
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Shaking down the hospital
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From Crain’s…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich tried to shake down Children’s Memorial Hospital’s CEO in exchange for $8 million in state health care funding, according to a federal affidavit unsealed Tuesday detailing corruption charges against the governor.
Mr. Blagojevich on Oct. 8 discussed with one of his campaign fundraisers pressing the executive — named in the criminal complaint as “Hospital Executive 1” — for a $50,000 campaign contribution, allegedly a quid pro quo for the governor’s recent funding commitment, according to the affidavit.
“I’m going to do $8 million for them. I want to get (Hospital Executive 1) for 50,” Mr. Blagojevich told the fundraiser, according to the 78-page affidavit.
When the CEO didn’t return multiple calls from the fundraiser, Mr. Blagojevich discussed rescinding the commitment of state funds, which the affidavit described as “some type of pediatric care reimbursement.” Patrick Magoon is Children’s CEO.
* To the federal complaint…
Later on November 12, 2008, at approximately 2:14 p.m., ROD
BLAGOJEVICH spoke with Deputy Governor A, a Deputy Governor of the State of Illinois.
The following exchange began the conversation:
ROD BLAGOJEVICH: The pediatric doctors – the reimbursement. Has that gone out yet, or is that still on hold?”
DEPUTY GOVERNOR A: The rate increase?
ROD BLAGOJEVICH: Yeah.
DEPUTY GOVERNOR A: It’s January 1.
ROD BLAGOJEVICH: And we have total discretion over it?
DEPUTY GOVERNOR A: Yep.
ROD BLAGOJEVICH: We could pull it back if we needed to – budgetary
concerns – right?
DEPUTY GOVERNOR A: We sure could. Yep.
ROD BLAGOJEVICH: Ok. That’s good to know.
On November 12, 2008, at approximately 8:26 p.m., Fundraiser A called ROD BLAGOJEVICH and reported the status of fundraising efforts. During the conversation ROD BLAGOJEVICH instructed Fundraiser A to call Lobbyist 1 the following day and ask Lobbyist 1 what to do about the fact that Hospital Executive 1 is not calling Fundraiser A back and inquire whether it was possible that Individual A had instructed Hospital Executive 1 not to call back (see Paragraph 65). ROD BLAGOJEVICH asked, “what do we do with this guy, [Hospital Executive 1]?”
Shameless. This is the same guy who said health care was his top priority. Yet, here he is allegedly shaking down a hospital for fifty large. Disgustingly shameless.
* According to the lobbyist list at the Secretary of State’s website, John Wyma is a registered lobbyist for Children’s Memorial Hospital.
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Selling the Senate seat
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* So, who is “Senate Candidate 5″? Let’s go to the federal complaint…
Later on November 10, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH and Advisor A discussed the open Senate seat. Among other things, ROD BLAGOJEVICH raised the issue of whether the President-elect could help get ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s wife on “paid corporate boards right now.” Advisor A responded that he “think[s] they could” and that a “President- elect . . . can do almost anything he sets his mind to.” ROD BLAGOJEVICH states that he will appoint “[Senate Candidate 1] . . . but if they feel like they can do this and not f___ing give me anything . . . then I’ll f___ing go [Senate Candidate 5].” (Senate Candidate 5 is publicly reported to be interested in the open Senate seat). […]
Later on November 10, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH and Advisor A again discussed the open Senate seat. ROD BLAGOJEVICH and Advisor A discussed leaking to the same particular Chicago Sun-Times columnist that ROD BLAGOJEVICH is seriously considering Senate Candidate 5 for the open Senate seat, in order to send a message to the President-elect that there are options for the Senate seat beyond Senate Candidate 1. At the end of the conversation Advisor A agreed to call the Sun Times columnist to leak the story (believed, based on other intercepted conversations, to be untrue), that ROD BLAGOJEVICH had a “long, productive discussion” with Senate Candidate 5 regarding the open Senate seat.
Since the “long, productive discussion” statement is believed to be untrue, that person could be Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. Congressman Jackson didn’t talk to the governor about the vacant seat until just recently.
* But here’s what Michael Sneed at the Sun-Times (she is apparently the columnist referenced above) reported on November 14th…
Sneed hears Gov. Blago, who will choose Obama’s replacement in the U.S. Senate, privately feels there may be only one choice that makes sense: His buddy, outgoing Senate President Emil Jones.
• • To wit: Jones is this/close to Blago, who may pay his pal back for being such a staunch ally. Jones would also be a strong ally in the Senate for his political godson — Obama.
* So, is SC5 Emil Jones? He has a ton of money in his personal campaign account that would be useless to him as a US Senator.
And check this out…
On December 4, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH spoke to Advisor B and
informed Advisor B that he was giving Senate Candidate 5 greater consideration for the Senate seat because, among other reasons, if ROD BLAGOJEVICH ran for re-election Senate Candidate 5 would “raise[] money” for ROD BLAGOJEVICH, although ROD BLAGOJEVICH said he might “get some (money) up front, maybe” from Senate Candidate 5 to insure Senate Candidate 5 kept his promise about raising money for ROD BLAGOJEVICH. (In a recorded conversation on October 31, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH described an earlier approach by an associate of Senate Candidate Five as follows: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’ That, you know, he’d raise me 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a Senator.”)
* One more bit…
Later on December 4, 2008… ROD BLAGOJEVICH noted he was going to meet with Senate Candidate 5 in the next few days…
ROD BLAGOJEVICH told Fundraiser A to tell Individual D that Senate Candidate 5 was very much a realistic candidate for the open Senate seat, but that ROD BLAGOJEVICH was getting “a lot of pressure” not to appoint Senate Candidate 5. ROD BLAGOJEVICH told Fundraiser A to tell Individual D that ROD BLAGOJEVICH had a problem with Senate Candidate 5 just promising to help ROD BLAGOJEVICH because ROD BLAGOJEVICH had a prior bad experience with Senate Candidate 5 not keeping his word.
As Ambinder reported earlier, that dateline matches up with Jackson’s planned meeting with the governor. Also, I’m not aware of any instances of the governor complaining that Emil Jones had broken his word. It’s time for somebody to come clean. So far, there’s still no response from Congressman Jackson’s office.
* Meanwhile, Blagojevich apparently publicly floated Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s name for the US Senate in order to try to cut his best deal with Obama…
On November 6, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH talked with Spokesman. ROD BLAGOJEVICH told Spokesman to leak to a particular columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, that Senate Candidate 2 is in the running for the vacant Senate seat. According to ROD BLAGOJEVICH, by doing this, he wanted “to send a message to the [President-elect’s] people,” but did not want it known that the message was from ROD BLAGOJEVICH.
Thereafter, ROD BLAGOJEVICH and Spokesman discussed specific language that should be used in the Sun Times column and arguments as to why Senate Candidate 2 made sense for the vacant Senate seat. A review of this particular Sun Times column on November 7, 2008, indicates references to the specific language and arguments regarding Senate Candidate 2 as a potential candidate for the Senate seat, as discussed by ROD BLAGOJEVICH and Spokesman.
On November 7, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH talked with Advisor A about
the Senate seat. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated that he is willing to “trade” the Senate seat to Senate Candidate 1 in exchange for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services in the President-elect’s cabinet.
* This is from Michael Sneed’s column of November 7th…
The latest from Blagoville: Is Gov. Rod Blagojevich toying with tossing Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who wants Blago’s job?
- It’s his pick . . . and it would get rid of a rival.
- It may endear him to powerful House Speaker Mike Madigan, Lisa’s dad, who is Blago’s political foe.
- It would enable Gov. Blago to choose a new Illinois attorney general.
- Hmmm: Even though this sounds like looneyville . . . stay tuned.
* “Senate Candidate 1″ is most likely Valerie Jarrett. This is what Greg Hinz wrote way back in early November…
If I read the smoke correctly, Ms. Jarrett backed out of the Senate derby at least in part because G-Rod overplayed his hand, insisting that Mr. Obama more or less publicly request the favor of a Jarrett appointment. Mr. Obama, who’s not about to seek favors from a governor who is under investigation in a federal corruption probe, ended the boomlet.
* From the tapes…
ROD BLAGOJEVICH said that the consultants (Advisor B and another
consultant are believed to be on the call at that time) are telling him that he has to “suck it up” for two years and do nothing and give this “motherf___r [the President-elect] his senator. F___ him. For nothing? F___ him.” ROD BLAGOJEVICH states that he will put “[Senate Candidate 4]” in the Senate “before I just give f___ing [Senate Candidate 1] a f___ing Senate seat and I don’t get anything.” (Senate Candidate 4 is a Deputy Governor of the State of Illinois). ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated that he needs to find a way to take the “financial stress” off of his family and that his wife is as qualified or more qualified than another specifically named individual to sit on corporate boards. According to ROD BLAGOJEVICH, “the immediate challenge [is] how do we take some of the financial pressure off of our family.”
Later in the phone call, ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated that absent getting something back, ROD BLAGOJEVICH will not pick Senate Candidate 1. […]
Thereafter, ROD BLAGOJEVICH and others on the phone call discussed various ways ROD BLAGOJEVICH can “monetize” the relationships he is making as Governor to make money after ROD BLAGOJEVICH is no longer Governor.
What a guy, eh?
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Statement from the governor’s press office
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* 12:38 PM - Press release…
“Today’s allegations do nothing to impact the services, duties or function of the State. Families will continue to receive healthcare, seniors and persons with disabilities the support and services they need, the hundreds of thousands of unemployed Illinoisans will still receive assistance. Our state will continue to ensure health, safety, and economic stability for the citizens of Illinois.”
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*** CLICK HERE FOR A RUSH TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESSER ***
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE COVERAGE OF FITZGERALD PRESS CONFERENCE
* Fitzgerald: “A political corruption crime spree.”
“He attempted to sell a Senate seat.”
* Fizgerald said that rather than the corruption slowing down after Rezko’s conviction, they sped up.
* The bill sitting on the governor’s desk regarding horse racing subsidies can be found at this link.
* It’s pretty clear from reading the indictment that President-elect Obama refused to go along with any pay to play deal on the US Senate appointment, and that was just mentioned by Fitzgerald. From the indictment…
Later in the conversation, ROD BLAGOJEVICH said he knows
that the President-elect wants Senate Candidate 1 for the Senate seat but “they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. F___ them.”
Senate Candidate 1 is most likely Valerie Jarrett.
* Fitzgerald: “The conduct we have before us is appallling.”
* Fitzgerald essentially asked that we “not cast aspersions” on people who are listed under code words in the indictment unless they are already charged.
* Fitzgerald said he was “quite heartened” by people who have come forward to talk to the feds.
* FBI Chicago director: Agents were “Thoroughly disgusted and revolted by what they heard [on the recordings]”
* Fitzgerald said the office acted because of that horse racing blll sitting on the governor’s desk, the hospital grant that may have been held up because of pressure over campaign contributions, and a Tribune editor who could’ve been laid off if Blagojevich was allowed to proceed. The Senate seat, which Blagojevich “talked about selling this like a sports agent,” was also a major factor.
* Fitzgerald said he would continue to investigate to see if others mentioned may have been involved, but he said some may have had no idea that they were being discussed.
* Fitzgerald said he wouldn’t speak to whether the president-elect was aware of anything, but stressed that there are no allegations that he was aware of anything.
* Fitz said it would have been “irresponsible” to wait until later to bring charges.
* “We need people in the public to stand up and say ‘Enough.’”
* Off-topic, but here’s House GOP Leader Tom Cross’ letter to Gov. Blagojevich that I told you about earlier…
December 9, 2008
Honorable Rod Blagojevich
Governor State of Illinois
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Dear Governor Blagojevich:
Given the breath and scope of the indictments filed against you and your Chief of Staff by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, I am requesting that you resign from the office of Governor immediately. Your attention and resources must clearly now be focused on your family and legal issues, a situation that makes it untenable for you to simultaneously serve in your current office.
The General Assembly, along with the citizens of Illinois, have lost confidence and faith in your ability to honestly serve our state.
To address the critical issues facing the citizens of Illinois in the coming years, we must end this crisis.
Should you decide to remain in office as the legal process determines your innocence or guilt, please be aware that I have requested that Speaker Madigan immediately create a bi-partisan committee for the purpose of investigating grounds for impeachment.
For the best interests of our state, I hope you consider my request.
Sincerely,
Tom Cross
House Republican Leader
* Fitz on separating old fashioned politics from actual criminality: “It is criminal when people are doing it for their personal enrichment, and they’re doing it in a way that is truly criminal.”
* The FBI called the governor about 6 o’clock in the morning and informed him that two FBI agents were at the door. The governor was advised that the FBI wanted to do this as quietly as possible so as not to wake his children. The governor initially asked if this was a joke. He was handcuffed.
* Fitzgerald said the Tribune agreed to hold onto a story for several days about the governor’s conversations being recorded.
* Also off topic…
Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will be hosting a press conference regarding today’s events at 12:30 in the James R. Thompson Center, Blue Room, 15th floor in Chicago.
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* The US Attorney’s 11 o’clock press confernce will be carried live on CBS 2. Watch it here…
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE COVERAGE AT 11 O’CLOCK
* 10:11 AM - Not unexpected…
Statement from Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna:
“For the good of the state, and in the interest of the taxpayers, the Illinois Republican Party calls on Governor Blagojevich to resign his office effective immediately.
“If Governor Blagojevich does not resign his position, we urge the General Assembly to move swiftly with impeachment proceedings.
“Furthermore, Governor Blagojevich should not, under this cloud of extremely serious allegations, appoint a United States Senator.
“While there is a presumption of innocence, in these troubling economic times, the people’s work should be placed ahead of Governor Blagojevich’s legal troubles.”
* 10:15 AM - As noted below, Blagojevich allegedly tried to use a Wrigely Field deal to entice Tribune Co. owner Sam Zell to fire members of the editorial board. This is what Gov. Blagojevich told Tribune reporters yesterday afternoon…
“I think Sam Zell, as a shrewd businessman, is recognizing that he needs to cut his losses and reorganize and turn this into a business that will actually make money,” he said. “And, maybe some of those guys up in that editorial board need to be less, maybe they need to pontificate less about others and take a look in the mirror and see that maybe some of the stuff they’re about isn’t something people like.”
Blagojevich said he had sympathy for most workers at the Tribune who are feeling insecure about their jobs, but “I don’t have a lot of sympathy for the editorial board and some of those guys up at the top who like to pontificate about the people who are (trying) to get things done for people.”
“I’m confident that an astute businessman like Sam Zell is going to turn this around. And (I) offer a polite recommendation to him. One thing he might want to do is change that editorial policy and change that editorial board and put some people in there that actually care about the average ordinary working person,” he said.
* 10:21 AM - These guys are just brazen. From the US Attorney…
Another alleged example of a pay-to-play scheme was captured in separate telephone conversations that Blagojevich had with Fundraiser A on November 13 and Lobbyist 1 on December 3. Lobbyist 1 was reporting to Blagojevich about his efforts to collect a contribution from Contributor 1 and related that he “got in his face” to make it clear to Contributor 1 that a commitment to make a campaign contribution had to be done now, before there could be some skittishness over the timing of the contribution and Blagojevich signing a bill that would benefit Contributor 1. Blagojevich commented to Lobbyist 1 “good” and “good job.” The bill in question, which is awaiting Blagojevich ’s signature, is believed to be legislation that directs a percentage of casino revenue to the horse racing industry.
This is a target-rich environment folks. Stay patient.
* 10:26 AM - From the affidavit…
According to Individual A, ROD BLAGOJEVICH and Fundrasier A, who is the chairman of Friends of Blagojevich, are making a strong push to raise campaign funds before a new state ethics law goes into effect on January 1, 2009, that will prohibit any individual or entity with existing state contracts of more than $50,000 from contributing to entities like Friends of Blagojevich.
The chairman of Friends of Blagojevich is the governor’s brother.
* 10:28 AM - Those of us who said that Gov. Blagojevich was stalling the ethics bill so he could continue to raise money from state contractors appear to have been vindicated…
The charges focus, however, on events since October when the Government obtained information that Blagojevich and Fundraiser A, who is chairman of Friends of Blagojevich, were accelerating Blagojevich’s allegedly corrupt fund-raising activities to accumulate as much money as possible this year before a new state ethics law would severely curtail Blagojevich’s ability to raise money from individuals and entities that have existing contracts worth more than $50,000 with the State of Illinois. Agents learned that Blagojevich was seeking approximately $2.5 million in campaign contributions by the end of the year
*** 10:30 AM *** House GOP Leader Tom Cross is preparing to call on Blagojevich to resign. No statement yet from House Speaker Michael Madigan.
*** 10:31 AM *** Sources say that the governor’s office at the Thompson Center has been raided by the FBI.
* 10:44 AM - Impeachment info from the Illinois Constitution…
The Governor may convene the General Assembly or the Senate alone in special session by a proclamation stating the purpose of the session; and only business encompassed by such purpose, together with any impeachments or confirmation of appointments shall be transacted. Special sessions of the General Assembly may also be convened by joint proclamation of the presiding officers of both houses, issued as provided by law. […]
SECTION 14. IMPEACHMENT
The House of Representatives has the sole power to conduct legislative investigations to determine the existence of cause for impeachment and, by the vote of a majority of the members elected, to impeach Executive and Judicial officers. Impeachments shall be tried by the Senate. When sitting for that purpose, Senators shall be upon oath, or affirmation, to do justice according to law. If the Governor
is tried, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall preside. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senators elected. Judgment shall not extend beyond removal from office and disqualification to hold any public office of this State. An impeached officer, whether convicted or acquitted, shall be liable to prosecution, trial, judgment and punishment according to law.
*** 10:46 AM *** Blagojevich and Harris will appear in court at 1:30 this afternoon. From the US Attorney…
Blagojevich and Harris will have their court appearance at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan in the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn St., Chicago. Magistrate Nolan will be using the 14th floor U.S. District Court courtroom of Judge George Lindberg – Courtroom 1425
*** 10:55 AM *** Cross and other House Republicans call for the instigation of impeachment proceedings…
Dear Speaker Madigan:
In light of the corruption charges filed against Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today, we call upon you to create a special bi-partisan committee for the purpose of investigating the grounds for impeachment. […]
We believe it is proper and warranted at this time for the Illinois House of Representatives to begin an investigation into the activities of the Executive Branch to determine grounds for impeachment. Such an investigation would provide the Governor a forum to either reassure legislators and the public that his office has followed the law or provide legislators with cause to move forward with impeachment hearings.
*** 11:00 AM *** Marc Ambinder believes “Senate Candidate 5” is Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr…
From the context, it’s probably Jesse Jackson. Jr.
Ambinder quoted this section…
“Later on December 4, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH spoke to Fundraiser A. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he was “elevating” Senate Candidate 5 on the list of candidates for the open Senate seat. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he might be able to cut a deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH with something
“tangible up front.” ROD BLAGOJEVICH noted he was going to meet with Senate Candidate 5 in the next few days.”
Ambinder…
The only candidate with whom Blagojevich met within that period was Jesse Jackson, Jr.
I asked Jackson’s office for a response much earlier today because I had the same suspicions. No response yet.
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Questions that are just begging for an answer
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Who is Senate Candidate 5? From the US Attorney’s press release…
Just last week, on December 4, Blagojevich allegedly told an advisor that he might “get some (money) up front, maybe” from Senate Candidate 5, if he named Senate Candidate 5 to the Senate seat, to insure that Senate Candidate 5 kept a promise about raising money for Blagojevich if he ran for re-election. In a recorded conversation on October 31, Blagojevich claimed he was approached by an associate of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’ That, you know, he’d raise 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a Senator.” […]
As recently as December 4, in separate conversations with Advisor B and Fundraiser A, Blagojevich said that he was “elevating” Senate Candidate 5 on the list of candidates because, among other reasons, if Blagojevich ran for re-election, Senate Candidate 5 would “raise[] money” for him. Blagojevich said that he might be able to cut a deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided Blagojevich with something “tangible up front.” Noting that he was going to meet with Senate Candidate 5 in the next few days, Blagojevich told Fundraiser A to reach out to an intermediary (Individual D), from whom Blagojevich is attempting to obtain campaign contributions and who Blagojevich believes is close to Senate Candidate 5. Blagojevich told Fundraiser A to tell Individual D that Senate Candidate 5 was a very realistic candidate but Blagojevich was getting a lot of pressure not to appoint Senate Candidate 5, according to the affidavit.
Blagojevich allegedly told Fundraiser A to tell Individual D that if Senate Candidate 5 is going to be chosen, “some of this stuff’s gotta start happening now . . . right now . . . and we gotta see it.” Blagojevich continued, “You gotta be careful how you express that and assume everybody’s listening, the whole world is listening. You hear me?” Blagojevich further directed Fundraiser A to talk to Individual D in person, not by phone, and to communicate the “urgency” of the situation.
I’ve asked one candidate whom I suspect is the person for a response. Nothing yet.
* Did Tribune owner Sam Zell agree to dump unfavorable members of the editorial board in exchange for help with Wrigley Field?
According to the affidavit, intercepted phone calls revealed that the Tribune Company, which owns the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Cubs, has explored the possibility of obtaining assistance from the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) relating to the Tribune Company’s efforts to sell the Cubs and the financing or sale of Wrigley Field. In a November 6 phone call, Harris explained to Blagojevich that the deal the Tribune Company was trying to get through the IFA was basically a tax mitigation scheme in which the IFA would own title to Wrigley Field and the Tribune would not have to pay capital gains tax, which Harris estimated would save the company approximately $100 million.
Intercepted calls allegedly show that Blagojevich directed Harris to inform Tribune Owner and an associate, identified as Tribune Financial Advisor, that state financial assistance would be withheld unless members of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board were fired, primarily because Blagojevich viewed them as driving discussion of his possible impeachment. In a November 4 phone call, Blagojevich allegedly told Harris that he should say to Tribune Financial Advisor, Cubs Chairman and Tribune Owner, “our recommendation is fire all those [expletive] people, get ‘em the [expletive] out of there and get us some editorial support.”
On November 6, the day of a Tribune editorial critical of Blagojevich , Harris told Blagojevich that he told Tribune Financial Advisor the previous day that things “look like they could move ahead fine but, you know, there is a risk that all of this is going to get derailed by your own editorial page.” Harris also told Blagojevich that he was meeting with Tribune Financial Advisor on November 10.
In a November 11 intercepted call, Harris allegedly told Blagojevich that Tribune Financial Advisor talked to Tribune Owner and Tribune Owner “got the message and is very sensitive to the issue.” Harris told Blagojevich that according to Tribune Financial Advisor, there would be “certain corporate reorganizations and budget cuts coming and, reading between the lines, he’s going after that section.” Blagojevich allegedly responded. “Oh. That’s fantastic.” After further discussion, Blagojevich said, “Wow. Okay, keep our fingers crossed. You’re the man. Good job, John.”
In a further conversation on November 21, Harris told Blagojevich that he had singled out to Tribune Financial Advisor the Tribune’s deputy editorial page editor, John McCormick, “as somebody who was the most biased and unfair.” After hearing that Tribune Financial Advisor had assured Harris that the Tribune would be making changes affecting the editorial board, Blagojevich allegedly had a series of conversations with Chicago Cubs representatives regarding efforts to provide state financing for Wrigley Field. On November 30, Blagojevich spoke with the president of a Chicago-area sports consulting firm, who indicated that he was working with the Cubs on matters involving Wrigley Field. Blagojevich and Sports Consultant discussed the importance of getting the IFA transaction approved at the agency’s December or January meeting because Blagojevich was contemplating leaving office in early January and his IFA appointees would still be in place to approve the deal, the charges allege.
No response yet from Tribune Co.
* Just how insane is Rod Blagojevich?
Throughout the intercepted conversations, Blagojevich also allegedly spent significant time weighing the option of appointing himself to the open Senate seat and expressed a variety of reasons for doing so, including: frustration at being “stuck” as governor; a belief that he will be able to obtain greater resources if he is indicted as a sitting Senator as opposed to a sitting governor; a desire to remake his image in consideration of a possible run for President in 2016; avoiding impeachment by the Illinois legislature; making corporate contacts that would be of value to him after leaving public office; facilitating his wife’s employment as a lobbyist; and generating speaking fees should he decide to leave public office.
What the heck?
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Feds take Gov. Blagojevich into custody
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
*** DOWNLOAD THE FEDERAL COMPLAINT BY CLICKING HERE ***
* 8:06 am - From the Tribune…
A source said today that Gov. Rod Blagojevich was taken into federal custody at his North Side home this morning. The U.S. attorney’s office would not confirm the information, and a spokesman for the governor did not immediately return a phone call for comment.
* 8:11 am - An administrative spokesman said just now that he had no information. A source claims that the FBI was at his house about 20 minutes ago.
* 8:35 am - From ABC 7…
According to the source, the governor is now at FBI headquarters on the city’s West Side, where he is in the custody of federal authorities.
Officials are expected to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Gov. Blagojevich may also make a court appearance later today.
* 8:45 am - From the US Attorney…
CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff, John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption charges alleging that they and others are engaging in ongoing criminal activity: conspiring to obtain personal financial benefits for Blagojevich by leveraging his sole authority to appoint a United States Senator; threatening to withhold substantial state assistance to the Tribune Company in connection with the sale of Wrigley Field to induce the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members sharply critical of Blagojevich; and to obtain campaign contributions in exchange for official actions – both historically and now in a push before a new state ethics law takes effect January 1, 2009.
Blagojevich, 51, and Harris, 46, both of Chicago, were each charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery. They were charged in a two-count criminal complaint that was sworn out on Sunday and unsealed today following their arrests, which occurred without incident, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Both men were expected to appear later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
A 76-page FBI affidavit alleges that Blagojevich was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps during the last month conspiring to sell or trade Illinois’ U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama for financial and other personal benefits for himself and his wife. At various times, in exchange for the Senate appointment, Blagojevich discussed obtaining:
o a substantial salary for himself at a either a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions;
o placing his wife on paid corporate boards where he speculated she might garner as much as $150,000 a year;
o promises of campaign funds – including cash up front; and
o a cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself.
Just last week, on December 4, Blagojevich allegedly told an advisor that he might “get some (money) up front, maybe” from Senate Candidate 5, if he named Senate Candidate 5 to the Senate seat, to insure that Senate Candidate 5 kept a promise about raising money for Blagojevich if he ran for re-election. In a recorded conversation on October 31, Blagojevich claimed he was approached by an associate of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’ That, you know, he’d raise 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a Senator.”
On November 7, while talking on the phone about the Senate seat with Harris and an advisor, Blagojevich said he needed to consider his family and that he is “financially” hurting, the affidavit states. Harris allegedly said that they were considering what would help the “financial security” of the Blagojevich family and what will keep Blagojevich “politically viable.” Blagojevich stated, “I want to make money,” adding later that he is interested in making $250,000 to $300,000 a year, the complaint alleges.
On November 10, in a lengthy telephone call with numerous advisors that included discussion about Blagojevich obtaining a lucrative job with a union-affiliated organization in exchange for appointing a particular Senate Candidate whom he believed was favored by the President-elect and which is described in more detail below, Blagojevich and others discussed various ways Blagojevich could “monetize” the relationships he has made as governor to make money after leaving that office. “The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering,” Mr. Fitzgerald said. “They allege that Blagojevich put a ‘for sale’ sign on the naming of a United States Senator; involved himself personally in pay-to-play schemes with the urgency of a salesman meeting his annual sales target; and corruptly used his office in an effort to trample editorial voices of criticism. The citizens of Illinois deserve public officials who act solely in the public’s interest, without putting a price tag on government appointments, contracts and decisions,” he added.
Mr. Grant said: “Many, including myself, thought that the recent conviction of a former governor would usher in a new era of honesty and reform in Illinois politics. Clearly, the charges announced today reveal that the office of the Governor has become nothing more than a vehicle for self-enrichment, unrestricted by party affiliation and taking Illinois politics to a new low.”
Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Grant thanked the Chicago offices of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General for assisting in the ongoing investigation. The probe is part of Operation Board Games, a five-year-old public corruption investigation of pay-to-play schemes, including insider-dealing, influence-peddling and kickbacks involving private interests and public duties.
Federal agents today also executed search warrants at the offices of Friends of Blagojevich located at 4147 North Ravenswood, Suite 300, and at the Thompson Center office of Deputy Governor A.
Pay-to-Play Schemes
The charges include historical allegations that Blagojevich and Harris schemed with others – including previously convicted defendants Antoin Rezko, Stuart Levine, Ali Ata and others – since becoming governor in 2002 to obtain and attempt to obtain financial benefits for himself, his family and third parties, including his campaign committee, Friends of Blagojevich, in exchange for appointments to state boards and commissions, state employment, state contracts and access to state funds. A portion of the affidavit recounts the testimony of various witnesses at Rezko’s trial earlier this year.
The charges focus, however, on events since October when the Government obtained information that Blagojevich and Fundraiser A, who is chairman of Friends of Blagojevich, were accelerating Blagojevich’s allegedly corrupt fund-raising activities to accumulate as much money as possible this year before a new state ethics law would severely curtail Blagojevich’s ability to raise money from individuals and entities that have existing contracts worth more than $50,000 with the State of Illinois. Agents learned that Blagojevich was seeking approximately $2.5 million in campaign contributions by the end of the year, principally from or through individuals or entities – many of which have received state contacts or appointments – identified on a list maintained by Friends of Blagojevich, which the FBI has obtained.
The affidavit details multiple incidents involving efforts by Blagojevich to obtain campaign contributions in connection with his official actions as governor, including these three in early October:
* After an October 6 meeting with Harris and Individuals A and B, during which Individual B sought state help with a business venture, Blagojevich told Individual A to approach Individual B about raising $100,000 for Friends of Blagojevich this year. Individual A said he later learned that Blagojevich reached out directly to Individual B to ask about holding a fund-raiser;
o Also on October 6, Blagojevich told Individual A that he expected Highway Contractor 1 to raise $500,000 in contributions and that he was willing to commit additional state money to a Tollway project – beyond $1.8 billion that Blagojevich announced on October15 – but was waiting to see how much money the contractor raised for Friends of Blagojevich; and
o On October 8, Blagojevich told Individual A that he wanted to obtain a $50,000 contribution from Hospital Executive 1, the chief executive officer of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which had recently received a commitment of $8 million in state funds. When the contribution was not forthcoming, Blagojevich discussed with Deputy Governor A the feasibility of rescinding the funding.
On October 21, the Government obtained a court order authorizing the interception of conversations in both a personal office and a conference room used by Blagojevich at the offices of Friends of Blagojevich. The FBI began intercepting conversations in those rooms on the morning of October 22. A second court order was obtained last month allowing those interceptions to continue. On October 29, a court order was signed authorizing the interception of conversations on a hardline telephone used by Blagojevich at his home. That wiretap was extended for 30 days on November 26, according to the affidavit.
Another alleged example of a pay-to-play scheme was captured in separate telephone conversations that Blagojevich had with Fundraiser A on November 13 and Lobbyist 1 on December 3. Lobbyist 1 was reporting to Blagojevich about his efforts to collect a contribution from Contributor 1 and related that he “got in his face” to make it clear to Contributor 1 that a commitment to make a campaign contribution had to be done now, before there could be some skittishness over the timing of the contribution and Blagojevich signing a bill that would benefit Contributor 1. Blagojevich commented to Lobbyist 1 “good” and “good job.” The bill in question, which is awaiting Blagojevich ’s signature, is believed to be legislation that directs a percentage of casino revenue to the horse racing industry.
Sale of U.S. Senate Appointment
Regarding the Senate seat, the charges allege that Blagojevich, Harris and others have engaged and are engaging in efforts to obtain personal gain, including financial gain, to benefit Blagojevich and his family through corruptly using Blagojevich’s sole authority to appoint a successor to the unexpired term of the President-elect’s former Senate seat, which he resigned effective November 16. The affidavit details numerous conversations about the Senate seat between November 3 and December 5. In these conversations, Blagojevich repeatedly discussed the attributes of potential candidates, including their abilities to benefit the people of Illinois, and the financial and political benefits he and his wife could receive if he appointed various of the possible candidates.
Throughout the intercepted conversations, Blagojevich also allegedly spent significant time weighing the option of appointing himself to the open Senate seat and expressed a variety of reasons for doing so, including: frustration at being “stuck” as governor; a belief that he will be able to obtain greater resources if he is indicted as a sitting Senator as opposed to a sitting governor; a desire to remake his image in consideration of a possible run for President in 2016; avoiding impeachment by the Illinois legislature; making corporate contacts that would be of value to him after leaving public office; facilitating his wife’s employment as a lobbyist; and generating speaking fees should he decide to leave public office.
In the earliest intercepted conversation about the Senate seat described in the affidavit, Blagojevich told Deputy Governor A on November 3 that if he is not going to get anything of value for the open seat, then he will take it for himself: “if . . . they’re not going to offer anything of any value, then I might just take it.” Later that day, speaking to Advisor A, Blagojevich said: “I’m going to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and therefore I can drive a hard bargain.” He added later that the seat “is a [expletive] valuable thing, you just don’t give it away for nothing.”
Over the next couple of days – Election Day and the day after – Blagojevich was captured discussing with Deputy Governor A whether he could obtain a cabinet position, such as Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Department of Energy or various ambassadorships. In a conversation with Harris on November 4, Blagojevich analogized his situation to that of a sports agent shopping a potential free agent to the highest bidder. The day after the election, Harris allegedly suggested to Blagojevich that the President-elect could make him the head of a private foundation.
Later on November 5, Blagojevich said to Advisor A, “I’ve got this thing and it’s [expletive] golden, and, uh, uh, I’m just not giving it up for [expletive] nothing. I’m not gonna do it. And, and I can always use it. I can parachute me there,” the affidavit states.
Two days later, in a three-way call with Harris and Advisor B, a consultant in Washington, Blagojevich and the others allegedly discussed the prospect of a three-way deal for the Senate appointment involving an organization called “Change to Win,” which is affiliated with various unions including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
On November 10, Blagojevich, his wife, Harris, Governor General Counsel, Advisor B and other Washington-based advisors participated at different times in a two-hour phone call in which they allegedly discussed, among other things, a deal involving the SEIU. Harris said they could work out a deal with the union and the President-elect where SEIU could help the President-elect with Blagojevich’s appointment of Senate Candidate 1, while Blagojevich would obtain a position as the National Director of the Change to Win campaign and SEIU would get something favorable from the President-elect in the future. Also during that call, Blagojevich agreed it was unlikely that the President-elect would name him Secretary of Health and Human Services or give him an ambassadorship because of all of the negative publicity surrounding him.
In a conversation with Harris on November 11, the charges state, Blagojevich said he knew that the President-elect wanted Senate Candidate 1 for the open seat but “they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. [Expletive] them.” Earlier in that conversation, Blagojevich suggested starting a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, which he could head and engage in political activity and lobbying. In that conversation with Harris and other discussions with him and others over the next couple of days, Blagojevich suggested by name several well-known, wealthy individuals who could be prevailed upon to seed such an organization with $10-$15 million, and suggesting that he could take the organization’s reins when he is no longer governor, according to the affidavit.
On November 12, Blagojevich spoke with SEIU Official who was in Washington. This conversation occurred about a week after Blagojevich had met with SEIU Official to discuss the Senate seat, with the understanding that the union official was an emissary to discuss Senate Candidate 1’s interest in the Senate seat. During the November 12 conversation, Blagojevich allegedly explained the non-profit organization idea to SEIU Official and said that it could help Senate Candidate 1. The union official agreed to “put that flag up and see where it goes,” although the official also had said he wasn’t certain if Senate Candidate 1 wanted the official to keep pushing her candidacy. Senate Candidate 1 eventually removed herself from consideration for the open seat.
Also on November 12, in a conversation with Harris, the complaint affidavit states that Blagojevich said his decision about the open Senate seat will be based on three criteria in the following order of importance: “our legal situation, our personal situation, my political situation. This decision, like every other one, needs to be based upon that. Legal. Personal. Political.” Harris said: “legal is the hardest one to satisfy.” Blagojevich said that his legal problems could be solved by naming himself to the Senate seat.
As recently as December 4, in separate conversations with Advisor B and Fundraiser A, Blagojevich said that he was “elevating” Senate Candidate 5 on the list of candidates because, among other reasons, if Blagojevich ran for re-election, Senate Candidate 5 would “raise[] money” for him. Blagojevich said that he might be able to cut a deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided Blagojevich with something “tangible up front.” Noting that he was going to meet with Senate Candidate 5 in the next few days, Blagojevich told Fundraiser A to reach out to an intermediary (Individual D), from whom Blagojevich is attempting to obtain campaign contributions and who Blagojevich believes is close to Senate Candidate 5. Blagojevich told Fundraiser A to tell Individual D that Senate Candidate 5 was a very realistic candidate but Blagojevich was getting a lot of pressure not to appoint Senate Candidate 5, according to the affidavit.
Blagojevich allegedly told Fundraiser A to tell Individual D that if Senate Candidate 5 is going to be chosen, “some of this stuff’s gotta start happening now . . . right now . . . and we gotta see it.” Blagojevich continued, “You gotta be careful how you express that and assume everybody’s listening, the whole world is listening. You hear me?” Blagojevich further directed Fundraiser A to talk to Individual D in person, not by phone, and to communicate the “urgency” of the situation.
Blagojevich spoke to Fundraiser A again the next day, December 5, and discussed that day’s Chicago Tribune front page article stating that Blagojevich had recently been surreptitiously recorded as part of the ongoing criminal investigation. Blagojevich instructed Fundraiser A to “undo your [Individual D] thing,” and Fundraiser A confirmed it would be undone, the complaint alleges.
Also on December 5, Blagojevich and three others allegedly discussed whether to move money out of the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund to avoid having the money frozen by federal authorities and also considered the possibility of prepaying the money to Blagojevich’s criminal defense attorney with an understanding that the attorney would donate the money back at a later time if it was not needed. They also discussed opening a new fund raising account named Citizens for Blagojevich with new contributions.
Misuse of State Funding To Induce Firing of Chicago Tribune Editorial Writers
According to the affidavit, intercepted phone calls revealed that the Tribune Company, which owns the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Cubs, has explored the possibility of obtaining assistance from the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) relating to the Tribune Company’s efforts to sell the Cubs and the financing or sale of Wrigley Field. In a November 6 phone call, Harris explained to Blagojevich that the deal the Tribune Company was trying to get through the IFA was basically a tax mitigation scheme in which the IFA would own title to Wrigley Field and the Tribune would not have to pay capital gains tax, which Harris estimated would save the company approximately $100 million.
Intercepted calls allegedly show that Blagojevich directed Harris to inform Tribune Owner and an associate, identified as Tribune Financial Advisor, that state financial assistance would be withheld unless members of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board were fired, primarily because Blagojevich viewed them as driving discussion of his possible impeachment. In a November 4 phone call, Blagojevich allegedly told Harris that he should say to Tribune Financial Advisor, Cubs Chairman and Tribune Owner, “our recommendation is fire all those [expletive] people, get ‘em the [expletive] out of there and get us some editorial support.”
On November 6, the day of a Tribune editorial critical of Blagojevich , Harris told Blagojevich that he told Tribune Financial Advisor the previous day that things “look like they could move ahead fine but, you know, there is a risk that all of this is going to get derailed by your own editorial page.” Harris also told Blagojevich that he was meeting with Tribune Financial Advisor on November 10.
In a November 11 intercepted call, Harris allegedly told Blagojevich that Tribune Financial Advisor talked to Tribune Owner and Tribune Owner “got the message and is very sensitive to the issue.” Harris told Blagojevich that according to Tribune Financial Advisor, there would be “certain corporate reorganizations and budget cuts coming and, reading between the lines, he’s going after that section.” Blagojevich allegedly responded. “Oh. That’s fantastic.” After further discussion, Blagojevich said, “Wow. Okay, keep our fingers crossed. You’re the man. Good job, John.”
In a further conversation on November 21, Harris told Blagojevich that he had singled out to Tribune Financial Advisor the Tribune’s deputy editorial page editor, John McCormick, “as somebody who was the most biased and unfair.” After hearing that Tribune Financial Advisor had assured Harris that the Tribune would be making changes affecting the editorial board, Blagojevich allegedly had a series of conversations with Chicago Cubs representatives regarding efforts to provide state financing for Wrigley Field. On November 30, Blagojevich spoke with the president of a Chicago-area sports consulting firm, who indicated that he was working with the Cubs on matters involving Wrigley Field. Blagojevich and Sports Consultant discussed the importance of getting the IFA transaction approved at the agency’s December or January meeting because Blagojevich was contemplating leaving office in early January and his IFA appointees would still be in place to approve the deal, the charges allege.
The Government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reid Schar, Carrie Hamilton and Christopher Niewoehner.
If convicted, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while solicitation of bribery carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, and each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000. The Court, however, would determine the appropriate sentence to be imposed under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The public is reminded that a complaint contain only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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* 12:48 pm - The Tribune quotes the AP in a story about itself…
Media conglomerate Tribune Co. has filed for bankrutpcy protection, pressured by high debts, according to the Associated Press.
Background is here.
…Adding… Crain’s reports that the Cubs are excluded from the bankruptcy filing [h/t to commenters]
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* Via the Tribune’s raw video of Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s press conference, we learn that the governor addressed the Tribune’s report that the feds taped some of his conversations…
“If anybody wants to tape my conversations, go right ahead, feel free to do it. I appreciate anybody who wants to tape me openly and notoriously. And those who feel like they wanna sneakily and wear taping devices, I would remind them that it kinda smells like Nixon and Watergate.”
Not sure I quite get that Watergate point, unless the taping was done illegally.
* More…
“This is America. I’d appreciate if you want to tape my conversations, give me a heads-up and let me know.”
That’s not the way prosecutors do things, but whatever.
* On the Tribune revelation that lobbyist and longtime friend John Wyma’s cooperation helped the feds record the guv…
“The Tribune was wrong and very well may have defamed him.”
* And the governor sees a bright side to the taping…
“The good news is, if they’re going to those lengths and extents, if in fact that’s true, that would suggest all the past has been pretty good.”
* When asked about the dark cloud hanging over him…
“I think there’s nothing but sunshine hanging over me.”
* NEW: More quotes at the Tribune.
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Hype reported, specifics unquestioned
Monday, Dec 8, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Today’s press conference by Gov. Rod Blagojevich is getting a lot of media play. From the Tribune…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich said this morning the state of Illinois “will suspend doing any business with Bank of America” until the company restores credit to the shuttered Republic Windows & Doors company on the North Side.
Blagojevich made the announcement after meeting with former workers who have been staging a sit-in on the factory floor since Friday to protest abruptly losing their jobs. The governor said the state has “hundreds of millions of dollars” in dealings with the bank. [emphasis added]
* OK, but I wondered what business the State of Illinois actually does with Bank of America. So, I posed that question to the guv’s press office, and they didn’t have a ready response.
Bank of America owns LaSalle Bank, a storied Chicago institution. So, there is probably quite a bit of business there, particularly with bonding. But are we going to cancel those bonds? No. Can we disqualify the bank from future bonding without facing bigtime lawsuits? You got me. Is this bridge loan program for state vendors also in jeopardy?
It would be nice if we knew exactly what sort of pressure this threat will actually put on the bank itself, or whether this is just an empty gesture designed for maximum press exposure.
I’ll update with any new information.
* CNN’s coverage…
The CNN guy gushed at the end of the piece: “Wow! You wanna talk about some news!”
* Raw video…
* A bit of background…
The story of Republic Window and Doors started quietly last week, when Bank of America informed the company, located on Chicago’s Goose Island, that it had canceled their $5 million line of credit. Then came the rumble. Republic’s executives, in turn, announced that the company would be shutting down and gave its 250-plus workers 72 hours to leave their jobs. In the days since, the story has built to a roar, with employees deciding on Friday to stage an ongoing sit-in in the factory. Local officials, members of Congress, and the national news media have all taken notice and you can be sure to hear more about the situation over the course of the next week.
* More…
Leah Fried, an organizer for the United Electrical Workers union that represents the workers, said the company told the union that Bank of America has canceled its financing. The bank had said in a statement that it wasn’t responsible for Republic’s financial obligations to its employees.
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Question of the day - More Golden Horseshoes
Monday, Dec 8, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* More for your consideration…
1) Best press spokesperson (legislative, congressional, local or statewide)
2) Best Statehouse lobbyist
3) Best non-press staffer for a constitutional officer
Remember: No negativity and no snark. And please explain all your votes. The explanations are worth infinitely more than raw totals. Thanks much.
Winners so far were posted Friday.
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Budget woes and a ray of hope
Monday, Dec 8, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This is an extremely short-term solution, and it’s not even that…
Illinois will borrow $1.4 billion to make payments to schools, health care providers and others who’ve been waiting months to be reimbursed by the state.
The deal, which does not need lawmakers’ approval, could be completed within weeks and potentially free up cash to pay backlogged bills by month’s end.
“Especially in this poor national economy, Illinois needs to make sure that we can pay the businesses that provide the state with the goods and services which help families in these tough times,” Gov. Rod Blagojevich said in a statement announcing the borrowing plan, which was agreed to by Comptroller Dan Hynes and Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.
The state’s delinquency in paying billions of dollars in bills has caused havoc with budgeting at schools, hospitals and other health care providers.
The loan has to be paid back by the end of this fiscal year, so Illinois must start setting aside money right away to pay off the debt. So, some late payments will be made, but the state has billions more in unpaid bills, so most vendors won’t see relief.
The reason that this is so important is that Illinois’ social service network is mostly run by private, non-profit agencies like Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, etc. If the state did all of this work “in-house” then we’d be in even worse shape because those state worker pay checks would have to be cut every two weeks. Instead, our problems are foisted off on those who can ill afford it.
* Mike Lawrence offers up some shock therapy…
Because too many politicians have chosen sweet talk over straight talk, Illinoisans overwhelmingly believe we can provide adequate K-12 funding, assure higher education accessibility to the less affluent, preserve parks and historic sites, respond comprehensively to mental illness, arrest and imprison violent offenders, combat methamphetamine, heroin and crack cocaine, keep faith with retired public employees and rehabilitate the state treasury simply by curtailing raises for legislators, firing political hacks, grounding the governor’s plane and doing some surgical snipping here and there.
But the far less soothing reality is that we could make legislators serve for free and barely ding the deficit. We could shutter five universities and close down departments that patrol our highways, guard and conserve our natural resources, serve senior citizens and veterans and protect the public health — and still not eradicate the red ink, let alone protect and invest in our children and in the roads, bridges and other infrastructure vital to economic development.
More than 90 percent of general revenue funds support education, health care, services for the needy, law enforcement and pensions.
Even while in the grip of an unemployment-escalating, insecurity-abetting economy, can we diminish or even continue to tolerate substandard resources for youngsters in any corner of Illinois and abide academic achievement gaps between whites and burgeoning minorities without ultimately yielding good jobs to other states and countries that offer better educated and trained workers?
* Admittedly tongue in cheek stories like this only feed that false perception of an easy solution…
Illinois’ license plates proudly boast we’re the Land of Lincoln. Now, we’re the Land of Obama, too. So what would happen if state leaders gave drivers the option of buying a special license plate to commemorate Barack Obama’s historic inauguration as president?
Judging by calls to Secretary of State Jesse White’s office and an examination of state records, the idea might offer a boost for the state’s cash-strapped budget.
* The new Senate President is offering up some much-needed hope for change…
John Cullerton, who takes over as president of the Illinois Senate in January, said Saturday he will make the long-delayed capital bill his “number one priority.”
Speaking at the reopening of the Irving Park Brown Line station on the North Side, Cullerton said a capital bill will bring not only improved bridges, roads and public transit, but jobs.
“The jobs situation in Illinois has been terrible,” said Cullerton (D-Chicago). “I look forward to working with the mayor and all the elected officials, bringing the governor and the speaker together, and try to get this dysfunctionality that’s been going on in Springfield over with, get this gridlock to end and get working on our problems.”
* And the Peoria Journal-Star, which endorsed a Senate President candidate backed by Rod Blagojevich and Emil Jones, demands a leadership change…
If the leaders - that the members choose, by the way - won’t lead, then it’s time to change leaders, or at least challenge them publicly.
Um, they just had an election to change leaders in the Senate. Why not wait and see what happens before ranting and raving?
* Somewhat related…
* 50 states, 50 holes
* A look at Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s wish list for infrastructure projects
* Pontiac doesn’t agree with governor’s office
* SJ-R Opinion: Make COGFA rulings binding
* SJ-R Opinion: Fix ethics law so road funds are not at risk
* Proposed driving restrictions not all fair
* Rosemont mayor returns mob-linked funds
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Christmas wars come to the Statehouse
Monday, Dec 8, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I suppose I’ll never quite comprehend why certain people feel it’s so darned necessary to put up religious displays on taxpayer property…
If the placement of a Nativity scene in the Statehouse last week starts a trend at other public places in Illinois, that would be fine with organizers of the display. But they’re not going to force the issue.
“We’re here to be a catalyst towards the goal, but forcing it upon someone does nothing,” said Dan Zanoza of Lincoln, chairman of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee, which held an unveiling ceremony Tuesday. “Yes, we would like to see a Nativity scene on Christmas in every town, in every hamlet, in every municipality, but that’s if the people of those communities would like it to be.”
Zanoza, his wife Julie, and other members of the committee got the help of the Chicago-based Thomas More Society, a public interest law firm, in organizing the event. The Italian marble figures of baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph cost about $7,000, and the society, at 29 S. LaSalle St., Suite 440, Chicago, IL 60603, is accepting donations to pay for them.
Thomas Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Society, made it clear in remarks at the unveiling that the private funding is what made the display appropriate for a public building.
“The legal theory involved here is simple and essential,” Brejcha said. “It’s a free-speech exercise. If you can stand on your soapbox, proclaim your politics in America’s public square, then equally you can proclaim your religious faith and the values that that faith enshrines.”
That sounds reasonable I suppose, but only if they follow through with their reasonableness. Keep reading for the bad news.
* The nativity scene, of course, has prompted a couple of other requests…
White spokesman Dave Druker the office now has a pending request to place a menorah in the building. Sen. Ira Silverstein, D-Chicago, said Chabad of Chicago will sponsor the menorah. The Chabad movement has centers around the world that provide outreach and other activities for Jews. The movement was in the news recently when terrorists targeted a Chabad center in India.
“I think it is important that all religions be represented (in the Capitol),” Silverstein said. “If there is a Nativity scene, the Jewish faith should have something and Muslims, too, if they want.”
There is no pending request from a Muslim group to have a display. However, there is a request pending from one other group, Druker said. The Freedom From Religion Foundation of Madison, Wis., plans to put up a sign as early as next week stating its thoughts.
“We don’t think there should be religion or irreligion in the Capitol,” said co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor. “If the state says it will have a public forum, we want to make sure the non-religious are represented as well.”
Gaylor recited what will be on the sign, which is identical to signs placed in capitols in Washington state and Wisconsin.
“Our message at this season of the winter solstice is may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.”
* And despite saying they’d be fine with other religious displays, Dan Zanoza just sent out a press release this morning which indicates there’s trouble ahead…
An organization from Madison, Wisconsin, which calls itself the Freedom from Religion Foundation, is seeking a permit from the office of Jesse White (the Illinois Secretary of State) and some see this move as an attempt to malign the Nativity scene which was designed and constructed solely with private donations, as would be the case for the Menorah. There has been a national debate over whether the atheist sign in Washington is political dialogue or hate speech.
Hate speech? Oh, boy, here we go. So much for reasonableness.
…ADDING… Try to avoid predigested and preapproved talking points in the discussion. This has the potential to be as goofy as any national political discussion. So, use your own brain and your own words. Thanks.
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* The “Gimme Barack’s seat” fervor is getting outta hand…
“Barack would not be there had [it] not been for an Emil Jones,'’ Ald. Carrie Austin (34th) said at a Sunday news conference to push Jones.
A news conference to push Emil Jones for Senate? Good grief.
*** UPDATE *** Oops. I forgot to make mention of this Fox News report…
Illinois Senate President Emil Jones has become the front runner to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the United States Senate, a source told FOX News.
Look, it may be Jones. But using a single source to make a claim about what’s going on in Gov. Blagojevich’s head is kinda goofy. Unless it was RRB hisself, I don’t buy that report.
Again, though, the guv may very well pick Jones. I heard a while ago he was leaning in that direction. I just don’t buy into the Fox report as fact.
[*** End of update ***]
* But Jones would likely be a placeholder, and Sen. Robert Menendez, the incoming US Senate Democratic campaign chairman, doesn’t want a placeholder appointed…
Menendez expressed his hope that Blagojevich will avoid a placeholder appointee, as will New York Gov. David Paterson (D).
“Those are our standards, and I’ve spoken to both Gov. Blagojevich and Gov. Paterson about our desires,” Menendez said. “And I think they share it with us in terms of making sure that whoever they consider appointing will meet those standards — their ability to represent Illinois and New York well, as well as be able to win the seat in the next election that will be up for the rest of the expired term.”
* Believe it or not, Danny Davis has been on a campaign tour…
The six-term U.S. congressional representative visited Aurora to promote his bid for President-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat vacancy.
“It might seem odd to be campaigning for a one-person decision,” Davis said, but he wanted to encourage people to suggest that he would make a good replacement for Obama in the Senate.
Davis was also in Rockford.
* And the Tribune finally notices that Blagojevich’s choice could be tainted…
The revelation that federal prosecutors have recorded Gov. Rod Blagojevich as part of their corruption investigation of his administration cast new controversy Friday over his pending decision to appoint a replacement for President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.
Fellow Democrats were already expressing private reservations that the governor’s scandals could politically taint whoever he handpicks for the job. Those concerns grew Friday with the Tribune’s revelations that close Blagojevich confidant John Wyma is cooperating with the tightening federal probe.
But even as the governor’s office sought to give Blagojevich distance from the latest twist in the investigation, Wyma’s closeness to him was underscored by word that Wyma talked with one of the candidates seeking the Senate job.
Wyma spoke with Jesse Jackson, Jr., which probably didn’t seem like a huge deal until the Tribune reported Friday about Wyma allegedly working with the feds.
Cynthia Canary, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, said anyone who wants to be the next U.S. senator from Illinois must “do a very strange dance where they have to charm the governor and then immediately disown him.”
“If whoever becomes our next senator wants to have a political future, they cannot afford to have their star tied to the governor one day longer than it takes to be appointed,” said Canary, who called Blagojevich “politically toxic.”
Anyway, it’s nice that the Tribune finally noticed this real problem.
* The Tribune had another Blagojevich story over the weekend…
The contents of the [Wyma] taping have not been disclosed, and the governor’s office reiterated Friday that he had committed no wrongdoing. Blagojevich has not been charged with a crime. Nor has his wife, Patricia, whose real estate deals have come under the federal microscope as part of the probe of pay-to-play politics. Wyma has not been charged, either.
So far, though, 13 people have been indicted or convicted in the festering scandal, including prominent Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko, who faces sentencing, and the governor’s former chief fundraiser, Christopher Kelly, once the governor’s point man on gambling issues, who stands indicted on tax fraud counts linked to his betting activities in Las Vegas.
“I think we have to look at the inner core of the governor’s sanctum and who those players are,” said Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), a longtime critic of Blagojevich. Franks has pushed for legislators to do a preliminary investigation on whether they should launch impeachment hearings.
* And speaking of Blagojevich’s troubles…
The sentencing of former Democratic National Committee fund-raiser Joseph Cari Jr. has been delayed at the request of prosecutors.
It’s a sign the feds want to use Cari as a witness — again. […]
He was supposed to be sentenced months ago, after he testified against Tony Rezko, the former fund-raiser for Blagojevich and President-elect Barack Obama. But that was put off, and no new date has been set.
At Rezko’s trial, Cari testified that Blagojevich told him he planned to reward big campaign donors with state contracts. The governor has denied having that conversation.
Not a good thing for the guv, or for whomever he appoints to the Senate.
* Mayor Daley is no fool…
Mayor Richard M. Daley is lobbying to keep Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s mitts off several hundred million dollars Chicago is poised to get through a proposed economic stimulus package under debate in Congress.
* Related…
* NEW: Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan wants to block former tollway chief Brian McPartlin from taking a job with an engineering firm that has received more than $30 million in agency contracts.
* Emil Jones interested in U.S. Senate seat
* Obama’s Mini-Me
* Obama’s basketball pal for governor?
* Obama breaks Cook County records
* Tribune Editorial: If you keep your pledge of 21 months ago to discuss the federal investigation with us, we would hope for a similar engagement and a similar tone. Mostly we would hope to help explain to the people of Illinois your thoughts on the cloud of scandal that, fairly or not, envelops your administration. Governor Blagojevich, let’s talk.
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Morning Shorts
Monday, Dec 8, 2008 - Posted by Kevin Fanning
* U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez has made more than $420,000 on real estate deals
Among the reasons his real estate dealings do not cause conflicts, Gutierrez has said, is that he never interferes in local zoning matters. But the Tribune reported in October that Gutierrez sent a letter to Mayor Richard Daley seeking support for a controversial project built by one of the congressman’s political donors who also had lent him money. The newspaper reported that federal authorities investigating zoning matters have shown interest in the Gutierrez letter.
* Rep.-elect Debbie Halvorson: From cosmetics sales to Congress
* Admission Price Tops $1 Million for Most Winners in House Races
* Lots of bread along 14th District trail
Ranked in order by votes received, here’s a look at how much they each spent and the per-vote cost of their campaign. Vote totals are according to the Illinois State Board of Elections, while the financial information comes from the Federal Election Commission.
• Rep. Bill Foster: 303,011 votes; $4,880,916 spent, or $16.10 per vote.
• Jim Oberweis: 269,275 votes; $5,036,947 spent, or $18.70 per vote.
• State Sen. Chris Lauzen: 65,539 votes; $1,222,287 spent, or $18.66 per vote.
• John Laesch: 60,445 votes; $179,489 spent, or $2.96 per vote.
• Jotham Stein: 10,947 votes; $228,411 spent, or $20.86 per vote.
• Joe Serra: 6,033 votes; $0 spent.
• Michael Dilger: 1,847; $0 spent.
The bottom line in this race for Washington? Coincidentally, $16.10 per vote — the amount Foster spent.
* Is Daley mortgaging the future?
He has now unloaded four of the city’s most valuable assets for a $6 billion mountain of cash and saddled taxpayers with $5.8 billion worth of long-term debt.
The great Chicago sell-off started with the Skyway ($1.83 billion), continued with downtown parking garages ($563 million) and Midway Airport ($2.5 billion) and culminated this week with the sale of Chicago parking meters ($1.15 billion).
More troubling for future generations is the fact that the mayor plans to spend at least $425 million of the parking meter windfall over the next five years — and $324 million more if the moribund economy is slow to bounce back.
Daley has also increased the city’s long-term debt by a whopping 178 percent over the last decade — from $2.1 billion to $5.8 billion or $2,006 per person.
And Chicago has more than 150 tax increment financing districts that siphoned $555.3 million away in 2007.
The bottom line is that Daley’s successor will be boxed in by heavy debt, a diminishing tax base and precious few money-making assets.
* Daley Asks Why Plows Missed Some Street Corners
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says he wants to know why some street corners weren’t plowed properly following this week’s snow storms.
DALEY: That’s the key. That’s the key. How do they miss corners? How do they miss a corner over here and take every corner down Madison Street. Why did they miss that corner? So that’s what you’re trying to figure out.
* Daley admits mistakes were made in snow removal
* CTA trains speed up as slow zones fade away
* Union ignoring facts in defense of Burge
* The undercover agent
On Tuesday the Justice Department announced charges against 17 defendants, 15 of them Chicago, Cook County or suburban law officers. They’re accused of providing armed security for what they believed to be cocaine and heroin transactions. They were paid, the government alleges, to serve as lookouts, ready to intervene in the event honest police—or rival drug dealers—tried to interfere with the purported drug trafficking.
* Part II: Let’s talk taxes, baby
This week, I’ll revisit tax cap legislation of the 1990s; how it affected your pocketbook; and the status of the 7 Percent Expanded Homeowner Exemption pushed by Cook County Assessor James Houlihan.
Sharpen your pencils, pupils. Here we go:
* Banks protege gets new City Hall zoning post
The influence of the Northwest Side political clan that dominates City Hall’s real estate development process expanded Friday as Mayor Richard Daley named Patricia Scudiero the first commissioner of the new Zoning and Land Use Planning Department.
Scudiero is a protégé of Ald. William J.P. Banks (36th), chairman of the City Council Zoning Committee since Daley became mayor in 1989. She served as a Banks aide from 1989 to 2004.
* Federal regulators green light CN merger with conditions
Echoing the sentiments of a divided Chicago region, federal regulators issued their final report Friday on the environmental impact of the Canadian National Railway merging with the smaller EJ&E railroad, finding it will ease freight traffic in Chicago and nearby suburbs but cause problems for some towns along the “J.”
The report issued by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board gave a list of conditions CN must follow to ease negative impacts of buying the EJ&E but seemed to assume the deal would move forward.
* Planes go around again for added safety
* Virgin abandons O’Hare plans
* Staff Cuts at Chicago Public Radio
* Tribune Co. hires bankruptcy advisers
Tribune must raise cash, either by selling assets such as the Chicago Cubs, or by cutting costs. It already has cut hundreds of jobs at its newspapers, which include the Los Angeles Times and Baltimore Sun, and last week managers cut 11 jobs in the Chicago Tribune newsroom.
The recession in newspaper advertising has hurt the Tribune as it tries to swallow $12 billion in debt that Zell took on last December when he took the company private.
Analysts who follow Tribune debt, which carries junk-bond ratings, have said the company’s immediate concern is a covenant that limits its borrowings to nine times its cash flow. Some experts believe Tribune no longer meets that standard, especially after it reported a third-quarter operating loss of $124 million. Tribune reportedly owes $1 billion in interest payments this year and a $512 million debt payment in June.
* Media: It’s all skittles and beer for the newspaper business
* Media: Journal Star losing two reporters
* NYT’s 10K subscribers on Kindle: The start of something bigger?
One other important note from that internal New York Times memo my colleague Zach got a hold of: The company reports it has “more than 10,000 paid subscribers” to an electronic edition of the newspaper on Amazon’s Kindle ebook reader. To my knowledge (please correct me if I’m wrong), that’s the first time a major newspaper has released numbers on how it’s doing on Kindle — a platform lots of newspaper execs are eager to see turn into a saving grace for their industry.
Given that the electronic Times costs $13.99 a month, that would mean the NYT Kindle edition is generating in the neighborhood of $1.68 million a year. How much of that goes to NYT Co. and how much stays with Amazon is unclear.
* Idled workers occupy factory in Chicago
* Plant Closing Leads to Sit-In
* Republic Windows, workers at odds over closing
Disgruntled union workers for Republic Windows & Doors Inc. met Friday with company management, a congressman and representatives of Bank of America in an attempt to settle a dispute over the manufacturer’s abrupt closing.
The meeting Friday was brokered by U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill.
Republic’s 239 workers learned Tuesday that the Chicago company would close Friday morning after B of A cut off its line of credit. The company, already struggling from a prolonged downturn in the housing market, was unable to stay in business.
Rich Gillman, Republic’s CEO, said that the company’s monthly sales had fallen to $2.9 million from $4 million in the past month, and staying open would only create greater financial losses. The company had “no choice but to shut our doors,” he wrote in a memo to the union
* Chicago factory layoffs are a ‘wake-up call to America’
* Cure for recession won’t be sweet, will require balance
* Mitsubishi plant shutting down for seven weeks
* McDonald’s girding for union fight
* Mortgage Modifications Help Homeowners, But for How Long?
* Trains no longer home for homeless?
* Tough choices, difficult times
* Everyone–in this economy—has a story
* Another election season begins with local filing today
Candidates will head to their village halls today as the filing period for begins next spring’s local election.
In area suburbs where primaries are possible - namely Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Palatine - candidates have from 8 a.m. today to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 to file.
* Cops: Bob Shaw slugged on street
* Man questioned in confrontation with South Side politician Robert Shaw
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