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Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), the boss of the House Democratic political operation who is making ethics a centerpiece issue in the November elections, last month quietly switched campaign treasurers — from a federal lobbyist who has for a long time served in that role to someone else.

And the wrong way:

The face of Gov. Blagojevich’s re-election effort maintains an active lobbying practice in Springfield that has netted him $120,000 in consulting fees from a firm responsible for $1 billion in bond deals by the administration.

Even while acting as the lead spokesman for Blagojevich’s campaign, Doug Scofield runs a lobbying firm with clients including the cable television industry, a power company and a large public-employee union that together have donated more than $700,000 to the governor’s political fund since 2003.

Scofield filed his 2006 lobbyist registration papers last week and said he keeps his dual functions working on behalf of his firm’s clients and for the Blagojevich campaign separate.

And maybe some hope that they’re getting a clue:

Scofield left open the possibility his campaign role may change once Blagojevich formally announces he is seeking a second term after his Feb. 15 budget address.

Scofield is a huge asset to the Blagojevich campaign, and I happen to like the guy and respect his abilities. But, you have to wonder if the governor’s campaign is just completely in denial.

UPDATE: From the Secretary of State’s ~~really screwed-up~~ lobbyist registration list, we have Scofield’s clients: [The problem may be on my end. I’ll get back to you on this.]

AMERICAN INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
CABLE TELEVISION & COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CENTER OF THE MIDWEST
GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY
ILLINOIS ARTS ALLIANCE
ILLINOIS INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE ACADEMY
INFANT WELFARE SOCIETY OF CHICAGO
MIDWEST GENERATION
MORGAN STANLEY & CO., INC.
MT. SINAI HOSPITAL
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION
SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION
TEACH FOR AMERICA
TEACHERS ACADEMY FOR MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE
UNITE HERE - CHICAGO & MIDWEST REGION

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 2, 06 @ 5:07 am

Comments

Don’t be so skeptical Rich. Remember this administration has ended “business as usual” in this state.

Just once I would like to hear a politician say that and mean it. I doubt that it will happen in my lifetime, unless Patrick Fitzgerald finally wakes some people up with indictments and convictions of high level office holders. He’s off to a good start.

Comment by Stoney Thursday, Feb 2, 06 @ 5:23 am
And this is how it works as soon has he is done gathering all he can for Blago he will change to Mr.Honest Guy.That is why Blago is putting off announcing his re-run.Both are a couple of liars or the correct term now is puffery agents.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Thursday, Feb 2, 06 @ 6:50 am
So a private lobbiest is the public voice of Blah-Blah.

His role “may change” after BBs announcement. To what? Public servant? Puff pastry chef?

VETERANS FOR EISENFRATH !!!

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 2, 06 @ 6:56 am
EISENFRATH doesn’t stand a chance. Go ahead and waste your vote.

Comment by Bill Thursday, Feb 2, 06 @ 8:09 am
good for rahm. maybe there’s hope for him! now if we could just convinvce him to stop recruiting republicans…

Comment by bored now Thursday, Feb 2, 06 @ 9:54 am
Rich, isn’t the point that Rahm the Hypocrite has been using a federal lobbyist for years as his Treasurer (no doubt for fundraising reasons), not that he “quietly switched” to a new one the “right way”?

Comment by Bubs Thursday, Feb 2, 06 @ 10:21 am
I can see now why they don’t mind the McDonalds and other fast food jobs replacing the factory jobs.One of thier money people is the Service Employees union.Wasn’t Scofield one of Clinton’s people at the same time Emanuel was there.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Thursday, Feb 2, 06 @ 2:06 pm
I’m sticking with EdWIN. But here is a question for you RGog employees who write here. Do ya think Patrick Fitzgerald has any of this stuff? If ya don’t, I’ve got some swamp land down here in Union County that you might just be interested in. Keep the fan ready, its coming!

Comment by Paul Powell Thursday, Feb 2, 06 @ 5:39 pm
Patrick Fitzgerald has been pretty quiet when it comes to the Office of the Governor.

I wonder what is he doing? I’m sure it’s not nothing cause he sees all of this corruption in the newspaper everday.

At what point does it end?

Comment by ONEMANCANMAKEADIFFERENCE Friday, Feb 3, 06 @ 9:56 am