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Could Quinn testify for Blagojevich’s defense? Maybe so

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Illinois
Durbin
Blagojevich Trial

* Eric Zorn recently predicted that Rod Blagojevich’s lawyers wouldn’t put up a defense. Instead, they’ll rest their case right after the prosecution does so, explaining that the feds hadn’t proved anything beyond a reasonable doubt. We’ll have to wait and see if Zorn is correct, but in the meantime the defense is saying that they could call Gov. Pat Quinn as a witness…

About 10 minutes before Blagojevich arrived, his lawyer Sheldon Sorosky held a quick pen-and-pad session with television reporters in which he threw out some names of potential witnesses. Among them, he mentioned the possibility of Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn being called to the stand.

Keep in mind that the defense wants these witnesses (Rahm Emanuel, Dick Durbin, etc.) to testify that they saw Blagojevich do nothing illegal during their dealings with him. Wouldn’t it be a hoot to see Quinn testifying to that? Yikes.

* Quinn’s campaign, meanwhile, will protest Jeb Bush’s Wednesday fundraiser for Bill Brady. From a press release…

Bloomington– As former Florida Governor Jeb Bush visits Illinois to headline a fundraiser for Sen. Bill Brady’s gubernatorial campaign, Lt. Gov. Nominee Sheila Simon will host a rally to “Keep Bushonomics Out of Illinois” at 6:00 p.m.

This event will be free and open to the public, and will highlight the contrasts between the positive economic policies offered by the Democratic gubernatorial ticket, and the backwards, regressive policies proposed by Sen. Bill Brady, Republican nominee for governor.

The rally will be held in the Laborers Local 362 Hall, Bloomington, Illinois. It will also be sponsored by the McLean County Democratic Party.

* Republican lt. governor nominee Jason Plummer was in Quincy the other day and he was asked again about his tax returns…

Plummer drew attention recently when he was called out by Democrats for not releasing his tax records. He says he refuses to let the issue sidetrack his campaign.

“I get out there and I talk to people about the issues they care about,” he said. “I’m not going to allow (Illinois Gov.) Pat Quinn to really change the topic of conversation. When I get out there, people talk about jobs, talk about the economy, talk about education.

“They talk about a lot things but that’s not something they talk about, nor should it be.”

He’ll never get away from that question.

* Congressman Mark Kirk’s campaign has sent out a press release on the state’s bond rating downgrade…

“While many are focused on the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, Illinois families are focused on the state debt crisis right here in Illinois. Alexi Giannoulias stood by and watched as our state’s debt skyrocketed and our pension liabilities spiraled out of control. His failures at Broadway Bank cost the FDIC $394 million. His failures in Bright Start cost Illinois families more than $70 million. And now his failure to do his job as State Treasurer could cost our state even more. The recent downgrading of Illinois’ credit rating by Fitch and Moody’s should be a major wake-up call to the citizens of Illinois. We need fiscal leadership at the federal and state level to rescue our state and turn this economy around.”

I asked the campaign to explain just how Giannoulias’ “failure to do his job” resulted in the credit rating downgrade. I’ll let you know what they say.

* And Sen. Dick Durbin again weighed in on Congressman Kirk’s problems…

“I think Mark Kirk has been brought down to earth by the revelations of some of his exaggerations”, said Durbin today speaking Mark Kirk’s Military record. While making sure to give him respect for the 21 years served, the Illinois senior senator stopped just short of calling Kirk a liar.

I think he stopped well short of “calling Kirk a liar,” but watch the video for yourself.

* Related…

* Erickson: Election sure to have missteps

* Gubernatorial candidates praise dentists at free clinic

* Candidates make their cases at clinic

* Schoenburg: Some underdog talk at governor’s office

* Quinn touts jobs program during Decatur stop

* ‘Put Illinois to Work’ Creates 9,366 Jobs

* Potshots ring a little hollow

* Statehouse Insider: Recall amendment not a panacea

* Rock Island Co. Republicans host one-of-a-kind fundraiser: The first “Shot Heard ‘Round the State” sporting clays tournament took place at the Bi-State Sportsmen’s Association in Colona and included a raffle, awards dinner, and a “bragging rights” mixer. Around 65 shooters participated in the fundraiser that planners hoped would be one-of-a-kind and still have meaning for the participants.

* Belleville paralyzed veteran challenges incumbent Holbrook in House race

* County Board president hopefuls wary of suburban red-light cameras

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 2:31 pm

Comments

I’m sure Quinn would be happy to testify that he saw nothing wrong with his running mate. Sam Adams Jr will ask ” did you ever see blago commit a crime?” Quinn ” well no I was really just a ghost employee cashing checks but doing nothing”.

Comment by Fed up Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 2:36 pm
Plummer is for transparency, unless you want to know something about him and to whom he owes his ultimate alllegiance. Then he supports stonewalling and hiding.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 2:41 pm
I think Zorn’s average is going to stay well below the Mendoza Line, suitable for a starting position on either the Sox or Cubs.

Dude, they can keep billing while they mount a defense.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 2:44 pm
The only way we’ll get Plummer to give an honest answer about his tax returns is if Blago’s lawyers call Plummer as a witness and force him under oath to talk about the topic.

Comment by jonbtuba Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 2:54 pm
That crazy Durbin!
You know you’ve hit the big time when Dick Durbin crafts one of his double-talk with inuendo frappes for you!

You’ll love the oily smoothness, the rich irony, the frothy presentation and the subtle kick with each sip.

Nah - Durbin isn’t going to come right out and say anything. He likes to tease you into thinking you’re going to get it!

LOL!

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 2:55 pm
Getting attacked by Durbin is like getting spanked by your grandma.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 2:56 pm
Let’s assume the defense calls Quinn with the idea that Quinn will testify that he saw nothing improper by Rod during their tenure, as Sorosky suggests.

So if I’m the prosecutor, my line of questioning on cross examination of Quinn would be along the lines of: have you, as governor, ever mixed political fundraising with government action? Explain for the court how your campaign fund operates. What are the criteria the Quinn administration uses for board appointments?

That way Quinn has the ability to point out that Rod’s behavior wasn’t the normal way things are done in Illinois. For me, that’s reason enough not to call Quinn.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 2:59 pm
Has the prosecution made the accusation that Quinn was a party to the alleged crimes? No. So why would the defense have the legal right to bring Quinn in as a witness? I’m sure there are millions of people, around the world, who can honestly say, “I never saw Blago commit a crime.”

I agree with Zorn. The defense will not call Patti, or any germane & substantive witness to testify. Because that would open Patti and any other witness, up to cross-examination by the prosecution. Blago is going to clam-up. Patti is going to clam-up. Their attorneys will continue to say, “Ya got nuttin on em. Nuttin.”

Comment by HatShopGirl Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:08 pm
Rod is going to insist on testifying, he may also insist on calling Quinn because he can….

HatShopGirl, last time I checked it’s more than just ‘parties to an alleged crime’ that are called to testify in criminal cases.

Comment by OneMan Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:15 pm
>* Eric Zorn recently predicted that Rod Blagojevich’s lawyers wouldn’t put up a defense. Instead, they’ll rest their case right after the prosecution does so, explaining that the feds hadn’t proved anything beyond a reasonable doubt

Yeah, it’s an admission he has no defense…since a few of the charges have already been proven in the first few days.

Comment by Segatari Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:20 pm
Blagojevich has never been able to keep quiet when he has something he wants to say. He couldn’t do it during the impeachment trial, and he won’t be able to do it here. His lawyers may WISH to rest without presenting a defense, but the defendant has the absolute right to testify, and nothing his lawyers do can take that away from him, when he chooses to excercise it.

Comment by Doubtful Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:21 pm
On the subject of Gov’s Races

This has to to be the Lamest Excuse in the world, In Re: Brady Abscences As for Brady’s absences being taken to task, well, it’s something to balk about, but it ain’t much. Frankly, in many cases the votes Brady missed wouldn’t have made much difference since he’s part of the Senate GOP caucus’ hyper-minority and he didn’t provide any needed yes votes to every bad piece of legislation the Democrats rammed through the legislature.

Comment by I'm Just Saying Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:21 pm
FYI, Susan Berger reports that the prosecution is now finished with Monk. Ettinger is up for cross examination of Monk on behalf of Rob. When he’s done, Adam will get his chance. That should be a memorable exchange.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:21 pm
Rich, you mean this Jeb Bush is coming to fundraise for Bill Brady?

One of Rod Blagojevich’s best pals, Christopher Kelly, had plotted to get a presidential pardon from President Bush, government witness Lon Monk just testified.

Kelly wanted Bernie Kosar to approach: “(Then-Florida Governor) Jeb Bush and then go to President Bush and then pardon Chris,” Monk said. “Somehow they were linked to the signing of this horse-racing bill,” he said.

Comment by George Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:22 pm
Bernie Kosar as in Former browns QB?

Comment by I'm Just Saying Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:29 pm
Wouldn’t it also be a hoot if the tea party showed up at Simon’s info rally? LOL Bushonomics? Puhleeze…enough about Bush. Propose something better

Comment by Belle Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:37 pm
Another amateur hour GOP mistake with his afternoon’s press GOP press release. I’m getting all excited for The Brady “Brothers” Comedy Hour. These two would have more luck finding good comedy writers.

Comment by Niles Township Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:42 pm
Maybe Jason Plummer will get Bernie Kosar to explain his tax returns?

Comment by lakeview Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:46 pm
Of course Quinn never saw Blago do anything illegal… because he never saw Blago do anything, period, most of the time he was lieutenant governor! I thought they didn’t even speak to each other for most of Blago’s second term, right?

Comment by Secret Square Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:49 pm
“Keep Bushonomics Out of Illinois”

Simon’s staff misspelled “Navistar”.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:50 pm
Quinn testifying for Blago is a disaster waiting to happen for Quinn. He should stay out of this trial.

Comment by Levois Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:52 pm
Jerry Clarke…

Why, oh why, do you still have Plummer outside the “safety bubble”… let alone campaigning… let ALONE he, Plummer himself, answering ANY questions about anything … of ANY relevence.

Send Plummer to the World Cup … send Plummer to a 3 month tour of service as the newly minted Intellegence Ensign that he claims as existing experience ….but for the love of Pete, shut the kid up, send him away, or get someone with him 24/7 and be the pseudo-candidate for Plummer and answer any media questions directed at the 27 year old.

It is getting pathetic.

Please.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 3:55 pm
I think you all thought I was crazy. Just wait for the clinchers to speak. Even if it is from the grave. Chris Kelly was more ghetto mouthed gangster than I ever even aspired to be. Blago it couldn’t be happening to a nicer guy.

Comment by nino brown Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 4:01 pm
“a disaster waiting to happen for Quinn”

Maybe that’s exactly what Blago hopes to bring about?

Comment by Secret Square Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 4:18 pm
it is a little misleading to describe the defense as not putting up a defense… technically cross examination is a defense, as are evidentiary attacks and so forth. Unless the defense decides not to cross examne a single witness, they are putting on a defense. Now they may decide not to call any new witnesses in their case in cheif, but that is a little different strategy.

I could see them not calling a witness, especially since doing so opens up the goverment ablity to rebut and put on more testimony…

but I lean towards rods ego puts him on the stand.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 4:21 pm
the bush administration has been over for 2 years, the democrats have run the state for the last 8, the democrats have controlled congress for 3.5 years, Durbin has been in politics for 6 decades, so change would be away from him not bush then?

Comment by shore Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 4:31 pm
=“While many are focused on the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, Illinois families are focused on the state debt crisis right here in Illinois.=

I swear I’ve read that sentence at least 20 times, and still don’t know what the intent or meaning is–on its own and after reading the rest of the paragraph. Who are the “many”? Why can’t Illinois families focus on both? Can some be focusing only on the problems in Europe?

After reading stuff like this, you really do have to wonder whether the bizarre accusations some are making re: attempts to link Giannoulias to the probs in Greece might actually hold water.

I for one would be happy to read a press release again someday and simply be able to nod my head in agreement. But I suppose that takes a certain level of trust that just ain’t there right now.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 4:34 pm
“Keep Bushonomics Out of Illinois”

Yeah because Obamaonomics has been a MASSIVE improvement with 10% unemployment and skyrocketing national debt surging past $13 Tril with projects to $20T in a couple years…ugh.

Comment by Segatari Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 4:44 pm
-shore,

I would add that Democrats have controlled Congress since 2007.

Comment by Cincinnatus Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 4:47 pm
C’mon, Segatari, are you that completely ignorant of recent history?

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 4:50 pm
The dental clinic is a nice project for a huge statewide need. It would have also been very nice if the candidates had stopped off at the strip mall where Occupational Development Center used to be (NW of the Market Street/I55 interchange). They closed several months ago due to the state not paying their bills. ODC was only in Bloomington for about 40 years and helped large numbers of people with developmental disabilities, but that is not the same press pop.

Comment by zatoichi Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 4:54 pm
Plummer may never get away from the question, but the truth is, people don’t really care about the LGs, so his handlers may be quite correct if he keeps stonewalling, he’ll be able to avoid answering it. I think folks need to be putting the heat on Brady, asking -him- at every campaign stop why his running mate won’t release his returns, and does Brady approve of this. That would make for some entertaining copy, Brady campaigning simultaneously for more openness, reform and transparency and refusing to live by those principles where his running-mate is concern. The Quinn / Rod parallel is almost too rich.

Forget about stalking Plummer. The election is about Brady. He’s the one who has got to be hammered on this question, at every opportunity.

Comment by ZC Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 5:08 pm
Aquestion and a statement.

If Blago testifies can the feds grill him till he says uncle or is there a limit about what they can cover? Is there a time limit ect?

As far as Zorn goes, he would be right about no defense if he were dealing with a normal client but Blago knows he is going down and is probably willing to throw out the playbook and wing it. He has nothing to lose and the longer he talks the longer he stays out.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 5:09 pm
There is no time limit, unless the judge sets one. They are limited on cross to the matters addressed on direct, but the judge makes the determination as to whether issues are within the scope of direct exam or not. It could be a long and painful process.

Comment by Doubtful Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 5:20 pm
Nice young Jason Plummer has really turned out to be quite the arrogant pipsqueak.

Comment by just sayin' Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 6:52 pm
I’m far from a campaign strategist, but it seems to me Plummer has pulled off the classic “making 2 stories out of 1″ trick, which most campaigns work hard to avoid.

Comment by steve schnorf Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 7:09 pm
Seems the D’s ’strategy’ will be to continue to blame it all on Bush. Well….good luck with that.

Anyway, If Blago calls Quinn Adam will grill him hard and long about his initial ‘pay for access’ fund raising program, and then again on his recent Teamsters/amendatory veto ‘pay for play’ attempt. Whether this helps Blago or just makes the State look even worse remains to be seen.

You gotta have a sense of humor to live in Illinois.

Comment by Park Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 7:48 pm
Durban likened our troops to Hitler’s storm troopers once. I don’t pay any attention to him anymore and personally am ashamed that I have to say he represents me.

Comment by Sueann Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 8:08 pm
Well this is politics… Sueann, Durbin once said if you took the labels off, and simply described the treatment of some of the inmates at Guantanamo Bay, without saying it was US troops doing it to suspected terrorists (many of whom we know now had no al Qaeda connections whatsoever), and just described what happened to them, your average listener might conclude you were describing something inflicted by the Nazis, or by a Stalinist regime.

This is to my mind is still an absolutely correct statement, and ranks as one of the more courageous things Durbin has ever said, though of course he backed down from it when he caught political flak. Americans often have little stomach for the truth where our patriotic self-image is concerned. And yes, he did say that our troops conducted this treatment, but the blame ultimately rests not on the soldier following orders, but the ingrates at the top (Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz) who decided the Geneva Conventions were a quaint artefact.

This is a biig digression, I realize Rich, but it feels good to put things in perspective here, to give the counter-response.

Comment by ZC Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 9:38 pm
One Man, Blago craves attention. If Blago’s attorney’s can’t keep Blago from testifying (and possibly perjuring himself), Blago’s mommy-Patti will rein-in her unruly manchild-Blago. Patti may decide she’s smarter than the prosecution and take to the witness stand and open herself up to cross-examination. She has the “testicular fortitude” in the marriage.

True, other witnesses can be called, but I think there is a logical & legal test of whether or not the witness has anything of value to either the prosecution’s case or the defense’s case. Simply to bring Quinn to testify so that Quinn’s name becomes the meme “the Quinn-Blagojevich adminstration” probably won’t fly with Judge Zagel.

And finally, Blago was in bed with the Republicans from square one. Pepperdine was a Republican school and Blago started out as a Republican. He even had his photo taken with prominent Republicans. He’s an opportunist and switched to Democrat when he courted Patti.

Also, as a matter of public record, Blago shared offices and more with (R) Skip Saviano. So Blago had plenty of ties to the Republican leadership, including Bush. Saviano was said to have gone to Florida to help Jeb Bush.

Comment by HatShopGirl Monday, Jun 14, 10 @ 11:47 pm
There’s a McLean County Democratic Party?

Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Jun 15, 10 @ 8:21 am