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* What happens to the 2010 campaign environment if Rod Blagojevich - God forbid - walks? For argument’s sake, let’s say it’s a couple of “not guilty” verdicts and a hung jury on the rest.
…Adding… Try to explain if you can.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 12:56 pm
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Voters will seek revenge on the nearest incumbent Democrat.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:00 pm
I don’t think it changes much. The anti-incumbent movement is still out there and very strong.
Comment by Stones Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:04 pm
Looks like the winners will be the better liars.
Comment by Northside Bunker Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:04 pm
He immediately goes back on the talk-show circuit, declaring his innocence and how the government didn’t prove their case and wasted taxpayer dollars.
He then also begins to single out his political enemies (ie: everyone) and drags their name through the mud, claiming they’ll “raise taxes on the people” and conspired against him to push him out of office.
I also bet he tries to do a few reality-show pitches, but I doubt anyone will pick them up.
And my left-field guess: He speaks at a Tea Party rally.
Comment by IL Yeezy Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:05 pm
a little more substance to GOP pickups in the GA.
Comment by Leroy Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:05 pm
It won’t change much in the Chicago. This would not be the first time a machine insider did not get a “fair” trial, would it?
Comment by Joe from Joliet Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:08 pm
A lose-lose situation for Quinn. The Governor can either say he respects the jury verdict, in which case outraged citizens accuse him of making excuses for his former two time running mate. Or he can condemn the outcome, in which case his opponents will note that he stood up for Blagojevich even in 2006 when Rod’s ethical lapses were widely known. This will fuel voter cynicism, which will bite the Democrats, depress turnout of their base, and call for more “throw the bums out.” Not to mention that it won’t just go away, since with a hung jury, the feds would just request a new trial. Interesting stuff.
Comment by phocion Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:08 pm
no real change. it may take some of the sting out, but Brady can play the “justice to the people of illinois was denied” / adds insult to injury card. stating that for six years blago cost and wasted taxpayers money while in office and out because taxpayers will have to pay for the trial/defense. he can still tie Quinn in, he’ll just have to be a little more creative should blago beat the rap.
brady should avoid coming off as attacking the jurors, whivh he was careful not to do on another thread.
Comment by Will County Woman Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:08 pm
Helps the GOP around the horn, even more so if Rod starts tossing folks under the bus afterwards.
I think it makes Brady a virtual lock and will lead to one additional state house pickup.
As for Rod, if he truly walks, he runs for congress again.
Longer term, I think you might see a third party emerge for a time in Illinois perhaps led by Pastor Meeks or perhaps a rich guy.
Comment by OneMan Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:11 pm
Blago goes on the air saying outrageous and crazy things. He endorses Cohen. They go on a statewide tour. And Repubs pick up everything but SOS and AG. Cross picks up 10+ and Chris picks up 4. Nightmare for Dems.
Comment by raising kane Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:14 pm
I think he is/was such a freak show–and politically friendless–that he doesn’t much rub off on anyone else. The fact that he is nominally a Democrat is overshadowed by what an alien creature he is. Short answer: not much.
Comment by Ray del Camino Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:15 pm
Is it too late for him to get on the ballot for the US Senate special election?
Comment by We Todd Did Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:16 pm
Blago’s vindication media freakshow goes global and sucks even more air out the Illinois campaign, solidifying Illinois’ status as home to the worst state politics in America.
And voter turnout drops even more than it would have with a conviction.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:18 pm
Voter apathy will sweep the state. Turnout will be abysmal and the candidates with the best “ground troops” with the ability to get people to the polls will win. The impact of TV ads will be minimal on an incredibly jaded electorate if their senses of justice are slapped in the face by Blago walking.
Comment by LevivotedforJudy Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:18 pm
Blago was a side show before the trial and I believe most of the talk show hosts paraded him out just for that reason - he was dumber than a box of rocks.
The election of 11/10 will be no different than any other Illinois election. The voters will go to the polls as uneducated as they can possibly be - as usual. They will vote for the last person they heard promise them no tax increases.
Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:20 pm
Blagojevich is toxic whether there is a guilty verdict or not. Republicans will still try to tie Quinn and all Democrats to the governor.
Comment by Fan of the Game Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:21 pm
I should have said “former governor.”
Comment by Fan of the Game Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:22 pm
If Rod walks, I would tell any Republican to start running on the following talking points (in addition to jobs and economy):
“We’ve tried to bring Chicago corruption to justice in federal courts and it didn’t work. We’d like to bring corruption to justice in state courts, but Lisa Madigan won’t touch it. If you are fed up with politics as usual, you must do the only thing you can now, vote out the Democrats. Anything else is a tacit acceptance that in Illinois, Corruption is King”.
Comment by John Bambenek Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:25 pm
Bill will get permament column space on the cap fax newsletter.
Comment by Ghost Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:25 pm
i find the question so unfathomable that i can’t wrap my head around him walking. so it’s hard for me to foresee what the consequences would be. it sounds, though, like whatever happens to blagojevich is supposed to be good for republicans. republicans were hoping and praying that the trial would go deep into october, embarrassing democrats along the way. and now, if he’s acquitted, that’s supposed to be good for republicans, too? hmmm.
if rod blagojevich is acquitted, that will be very bad for illinois. it will be great for the talk shows, but not even the fact that the president hails from here will curb the embarrassment. i guess it would say that only republicans go to jail for this crap???
Comment by bored now Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:25 pm
If he walks there will be another round of editorials and national hand wringing and soul searching over the sorry state of politics in America (Time, Bloomberg, Newsweek, Politico, Forbes, WP, etc) It will further play into the distrust of politicians/anti-incumbent mood of Americans– not just in Illinois. Added along with the recent Rangel, Waters revelations, as a cumulative effect it can’t help but hurt Dems’ image more than Repubs in the 2010 elections.
Comment by Responsa Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:33 pm
Will Rod get his show back on WLS?
Comment by John Bambenek Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:38 pm
It’s the economy, stupid. If voters cared about corruption, how did we get Blago’s reelection, Daley forever, Madigan, etc.
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:43 pm
The world of news and all the talk shows will be abuzz with Blago for months. He won’t be available to run for anything as he will be busy traveling as a special guest of Chavez and Ahmadinejad.
Blago will publish a best seller about the corrupt justice system that tried to frame him and he’ll sue for his governor’s seat back.
In the meantime he’ll tour with the Foreman of the jury and the two holdouts until his retrial.
He may possibly become a spokesperson for BP.
Comment by Justice Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:43 pm
If Blago walks, many more voters stay home. Quinn loses and Brady wins, but is totally ineffectual as governor. Madigan and company continue on as they have, no meaningful legislation, Illinois continues its downward spiral. Blago gets a job as political commentator at a major TV station.
Comment by Wensicia Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:43 pm
After the Cellini trial gets started, the Greens will seize the moment and garner 20% of the general election vote for Governor, and the election will be thrown into the courts because of a virtual tie between Quinn and Brady. If there was a slot for neither or none of the above, that would have captured 60% of the vote.
It aint just the Dems that the electorate has had enough of. It is the political combine itself in IL.
The system is broken and bankrupt as well, new ideas, talent and leadership are in short suppl
Dream on Vanilla Man…
Comment by Loop Lady Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:44 pm
He goes after all those who wrongly impeached him w.o due process!
Nothing will change
Comment by Wumpus Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:49 pm
Normally this would screw everything up, but it’s a little late for that, isn’t it? Anyway, voters are sick of the dems, but they’re also still sick of the GOP from the last go-round, and the elephant doesn’t seem to have learned any new tricks, so my guess is the Republicans get a little bump if anything.
Comment by Excessively Rabid Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:50 pm
If Blago walks it will hurt the Democrats, but how bad in part depends on how Blago reacts and how much media exposure he can get. There will be some voters that will be disgusted by the idea of Blagojevich getting out and will take out there anger on Quinn and other Democrats. Blagojevich is very good at weaving lies and making people believe him, so it is possible that if he get his radio show back and get enough media exposure that he could convince some voters that he was framed by the government, the Madigans and betrayed by a disloyal Lt. Governor.
Comment by RMW Stanford Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:51 pm
Illinois will be an even bigger joke than it already is(didnt think that was posible).
And Quinn’s political future is over either way.
Comment by Foster Brooks Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:52 pm
The end result will not change, but the heat on Chicago Dems will get a lot hotter and downstate Illinois voters will perceive this as Chicago trying to cover the backsides of their own in a major miscarriage of justice.
Comment by Segatari Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 1:56 pm
If it is at all possible for RB to reverse the actions that prevent him from running for public office in Illinois I believe he will seek to have that done (”I am innocent of the charges so should be able to run”).
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:01 pm
DD, not unless the Senate reverses itself, which will never happen, and I’m not sure it even could. It’s final. He can’t run for state office.
Back to the question, please.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:02 pm
kind of like a greek tragedy. one of Rod’s closest friends, Jay, has to be hoping for a conviction to save himself.
Comment by Easy Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:03 pm
Hell will have frozen over, and the apocolipse will be on us.
Comment by Dan S, a taxpayer and a Cubs Fan Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:06 pm
Dogs and cate sleping together, a new Capitalfaxblog website….
Comment by Ghost Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:11 pm
Not sure it’ll make that much difference. Democrats will still control Springfield and the governor’s race is still almost evenly match. I don’t see Brady running away with this race even if he does win.
Comment by Levois Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:11 pm
I don’t see much impact on the election. Blago is who he is. Guilty, not-guilty, or otherwise it will not change the factor that he will still be the poster-boy for those claiming Springfield and Chicago are corrupt.
The real impact will be on the federal prosecutors. Fitz had a great reputation for a while. That will completely go in the toilet. You have to win the big ones. The trial tactics of his office will be second guessed forever. They will become law school examples of how not to try a case.
At one point, it looked like Fitz could be elected to almost any office in Illinois. That time has probably past already, but if he loses, he won’t have any future in elected office anywhere.
Finally, one potential positive change would be to re-write state laws to make sure that conduct like what Blago did actually becomes illegal. The law needs to be clarifed and tightened up. With a NG or a hung jury, that is possible.
Comment by Skeeter Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:11 pm
cats* and sleeping*
my kingdom for an edit button on posts
Comment by Ghost Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:12 pm
and I will start typing like a Chicago tea-partier.
“factor” should be “fact.”
“past” should be “passed.”
I’m sure there are more typos.
My bad.
Comment by Skeeter Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:15 pm
“not even the fact that the president hails from here will curb the embarrassment”
At the rate things are going nationally, that may actually ADD to the embarrassment — regardless of whether or not the state of the economy, the Gulf oil spill, or other actual or potential disasters really are Obama’s fault. But I digress.
If Rod walks or is not convicted of any count — even if the feds could try him again on some of them — let’s just say (to quote what appears to be one of Rod and Patti’s favorite movies) that it will crank voter disgust with Democrats up to 11 and give it “that extra push over the cliff”.
Comment by Secret Square Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:18 pm
It would be extremely bad for Democrats in Illinois. Brady and Kirk win along with upsets in the Illinois House and Senate. Even Cedra Crenshaw wins.
Comment by The Mighty Swan Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:19 pm
Rich,
Sorry for not answering the question. I got interrupted and hit the say it button without reviewing. Glad to see that RB can’t run for office. To answer the question I believe there will be little impact. People have formed their opinions about RB and I don’t think any verdict would have an impact on said opinions or voting pattern.
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:22 pm
Ghost, the “new Coke” blog that you love to hate had edit buttons. Just sayin…
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:22 pm
Perception is everything. The voters knew a tremendous amount of the corruption in 2006 and re-elected him. Facts will not change much, but perception will.
There is a perception that Quinn has not done what is necessary to clean it up. Whether Blago is guilty or not, most voters think he is corrupt. So do voters perceive Quinn as responsible for the clean up (like BP ??). THAT perception means more than a verdict.
My prediciton is a conviction reinforces the percetption to change leadership. A not guilty reinforces the perception that no one is cleaning it up so change course. I see a change coming either way. (I am ignoring the Green party for a moment which would be a mistake for anyone actually having a dog in this fight.)
Comment by Skeptic Cal Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:24 pm
Sorry, I didn’t explain why it would be bad either. A free Blago is great ammunition for the barrage of attack ads that are coming during the final weeks of this election season. People might not be mad about it now but will be hit over the head with it.
Comment by The Mighty Swan Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:34 pm
Loop Lady’s attempt at some tortured logic fails to do anything other than make me giggle. How does a 20% vote for the Greens cause a tie between Quinn and Brady? Brady holds a 15% lead now, Greens are more likely to take away votes from a democrat which would actually make the margin of victory for Brady even larger. Since a candidate doesn’t have to have more than 50% of the votes cast Brady still wins. Weird logic going on there, LL.
Besides, why does the Green Party have to wait for the Cellini trial to seize anything? The so called political combine is a commonly held belief amongst many in the state. Not the bombshell you think a Cellini trial would reveal.
You should get out of the Loop occasionally and get some fresh air, the smog must be getting to you.
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:34 pm
I see a lot of comments claiming that a not guilty or hung jury would be bad for Dems.
Could somebody flesh that out for me? I’m not following.
Blago’s record and the tapes have been out there. Nobody who is not already outraged will become outraged by a not guilty. I don’t see anybody saying “holding up funding to shake down Childrens’ Memorial didn’t bother me, UNTIL he was found not guilty. Now, gosh darn it, I’m voting straight GOP”
Moreover, Blago was tried by the office of a Republican-appointed prosecutor before a Republican-appointed judge. Tough to blame Democrats for either one.
Blago’s going to talk after the trial. He probably would be more likely to talk after a full guilty verdict than after a hung jury, since with a hung jury the idea of a re-trial will serve to keep him quiet.
Also, let’s remember what happened last time Illinois had a GOP gov? Expect a whisper (or louder) campaign by the Dem precinct workers saying “You are going to vote for a Republican for Gov. as a protest? How did that go last time we had a Republican in that office??”
So where is this new anti-Democrat anger coming from?
Comment by Skeeter Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:34 pm
I see an effect downballot. Blago shoots his mouth all over the state and nation, crowding out time on newcasts and space in newspapers that could be devoted to some of the downballot races. As a result, whoever raises the most money for TV for comptroller and treasurer will cruise to victory.
Comment by Robert Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:37 pm
Voter apathy increases, since those who are not always involved but who have become recently involved see no reason to stay involved. “What good does it do” becomes their motto.
Those that have been involved or have been touched in some way by the Blagojevich tainted paint brush react by taking it upon themselves to change the current environment so they strike out against any incumbant and anyone who was connected to Blago. Bad news for Quinn.
Politicians who as Walter Jacobsen has said should be quaking in their boots for fear they are next, become emboldened and the unethical and corrupt ways become further entrenched.
And while it is not part of the campaign environment, the big consequence from this result is that Illinois becomes even more infamous for political corruption as an ACCEPTED way of life. AND Rich never finds his honest man to answer his latest ST column.
Comment by Irish Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:37 pm
===Could somebody flesh that out for me? I’m not following.===
I think it could for a number of reasons, some of them (man, I hope, not) possibly racial, depending on who holds out on the jury.
Also, if he gets off and starts strutting around, the anger at that blatant injustice is gonna cause some people to take out their fury on somebody, and Democrats would be the most logical targets.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:38 pm
I think the problem with Blago is that he can’t help himself from talking… that’s why his lawyers wouldn’t let him take the stand.
Comment by John Bambenek Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:39 pm
Norman, the reason you keep getting deleted is that you refuse to even address the question. You’re apparently a persistent little moron. Have a good life.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:40 pm
Most likely Republicans will win up and down the ballot, thus representing Family Values. Like Jack Ryan. Yay!
Comment by John Bambineck Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:45 pm
Rich,
Let’s say the jury gives it much more thought, they go back to deliberating, and find him guilty on all counts.
Do you think Blago responds by keeping quiet? I suspect that in the face of a “wrongful conviction” Blago spends every minute talking. Accept for the possibility of an appeal, in that
scenario he has almost nothing to keep him quiet.
With a hung jury, he will go back to his pre-trial routine of “I will eventually be found not guilty and I can’t tell you why.”
That being said, the identity of hold-out juror(s) might be the one factor that would cause more problems for the Dems.
Comment by Skeeter Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:46 pm
Then voters would realize corrupt politics is what you get in Illinois (and elsewhere), like it or not. We need a change in this state and country, so vote out ALL incumbents and break the cycle of corruption. A naive, green-horned nincompoop is better than an entrenched member of “The Combine.”
Comment by Kakistrocracy Kid Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:50 pm
In that case I am ready to give the new coke blog a second chance
Comment by Ghost Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:58 pm
VanillaMan’s initial comment is exactly and perfectly correct.
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 2:59 pm
The verdict will have little effect on the election because the democrats ie alexi, quinn and miller have all run terrible campaigns not engaging democratic voters and will probably lose whether Rod gets off or not.
Comment by Change is on the way Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:01 pm
===Accept for the possibility of an appeal===
It’s not a possibility, it’s assured. So that answers your question.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:04 pm
Insignificant effect on the election. Too many other big issues out there.
Comment by Quiet Sage Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:08 pm
So much for innocent until proven guilty - “What happens to the 2010 campaign environment if Rod Blagojevich - God forbid - walks?”
As for what happens, you’ll see a pollution of they jury pool worse then the Chicago River.
Comment by american way Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:14 pm
===So much for innocent until proven guilty===
Hey, I’m not on the jury, so I can have an opinion on this.
But you’re right about polluting the jury pool. Holdout “not guilty” jurors have no idea about the media coverage heading their way. Ask the two former state Reps. who voted against impeachment on the first round what happened to them. The intense media coverage scared the heck out of the Senate Dems.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:16 pm
hey DuPage, just remember I called the Blago trial as has it has panned out thus far due to a weak case made by the Feds, and jury perception weeks ago…and took it on the chin from jamokes like you on this blog…go pick on another blogger or get out of DuPage once in awhile…you must work for the Tollway at the Taj Mahal and suffer from large head syndrome…BTW blowhard, I’m not on a state computer like you are, I’m on vacation this week…as Rich says, bite me…
Comment by Loop Lady Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:26 pm
If he gets off, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the former Governor interject himself somehow into the campaign for his old job. He would be so full of himself and couldn’t resist lobbing a few brickbatsat the candidates, but mostly Governor Quinn.
I also envision WGN Radio making a play for him so they can team him up with Jim Laski. Talk about the feast the combination of Laski and Blagojevich would have second guessing and criticizing government!
Comment by GA Watcher Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:28 pm
It fuels more cynicism among tax-paying voters. It will confirm in the minds of many that Illinois is too broken to fix itself. If your an incumbent, batten down the hatches. Blago’s victory tour will be so buffoonish that it will have to be covered by the media. And, the media will be asking every DEM seeking office what he or she thinks of the latest ridiculous statement or over-the-top stunt Blago pulls instead of covering that candidate’s own message. The candidate I think it hurts the most is Alexi because voters will not want to take a chance on somebody that looks dirty. It saves Kirk from his own efforts to sink his own campaign.
Comment by cousin ralph Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:33 pm
Many will feel that the jury essentially said this type of behavior is okay…that Illinois effectivley must accept and live with the corruption. And many will quitely seethe. And, yup, many will take it out on Dems at the polls. This may well bring the national mood to Illinois, native son Obama notwithstanding. Surely Illinois will be a laughing stock once again to the nation.
Comment by anon Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:37 pm
LL,
Sticks and bones may break my bones…..
Name calling does not befit you ma’am. You are diminished in the attempt.
BTW, You called what, now? Do you know what the verdict will be? You must be one of the jurors. If so, what computer are you using?
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:44 pm
OK, enough. Back to the question or go away.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:46 pm
I think acquittal could be negative for Democrats because he will probably be more visible–he’ll be on every media opportunity he can get and so we’ll be reliving the Blago years in detail. If he is convicted he might quiet down because of impending sentencing, so as not to not to annoy the judge. If he is convicted, voters might be willing to move on especially as Demcrats will endlessly try to convince us that he was just
an abberation and that’s all over now.
Comment by cassandra Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:52 pm
If he walks, then he talks some more thrash and other nonsense as he has done since his arrest. Madigan, Cullerton and Quinn will sleep even worse than they are now.
Comment by Old Timer Dem Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:55 pm
It is the National backlash that is their biggest problem. Right or wrong Blago has been tried and convicted in the public eye. He is in the same boat as OJ. They will get him for something. I think the jury wants to let his brother go, but Hot Rod’s convictions (or part of them) are tied together.
Comment by Pale Rider Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 3:59 pm
There is nothing at all good in any scenario for Quinn. The best he can hope for is a guilty verdict and a quick sentencing, which is probably not in the cards. Anything short of that just draws this on and on through the whole campaign.
Worst case for Quinn is an acquittal on a couple of charges and a hung jury on everything else, in which case the feds will likely retry the case, dragging in on through the election and into the forseeable future.
Best case for Republicans, would be a conviction on a couple of counts and the feds re-trying other counts - if they can do that?
The short answer is, the longer this trial draws out, the worse it is for Quinn because it keeps the story in the headlines closer and closer to the election.
Comment by Anon Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 4:19 pm
Backlash against the Democratic Party, especially as Blago goes on the circuit of anyone who will give him a platform. The man who put forward the “I was too dumb to figure out that people all around me were doing illegal things” defense will say whatever wretched things he can about the people who kicked him out of office. Enough people will believe that the man was truly railroaded by the feds and that will give him credibility he doesn’t deserve.
Comment by Aldyth Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 4:20 pm
Brady is handed another big arrow in addition to those already in his quiver. He shoots this arrow in October.
The anti-incumbent mood finally hits Illinois big-time (right now I think it is bubbling under the surface).
Kirk wins because of Alexi mob connections, by 5 points since he will also add Blago to this mix of October ads.
Good governance becomes the primary secondary issue late in the campaign. This may affect some local GA races, in the Republican favor, and lead to a redistricting (we will lose 1-2 Congressional seats) from the 2010 census that is more favorable to the Republicans than it otherwise would be. This would be the biggest impact to Illinois politics, bigger than a Kirk win.
Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 4:26 pm
If Rod walks, it would result in more voter melancholy, which would result in less voter turnout for both parties.
Comment by Cheswick Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 4:27 pm
I don’t think it makes a bit of difference. Those who thought he is guilty, still do, and vice versa. If he ends up getting off, that’s not Quinn’s fault and if he’s found guilty, Brady can’t take credit. I hope he serves what ever max time there is, but I don’t think it has any affect on the gov’s race.
Comment by gsb Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 4:31 pm
The newly innocent Blago endorsed Scott Lee Cohen for Governor (cutting a deal)…LOL!
Comment by Conservative Republican Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 4:56 pm
intended “endorses”
Comment by Conservative Republican Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 4:57 pm
If he walks, will he file a civil suit against the US Attorney on some silly grounds like character defamation? (not quite on point, but another nightmare for Illinois)
Comment by flabergasted Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 5:09 pm
Okay, since I answered the question above, do I get a little leeway here on this comment? I have been on a couple of juries where we decided some meaningful things, so I have somewhat of an idea on the process. That being said, why did this jury think it was time to contact the judge about being deadlocked and ask what their next step was when they hadn’t even considered half the counts?
This strikes me as either the jury is so hopelessly at odds they know they won’t agree on much, or the material they are trying to decide is too complicated, or (hopefully not) they are ready to throw in the towel and leave this for someone else to decide.
(I really don’t get them taking every Friday off. They can’t be state employees or this wouldn’t have gone more than a day! Okay, Okay just teasin’ I am a state employee myself.) lol
Comment by Irish Friday, Aug 13, 10 @ 5:10 pm
It will hurt Quinn even more. Quinn was Blago’s lt. gov. No matter how much he protests, a lot of voters assume they were a close team, a la how the presidency/vice presidency has evolved in recent decades .
I don’t think it hurts the rest of the ticket. I don’t it hurts Lisa and Jesse White, for example.
Comment by wordslinger Saturday, Aug 14, 10 @ 11:23 am
Puts more pressure on the Maadigan duo than anyone else. Lisa has been saying the whole time, she has to stay out of the way for the feds. If he walks, does she act? How can she, her father held an offical position in the man’s campaign. How will it look if she says I find no state crimes here after her dad booted Blago from office? But how does it look if she says, I can’t act because my dad was involved in the guys campaign that was benefitting from the pay to play Blago is accussed of.
If I am running against Lisa Madigan, I want her to confirm right now that she will prosecute Blago if the feds drop the ball. That could chill the voters on her if she won’t commit to prosecute if the feds can’t get it done.
Comment by the Patriot Monday, Aug 16, 10 @ 8:54 am