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Fresh indictment thread * Updated x14 *

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That last post was getting long and unwieldy, so let’s start a new one.

The Rezko indictment sure looks a lot like that Sun-Times story I referenced earlier today.

From the indictment:

In or about April, 2004, Rezko and Levine agreed to use their influence and Levineâ€™s position at TRS to prevent Investment Firm 7 from getting its $220 million allocation unless Individual J agreed either to pay an approximately $2 million fee chosen by Rezko and Levine, or to arrange for approximately $1.5 million in political contributions to be made to a certain public official.

From the Sun-Times piece:

A criminal investigation into whether lucrative state pension business was being traded for campaign contributions to Gov. Blagojevich has developed a Hollywood storyline.

Federal authorities want to know if an investment firm then co-owned by the Oscar-winning producer of “Million Dollar Baby” was pushed to donate money to Blagojevich as it vied for a $220 million state deal, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

Indictment:

[The Investment firm refused to be extorted, however, and threatened to go to the coppers, so the plans were dropped.] â€œRezko, Levine, Individual A and Individual Bâ€¦ agreed that although Investment Firm 7 woiuld receive the $220 million allocation, it would not receive any further business from any state of Illinois entity, including TRS.

Sun-Times:

Capri rejected the request, sources said, and — after a delay — the firm got the business.

Indictment:

â€œIndividual A had longstanding relationships with TRS trustees, including Levine and TRS staff members and was associated with a real estate asset management firm that managed hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of TRS.

â€œIndividual B was a political fundraiser and an associate of Rezko.â€

Sun-Times:

…there was an attempt to squeeze Rosenberg and Capri. The sources identified those involved as former TRS board member Stuart Levine; top Blagojevich fund-raisers Antoin “Tony” Rezko and Christopher G. Kelly, and longtime Springfield insider William Cellini. […]

State records show the TRS deal was held up in 2004, around the time sources said Capri was allegedly given the ultimatum to pony up campaign cash to Blagojevich or be cut out.

And more from the Sun-Times:

The Blagojevich campaign denied any wrongdoing in the matter.
“Here are the facts: 1) No donations were solicited by the campaign. 2) No donations were received by the campaign. 3) Capri/Capital continues to do business with the state,” Blagojevich campaign spokeswoman Sheila Nix said in a prepared statement.

Attorneys for Cellini and Kelly told the paper that their client was not involved.

*** UPDATE 1 *** ICPR has a good rundown (cribbed from the Tribune) of the “deep ties between state government and several financial backers of businessman Antoin “Tony” Rezko, confidante and political fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich.”

*** UPDATE 2 *** For those of you arguing this isn’t a huge political problem for the governor, you probably need a reminder of this little story.

Blagojevich has acknowledged that the FBI interviewed him last year in connection with a corruption probe of administration associates. Weeks after that interview, Blagojevich amended his previous year’s gift-disclosure form to add names that hadn’t previously been on it.

Those added names included Antoin “Tony” Rezko, a Blagojevich fundraiser whose real estate transactions with Blagojevich’s wife, Patti Blagojevich, netted her more than $30,000 in profits in 2004, according to the family’s tax return; Betty Bukraba, a Blagojevich family baby sitter whom Blagojevich appointed in 2003 to a $21,507 position on the state’s Civil Service Commission; and Beverly and Michael Ascaridis.

*** UPDATE 3 *** The Blagojevich campaign has released a statement. From the Trib story:

“The allegations in today’s indictments, if proven true, are a violation of my trust but far more importantly a betrayal of the public’s trust — the indictment details a pattern of self enrichment by two individuals, acting on their own, that is reprehensible,” Blagojevich said in a written statement issued this afternoon.

“If these allegations are true, the individuals cited in these indictments should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Wrongdoing must be punished,” the governor said.

That “thump” you just heard was Tony Rezko being tossed under the bus.

*** UPDATE 4 *** Word is a gubernatorial press conference is scheduled for 5:30. ABC7 will reportedly be carrying it on the web as it happens.

*** UPDATE 5 *** NBC5 has a quote about Rezko from Judy Baar Topinka:

“This is his right-hand man. This is not some third-level clerk.”

*** UPDATE 6 *** From Birkett’s statement:

Today’s indictment of Tony Rezko makes it clear that the investigation into corruption in the Blagojevich administration is broad, deep and gathering momentum.

More high level indictments are sure to come. We’ve been down this road before and it’s not good news for the reputation of our state.

The alleged facts follow the pattern that we typically see in public corruption cases. People in positions of trust and authority abuse that trust and authority. And then they succumb to deceit and dishonesty to perpetuate their schemes to benefit themselves or others.

In this case, the level of greed is unprecedented. In the words of the U.S. Attorney, there was a “pay-to-play on steroids” mentality in early 2004 and right in the middle of it was the Governor’s close confidant and top fundraiser, Tony Rezko. Rod Blagojevich is the governor who said he was going to clean up corruption in Springfield and instead, it has been flourishing like never before…

*** UPDATE 7 *** From Tony Peraica’s campaign:

According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, Rezko contributed $1,500 to Todd Stroger’s political campaign fund in 2003. Rezko also served as a fundraising chairman for Stroger’s father, John Stroger, as recently as last year.

Additionally, there are at least six (6) Rezko family members on the payroll at Cook County, including Rezko’s wife Rita, who make a combined $223,000 per year (not including benefits) - all courtesy of Cook County taxpayers.

*** UPDATE 8 *** From ABC7:

The indictment also undercuts Blagojevich’s claim that corruption is best symbolized by former Governor George Ryan, one of Treasurer Topinka’s close political allies.

“Corruption shouldn’t be spoken of in the past tense. That’s clear. This is present tense. This happened today,” said Jay Stewart, Better Government Association. […]

The governor has said repeatedly that he and his administration follow the rules, and the people around him obey the law, but, of course, this is the kind of thing his father-in-law, Alderman Dick Mell, talked about months ago when their feud began.

*** UPDATE 9 *** The Teachers Retirement System has issued a press release [pdf file].

The Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) and its Board of Trustees are disgusted, angered and deeply troubled by the federal charges filed today against Antoin â€œTonyâ€ Rezko, who has served as a top fundraiser and advisor to Governor Rod Blagojevich. Rezko, along with former TRS trustee Stuart Levine, are accused of soliciting and demanding millions of dollars in undisclosed payments and kickbacks from investment firms seeking to do business with TRS. […]

In January, TRS filed a civil suit in Cook County Circuit Court against Levine, its former outside counsel Steve Loren and his former law firm, and Joseph Cari, former partner of the private equity fund HealthPoint Capital. The suit, which accuses Levine, Loren and Cari of criminal breach of their fiduciary duties to TRS, seeks $3.9 million in legal fees paid to Lorenâ€™s former law firm, Gardner Carton & Douglas, as well as other monetary and compensatory damages to be determined by the court. The civil suit has been stayed until the criminal cases are resolved.

*** UPDATE 10 *** From the AP:

Rezco attorney Duffy said the indictment unsealed Wednesday “appears to be the creation of Stuart Levine, a twice-indicted individual desperate to curry favor with the government to avoid being held accountable for his many years of corruption.'’

*** UPDATE 11 *** Gov. Blagojevich’s press conference has been postponed until 7pm.

*** UPDATE 12 *** Did the governor basically refer to Rezko as a “close, personal friend” at the Tribune debate?

Tribune: Have either of your daughters received any other similar checks?

Blagojevich: It’s all in my disclosure report.

Tribune: There are just names listed in the disclosure report.

Blagojevich: Look, other than family members and a close personal friend like that, the answer is “no.” OK?

Tribune: Are there any other personal friends who have given large amounts?

Blagojevich: I just gave you my answer.

Rezko was in that disclosure report.

*** UPDATE 13 *** Commenters have been wondering all day about where “Bill” has been. Well, he’s back and available for questions. lol

Sorry that you drew 13 as an update number, Bill, but it’s been that sort of a day for your team.

*** UPDATE 14 *** ABC7’s live coverage of the governor’s statement/press conference/whatever scheduled for 7pm will be here.

Comments closed on this one. Go here for a fresh thread.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:36 pm

Comments

Good one, Nix… It wasn’t the campaign that did the soliciting… it was just people who were involved in the campaign… you know… the fundraisers…. That is the biggest load of BS I have ever heard!!!

Comment by Lovie's Leather Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:40 pm
WTF can Birkett add in a press conference. That overwound, undermedicated twerp is the only candidate who can make Pat Quinn look like a reasonable choice for Lt. Gov.

Give me a break. Seriously, if Topinka (as annoying as I personally find her) had taken a reasonable running mate, I might have been contemplating voting for a Republican gubernatorial candidate for the 1st time in my life. However, I can’t do that with Birkett on the ticket. I have to remain with my idiot over their moron.

Sad day for IL.

Comment by Lt. Guv Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:41 pm
Sheila:

1) Donations were solicited by top campaign fundraisers Rezko and Kelly;

2) No donations were received because the Capri/Capital refused to bend to n illegal shakedown

3) Capri/Capital continues to do business with the state because they threatened to go to the cops.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:41 pm
Wow. Here we go. The house of cards begins to fall. Its about time!

Comment by Sick Of It All Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:42 pm
Lt Guv, why are you pretending that the Lt Gov actually does anything? That is just the biggest comp-out ever. Face it, no matter who Lt Gov candidate was, you would never vote for Topinka. That comment just doesn’t pass the smell test.

Comment by Lovie's Leather Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:43 pm
After reading this monster, I can see that Blago has a new name! He is no longer “Public Official A”. He has been rechristened that “Certain Public Official.” Anyone that says Blago is not named in this is engaging in a half-truth. Blago’s campaign and outright extortion for campaign donations are laced through it.

It strikes me that this may be the tip of the campaign donation iceberg. He didn’t get those millions on good looks.

Comment by Bubs Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:43 pm
“Pay to play on steroids.”

How wonderful.

You know what? I don’t care if Blagojevich was directly involved. I don’t care if he’s really ‘Public Official A.’

The fact that ‘Pay to Play on Steroids’ was happening under his watch — either directly or indirectly — is despicable.

The fact the the governor is getting 1500 checks from best friends and can’t explain what the check is for — this too is despicable.

What’s most despicable is that this is the crap that Blagojevich was supposed to stop. And I’m sorry, but indictments from the Fed don’t count as a “good thing.”

It’s despicable.

Comment by Yvette Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:44 pm
This is an indictment that implicates Tony Rezko. It is not THE indictment that may very well end up being handed to Public Official A.

While many have stated that it could have been worse for Rod, yes it could have. But, this is only the door being opened a crack. There probably be many more of these to came.

This particular indictment may not be the death blow to Blago but you can bet that there will be more to come. (Queue up Jaws music)

Comment by Buck Flagojevich Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:46 pm
Here is how JBT can win.

1. State that any PAC or person which has contributed to her gov’s campaign cannot and will not get any contracts or any other type of buisn. from the state should she win.

2. All people hired by Rod will be given a chance to keep their jobs should she win. They will meet with a private hiring firm who will evaluate their qualifications. If they meet them, they stay, if they are not qualified they get launched.

Doing these two things will make her seem like she is going to change the way things are done.

If she won’t do these, well she is no differnt than anyone else who has run for the job.

So there ya go GOP, can she do this?

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:47 pm
And I’m sure that Blagojevich will throw some underpaid, anonymous state workers under the bus and claim that all this mess is because those workers were taking the ethics test in under ten minutes.

Here come mandatory 3 day ethics seminars for everyone but Blagojevich and his rich cronies.

Comment by Yvette Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:48 pm
With all due respect, per the news so far, this is no home run for Topinka, and Blago can rely on the Sheila Nix spin.

Moreover, the continued implication of Levine and Cellini can be used by Blago to bash Topinka.

Comment by Conservative Republican Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:48 pm
Todayâ€™s indictment is terrific, but you guys are all forgetting how much it takes to sway this stateâ€™s ultra-jaded voters. The outcome of the race wonâ€™t change. The Chicago Tribune would have to print a front-page photo of Blagojevich murdering Barack Obama surrounded by eyewitnesses at high noon on the front steps of the Statehouse in order for Blago to lose the election next month. Try as she might, Judyâ€™s â€œIâ€™m not Blagojevichâ€ campaign strategy just doesnâ€™t have enough juice, for my moneyâ€¦

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:51 pm
Maybe Bill, was one of the “Bad Apples”.
Damage Control: Will be in HyperDrive tonight, can’t wait to see their spin on Thursday. Maybe we’ll see some resignations.

Comment by Elated Tollway Grunt Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:52 pm
Buck Flagojevich brings up an interesting point… is this just the beginning??? What does Fitzy have on Blago or the campaign or the administration??? I have a feeling… that this could be the beginning of a long and embarrassing fight for the Illinois government. And the question at the fore-front of my mind is… who’s next??? Kelly? Cellini? Blago?

Comment by Lovie's Leather Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:53 pm
No wonder it has taken Fitz so long to unravel this. The shear volume of this is amazing.

Comment by Cousin It Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:55 pm
My favorite quotation of the day from the Tribune story: “Rod is my friend. I believe in what he is doing. I believe he’s doing the right thing.” Rezco said in an interview with the Tribune last year. “If he asks me, I will help. I will never walk away from friends. You can quote me on that. I don’t care. I will never walk away from friends.”

This makes it much more difficult for the Gov to DK him.

Comment by one of the 35 Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:55 pm
Sheila Nix: “We refuse to be held accountable for the actions of Stuart Levine.”

Oh really.

What about his indicted co-conspirator Tony Rezko?

Comment by Reality Check Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:56 pm
C’mon, you people are so cynical. Maybe Blago knew Rezko was up to no good, and that is why he never appointed him to a state position. In fact, maybe it was Rezko who corrupted those underlings who were doctoring people’s job apps…so Blago really is doing us all a favor by exposing this through PF…that’s it!

Comment by GoodForBlago Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:57 pm
add this to the FYI list for whoever cares:

4) Capri/Capital continues to do business with TRS and other public pensions because they do a good job and make us money.

5) Guess we didn’t get the memo about no more business for Capri/Capital: TRS allocated $20 million to another of their funds in August of 2004. So far, it’s doing fine.

6) Shiela Nix wouldn;t know a fact if it bit her in the a**.

Comment by a TRS' er Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 3:59 pm
So…..who is it that is “asleep at the switch” now, Rod?

I can’t believe all of these lawyers are getting busted. Why bother with 3 years of law school if you’re just going to throw it all away? Do people who care about justice (I mean for real) have to sit next to some of these slimeballs in law school? Jeez.

Oh, and I can’t wait for the Levine plea. Oh, is that going to be fuuuunnnnn.

Hey Dems. Vote R this time around. Otherwise, just stay home. You’re going to be very very embarrassed if you cast your vote for beady little weasel eyes, and I don’t care how nice his suits are or how perfect his hair is. Rod’s on the way into a downward spiral. Just a hunch, of course, but nonetheless, I wouldn’t vote for him.

Comment by Angie Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:00 pm
Regarding all the Rezcko appointments in state Government Runmen at CMS and Lavin at DCEO.

Lavin was Rezcko’s CFO for the P.J. Pizza business that has been tied up in Federal court on other issues resulting from a lawsuit against Rezcko by the corporate pizza chain.

It appears Lavin was involved in the GE Capitol $10 million loan that Fiztgerald accused him of defrauding investors… WE NEED ANSWERS

Lavin needs to state his involvement & resign…

Comment by Larry Mullholland Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:00 pm
Oh, I think it will cause Blago some problems.
He’ll have to spend more time than he’d like explaining this indictment and his connection to the slimy Rezko.

But it won’t cost him the election.

Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:01 pm
“The Chicago Tribune would have to print a front-page photo of Blagojevich murdering Barack Obama surrounded by eyewitnesses at high noon on the front steps of the Statehouse in order for Blago to lose the election next month.”

ROFL!!

Comment by Angie again Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:03 pm
Elated Tollway Grunt may be right - I haven’t seen “Bill” on any of the posts today. Must be hiding from the feds.

Comment by maggiemae Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:09 pm
thanks for reminding the readers about Birkett, He is reason #1 JBT will run behind the governor.
Is anyone out there wondering why it took 2.5 years to make this indictment? It is all based on wiretaps from the spring of 2004. There also seems to very little to take the ball up the field. Then of course there is KJ, Cellini and Levine. Maybe we should get some react from Jryan and Daniels.
Oh, I forgot, we want this to be all about the governor

Comment by DuPage Dandy Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:13 pm
Respectfully Lovie, your allegation is not true. As someone discused in the previous thread, I was full of hope at the outset of this administration. Am I a hard partisan? Yes. Does that make me any less of a citizen of the state of IL who is deeply troubled by the last couple of administrations? No. Bottom line is that you don’t know me and can’t begin to speculate about what I think. Ultimately, I’m saddened and crushed by the wake this administration has left.

Even though I don’t agree with most Republicans, there are many I respect. . .Tom Cross, Steve Raushenberg, Jack Kubik, Bill Black and many others. Heck, I’m not a big Frank Watson fan, but he would have been a better choice. There were a number of candidates JBT could have chosen that would at this point in time make me far more comfortable in voting for the Republican ticket for Gov. Joe Birkett (or Oberweis) do not qualify for providing that comfort.

Lastly, please do not assume that I’m ignorant enough to think the Lt. Gov. does much more than cut ribbons. That said though, the office is next in line for the Govs. office. Given the corruption and general ineptitude of the current administration, could I see voting for a Republican candidate to flush out the system and start anew? Yes, I could. Would I oppose that individual in 4 years? Yes, most likely. End result, could I live with 4 years of JBT as Gov. for the good of the state? Yes. Could I accept the potential that Joe Birkett could succeed to the Gov’s. mansion? Never.

Comment by Lt. Guv Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:17 pm
Is it too early to say it’s fitzmas in October?

Comment by fitzmas Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:17 pm
According to Rich:

“That ‘thump’ you just heard was Tony Rezko being tossed under the bus.”

Yep, and I look for him to “roll” from under it very soon.

Comment by Fan of the Game Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:19 pm
hey rich, how about a new thread? Who get’s thrown under the bus next?

And Rezko’s a big guy, wouldn’t he have gone “thump, thump, thump”?

Comment by outsider Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:21 pm
Re: *** UPDATE 3 ***
What Arrogance!
Based on that statement, doubt if we’ll ever see Rezko back in this country or maybe code to stay wherever he is.

Comment by What Me Worry Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:27 pm
Blagos strategy -
No press conferences
No debates
Hide behind Nix
Reappear late Nov 7th for victory speech.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:29 pm
I can hear Blago now. Who’s Tony Rezko? I thought that was Dr. Phil I was talking to.

Comment by Buck Flagojevich Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:30 pm
DuPage Dandy,

Now we wouldn’t want to even think there is anything political about the timing! OL Fitz wouldn’t do that.

Madigan holds hearing only for political reasons, National Dems rig the release of the e-mail sex scandal news, but the other party wouldn’t do that, NOOOOO.

The real problem is it all stinks, the entire system. I have heard folks say publicly “what good is a politician if they can’t give me or my family a job?”

Politics have become do whatever it takes to win and take control, including releasing things at the most opportune times.

Comment by aidanquinn Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:31 pm
In the conservatory with a candlestick.

Now that we all have spewed our little theories, does anyone actually believe the voters will follow this and respond accordingly? Personally, I think most people will stay home on Election Day simply because they don’t know which liar to believe.

I hope I’m wrong

Comment by Colonel Mustard Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:34 pm
I can see the headlines in some paper in Illinois tomorrow morning “TWO INDICTMENTS IS THE GOVERNOR NEXT?” Boy o Boy is the Repubs going to have fun with this one.LT.GOV. knock who you want but your boy is going down-down all the way to the federal pen at Marion.Hey I wonder if they will give him Gotti’s cell.HAHAHAHAHAHA

Comment by DOWNSTATE Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:35 pm
My fear is that when Bill Celini’s name and picture start showing up in ad’s in the next week. I think all the people in both campaigns play for the same team(behind the scene’s); but in public they have to choose sides. Patrick Fitzgerald for Gov!!!

Comment by JBT For GOV Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:36 pm
Question: If these illegal activities are tied to campaign contributions, why isnt the campaign fund not being frozen by the feds?

Comment by Question Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:37 pm
That was good Col. Mustard. I had to stop and think …”in the conservatory…” Oh, I get it.
CLUE

Comment by Shelbyville Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:42 pm
To: Question - Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:37 pm

Campaign Fund is next.

Comment by Guy Fawkes Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:45 pm
Cellini-Topinka…. let’s see… there was the hotel scandal…. then the “pay for play” vote on the pension board on a $120 million pension fund investment…now Judy needs to hope the Cellini indictment holds off until after November

http://www.findarticles.com/p/
articles/mi_qn4155/is_20050817/
ai_n15326917

more mud will be slung sports fans…..

Comment by quinn by default Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:48 pm
how long ago did Whilhem leave town? He’s a smart cookie and maybe he saw what was happening in Blago’s administration and decided he didn’t want any part of it. I don’t think his name has been mentioned in any wrong doing. Out of the 3 closest advisors to Blago, 2 are under scrutiny.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:55 pm
I wonder what Jake CP thinks about this mess?

Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:56 pm
We’ve been trying to figure out how Rod could use his Executive Pardon powers to pardon everyone (including himself) after the election - y’know, kind of a “do-over” so we can clean it up RIGHT this time - but the problem is all these federal prosecutors that just don’t understand how we do cleanup here in Illinois. . . It’s all just a big misunderstanding.

Comment by Trusted Advisor A Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 4:56 pm
rich,

this story is important but it will not have the crippling impact that all of judy’s are convinced will happen. people who follow politics get all worked up about stories like this but other than a temporary bump, this will not change how most voters think.

just look at the sorich and mccarthy indictments. sorich was daley’s director. he was not some “low-level employee.” when fitzy went public with those indictments, all your heard on talk-radio were those silly, uninformed comments predicting daley’s demise (i heard comments such as “daley is next,” “daley had to know what was going on,” “daley won’t run again,” and “daley will look good in orange.”)

a week later, everyone moved on to another subject. the issue was resurrected when sorich and mccarthy were convicted, and it promptly disappeared a week later.

moreover, another illustration of this was during selection of ryan’s jury. after being innundated with “ryan is a crook” comments, the jury was simply unaware of all the stories and allegations.

i know that must bug judy’s people but voters will not remember this.

reporters are impotent. they have little power to influence elections.

sorry, rich.

Comment by take it easy Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:08 pm
Trusted Advisor - Fortunately, blogo’s pardon powers won’t work on federal crimes.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:09 pm
You guys are right, ther hasn’t been a peep from Bill or B Hicks. hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Comment by Bottom Line Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:12 pm
Duh - it was a joke. . . and apparently not a very good one. . .

Comment by Trusted Advisor A Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:13 pm
This story happens to be “just another bump’??
ROFL…..
No, really, Take it Easy, is that you, Bill?

Comment by Walking Wounded Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:14 pm
Bill and Redbyrd are too busy shredding documents tonight to post.

Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:16 pm
What is really amazing is that this is only ONE aspect of the MANY investigations going on, some of which, (jobs, contracts, etc.), will most likely be much BIGGER than this one is.

Comment by just the tip of it Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:17 pm
NPR led their national news at five with this story.

Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:17 pm
“take it easy” makes some good points, particularly about public awareness.

However, where he is mistaken is comparing this to Sorich. Daley is popular with voters and represents just Chicago, where he has done a pretty good job.

Blagojevich is not popular and has to deal with the entire state. Reporters are often intimidated by Daley. Not so much with Blagojevich. I could go on, but you get my drift.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:17 pm
take it easy –

Your analogy falls flat. Daley is a longtime officeholder who enjoys immense personal popularity, and there was no allegation that anyone in his inner circle did anything for personal enrichment.

Blagojevich is a first-term incumbent who is immensely unpopular — 50% disapproval rating — and his top fundraiser allegedly charged a half-million dollar kickback fee on top of a $1.5 million campaign contribution as a quid pro quo for $220 million in state contracts.

BIG difference.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:18 pm
rich and yellow dog,

of course there are differences between rod and rich. that was not the point.

my point was no matter who the politician is, voters will vote based on factors other than some “october surprise.”

Comment by take it easy Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:24 pm
This just proves that the only candidate for Governor with no taint of corruption is Rich Whitney. A vote for Rich is a guilt free vote.

Comment by Observor Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:27 pm
What are the approval ratings of the following pols?

Rod Blagojevich
Judy Baar Topinka
Rich Whitney
Pat Quinn
Joe Birkett
Julie Samuels

If a voter likes Pat Quinn better than Blagojevich, Topinka or Whitney, what’s so crazy about voting for Blagojevich/Quinn with the expectation Rod Blagojevich will be resigning soon?

Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:31 pm
Don’t anyone say Blogo is out of testicular whatever. I love it - he put out a press release today about Illinois food products, keeping up with his Press Release of the Day campaign strategy. This guy is absolutely in
D-E-N-I-A-L. What’s going on at Dick Mell’s house tonight is the drinks have been flowing for several hours now. And as for Elvis being such a good family man, what does it say for someone who would do what Public Official A is supposed to have done, risk going to prison, and not being around to watch your kids grow up? If I were First Lady and First Daughters, I’d be really pi$$ed about now, hopefully realizing they have been used just as every single person Elvis knows.

Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:32 pm
Question: If these illegal activities are tied to campaign contributions, why isnt the campaign fund not being frozen by the feds?

Patrick Fitzgerald claims he prosecutes political crime without calculating the political effects before making the move.

Freezing a campaign fund a month before an election would make the prosecution all about the politics, not the crime.

SCOTUS would have to make a political ruling it doesn’t want to make.

Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:35 pm
Gregor, Bill and Reddbyrd both “voted” at the QOTD today.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:37 pm
I saw a quick reaction interview with Judy from noontime: All the time she was shaking her head and tut-tutting how sad this was for our state, you could see the mighty and losing struggle to keep her Cheshire Cat grin from going ear to ear. She said all the proper and polite things, got to give her credit for that. But her posture told the story: “I’m still here, Apollo Creed, ready for the next round?”

Comment by Ton Skilling Forecast: A hard rain is gonna fall Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:38 pm
They had time to vote between changing out the blades on the shredders. Gotta give the motor time to cool down, you know.:-)

Ok, it’s low of me to gloat so much, but for the long-suffering ones that were being shouted down with Blago lies and fables, and the continuous denials and shouts of ‘home run for Rod’, you’ve got to allow us a little opportunity to luxuriate in being right all along.

Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:44 pm
Take It Easy — Many voters may vote for something other than an October surprise but it will only take about 5% to swing the election. We can only hope there are 5 to 10% of intelligent indepenant minded voters out there.

As far as the October surprise, it would have been better to have this a few months ago but the shear magnitude of the case made it take longer. And from as many “individuals” as there as, we have only seen the beginning. This will take longer than Ryan’s ordeal.

VERY EMBARRASSEDnIL!!

Comment by EmbarrassedNillinois Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:48 pm
JBT is Rocky to RB playing Apollo Creed?

Didn’t Apollo Creed win the fight?

Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:50 pm
I read the indictment the feds are definitely after blago did everything but name him. his days are numbered

Comment by fed up Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:52 pm
Only in the first movie, and nobody cared. If you don’t like the “Rocky” analogy, what movie represents their battle better?

“The Incredibles”?
“Lady and the Tramp”?
“The Devil’s Rejects!?!?!”

Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:56 pm
Blago thought he was becoming “Mayor” of the State of Illinois. He thought he would automatically get the same kind of deference from the media that Daley gets. His Chicago advisors thought the Legislature was like the Chicago City Council, and his East Coast advisors went along with the Chicago ones. They came in and started talking about replacing Madigan, etc. like they were the new sheriff in town.

The problem is, they were wrong. The media was tough, the Legislature did what it should have (i.e. oversight), and everyone knew you could trust MJM a heck of a lot more than you could trust Blago.

Having been a state legislator himself (albeit a pathetic one), AND being Dick Mell’s son in law, I expected better from him.

That being said, I am not sure I want to hand the keys back to the Republicans and I sure as heck don’t feel like voting for FRod. Depressing.

Comment by Mike Williams Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 5:59 pm
Is the Fitz press conference on line anywhere?

Comment by EmbarrassedNillinois Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:00 pm
Not till seven now.

Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:02 pm
Bill, three little words.

Told you so.

AA

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:04 pm
But Mike we cannot aford four more years of this and yes I know Quinn is next in line but who knows what this guy would do before being sent on his way and I don’t think he will resign if indicted. He will string us along as long as he can. With Judy at least we are rid of him.

Comment by EmbarrassedNillinois Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:05 pm
Just curious. Demographically in Illinois, which newscast is more watched, the 6 o’clock news or the 10 o’clock news? In other words, is this a factor in switching the press conference from 5:00 to 7:00?

Comment by schroedk Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:07 pm
Oh, to be a fly on the wall while they are composing the response! They are already hinting at it, they will try to discredit the source. They will also claim conspiracy. Then we’ll hear the same excuses Daley gave for Hired Truck.

That may not work all that well when it boils down to two excuses: unaware or liar.

Look for him to grasp at straws by invoking Cellini as a purely republican animal, more involved with them than him. Won’t work. The walls are closing in. Rezko almost certainly will roll over on Rod, and there are no more layers to the onion; Fitz has gotten to the source of the stink.

The weekend will be full of speculation as to when Rod’s indictment arrives. I put $3 in the pool for Tuesday.

Comment by Fish rots from the head down Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:11 pm
Fitz press conference is on Channel 7 WLS site.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:12 pm
shroedk, the ten is usually a repeat of the six wherever you go, the same stories just updated, maybe one breaking story added. Putting it off till seven he’s hoping people will get distracted by their favorite shows, but the stations will be using this story as they teaser in every commercial break. It also gives them more time to dig up opinion pieces and interviews with pundits and wonks… Canari and Redfield will be busy tonight, you can bet.

Comment by Channel flipper Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:16 pm
Hello everyone,
Sorry I’m late but Ive been a little busy today. What is the topic of the day?

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:23 pm
Rich Whitney just issued a statement on the Rezko indictment.

“The people of the State of Illinois are tired of corruption and scandal within both political parties. Every day we hear something new. Governor Blagojevich has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty; however, with so much smoke, it is understandable that the voters suspect that there might also be fire.”

Comment by Squideshi Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:26 pm
That hum you here in St. Louis is the sound of paper shredders and printers producing resumes, as the favored make a mad dash to disassociate themselves.
Watch the goon squad lawyers who are question the low man state workers slide away from this stinker.
I wonder if BC has his tickets for Sicily yet?

Comment by Martha Mitchell Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:32 pm
Bill! Glad you’re still alive.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:32 pm
The first sentence should say “That hum you hear in St. Louis is the sound of paper shredders and printers in the Thompson Center producing resumes…

Comment by Martha Mitchell Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:34 pm
Thanks, Rich.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:34 pm
Bill.

Welcome, and I congratulate you for your good humor. Take it in stride dude.

Comment by Buck Flagojevich Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:36 pm
Alot of you are posting your frustration coupled with pure partisanship. If you really want to do something to end “pay for play on steroids” in IL, Rich Whitney/Green Party for Governor is where you need to turn. Whitney has spent his entire adult life advocating for social justice. IMO, Whitney is the only hope for IL to see campaign finance reform. Whitney already voluntarily opts to run on clean campaign financing principles by refusing to accept corporate campaign contributions.

If you really want a dramatic change in IL politics, it is time to turn to a political party who is not responsible for the corruption and personal self interest that has gotten us in this DEBACLE.

Send a message that IL politicians have to listen to! Don’t stay home, vote Green and force the two parties to restore IL government to the original democratic intent of representing the people, not just campaign contributors!

Afterall, IL IS the Land of Lincoln, and Lincoln was a third party candidate who promised to reform and delivered. IL needs a MAJOR political jolt.

Vote responsibly!

Comment by Greener Futures Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:37 pm
Thanks, Buck.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:37 pm
I’m sure everyone noticed the increasingly frequent use of “the Governor has not been accused of any wrongdoing” in every article during the run-up to the Ryan indictment. It’s baaaaaack.

Comment by any-mouse Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:39 pm
Oh Bill, you really did impress me with your loyalty but your sense of humor is above all else. I was just going to come to your defense (in your absence). We still have an election to go through and this ain’t over ’till the fat lady sings. She may be warming up for her encore after the polls close (vote tally) but whose victory song she sings is yet to be determined. Don’t be too quick to think this is a death knell for Elvis. I’m sure stranger things have happened in Illinois politics. It’s important on November 7 to shut up and vote.

Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:40 pm
So does this mean that Alexi gets Rod’s spot on the party website now?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:42 pm
Hey Broken Heart of Rogers Park this is what I think about this:

I am so glad that they got this out. I am rooting for JBT all the way. This is much worse than JBT being linked to Ryan. these people are directly related to Blagojecivh and people need to understand that. This is how I think the election will turnout like this if this becomes the most controevrsial piece against Rod then Thoughtful democrats, and Republicans who were going to vote against Topinka will vote for Topinka. Oh and as well as Independents and Undecided Voters.

Oh and Broken Heart Of Rogers Park thank you for once again putting another one of my videos on your blog. It helps me out big time.

Comment by JakeCP Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:44 pm
The speech probably deserves its own piece here, will you live-blog it, Rich?

Comment by Channel flipper Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:46 pm
It is a sad day. If the allegations are true, Tony violated the trust of, not only the governor, but all of the citizens of Illinois. As far as Levine and Cellini are concerned ….well what do you expect from republicans?
I hope that this behavior was not widespread in the administration but if it was,I am sure that the governor will get to the bottom of this and heads will roll.
Obviously, since the governor is an honest man and always tries to do what is right, he will not be indicted.
Ill be back to take questions in about an hour.
Blog on!

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:48 pm
Interesting stuff, but not the torpedo you were hoping for, eh?

Comment by B Hicks Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:55 pm
Bill, if you are correct (and you’re not)then anyone that out of touch with where all the millions came from has no chance of cleaning up anything. His biggest promise was he would clean up politics. He broke or at least failed in keeping his number one promise.

Comment by EmbarrassedNillinois Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:55 pm
I see the official talking points have been developed, distributed, and are now being disseminated. Thanks, Bill, for the sneak preview of Milorad’s upcoming performance.

By the way, could you give me the talking point on why Milo reappointed Levine?

Also, if Milo is indicted, will he resign?

Comment by Chicken a la Rod Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 6:58 pm
Now that we all agree about the fatal nature of the “Birkett factor” and that the timing of the DOJ action is final Rove campaign push perhaps we should turn our attention to how few firms and individuals seem to object to the Tony and Stu phony fee scheme. My count only had one — who already had some biz.
Not a proud day for that industry.

Comment by DuPage Dandy Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:00 pm
He re-appointed Levine because he wanted a repub or two on the board as a show of bi-partisianship. I knew THAT was a mistake.

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:07 pm
Interesting…

“The 24-count superseding indictment….”

Re: Page 1 of the text from the USDOJ press release at:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2006/pr1011_01.pdf

Now, if memory serves me correctly, an “si” only comes after the grand jury makes the initial indictments, but then additional evidence (and probably additional counts) are presented in another grand jury session. So, any additional/revised indictments asked for at that point are “supseding indictments”.

That would mean the federal grand jury has already spent some real time of this one.

Any legal experts able to provide some additional insights here?

Comment by MTWT - O Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:14 pm
As a career prosecutor with over 26 1/2 years - county and now state- all I have to say is Peter Fitzgerald should be made a saint for bring in Patrick Fitzgerald. I only wish I was younger and could go to work for the U.S. Attorneys’ Office. I went into public service after being inspired by John F. Kennedy. I used to be proud. With all I see going on in many State agencies now it’s hard to feel much pride. If Blago gets reallected it’ll be hard to be proud to be a cirizen of this State.

Comment by fed up dem Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:17 pm
You’ve filled up another thread, campers. Go here for a fresh one.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 7:19 pm
[…] –>Tony Rezko, a campaign fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, was indicted today and what a day full of coverage. The Capitol Fax Blog has the most complete coverage, with no less than one, two, three posts filled with updates throughout this whole ordeal. There’s no point in me rehashing this. Go to Rich Miller’s site for the most comprehensive coverage on this. Absolutely astounding development. […]

Pingback by Elections beat: campaign disclosures, Rezko indictment, student issues, UIUC candidate forum at The TPS Report - by Kiyoshi Martinez Wednesday, Oct 11, 06 @ 11:44 pm