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This just in… GUILTY VERDICTS ON 17 COUNTS

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Illinois

Blagojevich jury says they have come to a unanimous decision on 18 counts and can not come to an agreement on 2 counts

Blagojevich jurors do not feel further deliberations will end their disagreement. Verdict is soon

* NBC5’s live feed is here. ABC7’s feed is here. CBS2’s feed is here. WBBM Radio’s feed is here. WGN’s live feed is here.

* BlackBerry users click here. Everybody else can just kick back and watch the situation play out…

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:25 am

Comments

Bill, brace yourself. Here we go….

Comment by Jake From Elwood Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:26 am
Does this mean the saga will finally end today? Can we be that lucky? SO the question is what is the unanimous verdict on those 18? Guilty or Not Guilty?

Comment by Hoping for Rational Thought Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:31 am
Hard to imagine that they would acquit him on 18 counts and hang on two counts. I guess we’ll find out in 2 hours.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:33 am
A “unanimous decision” on 18 counts does NOT mean they reached the same verdict on all of those counts… it could mean, for instance, that they were 12-0 for conviction on some and 12-0 for acquittal on others. Apparently they only hung on 2 counts this time, as opposed to 23 counts for the last jury.

Comment by Secret Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:35 am
11-1 last time, you figure most to all of those are convictions this time or it’s a stunningly different jury.

Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:37 am
Looks like the verdict will be announced around 1pm.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:37 am
I would agree that would be odd but odd occurrences seem to be the norm in Illinois anymore…

Comment by Hoping for Rational Thought Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:37 am
This will finally be over. Justice is going to be done. After all the protecting and justifying Bill has done over the last nine years in his support of our worst ever Governor, the truth will prevail.

Comment by Old Milwaukee Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:39 am
They’re going to make everyone wait until AFTER LUNCH to read the verdict? As if anyone, particularly those most affected (Rod, Patti, and the attorneys on both sides) is going to be in any mood to eat lunch until this is resolved…

Comment by Secret Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:43 am
Enjoy your lunch, Bill, your evening meal may not be as enjoyable

Comment by Hunterdon Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:44 am
- They’re going to make everyone wait until AFTER LUNCH to read the verdict? -

I guess after being forced to listen to Rod and talk about him for weeks, they figure they’re entitled to one last free lunch.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:45 am
The timing really bothers me.

We might all lose our lunches when the verdict is read.

Comment by Esquire Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:45 am
So, since the jurors had a long weekend, they last met Thursday I believe, I guess they needed the extra time to prepare for the media circus that will come.

Comment by Concerned Voter Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:46 am
Why wouldnt they have come in on Friday or just finished on Thursday if they were so close? they were only there for an hour today. They obviously wanted it announced on Monday, a big news day compared to Friday, at least that’s my guess. Which would lead me to believe that he is guilty on most counts. At least they were unanimous, no annoying holdouts, one way or the other.

Comment by Jake L Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:47 am
I will not be disappointed or happy with the verdict. I will however be disappointed if Blagojevich doesn’t treat us to some Kipling.

Comment by wndycty Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:48 am
Uh-Oh

Comment by Bill Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:49 am
===They obviously wanted it announced on Monday, a big news day compared to Friday===

Please, take a breath. Far more likely, they decided to go home and think things through on those last two counts.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:50 am
I can’t imagine an unanimous decision of not guilty on 18 counts. I believe he’s going down on counts related to the Senate seat, hopefully all of them.

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:51 am
Perhaps they wanted to let people think about those two charges over the weekend, and when they came back today they hadn’t changed their mind so they decided to wrap it up.

Comment by Lincoln Parker Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:52 am
I don’t believe the jury was taking into account the media coverage when they decided to wait until today.

Comment by Old Milwaukee Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:54 am
It will be great to move to other issues after this circus wagon is out away.

Comment by Plutocrat03 Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:00 am
If these 18 counts turn out to be mostly or all guilty verdicts, so much for the idea that a female-dominated jury would be more sympathetic….

Comment by Secret Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:02 am
I would agree with Lincoln Parker. Sounds like they were deadlocked on two, took the weekend to think it over, did one more vote this morning, and decided to call it a day.

Comment by soccermom Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:03 am
There’s no tea leaf reading more unreliable than trying to figure out what a jury’s been doing.

Comment by chiatty Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:09 am
I wonder what the chances of a re-trial II are?

Comment by Left Out Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:19 am
I want Rod Blagojevich to do something with Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff”.

“Patrick Fitz always hated me
“For what I don’t know…”

Comment by Carl Nyberg Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:19 am
Rod’s guilty verdicts today, Patty’s indictment sent to the grand jury tomorrow. (Can’t a boy dream?)

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:20 am
Rich, thanks for injecting some common sense. I suspect most of the jurors fear getting too much press attention, not too little.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:21 am
Well, not to sound too obvious but if they were only hanging on two counts it’s not gonns be a nice day for Blago.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:30 am
Dangnation. After all this time, more hurry up and wait.

Comment by Aldyth Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:30 am
whatever your opinion of Quinn, I don’t think he will be on trial after his term in office…thank God…two of the last three IL Govs will be in jail if Blago is convicted today…a dubious distinction indeed…

Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:31 am
You have to think one way or the other, this is it for Blago and the federales.

Did I miss the “endemic hiring fraud” prosecution?

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:33 am
Praying for guilty verdicts on 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18.

Bad Hair- not guilty
Incredibly Stupid - not guilty

Comment by Loving It Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:35 am
Overall another UP day for Rod.

Comment by 18-2 Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:36 am
whatever, he’s already guilty from the time before. I’ve already moved on to Mob Wives and the VH1 reunion on July 10. Sammy the Bull Gravano’s daughter….now there’s something to talk about.

Comment by amalia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:40 am
I will miss him. It was such a roller coaster political romance, but alas, all good things must come to an end.

Comment by John A Logan Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:40 am
Blago may very well get convicted on 18 counts. The odds of him being found not guilty on 18 the jury reached a verdict on … are quite slim. Get ready for back to back Governors in jail at the same time!
GEORGE H RYAN SR 16627-424 77-White-M 07-04-2013 TERRE HAUTE FCI

Comment by Steve Bartin Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:41 am
===This will finally be over===
===I wonder what the chances of re-trial II are?===

I have a feeling Rod will be interested in filing a appeal in the near future.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:42 am
Anyone know how many years perjury carries ?

Comment by Loving It Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 11:51 am
Over? Unfortnately, Ilm sure there will be appeals to bring its final death on slowly.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 12:12 pm
If he gets convicted, it will be the height of irony and hypocrisy in that he instituted the state workers annual mandatory ethics exam in the wake of George Ryan.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 12:19 pm
Why do you guys think this is over? Now we have to at least hear the Adams Family babble about the injustice of it all, and the appeals will be going on for years…

Comment by PublicServant Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 12:30 pm
Word — Yeah, I feel like the stuff that really happened, such as the hiring fraud, was subsumed to stuff that almost happened, like the sale of the Senate seat. Not quite sure how they decided what to pursue.

Comment by soccermom Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 12:32 pm
Knowing the the city of Chicago, I will be shocked Blago is found guilty. When Illinois elected him twice, I lost all faith in this state. Only the Illinois voter would elect Blago twice!

Comment by Jackass Hunter Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 12:32 pm
Amalia: love mob wives, even if they are whoring out their lifestyle to make money while their men are in the can….

Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 12:34 pm
Word, it may be over for the feds, but the bulldog AG will go after him on state charges if he get off! Hahahahahaha. Even after vowing she would not have taken back seat to feds on George Ryan prosecution, she has bowed out for feds and let Blago run rampant for 6 years.

I hope feds nail Blago and drop the rest of it in her lap and everyone can our AG’s number one job is protecting the Speaker, not the people or the law.

Comment by the Patriot Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 12:43 pm
This would almost make up for the Cub’s not winning the Series, if he gets all 18 guilty. If they clear him on most or all counts, Bartman is off the hook.

Comment by Gregor Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 12:48 pm
just left his house. Showtime!

Comment by Shore Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 12:55 pm
Quoting Elvis as he left his home, doesn’t this guy ever quit? I’m just looking forward to this being over. Exit stage left, convict.

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 12:57 pm
For a minute there I wondered if the person with the champagne bottle and 3 glasses might be Bill…

Comment by Secret Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:00 pm
Oh please, run Rod run..

Comment by OneMan Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:00 pm
Is this a prediction or is for real?

Comment by Jackass Hunter Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:09 pm
Sorry. Prediction, since they haven’t read the verdict yet.

Comment by Cheswick Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:10 pm
OMG,

Blago leaving his house said, “my hands are shaking-my knees are weak-can’t seem to stand on my own two feet.”

I kid you not.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:11 pm
Ok…Thanks!

Comment by Jackass Hunter Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:11 pm
*Prediction
As usual he makes everyone wait, what a Rock Star!

Comment by Loving It Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:12 pm
If Blago is found not guilty on most of the counts, another Pat Fitzgerald post-verdict meltdown is gonna happen!

Comment by Ghost Payroller Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:20 pm
White Bronco anyone?

Afterall, this guy brokered more funds for favors than anyone in IL history and that is no small accomplishment. I would be very disappointed if he doesn’t have a suitcase full of cash and an escape plan.

He will eventually be caught in….

A) a white bronco on the Dan Ryan

B) A spider hole in Cicero

C) a fortified compound in Arlington Heights

Comment by the Patriot Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:20 pm
Patti’s wearing white, how poetic!

Comment by Loving It Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:22 pm
It won’t be long now, Bubba.

Comment by Bill Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:23 pm
It turns out Al Cowling was driving the car.

Comment by OneMan Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:24 pm
If he is convicted of enough will they take him in to custody immediately.

Comment by OneMan Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:24 pm
Drumroll, please…..

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:35 pm
Blagojevich is harking back to his governing days by hiding in the restroom…

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:45 pm
Has anyone else noticed that Blago quoted Elvis to describe how he’s feeling? “my hands are shaking, my knees are weak, I can’t stand on my own two feet.” He’s All Shook Up.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:50 pm
“The suspense is terrible… I hope it’ll last.”

— “Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:51 pm
dick simpson just said way to stop corruption is to spend more time teaching about it in schools as part of the curriculum. Seems excessive.

Comment by Shore Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:51 pm
They have champaign on ice ready to drink on a not guilty verdict? What arrogance by this disgraced crook.

Comment by Segatari Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 1:58 pm
OneMan: “If he is convicted of enough will they take him in to custody immediately.”

Almost certainly not. There have been no issues since the defendant has been on bond so the bond will remain the same and he will be free pending sentencing. After sentencing, I am sure the judge will grant him 3 mos or so to report to whatever prison he is designated to.

Comment by paddyrollingstone Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:02 pm
@ Loop Lady, must find Chicago watch party for Mob Wives. just read that another of the Graziano gals is the Exec. producer, came up with the concept of reality show but switched it up to a “mob houswives” vision as all the other such shows caught on. it is candylicious. what a fashion show!

Comment by amalia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:03 pm
Champaign is always ready to drink….
Champagne is a victory drink…

Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:05 pm
Hilarious - Jim Leach is practically reading the CapFax blog roll verbatim…

Comment by Anonynon Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:06 pm
Sentencing will be interesting.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:12 pm
Good day for the prosecution so far.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:12 pm
He gone!

Comment by PublicServant Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:13 pm
Aw, man!

Comment by Bill Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:13 pm
Patti, start getting ready for “Pol Wives.”

Comment by amalia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:13 pm
My faith in the criminal justice system has been restored. This is a very good day for the people of the State of Illinois.

Comment by Downstate Illinois Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:13 pm
I’m sure this is an up day.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:13 pm
No verdict on Counts 11 & 16, not guilty on count 17, and guilty on all other counts.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:14 pm
I’m with Rich. WOW!

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:14 pm
It’s an UP DAY for we the citizens of this great state!!

Comment by Justice Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:15 pm
thank god. illinois is still incredibly corrupt, but maybe this will send a message to all those politicians in the state that we won’t stand for it anymore. it says something about the fbi, especially, which has operations throughout the state, who stuck with it and delivered the evidence needed for delivering these verdicts…

Comment by bored now Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:15 pm
Rod was able to seal his fate by testifying. First good thing he did for the state in a long time.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:16 pm
If he sings jailhouse rock on the way out I’ll be impressed

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:16 pm
Holy Stuff! 17 out of 20! You go girls!

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:16 pm
WOW …

Not because he was found guilty … WOW, because it is NOW real, NOW fact … reality …WOW

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:17 pm
The Internet is on fire!

Comment by amalia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:20 pm
At long last!

Comment by Aldyth Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:20 pm
Bill … you did Yeoman’s work, but now … how do you feel?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:21 pm
wow, because now fitzgerald can start building corruption cases against other politicians in illinois…

Comment by bored now Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:21 pm
ILGOP grandstanding in 3…2…1…

Comment by JN Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:21 pm
I see Pat Brady is staying classy.

Comment by paddyrollingstone Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:21 pm
Oh my! What’s patty farley going to do with her champagne now???

Comment by MS Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:23 pm
I’m concerned about Bill…I hope he is OK.

Comment by Long-time Lurker Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:24 pm
This verdict puts another black mark on our state and our Governor who served as Blago’s Lt. Gov and ran with him twice.

Comment by Meanderthal Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:24 pm
The IL citizens can celebrate for 5 minutes … then the appeals will begin.

Can’t we just skip that and go straight to the haircut?

Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:24 pm
Has Pat Brady forgotten that there is a former GOP governor currently sitting in federal prison?

Comment by Downstater in Chicago Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:24 pm
Wow…

Comment by OneMan Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:25 pm
18 total convictions when you add in the previous Lying to the FBI count.

Comment by Homer J. Simpson Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:26 pm
Well, is Fitzgerald vindictive enough to try him again on the two remaining counts?

Comment by D.P. Gumby Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:26 pm
It’s not over and won’t be over for years — until Illinois finally gets it financial house back in order. Blago led the way to our current fiscal woes — with a lot of help from the Legislature. Quinn is continuing to play the same descructive financial games to avoid addressing the fiscal problem Blago helped create.
It’s too bad these guilty verdicts won’t make those problems go away. Blago’s ghost continues to haunt.
More interestingly, what a wacky guy he is/was - so thoroughly corrupt, so uninterested in doing the job to which he was twice elected, so completely irresponsible — in other words, like many other people who serve in government at all levels in Illinois — just looking out for No. 1

Comment by Jim Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:27 pm
Sam Adam Jr. discussing appeal possibilities on WLS-TV, much involving unheard tapes.

Of the 350 years he can get, and considering both sentencing guidelines and the fact that Rod testified, what is Zagel going to give him? Ten years?

Comment by Boone Logan Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:27 pm
Rich, thanks for your Twitter stream here. That helped so much with what was going on.

Amazing day.

Comment by Nearly Normal Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:28 pm
Pretty heavy stuff…

I’m not sure whether I’m more struck by the ruling or Pat Brady’s comment… What a cheap shot.

Comment by Regular Reader Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:28 pm
1.

After two trials and dozens of charges thrown against him, Rod was found to be Not Guilty on only one count.

Rod can stand tall, proudly proclaim he is an innocent man and the jury confirmed it.

Comment by Joe from Joliet Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:29 pm
Rutherford didnt waste any time with a statement

Comment by foster brooks Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:30 pm
Bill, if I was closer, I’d buy you a drink tonight. You kept the faith.

Comment by Way Way Down Here Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:31 pm
Blagotojail.

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:31 pm
He can not travel outside the Northern Illinois District. That isn’t a huge deal for him I suspect.

Comment by OneMan Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:33 pm
I wonder how many times Don and Roma will have him on before he reports to jail.

Comment by Joe Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:34 pm
Ok … ILGOP … Make you “talking points” … but let’s be very clear, ILGOP, …. Governors in prison is NOT a partisan issue, so lets have a statement that…

“Today is a day to begin anew, and we, the ILGOP, are going to make it clear that we as a party are pleased with the verdict, and we hope no politician, of any party, betrays the citizens of Illinois, as has been done by the past two governors.”

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:35 pm
No brief for Blago, but no joy here either. I know he was guilty, but he’s been gone a long time, too.

Now that he’s really gone, it’s time for Fitz to go now, too. If he’s the White Knight he portrays himself to be, he should resign now.

I hope those who see peril to liberty in issues such as backseat seatbelts and mandatory health insurance can recognize the inherent dangers of a political prosecutor-for-life with unlimited resources.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:37 pm
As critical as I have been of Blago, I guess I don’t feel like gloating.
In truth, this is a sad day for Illinois.
I am tired of the parade of orange-clad governors.
We deserve better.

Comment by Jake From Elwood Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:38 pm
Did anyon notice that the feds have seized the venture capital firm that enriched Daley’s son for over a million as reported by Crains?

Are the feds begining a the long slow crawl up the arse of another Chicago pol?

Et tu Richie?

Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:39 pm
–Has Pat Brady forgotten that there is a former GOP governor currently sitting in federal prison?–

Pat Brady is a clueless lightweight. How did he get that job, Green Stamps?

He had the perfect storm in Illinois, with Blago, Quinn, the economy, and a nationwide GOP landslide and he delivered oogots, except for a few one-and-done Congressmen.

Why is he still there after that performance?

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:41 pm
Wordslinger if you dont break the law you have nothing to fear

Comment by foster brooks Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:41 pm
I believe the verdicts are just, but my emotion is sadness. The combination of energy, ambition, and flawed character is a recipe for tragedy. I was disgusted by the Republican party statement.

Comment by Jake Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:41 pm
While working in Texas a local wit had this to say about our foreman.

” When God put ears on that boy he ruined a perfectly good (nickname for Richard).”

Since that time I often thought it applied well to a number of people.

Comment by Bemused Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:41 pm
Loop Lady -

That sounded “Sneed-Like” … you Sneed?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:41 pm
Blagojevich trial over. Whether you believe he is a criminal or not, his family will pay the price. Sad.

Comment by Kyle Hillman Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:41 pm
So can Rod spill his guts and tell his life story to attempt to get leniency in sentencing?

Comment by Ace Laredo Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:42 pm
How many of his directors/appointees are still working for Quinn?

Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:43 pm
===Pat Brady is a clueless lightweight. How did he get that job, Green Stamps?

He had the perfect storm in Illinois, with Blago, Quinn, the economy, and a nationwide GOP landslide and he delivered oogots, except for a few one-and-done Congressmen.

Why is he still there after that performance?===

Amen word … As a Repub, this conviction does nothing about the remap, the ILGOP State Central Committee, the Cellini trial, and the weakest bench in the past 3 decades …

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:45 pm
Feds seek travel ban after Blago seen carrying Whitey Bolger autobiography w/ him into court!!

Comment by D.P. Gumby Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:47 pm
This is a sad day for the state,I don’t know what
it will take to get honest government in our state.
Wake up voters listen closly to what they say. We
must hold all politicans accountable. Never again!

Comment by mokenavince Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:49 pm
Why is Blago allowed to leave the building? I knwo he can appeal, but should he not go to jail nevertheless? He should be in custody while his appeal runs through the process.

Comment by Jackass Hunter Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:49 pm
Our long wait is over! FINALLY we get to read what Adam Kinzinger thinks about all of this. Only now we can get on with the healing process.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:49 pm
With this virdict, maybe another Democrat from Chicago might think twice about running for Governor of Illinois.

Comment by Jackass Hunter Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:55 pm
Vindication of sorts for Mike Madigan.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:55 pm
===With this virdict, maybe another Democrat from Chicago might think twice about running for Governor of Illinois.===

Lisa. Madigan. So, I think that theory is not too sound, at this point …

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:57 pm
Sad day when a man is found guilty for running his mouth too much. Sad day for Illinois, Blago.& Blago’s wife and children

Comment by mindreader Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:58 pm
Will Blago Trial #1 and Blago Trial #2 become law school trial advocacy examples of the principle of Keep it Simple in action?

Comment by x ace Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 2:58 pm
yeah, but you know Blago had a point when he was pleading for his job in the Senate chambers when he asked if he was so bad, why did you all support me for a second term? He had a point, and I was just filled with disgust at the cowardice and go along to get along attitude of the Democratic Party of IL…including Mike Madigan…

Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:03 pm
@Skeeter

Couldn’t agree more.

Comment by Apple Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:04 pm
Away Rod

Comment by overcooked Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:04 pm
I think Blago thought he could charm his way out of this and is just now facing the reality that he cant talk his way out of it.

Blago knew all along he was guilty, but he seems to truly have beleived that he was either smart enough to outfox the feds or charming enough to talk his way out.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:05 pm
Great day for Illinois in that a Governor guilty of corruption is finally pronounced guilty. He didn’t just “run his mouth”, he schemed to gain campaign contributions and to get jobs in exchange for a Senate seat. Sad for his family, but he brought this upon them. Does anyone really think Dick Mell will let not help the family financially? Rod is done for. Patti and her daughters still have a supportive family.

Comment by Oh please! Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:06 pm
That he was “stunned” just reminds us Blago never released his delusional grip on life.

Comment by Bitterman Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:10 pm
I think if RRB gets under 6 years, it is a major win for the defense. My guess is the over/under is 7 years and I think Zagel will give him 8. The G will ask for 10.

Comment by paddyrollingstone Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:14 pm
Dan Walker, Otto Kerner, George Ryan and now Rod Blagojevich joins the roll of tainted Illinois governors in my lifetime. Remember the recent words of an FBI agent: “if [Illinois] isn’t the most corrupt state in the United States, it is one hell of a competitor.”
If we have this much rot at the top, who knows what is festering in the lower ranks. One doesn’t have to speculate why Illinois lags just about all the states in job creation and about every other fiscal category: corruption, corruption, corruption.

Comment by Cook County Commoner Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:15 pm
It will not deter anybody and we all know it. He is just a stupid man who got in over his head. This is a blood sport. Stay away if you don’t have the nuts. Screw his family. That is not just what he said but did in many cases. Like Tony Montana said, “Look at you now!”

Comment by nino brown Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:19 pm
I’m not surprised he’s stunned, he still doesn’t get it. Now the scavengers (IL politicians) have gathered to make their public statements. I find it somewhat nauseating to listen to their remarks when they have accomplished little in the way of ethics reform.

Comment by Wensicia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:23 pm
===It will not deter anybody and we all know it. He is just a stupid man who got in over his head. This is a blood sport. Stay away if you don’t have the nuts. Screw his family.===

I don’t recall, were his daughters on the tapes? You can have compassion for the daughters, without have less spite for the Blago.

Easy on the kids, ok?

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:23 pm
One last time . . .

Profile of the Sociopath
This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.

Glibness and Superficial Charm

Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.”

Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

Incapacity for Love

Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet “gets by” by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others’ lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.

Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:27 pm
props to Fitz and his crew. Another step toward criminal free governance.

As far as I am concerned Fitz can stay as long as there are criminals in the ruling class

Comment by Plutocrat03 Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:29 pm
“Well I know the truth of things, and I have nothing to fear but the truth.”

He told us way back then, not that there was much doubt. Our long embarrassing nightmare is finally over. The jury gave us closure and I am very grateful for that.

I’ll be drinking to the jury tonight, and since I’m on vacation, probably all day tomorrow too.

Cheers!

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:30 pm
Kirk Dillard is embarrassing himself on tv right now,making this totally about him, he’s used the word I about 30 times in a 2 minute span.

Comment by Shore Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:30 pm
Question is; who will he throw under the bus to get a lighter sentence?

Comment by WazUp Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:31 pm
@mindreader -

Stop making excuses for Rod.

He’s got that covered.

He wasn’t running his mouth…he was calling the plays for a corrupt enterprise.

Giving thumbs up or thumbs down to every scheme imaginable.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:33 pm
Shore, this is not news…he’s a politician, remember?

Comment by Loop Lady Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:34 pm
so, with rulings from the supreme court, policies in government and business change. with rulings from this jury, based on how the FitzFeds prosecuted, what is the new roadmap for political actions? One juror said that deals are ok just not in goverment. really? deals are ok in private sector? what is the new normal for government? Politics is no longer the art of compromise in this town.

Comment by amalia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:37 pm
Rich, it occurs to me that all of this wouldn’t have happened if Rod remembered one of the first lessons you taught me when I was your intern:

Assume everyone is wearing a wire.

Comment by Barton Lorimor Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:38 pm
===what is the new roadmap for political actions?===
uhh… a good staring point would be: 1.) Do not hold up payments for a Children’s hospital, in an attempt to extort huge campaign contributions.

Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:43 pm
===Question is; who will he throw under the bus to get a lighter sentence?===

the Blago was LAST on the bus, so there is “no seat” to the Light Sentence Avenue

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:45 pm
Too me, this trial had nothing to do with the crimes Blago was convicted of but of the charges and schemes that were never exposed.

I speak of the Kelly and Rezco years when they raised countlesws millions. That was when they sold the State.

What he is convicted of is just a risidual effect. Kind of a desperate echo of days gone by.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:46 pm
WazUp, if he could’ve thrown somebody under the bus, he would’ve already. Take a breath, man. There is no secret wild card out there.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:48 pm
Regarding the sentencing, if he gets one year for each count, that’s 17 years right there. I don’t see any individual count getting less than 1 year of sentence. Given that basis, I don’t see him coming away with less than 30 years.

Comment by Name Withheld Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:52 pm
who knows what Blago knows or purports to know from his years starting as an Assistant State’s Attorney, payback to Mell, Luis Gutierrez, whoever. he’s going down, what, besides dignity, motivates him not to talk?

Comment by amalia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:53 pm
“Justice is blind but she has very sophisticated listening devices.” FBI local chief, and most awesome quote of the day.

Comment by amalia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:58 pm
===who knows what Blago knows or purports to know from his years starting as an Assistant State’s Attorney===

Oh, please. The statute of limitations have long since expired.

Payback to Mell? Really? The guy who is going to be financing his children’s future?

Take a breath. You look foolish. He may hint darkly, but if he had anything, he’d have used it by now.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 3:59 pm
There are three different events that the 17 counts cover, so there may be some duplicity in the charges that will be subsumed by other charges. All prosecutors overcharge in that manner such that there are lesser included offenses. I don’t remember the specific charges, but it’s likely so here.

Comment by D.P. Gumby Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 4:12 pm
In terms of the assets they are talking about for bail, don’t you have to have equity in those things to use them. How much equity does he have?

Comment by OneMan Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 4:23 pm
Manipulative to the bitter end. The repeated references to his “little girls” is Rod playing for sympathy in sentencing. He really thinks he can talk his way out of anything. . . .

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 4:28 pm
As one of the state employees who worked at one of the state historic sites that Blago closed for no reason other than to steal the money from IHPA and puff up his non-existent All Kids plan, I am thrilled that justice is finally being served. I WILL be at his sentencing and I WILL cheer, whether Patti cries or not.

Comment by lincolnlover Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 4:30 pm
JBT on WLS-TV discussing corruption and Rod. Now we know what she’s thinking.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 4:32 pm
Maybe the Blago’s will have a big sale of their expensive clothes and other items to help pay some bills?

Comment by Nearly Normal Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 4:33 pm
gag, garage sale judy. of course she is on because she ran against GuiltyRod the last time. but she is a wheeler dealer in her own right, so she’s not the poster child for all that is good in government.

Comment by amalia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 4:34 pm
This will be very sad for his children and no one should wish them any ill will. However, from his first day in office in January 2003, he put my family and the familes of 34 other people through hell. The 35 have moved on, but we have not forgotten. Today justice has been done.

Comment by One of the 35 Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 4:35 pm
is GuiltyRod smart enough to know that talking might not be worth it? statutes expire, but learning comes through listening.

Comment by amalia Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 4:43 pm
I wish this was over but can’t imagine it is. A round of appeals claiming the judge was biased is probably next.

Comment by Robert Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 5:15 pm
This is a GREAT day for state employees. We had to put up with this doofus for six years. He made us hang his picture in our offices (no other governor in my 25 years did).

He made us put up the poster that said “I’m an ethical employee- are you?”.

And the final joke was the ethics test he made us take every year. Now federal prison is the punchline. Who’s laughing now?

Blago should have taken the plea bargain they offered before this second trial. He will probably serve twice as many years in jail now. In all the testimony in two trials no one every accused him of being smart.

Like Grandma used to say “Good riddance to bad rubbish”….

Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 6:28 pm
How long until the convicted felon loses his State of Illinois pensions?

What a black mark for the family. No matter how much society forgets the recent events, it will be bared for the world again when their obituaries are written. “Wife of…” Daughter of …” Father-in-law of …”

Comment by Huh? Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 6:44 pm
It’s late but: no cheering here. He will probably get some of what he deserves but that doesn’t fix anything. And the mess the state is in is not all Rod’s fault. Even if it was, the people of Illinois re-elected him resoundingly at a point when it should have been obvious to anyone with a pulse what he was. So, we’ve still got a mess, we’ve still got an electorate that carries gullibility to the point of criminal negligence, and we’ve still got Quinn. And the GA. Tomorrow is another day, Scarlett….

Comment by Excessively Rabid Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 7:51 pm
Regarding Pat Brady’s comments:

The bitter irony is that, knowing everything we know now, I’m still not sure that Blago over JBT was the wrong choice. Never once in her career did she ever stand up for what it right. She was a career politician to the bone. While I’m not saying it would have been her on trial now had she won, it is clear that she would have done absolutely nothing to clean up the mess.

And Bill Brady against Blago? I don’t have a clue who I would vote for. Brady is probably clean, but he’s so extreme that instead of “corruption” destroying Illinois, we would be destroyed by “right wing dingbat with no regard for women, the poor, public education or dogs.”

Blago was corrupt to the bone, but people like him can win only because people like Pat Brady present us with no real alternatives.

Comment by Skeeter Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 7:58 pm
As just another state employee who suffered through 6+ years of Blago’s self serving rule, today was not about gloating for me. It was about justice, which we didn’t get at the last trial. The damage he did to our department will continue to be felt for years to come, but at least we wont have to see his smiling mug on talk shows much any more…

Comment by Roadiepig Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 8:26 pm
On Chicago Tonight they were talking about how mean it is that the government wants to seize the house and Patti and the kids will be out on the street. I read once that Mell is quite wealthy after selling a manufacturing company. I hardly think he’s going to let his daughter and grandchildren sell pencils on the corner.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 9:01 pm
My desktop wallpaper tonight is in honor of Blago:

//www.google.com/search?hl=en&gbv=2&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=MTQJTsiWG4GssQKOnNHXAQ&ved=0CDUQvwUoAQ&q=fat+opera+singer&spell=1

Comment by Gregor Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 9:05 pm
I wish Carlos Hernandez Gomez could have reported from the Dirksen building today.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 9:29 pm
Skeeter….Right on!

Comment by Justice Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 9:57 pm
That seems like an unnecessary and personal hit on jay Hoffman, anon. Jay came through thus thing clean, which says a lot considering that he was in the kitchen cabinet. Take your drive bys elsewhere.

Comment by Anon Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:26 pm
a good cop died tonight. he would have laughed at Blago. the cop was a good man.

He was Chicago-as am I

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:33 pm
The statue of Elvis in Blago’s Springfield Governor’s Office was Elvis singing “Jailhouse Rock” - how prophetic.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:41 pm
If Blago would have worked half as hard as Govenor
as he did after getting impeached. He wouldn’t be going to jail now. Remember the almost daily plane rides from Chicago to Springfield. He will not be missed.

Comment by mokenavince Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:44 pm
I know Judy Baar Topinka is somewhere pointing saying “I told you so!”

Comment by JakeCP Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:55 pm
Quinn kept most of the Blogo hold overs and many of them are now covered by ASFCME. We are stuck with the corrupt supporters for years to come.

Comment by 18-2 Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:59 pm
- JakeCP - Monday, Jun 27, 11 @ 10:55 pm:
That “somewhere” is in front of every camera she can find.

Comment by WizzardOfOzzie Tuesday, Jun 28, 11 @ 12:34 am
mo..vince: I remember reading commenters on this blog noting that a crucial 1:00 budget meeting in Springfield would not be starting on time, because the commentator had just walked by Blago’s house at 12:45 and he was playing whiffle ball with his kids. He would arrive in Springfield at 3:00, fly home at 4:45 and stop to publicly berate the legislators for not working hard enough. That took cojones.

Comment by Quizzical Tuesday, Jun 28, 11 @ 12:38 am