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Baksheesh

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Illinois

[Bumped up for discussion purposes.]

This Sun-Times story tracks nicely with my Sun-Times column. First the story…

The feds are investigating two New York political fund-raising trips made by Gov. Blagojevich to see if East Coast donors were illegally nudged ahead in line for state business, sources told the Chicago Sun-Times.

This is the first indication the government is zeroing in on face-to-face discussions Blagojevich had with donors as it probes alleged corruption in his administration and the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois.

A source familiar with the investigation said the feds are looking at three law firms placed on a preferred list of outside lawyers that TRS could hire. The three firms have donated more than $120,000 to the governor, including donations that came at the New York events.

“They were admitted to a very exclusive club, and one case could make you millions,” the source said.

Read the whole thing. If this story is right, then the governor is in a lot more legal trouble than most people thought. Also, keep in mind that both of those New York trips were financed by Stu Levine, who is expected to plead guily about a week before the November election.

Now, a small excerpt from my column.

My wife is an Assyrian Christian born and raised in Iraq. Over there, they have a word for that check. “Baksheesh.” It’s more than a tip, but not quite a bribe.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 8:50 am

Comments

great column Rich, seriously. This one needs to be syndicated in areas where the local papers are dropping the ball. Such as: Springfield, Bloomington, Champaign, well basically all of downstate.

Would that be possible to do?

Because papers like the SJ-R have shown no inclination to voice any kind of negative op-ed pieces against this guy.

Comment by anon Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 6:53 am
“Because papers like the SJ-R have shown no inclination to voice any kind of negative op-ed pieces against this guy.”

Say what? Have you ever heard of Doug Finke or Bernie Schoenburg? They never miss an opportunity to jump all over Rod.

Comment by wndycty Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 7:00 am
Anon 6:53 AM: What the heck planet are you on? They may not be “offical” op-ed pieces, but Finke and Bernie have made Rod Bashing a weekly, sometimes daily thing in the SJR for a least three years. You not only don’t know what the heck you are talking about, you are proud to prove it to the world.

Comment by Anon Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 7:02 am
Bernie & Finke are not the primary opinion of the paper though. When was the last time you saw anything negative about Blago in the Our Opinion part? I should have clarified more, that is my fault, still waking up….

But based on the way that piece has shaped up over the past couple years, I wouldn’t bet against the SJ-R giving Rod their endorsement….

Finke & Bernie do not equate to the paper’s overall opinion…

Comment by anon Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 7:14 am
Rich,

Nice work on the power editorial boards wield over -’What is News.’ The news, unlike Minvera (Wisdom) does not spring from the Head of Jove, but the bowels of Hephaestes - just to wax classical.

Comment by Pat Hickey Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 7:15 am
great column Rich, thank you for being true to your profession. Also to windy and Anon 7:02, it’s not Bernie or Doug Finke’s fault the governor has given them so much material, I’m sure they never thought they would have to write so many negative columns about Illinois top official who promised to clean up corruption.

Comment by Bottom Line Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 7:28 am
Let’s get back to the point, shall we? Thanks.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 7:29 am
I imagine some or all the governor’s staff from the New York contingent were deeply involved in this.

Comment by These little town blues are melting away Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 7:30 am
Ok..so I am governor. I fly to the east coast for a fund raiser, and meet some new people. They give $xx,000 to my campaign. 6 months later, they are legally awarded a contract with the state for $x,000,000 to provide a product / service.

My question: did I break the law?

If I did, it should be obvious, and then I go to jail. But that never happens with any of these ‘allegations’ against the governor, does it? What he is doing is not illegal. If it were, he’d be in jail.

The problem, my friends, is not with BLAGO. It is with how our state government is organized. If the governor can legally throw around hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on a whim on pork, procurement, jobs, etc.to his buddies, THE PROBLEM IS NOT WITH THE GOVERNOR, IT IS WITH HOW THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS ORGANIZED.

You think Blago is bad, wait until someone *TRULY* brilliant and seriously sinister comes along and turns Illinois into the Fourth Reich. If the rules here are so lax that the head dude in charge can do all this on a daily basis LEGALLY, we really got big problems here, people.

From here on out, I am no longer going to bash the governor. It doesn’t make sense to. He is using the rules to his advantage. Who wouldn’t?

Blago is the product of the system, not the cause of it.

Comment by Leroy Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 7:43 am
First, you want to read (or at least scan) a book called â€œGenerationsâ€ by Strauss and Howe. It and its follow-on, â€œThe Fourth Turning,â€ detail American history, generation by generation, going back 500 years. They did the basic research in their attempt to understand if there had ever been another generation like X (nose rings, body art, etc.). Yep â€“ turns out that everything old becomes new again, and on a regular basis.

We are the point in our regular historical cycle where politics is so bad that the very best people generally wonâ€™t get involved. So all of the comments about dumb and dumber, less and lesser, are accurate. And no doubt applicable nationwide.

Which brings me to my second point: I would have flunked the focus group tests too because I assume that the Governor and his opponent are equally problematic. In fact, my friends and I are counting on the next governor being indicted (quickly, we hope). Which leaves the real choice between Quinn and Birkett â€“ and thatâ€™s no choice at all.

Had the Republicans pandered to the middle with their Lt Govâ€™s choice, a lot of Dems would not mind voting for JBT but Birkett is the show stopper.

So I watch the press for reports on Pat Quinn in hopes heâ€™s still around when the dust finally settles.

Comment by RBD Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 7:46 am
It’s just politics. It’s just the system. It’s the organization. Politics, systems and organizations don’t commit payroll fraud and steal from teachers’ pensions. People do. Governor Blagojevich must be held accountable for any of his illegal behaviors, which law enforcement and the courts must decide.

Comment by To Leroy Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 7:59 am
Someone let the feds know that when they arrest him he is living in Chicago not Springfield.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 8:02 am
RBD - it sounds like you are saying JBT will get indicted if elected. Please explain your proof source for this. What basis do you have? If you are just basing it on G Ryan & Blago, then it is a foolhardy assumption with no weight.

If you can’t back it up, don’t say it.

Also, please provide me with accurate info as to why Pat Quinn, is so squeaky clean, or do you forget his run as State Treasurer….

The views on Pat Quinn are at best viewed-through dem-provided glasses

Comment by anon Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 8:05 am
Rich,
Your article reflects exactly my sentiments. For all it was worth, I was trying to let everyone I knew how corrupt Ryan was when he ran against Poshard. It made me sick to think that the public and a lot of the press ignored the “smoke” coming from the federal investigations against Ryan’s administration.
I think it’s all happening again with Blago’s administration (at least as far as the general public is concerned).
I’m trying to learn not to care and just vote my concience. *sigh*

Comment by Walking Wounded Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 8:39 am
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to see four more years of this guy. Those of us who are for good government should take the time to pass the Sun Times article on to help educate our peers who may not be paying attention. We need to all work together to rid our state of the “corruption is the norm” label.

We should give Judy a chance and hold her accountable to do what Rod promised he would do.

Comment by Ray Coleman Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 8:40 am
Anon at 8:05 — As stated, the people willing to run for office right now aren’t the people most of us want to vote for - and that applies to all political parties.

Re JBT - Rich’s point in his column was that voters aren’t examing the finer points. The scandals, etc., on all candidates are just flashing by our eyes. There is probably a lot of guilt by association.

Re Quinn - his actions related to some issues that are important to me are clearly superior to Birkett’s.

Maybe I should be looking at the next person in line when they are all indicted — is that Mike Madigan?

Comment by RBD Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 8:46 am
That’s ludicrous on its face! Rod and these lawyers have been friends since they were 8 years old! I see a recurring theme.

Comment by Wumpus Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 8:52 am
You see? This is exactly why Rich Whitney is refusing all corporate contributions. People try to make a big deal about campaign warchests; but the truth is that this type of legalized bribery turns out to be a liability in the end, and people appreciate the candidate taking a stand on principles.

Comment by Squideshi Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:02 am
How nice it is when your opponent runs a negitive ad on you and his own stupidity burys it.Let me see now what was that ad about JBT?Oh who cares this is better reading on him.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:05 am
It appears Blagojevich is going to eventually be indicted. What a mess that will be for Illinois if he’s a sitting Governor at the time. Doesn’t the US Attorney have a civic responsibility to inform the public if he already has enough to indict? What’s the bigger issue, here? That he takes his time to line up all the dots exactly, or that he informs the voting public of what he knows now so they can make the most informed decision possible?

Comment by Truth Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:15 am
If Stu Levine testifies that he and Blagojevich schemed to trade TRS contracts for campaign cash, Rod is done, election or not.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:20 am
It’d be irresponsible for the USAtty to let the public know. As much as I’d love it, that’d be unduly influencing an election. If people are too stupid to read about the various investigations, they desrve Blago and Toddler.

Comment by Wumpus Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:25 am
“Baksheesh.”

Is that like what my son wanted when I made him be banker in Monopoly.

He asked if he got a “banker’s tip” for giving me money.

Comment by Cal Skinner Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:26 am
Can we say “Governor Pat Quinn”

Comment by Wheres the leadership??? Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:38 am
Wumpus, we agree on most, but “unduly” influencing an election? How about “unduly” allowing a felon to be elected to the highest office in state government? I think Fitz should let us know what he knows, I think we are “due” that information.

Comment by Truth Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:41 am
Rich-

You make a good point that these investigations are about two further along than with Ryan. It begs the questions about whether Rod will be indicted during his next term (assuming reelection), rather it coming after he leaves office.

The untold story now is the very real possibility that Pat Quinn stands a good chance of becoming governor sometime in the next four years. Whether you love or hate him, it would shake up state government in really profound ways.

Comment by Anon Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:44 am
How about this for a QOTD? Describe the changes that would take place in state government after Pat Quinn becomes governor because Rod is forced to resign after being indicted.

Comment by Anon 9:44 Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:46 am
Khoon- Never thought I’d read a post about Illinois politics titled “Bakshessh.” Well played.

Comment by Ramsin Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 9:54 am
Pat Quinn in no excuse for voting for Blagojevich. That is like saying you know the new car you are buying is garbage, but the dealer has great loaners.

If Blagojevich is re-elected, it sends a message almost as damning as when Ryan was elected. We didn’t know what we would get when either of these guys received first terms, but now we know who Rod really is. If we vote for Blagojevich, what are we condoning?

1.) We’d be saying we don’t mind unethical behavior.
2.) We’d be saying that we are partisan more than sensible.
3.) We’d be saying that unless you have a crappy running mate, and are actually indicted, you have our vote.
4.) We’d be saying that unless there are handcuffs on your wrists, you can be governor.
5.) We’d be saying it is OK to promise reform after an incumbant is drove from office for fraud, then behave the same way.
6.) We’d be saying that we are freakin’ idiots.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 10:05 am
If the allegations regarding the campaign contribution are legit, then shouldn’t the Feds be freezing Blago’s campaign fund during the course of the investigation?

Comment by Bluefish Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 10:11 am
This is unbelievable. What is it going to take to get rid of this guy? I am amazed and sickened by the thought that he might still win.

Comment by What? Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 10:15 am
This guy sounds familiar and usually has nothing to add but attacks on the person instead of debating the point. Why don’t you make him get a moniker or ban him from comments?

Comment by rich-anon 7:02 Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 10:16 am
All one has to do every time Blagojevich gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar is to ask oneself â€˜Is Blagojevichâ€™s excuses reasonableâ€™?

In this latest incident Blagojevich flies to New York on a private jet paid for by Levine (who will be pleading guilty in November) to get Blagojevich to New York for a money grab trip. Blagojevich then meets with a former Democratic congressman (forced out of office for accepting illegal campaign gifts) at a swank New York club for millionaires. Blagojevich even accepts a $10,000 dollar check from this disgraced former congressman. Blagojevich then accepts thousands of dollars from law firms and lawyers during this trip that soon show up on the preferred list for the TRS.

Blagojevichâ€™s response â€˜none of this is connectedâ€™. Letâ€™s ask ourselves â€˜Is this excuse reasonableâ€™

Comment by Sound Reasoning Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 10:29 am
Anybody seen Bill or Reddbyrd yet? Or have their heads exploded trying to figure out the spin?

Comment by Anon from BB Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 10:46 am
SQUIDESHI hate to break your heart but Green is already in the Also Ran Columm so you can quit trolling for votes.I think they have a lot more on Blago than they had on Ryan.What the holdup is there is probably at least a Dozen or more operatives that will also be indicted.This is a RICO investigation involving crimes commited over a period of time and involves several people.If I was the Democratic party I would start figuring out how to grab cover when bad news hits the fan.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 10:58 am
Anyone want to place bets on Levine being sentenced one week before the election or his attorney ask for a continuance until after? Either way, won’t this determine who our next governor is?

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 11:07 am
NEWSFLASH someone was just seen in a trenchcoat,sunglasses and fake beard trying to register as a Republican.Our first reports indicate it could be Bill.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 11:14 am
We will have Gov Quinn if Gov “I can’t remember what the check is for” becomes Georges Roomate!!!

Comment by Wheres the leadership??? Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 11:32 am
He should be called on to resign his post ASAP!! and the feds should freeze his warchest.

Comment by scoot Friday, Sep 22, 06 @ 2:00 pm
P.J. O’Rourke, the noted satirist (whom I love), has said that “Term limits aren’t enough. We need jail.”

To anyone who would throw away 3 years of very hard work in law school, unless rich uncle moneybucks paid for it, you need psychological help. What is with these crazy lawyers who keep getting busted and then disbarred?

Comment by Angie Tuesday, Sep 26, 06 @ 4:47 am