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This just in… Jones to call Senate back into session at Obama’s behest * Guv calls special session on “true” ethics reform * Governor’s press release in full ***

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Illinois
Obama

Senate is coming back for ethics vote. More in a few minutes.

* 2:04 pm - Statement of Senate President Emil Jones…

“I plan to call the Senate back into session to deal with the issue of ethics - only at the request of my friend Barack Obama. I still stand by our interpretation of the 15-day rule.”

No session date has yet been set, but the Senate has until Thursday to vote on the amendatory veto override and stay within the 15 day time limit that began when the House overrode the governor’s AV.

* 2:08 pm - I asked specifically if the somewhat vague statement means that the ethics bill veto override will be called for a vote and was told by Senate President Jones’ spokesperson that Jones has committed to the bill’s sponsor to allow an override vote to take place.

* 2:15 pm - From the Tribune…

Jones spokeswoman Cindy Davidsmeyer said other issues also are expected to be addressed next week but would not elaborate.

When they come back, they’ll also have to deal with the over veto overrides approved by the House. Plus, since they’ll be in session, they’ll have to deal with the governor’s vetoes of Senate bills - and that includes another ethics bill.

Also, there is huge pressure on the Senate to approve funding to keep state parks and historic sites open, and to restore money to slashed programs like alcohol and substance abuse services.

* 2:40 pm - From Gatehouse…

The governor announced today he’ll bring both the House and Senate into special session starting at 1 p.m. Monday.

Blagojevich’s statement announcing the session indicated he wants lawmakers to consider legislation that would “improve transparency in Springfield,” such as passing the major ethics rewrite he proposed last month.

“We have an opportunity to enact real ethics reform in Illinois that will cover all elected officials and help end the conflicts of interests that are inherent in Springfield politics,” Blagojevich said in a statement.

* 2:53 pm - Here’s the governor’s press release…

Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich will be
calling a special session on Monday, Sept. 22, in an
effort to bring real ethics reform to Illinois. The
governor will be asking the General Assembly to
consider legislation that would improve transparency
in Springfield.

“I am calling the House and the Senate back in to
address the issue of true ethics reform in the State
of Illinois,” Gov. Blagojevich said. “We have an
opportunity to enact real ethics reform in Illinois
that will cover all elected officials and help end
the conflicts of interests that are inherent in
Springfield politics.

I am asking the General Assembly to follow my lead
and ban the practice of “pay to play” politics and
then go a step further and bring about more reform by
banning the tradition of double dipping, revamping
the dishonest way pay raises are given out and by
shining a light on legislators who use their
influence to lobby before other boards and
commissions,” said Governor Blagojevich.

The Special Session will convene Sept. 22 at 1 p.m.

* 3:10 pm - As of right now, the secretary of state has not received any official notice of a special session from Gov. Blagojevich.

* 3:13 pm - Interesting…

[Jones spokesperson Cindy Davidsmeyer] said she did not know if Jones was aware of Blagojevich’s special session plans before they were announced. Quinn said Jones now doesn’t have to call the Senate back himself, but she didn’t know if the governor and Jones had talked plans before announcing them.

The Senate had not set a date and time to return next week because schedules with legislators were still being worked out. Davidsmeyer said it’s possible the Senate could take up ethics and other issues – including reversing budget cuts made by the governor – on Monday, “but that’s a lot to do in one day,” she said.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 1:48 pm

Comments

Wooohooo!

Comment by GoBearsss Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 1:49 pm
The Force is strong with Barack

Comment by Anonish Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:04 pm
SO… How many BLAGO fundraisers will be held this weekend??

Comment by And the answer is Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:10 pm
Any word on funding state parks and social services???

Comment by Heartless Libertarian Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:12 pm
If the Senate upholds the governor’s AV does the law still come into effect?

Comment by Levois Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:15 pm
Imagine that…Obama rode in on his white horse and saved the day!!! Oh, gimme a break. This type of politicking is so disingenuous.

Comment by Black Ivy Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:15 pm
I am about as strong of a conservative as there is. But I have to tip the hat Obamas way on this one.

Comment by Speaking at Will Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:16 pm
“Thump, Thump…” I believe that may be the sound of the Governor finally being thrown under the bus.

Comment by unclesam Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:17 pm
pfft, it really has more to do with Senator Jones deciding he needs a day out of the bad ol’ stressful city.

Comment by Princess Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:18 pm
Holy cow. Waiting to read what these fellow posters have to say today:

VanillaMan: “His fingerprints will not be on that phone either.”

red dog: “Seems like many are pleading for Obama influence to no avail…”

Unlicensed Hand Surgeon: “What if Barack calls Emil and Emil says no? If Candidate Obama can’t even convince his own godfather on an ethics issue in a state where Dems have absolute control, how can he influence a divided Congress as president?”

Justice: “This is Obama’s way of voting ‘present’. Why in the world would he want to intercede in something that is presently getting mud on everyone involved.”

Nothing against any of the posters at all. It is just rare that we who look into our crystal balls in politics have our outlooks so thoroughly realigned so quickly.

Comment by Lefty Lefty Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:18 pm
According to Ryan Keith in his article on the Spfld sj-r web site - the Gov is calling them back at 1 pm on Monday to deal with “”true” ethics reform.”

Comment by AsAMom Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:19 pm
== Imagine that…Obama rode in on his white horse and saved the day!!! Oh, gimme a break. This type of politicking is so disingenuous. ==

I understand that Barack is a politician, and yes this does make him look good, but to assume that this is disingenuous on his part is a bit over the top in my estimation.

As Martha stewart would say “its a good thing.”

Comment by Speaking at Will Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:19 pm
That sly old fox Emil. He’s doing this in the don’s way - I do you a favor and when I ask, you have to return it or I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse. It’s either a cabinet seat or ambassadorship for himself or something for sonny boy. He could care less whether it’s the right move for the state of Illinois. It’s all about ego, money and power with Mr. Jones.

Comment by Disgusted Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:22 pm
Whatever you think about him, Emil’s a good friend to have.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:24 pm
Emil: “let’s see–do i protect my wife’s job and hang with the governor, or do i do what barack wants and call a session day—what? oh–federal jobs pay more? get that senate back in town!”

Comment by publius Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:26 pm
The reason Barack Obama picked up that phone and made that call is because of bloggers like me and the Sun Times daring him at a time when he needed to prove a modicum of reform.

If you believe this was in Obama’s heart all along then you probably also believe he never heard Reverend Wright say a naughty thing either.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:26 pm
What are you hearing about the Gov calling special session? Saw this on the Tribs blog…

Seriously?

“Trying to stay in the game on the issue, Blagojevich announced Thursday that he’s calling the General Assembly into special session Monday to deal with ethics reform. With the potential for the Senate to also override his veto, Blagojevich summoned lawmakers back to Springfield in an attempt to get them to deal with his suggested changes.”

Comment by interested Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:27 pm
The Special session is on ethics at 1 pm on Monday.

Comment by AsAMom Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:31 pm
The only thing that makes me think that this whole thing is a setup to make Obama look good is that the Gov is going right along with it. Why in the heck would he call a special session when he knows he is going to lose?! Same with Jones, what does he care? He has already checked-out. It just feels like they have messed with peoples’ emotions, their jobs, and their live. They don’t give a crap about how they really do hurt people as long as it furthers them politically. Great….

Comment by Heartless Libertarian Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:37 pm
This isn’t a setup. It was, however, politics as usual. And if Obama weren’t running neck and neck with McCain, Barack wouldn’t have made the call. Good result? Sure. Shows Obama is a reformer? Not on your life.

Comment by phocion Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:42 pm
“Why in the heck would he call a special session when he knows he is going to lose”

Not maybe lose, Heartless. Did’nt I read that Rep. Fritchey was working on bills that would address the ‘good’ parts of what Rod had wanted in the av?

Comment by Princess Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:42 pm
“Did’nt I read that Rep. Fritchey was working on bills that would address the ‘good’ parts of what Rod had wanted in the av”

He filed them, then nothing. Kinda like the FamilyCare bills he said he was going to champion after he killed the Governor’s FamilyCare rules.

He still has a chance to move both of them, and I am sure he will go to Springfield Monday prepared to push them forward.

Comment by GoBearsss Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:45 pm
Why would the Governor call the House back? They already voted. I’d love to count how many show up. He’s weird, or maybe I’m missing something.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:46 pm
what about the lottery lease that passed the house?

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:50 pm
Princess - HB 6699 thru 6704 are the newly introduced ethics - with 6700-6703 being sponsored by both Fritchey and Hoffman - must have been after the big hugfest.

Comment by AsAMom Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:51 pm
Oh, and all of these ethics issues are finally hitting Obama even in this (formerly) bluest of blue states - Illinois. The latest ARG poll has Obama leading McCain by only 6 here (51-45). http://www.electoral-vote.com
I suspect that this kick in his virility region had something to do with Obama’s call to his godfather.

Comment by phocion Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:53 pm
To be frank, I would find the why entertaining but I am just glad it is going to happen.

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:58 pm
“VanillaMan - Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 2:26 pm:

The reason Barack Obama picked up that phone and made that call is because of bloggers like me and the Sun Times daring him at a time when he needed to prove a modicum of reform.”

I had no idea you were SO influential, Vanilla Man! Would you please fix the economy, the stock market, and get that mess in Iraq

Comment by Ivote Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:03 pm
. . . straighted out while you’re at it? Maybe the SunTimes will be able to help a little on this one too. Sheeeeesh!

Comment by Ivote Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:03 pm
The reason Blago is calling a special session is he understands (yes, I know–”Blago” and “understands” are terms that don’t normally go together) that with Emil calling the Senate back at O’bama’s request, the first nail in the “Blagojevich is irrelevant” coffin is being inserted. When Emil is gone, the rest will be hammered in quickly, and Elvis might as well have left the building! He’s grasping at relevancy as it slips away. Meanwhile, the Fritchey bills will sit in rules and die. He may introduce them again in January–and they can die again! And poor Rod won’t even have enough money in the campaign account to pay his lawyers, much less mount a campaign for reelection.

Comment by Ivote Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:16 pm
It wasn’t just me, I had help.

Now - on to that economy!

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:19 pm
Follow the leader. Yeesh.

Comment by Ahem Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:24 pm
–”Davidsmeyer said it’s possible the Senate could take up ethics and other issues – including reversing budget cuts made by the governor – on Monday, “but that’s a lot to do in one day,” she said.–

Nothing stopping him from staying on another day or two. If he’s attending fund raisers in Chicago, he should be able to spare a bit of time to tend to state business. The House did a pretty darn good job of getting loads done in one day while they were last back.

Comment by Princess Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:32 pm
I sure hope none of these Dems get hurt in this Stampede to Ethics Reform - they could get trampled if they slip. If they do get the bill passed over the AVs that will be amazing. Sort of like the reformed lady of ill repute who wants to regain her virginity.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:35 pm
Before we celebrate, lets watch how this turns out.

I will be surprised if the Senate came in and supported the ethics bill exactly as passed by the House.

Put on your seat belts, it will be a twisty ride.

Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:42 pm
1:00pm - convene
1:01pm - roll call
1:03pm - adjournment

1:15pm - Jones - “We tried to consider the legislation.”

Comment by Big Mama T Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:45 pm
Campers, campers, campers…Let’s review shall we? First the legislature negotiates a bill for what, 2 years? Sends it to the governor, who imposes an amendatory veto to add his “personal touch” to the bill. The House, pretty much unanimously, votes to override and sends the bill to the Senate where President Jones decides he’s going to interpret the Constitution contrary to the way it’s been interpreted for the last 40 years. Barack, heeding the call from the newspaper editorial boards (whom he’ll be needing next month), calls his mentor and “persuades” him to call the Senate back to deal with the bill. Then our great and dear leader breathlessly calls a Special Session to “bring real ethics reform to Springfield.”

It’s the 25th Special Session, people…any bets on what gets done? Can you say, “nothing”. Sure…I knew you could. (apologies to Fred Rogers)

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:50 pm
“negotiates a bill for what, 2 years”

If someone can tell me what negotiating actually took place, I can respect that argument.

But when people say they “worked hard on a bill for 2 or 3 years”, what it really means is that they waited around for 2 or 3 years for Emil or Mike to call it for a vote.

Comment by GoBearsss Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 3:58 pm
Commonsense,

Thank you for the synopsis. It is very clear to me how pathetic this Governor is. Now it appears that not only does Barak Obama have to be the U.S. Senator, run for President but now he has to do the Governor’s job as well. And when he does it, the Governor decides to jump on board.

Pathetic-pathetic-pathetic

Comment by Pond Scum Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 4:02 pm
Maybe the guilty are running for cover to save us all from themselves and they will end up sacraficing themselves and do anything to keep the Obama Doctrine alive.

We will all have to wait and see what the final “fine print” states. I am sure there will be a back door out clause.

Comment by Southern Illinois Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 4:10 pm
So when all the dust and smoke and mirrors settle we find out that BHO called guv, The One Trick Pony, and ask him to call a Special Session, his favorite, if not only, act. And for this we are to be impressed with guv and BHO ??? I’m Not. Barry did it for political advantage - first thing he’s done in and for Illinois for years. And guv did it . . . just not to be left out - “Hay! I coulda been a contenda!” Both are just pathetic pretenders and rank amateurs. We deserve far better than this Democrat Quagmire !!

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 5:49 pm
Geez, VM, some people tell me I have a huge ego, but I’m not in the league of anyone who orders presidential candidates around.

Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 8:14 pm
Obama is just practicing his governing abilities for when he will really need them in this state in 2010 when he is elected governor. I really don’t give a rat’s behind about the ethics bill, which as rewritten by Dudley Do-Right is DOA, but I do care if the Dana Thomas House is open for Christmas. The decorations are magnificent in this crown jewel of Illinois.

Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 8:55 pm
OK, I’m looking at this in a different way. I suggested Rod could/should call a special session just the other day. I was of course drunk as a Lord at the time, however, the reasoning was that Emil is on his way to lame duckdom, Rod will soon be unable to get anything else out of him in the senate. So this is an excellent opportunity to hand off the hot potato to Emil for safekeeping and make the best of a tactical loss by looking like HE solved the problem and supports ethics reform.

It looks like Rod’s ethics bill Amendatory Veto will get overridden, no sane pol is going to want the bill’s failure pinned to them in an election year, and to stay out ahead of that bad story, Rod’s best and only PR tactic would be to play the part of the man who cut the Gordian knot and “saved” the very bill he tried so hard to kill.

Now he can say “See? I’m for ethics bills, even when they are not my own. I thought I could make this one better, the legislature has not yet evolved to my way of thinking, so I’m going to take this one, imperfect as I think it is, and use it as a stepping stone to Rocking the System(tm) this fall”. Of course, he won’t say it as well as that. But that will be the thrust of it.

He thus dumps the blame for any further issues with that bill on Emil, who is rapidly losing value as his replacement looms, and Rod washes his hands. It’s actually Madigan-like thinking for a change. When confronted with accusations he’s fought ethics reform, tooth and nail (true), he’ll point to this as an exception.

He’s just trying to put the best face on a loss, but regardless of motive, we get the bill voted on before the deadline: now it’s all on Emil to smile and take it like a man, to let it go and look forward to planning the decor of his university office, or have the shame and bad juju hung around him like a cloak of corruption as he exits.

I don’t feel sorry for Emil at all, everybody knew Rod would only stay loyal as long as Jones was useful.

“While you’re under there, could you check the brake lines and muffler, Emil? Thanks, ‘bro’ ” -Rod

Comment by Gregor Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 9:27 pm
Thank god for Canary and the Sun-times, and to you, Rich, for pushing Obama to get involved in the ethics battle. You all really forced their hand last week.

Comment by Sittin' in the Stratton... Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 9:33 pm
Gregor - “Madigan-like thinking”. Pullleeezze, don’t help make Rod’s head any bigger than it already is. He will NEVER be able to think as Madigan does. The problem is that Blago doesn’t know when he can sniff around with the big dogs and when he needs to stay on the porch.

Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Sep 18, 08 @ 10:48 pm
Governor Blagojevich calls special session on “true” ethics reform. Does this mean he’ll give back all the monies he and his family have received the last 6+ years?
Doubt It!

Comment by Greaseless Friday, Sep 19, 08 @ 7:28 am
Obama needs to tell his friend Emil to reinstate the state jobs now. DCFS can’t afford to lose any jobs. These people are overworked anyway. Who will protect the children? Children will die and then the jobs will come back. Please call your legislators today and tell them when they go back in session to put the funding back for DCFS, DHS and our parks.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 19, 08 @ 6:09 pm