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* The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled in favor of pharmacists whose lawsuit had been dismissed. The suit attempted to stop the governor from forcing them to dispense the “morning after” pill. The Supremes ruled that they deserve a hearing, but refused to make a ruling on the merits of the case itself…
We have previously acknowledged that plaintiffs’ claims are legal in nature, but we do not believe that it would be consistent with our role as a reviewing court to rule on the merits of the Conscience Act where defendants, as of yet, have not been required to answer the allegations of plaintiffs’ complaint in the trial court.
…Adding… From the AP…
Mark Rienzi, an attorney for the pharmacists, says Thursday’s ruling tells health-care workers they have the right to go to court if their religious views conflict with the governor’s.
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The “mighty” Quinn
Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I told subscribers about this a couple of days ago…
Sneed hears that Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who is this/close to becoming the state’s main man, tossed his premier fund-raiser Monday night — but refused to accept any money!
• To wit: “I never saw a fund-raiser where you didn’t collect funds,” said a Sneed source who attended the Taxpayers for Quinn event at Fulton’s on the River Monday night. “People were told to put their checkbooks away.”
• The upshot: So Quinn turned the fund-raiser into a holiday party and paid for it. “Sometimes, you have to do the right thing as you see it,” said Quinn.
• Added Quinn: “I just didn’t feel comfortable accepting checks and having fund-raising done [considering] what happened a week ago with this scandal. We’re all committed to straightening things out,” Quinn told Sneed. “It was kind of a game-time decision that I made over the weekend.”
• The partyshot: It was also a pre-birthday party: Quinn turned 60 Tuesday. “I was born on the 175th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party,” said Quinn.
• The backshot: One partygoer said he’d never seen so many people at a Quinn fund-raiser.
There were about 500 people in attendance, almost ten times the usual. The line of well-wishers stretched far outside the restaurant.
* Chuck Sweeny was at the party and scored an interview…
What would Quinn do to solve the states serious fiscal problems, the $4 billion backlog in unpaid bills, the $2 billion budget gap and the $42 billion pension debt?
“The key is to have much stronger economic growth than we have now. There’s no way we are going to be able to close this deficit and move to economic recovery if (Blagojevich) remains the governor. The scandal is costing us a reduction in our credit rating, and the amount extra we had to pay for borrowing $1.4 billion this week is $20 million. That is truly a corruption tax.”
Would Quinn as governor seek to raise revenue to right the state’s fiscal ship? He said he’d propose a commission to examine tax breaks and “propose a moratorium on special breaks until we get out of this economic problem.” But which loopholes? One man’s loophole is another’s job-creating tax incentive.
One excessive loophole, Quinn said, is the 1.75 percent commission paid to retailers on sales taxes they collect for the state. […]
“If you cut it in half, you pick up $100 million. This is money the customer is already paying,” Quinn said.
Would Quinn propose an income tax increase, even a temporary one, to get the state’s books in order?
“I don’t want to make any judgments on income tax. Part of it is the whole issue of getting access to the real numbers from the governor’s office. (Blagojevich) has not always been totally candid, and I’m a little bit reluctant to make judgments until I see real numbers that are not phony baloney.”
That last paragraph is a classic dodge. He’s obviously not ruling out an income tax hike, but for obvious reasons doesn’t want to create any reasons to oppose his ascension right now.
* Advice, praise, etc…
[Cynthia Canary, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform] cautioned that if he assumes the governorship he’ll have to tone down his “gadfly” ways, so as to settle the tensions inflamed by Blagojevich.
“(Blagojevich) was a bully. … Pat’s gonna have to show us a different kind of leadership,” she said. “There is a sense of outrage among people that far transcends anything I’ve ever seen.” […]
House Republican Leader Tom Cross said Quinn’s role was largely “ceremonial” as lieutenant governor. But he praised Quinn as an independent mind and fondly recalled working with the lieutenant governor recently on legislation to improve dam safety.
“He’ll have to step up and I hope he can, because it’s needed for the state,” Cross said, adding that he believes Quinn could serve to eradicate the “raw personality conflict” that exists between the sitting governor and the legislature. […]
“I think he’ll be a real difference in Illinois from what we’re used to,” [Dick Simpson] said. “He won’t take bribes, he’ll be a straight arrow … whether he’ll have the best public policy we’ll have to wait and see.”
* The money situation…
State Comptroller Dan Hynes had more than $2.3 million in campaign cash on hand as of June 30. Attorney General Lisa Madigan reported over $2.1 million. Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias had almost $1.3 million, and Secretary of State Jesse White showed about $669,000.
Quinn had just $91,000. And maybe an old car with a falling ceiling that might be good for a few more headlines.
* Related…
* Stella: The mighty Quinn
* The 12 Days of Fitzmas
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* 4:18 pm - Majority Leader Currie just announced the committee will adjourn today and then reconvene Monday at noon. “I would be prepared for two days, as you know we’re off Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.”
Adjourned.
* 3:43 pm - Rep. Franks said he thought the governor’s failure to testify at the hearing might be used against him. Chairperson Currie said Franks was speaking for himself and that it was not as of yet the position of the committee.
* 3:39 pm - I missed this. Chicago Public Radio overheard Genson and Adam discussing walking out of today’s proceedings…
At one point, another one of Blagojevich’s attorneys, Sam Adam Jr., could be overheard suggesting to Genson that they walk out of the impeachment hearings. It seemed to be said quietly enough that members of the panel could not hear—but the mics on the table picked up the exchange.
Genson replied to Adam “No I’m not walking out” adding “you can walk out.”
Adam then said to Genson, “No if we do it, we do it as a team,” and dropped the suggestion.
* 3:22 pm - Washington Post: Illinois Panel Hears Testimony on Blagojevich’s Conduct… SJ-R: Auditor general says he’s troubled by administration
* 2:59 pm - More attempts at normalcy…
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed a law that extends the Medical Practice Act until 2010. Recognizing the necessity in providing quality healthcare in Illinois, Senate Bill 2179 continues the regulation of physicians and ensures that no licenses for practicing doctors in Illinois will expire at the end of the year.
* 2:56 pm - We’re now onto the flu vaccine disaster. Holland claims, rightly that the administration knew the purchase was not legal.
Holland: High ranking Illinois officials appeared to be aware that the vaccine would probably never be delivered.
* 2:54 pm - CLTV has some raw video from earlier today.
* 2:52 pm - Tribune: Healthcare director dodges questions at impeachment hearing
* 2:44 pm - Holland: “Procurement code was violated on a routine basis.”
* 2:40 pm - Rep. Lang wonders whether these audit findings demonstrate incompetence or a pattern of abuse of power. Holland: That’s not for me to determine.
Lang: Purposeful or slipshod work by staff? Holland: On occasion purposeful, on occasion slipshod staff, sometimes overworked staff. His history with DHFS always shows a “real struggle to get routine information.”
* 2:27 pm - Quote of the day goes to Lucio…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich has no plans to address the public today, despite having said Wednesday he would, according to his spokesman… Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero said the governor may talk Friday or next week.
“He is not jerking you around,” Guerrero told reporters at an afternoon news conference.
* 2:19 pm - Holland is now talking about IPAM, which didn’t exist as a corporation when it was given a $30 million state contract. The contract was an utter mess and Blagojevich slammed Holland over his investigation.
* 2:07 pm - I just looked at the blog’s traffic report for the past week. Wow. Thanks, people!
* 2:02 pm - Auditor General Bill Holland is now testifying. He said he can’t testify on the Loop Lab School controversy because the audit isn’t finished yet. The reason? “We’re having trouble finding out who was actually responsible.”
* 1:56 pm - Fran Eaton is following this thing almost sentence by sentence. The SJ-R “blog” is being updated far less frequently.
* 1:43 pm - Genson interview on MSNBC…
Well, the case is a fairytale, the process is a witchunt. The fact of the matter is, uh, I don’t know that Illinois is doing itself any credit. In the light of the scandal, in the light of the problems that the image of the state of Illinois is having, it seems to me that to put together a process, which deprives, uh the governor of any sort of rights whatsoever, does not do Illinois proud. […]
[Regarding some committee members] Because a good majority of this panel has gotten up since the panel has started, and made speeches against, uh, the governor. that’s not what you call due process, that’s not what you call a neutral forum… They, they don’t, they don’t belong on this panel.”
* 1:24 pm - Genson’s mic was left on during the break and I’m pretty sure I just heard him say regarding a message from someone else: “Tell her the truth, I’m stuck in this stupid hearing.” [Two commenters also heard him say this, so I struck out the “I’m pretty sure” stuff]
* 1:22 pm - Ten minute break.
* 1:21 pm - We blogged this down below and now AP has moved a story… Blagojevich attorney: Wiretaps were illegal
* 1:19 pm - Genson tried to cross-examine a previous witness, but was continually shut down by the committee. “I’ve been sitting here for hours listening to that and I asked six questions and I’ve had four objected to.”
* 1:02 pm - The governor’s attorney Samuel Adam just tried to ask how many lives were saved in Illinois as a result of the governor going around JCAR. The question was disallowed.
* 12:56 pm - It’s a mystery to me why these aggressively evasive testifiers from DHFS are not being threatened with contempt.
* 12:40 pm - Genson just assented when asked if the federal wiretaps and recordings were “illegally obtained.” He then added, “We have no proof or indication that this wiretap complied [with federal law]… Without giving us an opportunity to contest it, the admission of [the wiretap evidence] is unacceptable… and illegal.”
Rep. Fritchey: “The intercepts were authorized [by a judge]… It’s my opinion that the authorization was proper.” Genson: “Your opinion is wrong, with all due respect.”
* 12:35 pm - Rep. Franks: Do you consider yourselves rogue employees, or were you taking specific directions from the governor’s office (to go around JCAR and the GA)? Who made the decision and when was it made? Answer: No real answer. Sheesh.
* 12:17 pm - Rep. Lang pretty much summed up his view on whether the administration’s decision to create a health care program without legislative approval was an impeachable offense: “You did not follow the law.”
* 12:10 pm - Man, these DHFS people are getting creamed on just about every issue. Evasiveness pervades, and Rep. Lang is having none of it.
* 11:57 am - Feds: Winston & Strawn can’t represent Bill Cellini
* 11:46 am - Fran Eaton is doing a pretty darned good live-blogging job. Click here.
* 11:35 am - The G has warned Blagojevich that if he withdraws money from his campaign fund, they’ll demand a forfeiture if he’s eventually convicted…
Attorney Michael Ettinger represents Blagojevich’s brother, Rob Blagojevich, who is chairman of the Friends of Blagojevich fund.
Ettinger says a letter he received from federal prosecutors this week warned that if money is withdrawn from the fund, the government will ask that it be forfeited and returned if Blagojevich is convicted.
* 11:23 am - ABC’s Sam Donaldson believes the governor shouldn’t be impeached and removed from office unless he is first convicted at a criminal trial…
As far as the criminal complaint goes — heavy on allegations, light on evidence — many defense lawyers point out that merely talking about committing a crime (selling a Senate seat, for example) may not be prosecutable without evidence that specific acts were taken in furtherance of such an intent.
The governor is on tape ordering his subordinates/pals to make calls to further his schemes. That’s the evidence.
But just as it has been wrong in recent years for this country to throw due process and the rule of law overboard in the name of combating terror, it would be wrong to throw it overboard in the name of quickly ridding Illinois of an alleged corrupt governor.
Read the Illinois Constitution, Sam. Sheesh.
* 11:06 am - AG Madigan has now formally denied taxpayer funds for Ed Genson’s defense of Rod Blagojevich in both the criminal and impeachment cases.
* 10:51 am - Via PI, CLTV has some unedited video of the impeachment committee proceedings from the past two days…
Day One (15:06)
Day Two, Pt. One (24:51)
Day Two, Pt. Two (6:23)
* 10:24 am - While we listen to the droning testimony about administrative rules and such, I thought I’d share what I believe to be the best lede of the day, from Patterson at the Daily Herald…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich is a jabbermouth who talked big but never actually did anything, so there’s no grounds to remove him from office, his attorney told lawmakers investigating impeachment.
Patterson also had the best closing…
At the end of Wednesday’s proceedings, [Genson] asked lawmakers to carefully review the documents before them and ask themselves two questions: Is it enough? Is it time?
But that could prove to be a miscalculation as numerous state lawmakers say this governor has abused his power for too long and must be stopped now. The vote to create the impeachment panel was 113-0.
* 10:14 am - Oy. I just saw Sneed’s column today…
The governor, a relentless runner, reportedly surprised feds when, upon entering his home, he began jogging in place — and then lying down in the fetal position. He reportedly repeated the frenetic exercise several times.
* 10:11 am - Genson is still having trouble distinguishing between a courtroom and an impeachment proceeding. He just called Rep. Currie “Your honor.”
* The impeachment committee meets today at 10 o’clock. Listen or watch the proceedings by clicking here.
I’ll be back in a minute with a news roundup. Use this thread to talk about yesterday’s impeachment proceedings and to live blog today’s events.
…Adding… Here’s the roundup…
* Lawyer: Governor was all talk, no action
* Blagojevich strikes back
* Blagojevich lawyer addresses lawmakers
* Rod Blagojevich’s lawyer calls impeachment effort a “witchhunt”
* Blagojevich attorney says gov can’t get fair shake from impeachment panel
* Was impartial impeachment panel too hard to find?
* No smiles, not even from governor’s foes, at hearing
* Blagojevich lawyer Genson rips into hearing
* Illinois Supreme Court Rejects Call To Declare Blagojevich Unfit
* All spin, all the time from governor
* Dear Governor, … you send the message
* Can’t we just pay gov to take a hike?
* Get Packin’, Rod Blagojevich
* Blagojevich and Satan ‘ s soul talk
* Blagojevich arrest sparks market for merchandise
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More bad news and fallout *** UPDATED x1 ***
Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
*** UPDATE *** More fallout…
The chairman of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority board today directed his agency’s inspector general to review the process by which the $1.8 billion congestion-relief program came to fruition to ensure it was not tainted.
The program — which calls for the construction of interchanges and carpool lanes — was mentioned in the criminal complaint against Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who allegedly was trying to use it to motivate an unnamed highway contractor to make $500,000 in campaign contributions.
[ *** End of Update *** ]
* Bad news for the guv…
Federal prosecutors will try to freeze the money in Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s campaign account, according to a letter defense attorney Edward Genson said the political fund received this week.
If prosecutors are successful, the move would severely hamper Blagojevich’s ability to pay huge legal bills as he fights corruption charges in what could be a long-running court battle. The governor has been charged with two criminal counts in federal court, but has not been indicted yet.
Blagojevich considered moving money out of the fund to try to avoid having prosecutors seize it, authorities alleged in court documents last week.
* More from the Sun-Times…
The “Friends of Blagojevich” fund hasn’t been frozen yet, but sources said the letter alone will have a crippling effect on the governor’s ability to move money out of the fund because of the possibility that prosecutors would later seize the money.
As of June 30, the date of his latest campaign-finance report, Blagojevich had about $3.6 million in his campaign war chest. He’s been on a major fund-raising swing since then, though any money he’s raised might already have been spent on legal fees or other expenses.
There’s precedent for freezing Blagojevich’s fund. In 2002, prosecutors got a judge to freeze $1 million in then-Gov. George Ryan’s campaign fund before Ryan was indicted. They charged that the Ryan fund was a criminal enterprise and said they wanted to make sure it had money available to pay possible restitution costs. Ryan was convicted of corruption charges and is serving six and a half years in prison.
* The attempt to freeze the campaign fund may have prompted Ed Genson to ask for state funds to pay for the governor’s impeachment defense. The Sun-Times tells us about AG Madigan’s rejection of that request…
Attorney General Lisa Madigan rejected late Wednesday a request by Gov. Blagojevich to have taxpayers pay for his defense in impeachment proceedings and at his criminal trial.
The governor’s lawyer, Edward Genson, contended that Madigan, as the state’s chief law enforcement officer, has a duty to represent the governor. But she can’t do so because of a conflict of interest related to her unsuccessful push for the state Supreme Court to declare the governor unfit for office.
Madigan’s chief of staff Anne Spillane, fired back, saying “This assertion is meritless” in a letter to David Ellis, House Speaker Michael Madigan’s general counsel. […]
That provision of the law, she said, “therefore cannot entitle the governor to legal representation at the State’s expense in the proceedings before the House of Representatives. […]
The governor’s lawyer later told the Sun-Times it was never his intent to have the state pay for the governor’s criminal defense despite sending a letter to Madigan Tuesday that made that request, and which prompted Spillane’s response.
“That would be stupid,” he said.
Yeah, it would’ve been.
* Meanwhile…
The attorney for a key confidant to Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Wednesday that he is not cooperating with investigators as part of a coming plea deal.
Chris Kelly, a former top fundraiser and adviser to Blagojevich, is set to plead guilty Jan. 16 to tax fraud charges stemming from illegal gambling debts. Kelly served as the governor’s point man on casino regulation.
Kelly’s attorney, Michael Monico, said after a court hearing Wednesday that cooperation with investigators “will not be part of the agreement.”
Yet, Monico sidestepped questions about whether Kelly was cooperating at all.
* More fallout…
The new Illinois Tollway chief is out after less than a month on the job.
Jeffrey Dailey’s resignation on Wednesday comes at a tumultuous time in state government following last week’s arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich on federal corruption charges that included trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant seat in the U.S. Senate.
Among other things, Blagojevich also is accused of allegedly linking work on a $1.8 billion Chicago-area tollway construction project to political contributions from a contractor. That episode referenced in the criminal complaint happened before Dailey was on the job.
Dailey “wants the opportunity to pursue opportunities in the engineering or transportation fields,” said Tollway spokeswoman Joelle McGinnis.
* This report appears to be based on the governor’s words…
President-elect Barack Obama’s incoming chief of staff Rahm Emanuel had a deeper involvement in pressing for a U.S. Senate seat appointment than previously reported, the Sun-Times has learned. Emanuel had direct discussions about the seat with Gov. Blagojevich, who is is accused of trying to auction it to the highest bidder.
Emanuel talked with the governor in the days following the Nov. 4 election and pressed early on for the appointment of Valerie Jarrett to the post, sources with knowledge of the conversations told the Sun-Times. There was no indication from sources that Emanuel brokered a deal, however.
A source with the Obama camp strongly denied Emanuel spoke with the governor directly about the seat, saying Emanuel only spoke with Blagojevich once recently to say he was taking the chief of staff post.
But sources with knowledge of the investigation said Blagojevich told his aides about the calls with Emanuel and sometimes gave them directions afterward. Sources said that early on, Emanuel pushed for the appointment of Jarrett to the governor and his staff and asked that it be done by a certain date.
If he didn’t cut a deal with the governor, then there’s really no “there” there.
* And Ald. O’Connor may not get Emanuel’s backing for the 5th District vacancy…
On Wednesday, O’Connor acknowledged he had not yet lined up the support he needs to win the Democratic endorsement, in part because Emanuel is standing on the sidelines.
“The problem is, they’re in the middle of a very serious situation and this is less important [by] comparison,” O’Connor said, referring to the transition process.
Measuring his words carefully to avoid alienating Emanuel, the alderman said: “He could clear the field, but I’m not asking him to do that at this time.”
[Emanuel] has told Democratic ward bosses that he would like to reclaim the seat after a few years as chief of staff.
He was believed to be leaning toward O’Connor, in part, because the alderman might be amenable to giving up the seat at some point.
* But here’s a spot of good news for the governor. “Bobby the Boxer” denies claims by Robert Cooley that Blagojevich was a bookie who paid street taxes…
Cooley told the I-Team that in the 1980’s Mr. Blagojevich was paying mob protection money, known as a street tax, to North Side outfit soldier Robert Abbinanti, once nicknamed ‘Bobby the Boxer.’
“My name is Bob Abbinanti. You did a report yesterday with Robert Cooley pertaining to Mr. Blagojevich stating that I was a bookmaker and that I took a street tax from him in the late 80’s,” said Abbinanti.
In a phone call to ABC7, Mr. Abbinanti denied having been Blagojevich’s mob handler 25 years ago.
Abbinanti admits having run outfit gambling rackets with Marco ‘The Mover’ D’amico and that he was convicted with top mob gambling bosses for which he spent six years in the federal penitentiary.
“I don’t know what Rod Blagojevich did or has done but I do know one thing. I never met the man. I never spoke to the man. I never had any business personal or in any way with him and you know what, it’s just an injustice,” said Abbinanti.
* Related…
* New Illinois tollway chief resigns
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* This assertion by Ed Genson has to come as a relief to Democrats who were worried that Gov. Blagojevich was just crazy enough to think he ought to fill Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich will not fill the state’s open U.S. Senate seat, an appointment federal prosecutors say he tried to sell to the highest bidder, according to a news report.
Mr. Blagojevich’s lawyer said Wednesday that the governor would not name someone to fill the vacancy created when Barack Obama was elected president, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
“(U.S. Senate Majority Leader) Harry Reid said that they’re not going to accept anybody he picks. Why would he do that?” said Ed Genson, Mr. Blagojevich’s lawyer. His remarks came at a news conference that followed an impeachment hearing in Springfield.
* The Sun-Times adds its voice to the growing chorus calling for a special election…
Apparently hoping you’d be distracted, state Democratic officials have reversed course on holding a special election early next year to fill the state’s vacant Senate seat.
Never mind, the Democrats say.
Costs too much.
It is stunning to see that little more than a week after our governor was charged with letting base considerations undermine public policy, members of his own party have jettisoned principle and let base considerations undermine public policy.
We thought we’d get a reprieve. A little bipartisanship. A bit of consideration for what’s best for the people.
But no, Democrats are afraid that if the seat goes up for election, rather than have a new governor fill the spot, then the voters might choose someone who’s not a Democrat. Namely, a Republican.
* The Pantagraph counters with a slap at the Republicans…
The last thing Illinois needs in the midst of turmoil following the governor’s arrest is having either party playing politics.
To borrow a phrase often used by Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, this is a time for statesmanship not partisanship.
Yet the Illinois Republican Party is sending out messages with alarmist phrases such as, “Don’t let the Blagojevich Democrats appoint our next senator.”
Talk about guilt by association.
We suppose there are some “Blagojevich Democrats” left out there - such as soon-to-be-retired Senate President Emil Jones - who did Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s bidding.
But there also are a lot of Democrats who dislike the governor as much, if not more, than Republicans. After all, the vote to form an impeachment committee was unanimous. […]
We also wouldn’t consider House Speaker Michael Madigan a “Blagojevich Democrat.” He is certainly a Democrat, so it’s no surprise he supported Blagojevich over Republican Judy Topinka in the last gubernatorial election, even serving as a leader in Blagojevich’s campaign.
But considering his opposition to Blagojevich on numerous issues, there’s no way he is a “Blagojevich Democrat.”
* And the Rockford Register Star slams the Illinois Republican Party for misrepresenting facts in its latest TV ad…
Although the ad does not specifically say we endorse a special election, it strongly implies that we do.
We see no need for a special election and said so in an editorial published Tuesday.
We think Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn is qualified to select Barack Obama’s replacement as Illinois’ junior senator. We think a special election would deprive the state of representation too long and be too expensive.
The ad also would make you think the president-elect favors a special election. He has not said whether he favors a special election or whether he thinks Quinn should make the selection. […]
The ad also tries to tie Quinn with Blagojevich. “Now Blagojevich’s lieutenant governor, Pat Quinn, wants to handpick our senator, going back on his word.”
Quinn is not Blagojevich’s lieutenant governor; he’s the state of Illinois’ lieutenant governor. Quinn has been a frequent critic of Blagojevich and has no relationship with the governor. The two men have not spoken to each other in 18 months.
*** UPDATE *** The RR-Star complains today that their earlier editorial was completely misrepresented by the IL GOP, but I took a look at the editorial and here’s what it says…
Anyone whom Blagojevich appoints would be tainted by whispers the seat was bought rather than earned.
A special election is the only way to ensure the seat is given because of merit instead of money.
Yes, it was about making sure Blagojevich didn’t appoint somebody, but they did say they liked a special election. They doth protest too much.
[ *** End of Update *** ]
* The Peoria Journal Star, which endorsed a Senate President candidate favored by Gov. Blagojevich, whacks the Dems hard for backing the governor in the past…
It reminds us of a conversation with some local Democratic Party leaders in 2006, when we expressed dismay that they could back any candidate who, it was alleged even then, seemed so corrupt. The answer we got was disappointing. Essentially it was a shrug, accompanied by a-Democrat’s-gotta-support-a-fellow-Democrat explanation. We warned then that theirs might be a short-term gain, long-term loss, that Rod Blagojevich could very well take the party down with him - just as now-imprisoned former Gov. George Ryan did his - no matter how weak the alternative
* And Tammy Duckworth is let off the hook by the local media…
A woman who’s name has surfaced as a possible contender for president-elect Barack Obama’s senate seat was in Bloomington Wednesday.
Tammy Duckworth, who is also the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, was presenting the “Veteran of the Month” award.
Duckworth said she didn’t want to comment on the ongoing Blagojevich investigation or the status of the vacant senate seat, but she did want to clear one thing up.
“I have not spoken to the governor about the senate seat, I have had no conversations with him, I’ve just been focused on my job,” she said. “My name has been floated but that’s not anything I have ever put forward myself.”
* On a semi-related topic, an ultra conservative columnist claims that House GOP Leader Tom Cross is…
a pro-abort who was Blagojevich’s college roommate
The two men never went to college together, so they couldn’t have been roommates.
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Morning Shorts
Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 - Posted by Kevin Fanning
* Obama to name LaHood transportation head
* LaHood would be first Peorian in Cabinet
* Republican LaHood Likely Obama’s Transportation Pick
Representative Ray LaHood, an Illinois Republican known for his willingness to criticize his own party and to work with Democrats, is likely to be named by President-elect Barack Obama as his choice for transportation secretary, according to a person familiar with the selection.
LaHood, 63, whose district includes the headquarters of Peoria, Illinois-based Caterpillar Inc., has known Obama for more than a decade and is close to Rahm Emanuel, the Illinois congressman designated by the president-elect as White House chief of staff. He is retiring from Congress this year after serving seven terms.
The announcement may come as soon as Friday, said the person, who spoke condition of anonymity.
* Success, of a fashion, with welfare reform
* City schools still have a long way to go
* Laid-Off Union Workers Get Job Training
When Michael Reese Hospital announced it was closing in June, union workers and community activists rallied and protested.
They demanded that the city recognize the 200-plus laid-off workers from the Service Employees International Union. The city has ponyed up $272,000 for retraining. If city officials have their way, the hospital land will be a 2016 Olympic site.
* Alderman Wants to Use Reserves for Snow Removal
Alderman Tom Allen, though, is leading the call to use some of that money. He says he wants $3-million to make sure the city can deploy enough plows through the winter.
ALLEN: Snow and making our streets safe is not every problem. It’s a very necessary public service that we have an obligation to provide.
* Race at issue in Games bid
* Aldermen Approve Hospital Site Deal for Olympics
Aldermen are letting the City of Chicago buy the land where Michael Reese Hospital sits. They say the $86-million deal could help in the city’s bid to host the 2016 Olympics. The plan is to use the land for the Olympic Village, then turn the development into mixed use housing. Alderman Toni Preckwinkle says the price is a steal.
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Ed Genson press conference
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
• Press conference is over.
• Genson said he is Considering a challenge to the validity of the state’s impeachment standards in the federal courts
• “The constitution, the laws are lacking” (referring to the lack of standards beyond just 60 votes)
• “this is a real witch hunt”. (referring to the public climate not the hearings)
• “Minimum standard should be clear and convincing or even reasonable doubt”
• Genson on why he is asking for a state subsidy: He is entitled to be represented by the attorny general”
• 2:36 pm - “my client may or may not testify… He was planning to make a statement Friday but maybe not until next week…
• 2:32 pm - Genson: “What we have seen so far is insufficient… It’s just not right”
* 2:25 pm - The governor’s attorney Ed Genson is planning to hold a press conference at the Statehouse “blue room” in a few minutes. You can listen to the live stream at Springfield Public Radio’s WUIS by clicking here.
Please, confine your comments only to the press conference. We’ve got tons of threads for other stuff. Thanks.
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Must-listen audio
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From WUIS Radio…
Near the end of a [1993] legislative session…tempers become short and frustration sets in. The frustration level seems to be highest among freshmen. Some say they were naive in expecting to be included in the end of session negotiations. WSSU’s Mary McNeil talks with freshmen representatives…including Rod Blagojevich.
WUIS looked for that recording after a Capitol Fax commenter mentioned the interview yesterday. Listen by clicking here.
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* 1:51 pm - The Illinois Supreme Court has rejected Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s motion to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office or strip his powers. The justices rejected the motion without comment.
* From AG Madigan…
Statement from Attorney General Lisa Madigan
I am disappointed in the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision.
Because of Governor Blagojevich’s refusal to resign, the State of Illinois is in an unsustainable situation. The serious criminal charges against Governor Blagojevich strike directly at the heart of his decision-making process and seriously impede his ability to legitimately exercise the powers of his office. Thus, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the impeachment process move forward, the State is left with a Governor who cannot make effective decisions on critical and time-sensitive issues.
The Illinois Constitution expressly gives the Supreme Court the authority to determine whether the Governor has the ability to serve. Given this constitutional provision, on behalf of the People of the State of Illinois, I sought relief in the Illinois Supreme Court to temporarily remove Governor Blagojevich so that the State could continue to function while the U.S. Attorney and the General Assembly proceed. The Constitution does not require the Illinois Supreme Court to act.
I am hopeful that the General Assembly will act with deliberate speed. It is imperative that we begin to restore the People’s confidence in their government.
* Press release from the two Republican legislative leaders…
Dear President Jones and Speaker Madigan:
In light of the Illinois Supreme Court’s rejection of the Attorney General’s request to remove Governor Blagojevich from office and the appropriately deliberative nature of the impeachment proceedings, we believe it is imperative that Illinois move immediately to set a Special Election date for the U.S. Senate vacancy.
Last week, you both scheduled special session dates to do just that. However, during both the House and Senate sessions this week, both of you refused to even allow debate on measures to strip the governor of his appointment powers, even after both of you publicly stated support for such efforts.
As representatives of the state of Illinois, we are called upon to be leaders. It is our obligation to ensure that the wishes of the many are carried out to the very best of our abilities. In light of the very serious charges brought against Governor Blagojevich and the formation of an impeachment committee, it is obvious that he cannot be allowed to appoint the successor to President-elect Obama’s seat. Any appointment to fill this seat by any single individual will be met with skepticism and questioned on ethical standards.
We ask you to call the Illinois General Assembly into Special Session immediately to take up action on legislation that would call for a special election to replace President-elect Obama. There is one group of people we can be sure that has not been tainted by political corruption in Illinois, and that is the electorate.
Sincerely,
Tom Cross
Christine Radogno
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Impeachment watch
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* 2:15 pm - Adjourned until 10 o’clock tomorrow morning.
* 2:14 pm - Currie: Tomorrow’s hearing will focus on whether the governor has exceeded his authority on administrative rules, plus FOIA stuff.
* 2:12 pm - Rep. Durkin: We have the right to accept hearsay. It’s up to the Senate to decide whether or not to use it.
* 2:06 pm - Genson on where to draw the line on impeachment: “I would offer for your consideration that the line should be based on evidence… due process.. and confrontation (of witnesses).”
“Sitting there listening to hearsay upon hearsay is inappropriate.”
* 2:01 pm - Genson: Ali Ata is a convicted perjurer. “He pled guilty with the idea that he, Mr. Ata, was going to be able to ask for probation… anything he says has no value for your consideration because you are dealing with a convicted perjurer.”
Neither of the plea agreements of Ata and Joe Cari are sworn. They’re signed but not sworn, Genson said, pointing out that the committee’s rules required signed and sworn statements. Genson also claimed Cari is a “convicted extortionist.”
* 1:58 pm - “This is Alice in Wonderland!” Genson just exclaimed about the trick-box his client is in regarding the use of the federal wiretaps.
* 1:54 pm - Genson is now claiming that using information from the wiretaps is “illegal.”
• 1:30 pm - Dave Ellis has moved on to the Ali Ata allegations. Mainly they are just eating up time today. At least, so far.
Also, they may wrap up the week tomorrow and take the weekend off while they await some documents, etc.
* 12:38 pm - 15 minute recess.
* 12:32 pm - If you’re having problems with the House’s video/audio feeds, WGN TV has a feed on its page. Click here.
Also, the Daily Herald has a story up about something we mentioned earlier below: Blagojevich attorney trying to get taxpayers to foot impeachment defense tab
* 12:24 pm - There are a few stories online right now… AP: Blagojevich attorney challenges impeachment panel… SJ-R: Governor’s lawyer sparks fireworks at hearing… CBS2: Gov’s Attorney Comes Out Swinging At Impeachment - Ed Genson Complains Blagojevich Cannot Get A Fair Hearing… USA Today: Republicans want more seats on Blagojevich impeachment committee…
• 12:03 pm - I’m hearing the committee is expected to wrap things up much quicker than some had thought. One reason is there is no expectation that Fitz will cooperate. A story in the SJ-R today quoted someone predicting a late January finish. Not so, I’m told.
Also, I am updating from my iPhone so please forgive typos and abbreviations. Thanks.
• 11;44 am - Genson also claimed that introducing the fed complaint was illegal. But the code he cited dealt with courts only so that was dismissed as well.
Earlier, Genson asked for the state to pay his defense costs. Denied, told to take his request to the attorney general.
• 11:42 am - Genson said he wants subpoena powers and more time to prepare. Both denied. Currie: this is not a court.
• 11:38 am - Genson wants members recused, including Reps Black, Traccy and Black, based on their previous positions on this case. They made comments which showed they can’t be fair. Currie: Committee is not in a position to expel members.
* The House impeachment committee meets today at 11 o’clock. Watch or listen to it live by clicking here.
Please help those who can’t watch by live-blogging the events in comments. I’ll be at the hearing as well, so I may or may not be able to post much.
Do not use this post to comment on other items, please. Stick to the hearing, and only the hearing. Thanks.
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* There has been much back and forth over whether Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s motion at the Illinois Supreme Court is the right thing to do. AG Madigan wants the Supremes to remove Blagojevich from office, or at least transfer his powers to Lt. Gov. Quinn.
You can refresh your memory by going here, here and here.
* The Question: Is this the right thing to do, or does it set too much of a dangerous precedent? Explain fully, please.
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Jackson has everyone scratching their heads
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This is a strange story on more than one level…
Shortly after his 2002 election, Gov. Rod Blagojevich told U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd) he’d planned to appoint Jackson’s wife as state lottery director but didn’t because the congressman refused his request for a $25,000 campaign donation, a person familiar with the conversation told The Associated Press Tuesday.
“Blagojevich went out of his way to say, ‘You know I was considering your wife for the lottery job and the $25,000 you didn’t give me? That’s why she’s not getting the job,’ ” the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing federal investigation.
Jackson spokesman Kenneth Edmonds declined to comment on the account but said Jackson has approached federal investigators to discuss the governor and others for years.
“He has shared information with federal prosecutors about public corruption during the past several years, including information about Blagojevich and others,” Edmonds said. […]
The person did not know whether Jackson’s wife, Sandi, who since has been elected to the Chicago City Council, had asked for the state lottery job. At the time, Blagojevich was the first incoming Democratic governor after years of Republican rule.
“The governor had kind of penciled Sandi in as lottery director and then asked for contributions from the congressman,” the person said.
Blagojevich and Jackson, Jr. had a major falling out before th 2002 primary. Jackson had promised an endorsement and then reneged. Blagojevich never forgave him. Ever. That’s one reason why I never thought that Blagojevich would appoint Jackson to the seat.
* The story began with this report from ABC7…
ABC7 has learned that since late last summer, the congressman has worked with federal prosecutors, informing on an alleged Blagojevich administration scheme two and half years earlier. […]
Then last summer, weeks after Rezko was found guilty of un-related corruption, the U.S. Attorney’s Office interviewed the congressman as a possible witness against the governor in the Peotone matter. […]
Hours before Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were arrested, Jackson says prosecutors gave him a ‘courtesy call’ to let him know he was mentioned in the criminal complaint.
The revelations prompted a rash of speculation amongst the DC and local talking heads. What the heck was this all about?
As I’ve told you before, the “courtesty call” claim doesn’t appear to be true. Jackson made no bones about the third airport stuff a while back, but this is the first time we’ve heard about the Lottery appointment.
* And then the congressman’s office released this statement last night at about 6:30 from spokesman Kenneth Edmonds…
“As a responsible citizen and elected official, Congressman Jackson has in the past provided information to federal authorities regarding his personal knowledge of perceived corruption and governmental misconduct. This was completely unrelated to the current federal investigation regarding the U.S. Senate appointment. And it is absolutely inaccurate to describe the Congressman as an informant.”
Parse away.
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* A good summary to start off the conversation…
Following the lead of their counterparts in the House, Senate Democrats blocked a plan Tuesday to hold a special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. […]
That would take a change in state law, but Democrats in both the Illinois House and Senate declined to take action on such a change this week. The Senate adjourned Tuesday afternoon and doesn’t plan to meet again until next year.
As Democrats adjourned the Senate, Republicans yelled loudly from across the aisle, imploring top lawmakers to debate the notion of a special election.
Democrats declined, and the power to appoint a new U.S. senator still belongs to Blagojevich for now.
* Here’s a more than slightly ominous quote…
“Now that this bill is not coming, the powers remain with him to appoint a senator,” spokesman Lucio Guerrero said, adding that he didn’t know what Blagojevich planned to do. “It is still his responsibility until - the powers are taken from him.”
Even God couldn’t help the Democratic Party if the governor goes ahead and makes the appointment.
* Senate President Emil Jones came up with a goofy alternative yesterday…
Jones, who has clashed bitterly with Quinn over utility rate-freeze legislation and a failed constitutional amendment allowing for the recall of corrupt officeholders, moved [yesterday] to push a bill that would strip the governor of the appointment power and give that authority to Secretary of State Jesse White.
“He’s the only out there who has indicated he doesn’t want to be governor so get a neutral more or less. That’s the only reason,” Jones said, when asked about the motivation behind that idea, which could resurface when the Senate returns to Springfield in Springfield.
Jones denied that the idea, which he said could surface as legislation when the Senate returns to Springfield next month, was a shot at his enemy, Quinn.
“No, no, that has nothing to do with it,” Jones said before adding a dig at the Sun-Times, which has endorsed another political enemy, U.S. Rep. esse Jackson Jr., for the vacant Senate post. “Maybe let the Sun-Times. They want to pick everyone.”
* The GOP is attempting to use the issue to gain some traction…
Republicans at the state and national level railed at the Democratic-led decision of the full legislature to adjourn until mid-January, effectively ending hopes for a special election to fill Obama’s seat
* Mark Brown is duly impressed…
Showing themselves more nimble than I can remember in many years, state Republicans are milking this for all it’s worth.
Since Monday, the Illinois Republican Party has been airing a stinging ad on cable television across the state, criticizing the prospect of Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, making the appointment if he ascends to the governor’s office.
* More on the GOP react and their new ads…
The Illinois GOP will not say how much it’s spending on ads criticizing Democrats, particularly Quinn, for their position on a special election. A spokesman said the ad is running on cable television in markets that include Springfield and Chicago.
The Republican National Committee has put together an Internet video on the topic that notes Obama’s connections to Blagojevich.
The video, titled “Questions Remain,” shows pictures of Obama with the governor, along with an array of headlines about Blagojevich’s arrest. It includes a 2006 quote from Obama saying he would be happy to help the governor’s re-election effort, if asked.
The video doesn’t mention two key facts: that prosecutors say they have no reason to think Obama did anything illegal or that federal wiretaps recorded Blagojevich saying Obama’s team was refusing to cut any deal on the Senate seat.
* And the Tribune editorial board forgets about the past twelve months…
Democratic leaders are scrambling to limit the political fallout from the Blagojevich scandal. Sometimes they have sounded ludicrous. We heard Madigan proclaim Monday on “Chicago Tonight” that Republicans have been the real “enablers” of Blagojevich.
Come on.
When Blagojevich ran for re-election in 2006, Madigan was his campaign co-chairman. Obama supported Blagojevich. Quinn stood by his running mate: “In all my interactions with him, I’ve found him to be an honest person, and I believe he’s telling the truth,” Quinn said.
Democrats lined up behind their governor even though they knew he was under investigation for just the kind of pay-to-play maneuvering that snared him last week. (One notable exception: Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan did not endorse him.)
The House and Senate Republicans were frothing at the mouth to cut a multi-billion dollar capital deal with the governor right up to the very end. In that way, they most certainly “enabled” Blagojevich.
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Was Blagojevich a bookie?
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The fact that Cooley has been telling this story for years seems to support his claims, but people are coming outta the woodwork in Chicago right now, so try to take a deep breath as you read this…
[Robert Cooley] was a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago in the late 1980’s who became one of the most potent witnesses against Chicago corruption, testifying for federal prosecutors in cases that resulted in dozens of convictions.
Cooley says that before Rod Blagojevich got into politics he was a bookmaker on the North Side who regularly paid the Chicago mob to operate. […]
Several years ago, when Mr. Blagojevich was running for re-election, Cooley provided the same information to the ABC7 I-Team. Because Cooley did not want to be identified at the time and the governor denied it, ABC7 did not report the story.
On Tuesday, Cooley spoke on the record.
He told ABC7 that Mr. Blagojevich regularly paid a so-called street tax to Robert “Bobby the Boxer” Abbinanti, a convicted outfit gambling collector. In the early 1980’s, Abbinanti was working for convicted West Side mob boss Marco D’amico. Bookies pay street taxes to the crime syndicate in exchange for being allowed to operate such a racket.
“I predicted five years ago when he ran the first time that he was a hands on person who would be selling every position in the state of Illinois and that it exactly what happened,” said Cooley.
*Semi-related rehash from yesterday afternoon…
* Rod Blagojevich pal Christopher Kelly to plead guilty in tax fraud case
* Is Rezko Still Relevant to Prosecutors?
* Delayed Rezko sentencing may mean more trouble for gov
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Impeachment roundup
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This passage from today’s SJ-R gets it right…
But lawmakers and others are quick to note the House investigation isn’t a legal proceeding. It’s a political process aimed at deciding whether Blagojevich is still able to govern.
“Our determination is not to find the governor guilty. Our task is to determine whether he’s capable of leading this state,” said Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago.
Kent Redfield, a political scientist at the University of Illinois at Springfield, says that creates a different expectation of what’s fair as lawmakers begin to grill Blagojevich and his administration in coming weeks.
“This is not about a murder that took place in Chicago or a bank robbery in Cairo. This is about running the state of Illinois,” Redfield said. “It’s a political decision, a political judgment, and so fair is not really the right term to use.”
* But one of the governor’s criminal lawyers has set the bar too high…
Another Blagojevich lawyer, Sheldon Sorosky, criticized the fast-moving impeachment process and, in particular, a Monday invitation from the committee for the governor to attend today’s hearing.
“In House Speaker Madigan’s press release regarding the Special Committee, he stressed that it was imperative that due process not be sacrificed for expediency’s sake,’ The Special Committee is failing to follow the speaker’s directive,” Sorosky wrote to Madigan’s chief legal counsel, David Ellis.
“By giving the governor and his counsel such short notice to be present before the Special Committee, the governor’s right to due process is being violated. Speaker Madigan’s demand’ not to allow passion and anger to overtake fidelity to the constitution and rule of law’ are being made empty words’ in light of lack of reasonable notice,” Sorosky said in a letter released by the House impeachment panel.
Impeachment is more like a grand jury than a criminal trial, and it’s not even that. The state constitution tasks the House with determining “the existence of cause for impeachment,” and then proceeding with impeachment itself. The committee is now determining if there is cause for impeachment.
And always keep in mind that impeachment is not a criminal process, with all the US Constitution’s protections involved, it’s a political process controlled by the House alone.
* Genson has no legal or constitutional right to demand anything at all. Keep that in mind today when he attends the impeachment committee hearing…
The attorney, Ed Genson, planned to attend Wednesday’s meeting of a special Illinois House committee reviewing potential impeachment and may provide the first hint of the embattled Democratic governor’s strategy.
Genson, a famously tough Chicago trial attorney, could signal that his legal team will participate fully in the committee’s work by cross-examining witnesses and arguing Blagojevich’s case. Or he could challenge the committee, perhaps arguing its review shouldn’t go forward for some reason.
* Some of this is right, some of it may not be…
The federal charges against Blagojevich represent the most scandalous information to be reviewed by the House committee. But with the investigation continuing and FBI officials saying they would not assist the impeachment, it is doubtful the criminal charges will play the biggest role in the proceedings.
Still, the criminal acts alleged to have been committed by Blagojevich provided lawmakers with a reason to proceed with impeachment after quietly discussing it for years.
The panel is expected to base its recommendation largely on actions Blagojevich has taken in the governor’s chair, including allegations of official misconduct, abuse of power and failing to follow state law. Specific acts include a questionable $1 million grant to a private Chicago school, spending millions of public dollars on outdated flu vaccines and expanding a costly health care program without legislative approval or the money to pay for it.
The committee also is expected to consider the guilty pleas of two Blagojevich donors on federal corruption charges. Ali Ata, a former agency director, said he gave Blagojevich a $25,000 donation and was later rewarded with a high-paid state job. Joseph Cari, a former national Democratic finance chairman, testified that Blagojevich discussed trading state contracts for campaign contributions.
* More on Genson…
With a curly mane of graying red hair and the demeanor of the late British dramatic actor Charles Laughton, Genson is a performance artist. He’s has been known to crack his cane across a defense table for the sheer theater of it or to bellow, “I am not your sweetie!” to a prosecution witness who dared address him as such. His presence fills up a courtroom and gives judges heartburn.
* And the governor is still not talking… much…
“I can’t wait to begin to tell my side of the story,” he said prior to going running through his Ravenswood neighborhood. “I’m dying to talk to the people of Illinois.”
A chipper Blagojevich added he would not be attending impeachment hearings in Springfield today, but he told reporters to “hang loose” while heading back into his house.
* Related…
* Road to impeachment is long; court action needed
* Illinois officials, governor’s attorney set for showdown
* Some answers about what will happen in Springfield
* State Capitol Q&A: Blagojevich’s potential impeachment
* Impeachment Day 1 now w/ Quote of the Day Reporter: What could the governor have done? Giannoulias: “Not get arrested.”
* Blagojevich scandal biggest non-election, non-economy story of the year
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