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Obama’s replacement circus and the Blagojevich taint * UPDATED X1 *

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Obama

* The “Gimme Barack’s seat” fervor is getting outta hand…

“Barack would not be there had [it] not been for an Emil Jones,'’ Ald. Carrie Austin (34th) said at a Sunday news conference to push Jones.

A news conference to push Emil Jones for Senate? Good grief.

*** UPDATE *** Oops. I forgot to make mention of this Fox News report…

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones has become the front runner to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the United States Senate, a source told FOX News.

Look, it may be Jones. But using a single source to make a claim about what’s going on in Gov. Blagojevich’s head is kinda goofy. Unless it was RRB hisself, I don’t buy that report.

Again, though, the guv may very well pick Jones. I heard a while ago he was leaning in that direction. I just don’t buy into the Fox report as fact.

[*** End of update ***]

* But Jones would likely be a placeholder, and Sen. Robert Menendez, the incoming US Senate Democratic campaign chairman, doesn’t want a placeholder appointed…

Menendez expressed his hope that Blagojevich will avoid a placeholder appointee, as will New York Gov. David Paterson (D).

“Those are our standards, and I’ve spoken to both Gov. Blagojevich and Gov. Paterson about our desires,” Menendez said. “And I think they share it with us in terms of making sure that whoever they consider appointing will meet those standards — their ability to represent Illinois and New York well, as well as be able to win the seat in the next election that will be up for the rest of the expired term.”

* Believe it or not, Danny Davis has been on a campaign tour…

The six-term U.S. congressional representative visited Aurora to promote his bid for President-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat vacancy.

“It might seem odd to be campaigning for a one-person decision,” Davis said, but he wanted to encourage people to suggest that he would make a good replacement for Obama in the Senate.

Davis was also in Rockford.

* And the Tribune finally notices that Blagojevich’s choice could be tainted…

The revelation that federal prosecutors have recorded Gov. Rod Blagojevich as part of their corruption investigation of his administration cast new controversy Friday over his pending decision to appoint a replacement for President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.

Fellow Democrats were already expressing private reservations that the governor’s scandals could politically taint whoever he handpicks for the job. Those concerns grew Friday with the Tribune’s revelations that close Blagojevich confidant John Wyma is cooperating with the tightening federal probe.

But even as the governor’s office sought to give Blagojevich distance from the latest twist in the investigation, Wyma’s closeness to him was underscored by word that Wyma talked with one of the candidates seeking the Senate job.

Wyma spoke with Jesse Jackson, Jr., which probably didn’t seem like a huge deal until the Tribune reported Friday about Wyma allegedly working with the feds.

Cynthia Canary, director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, said anyone who wants to be the next U.S. senator from Illinois must “do a very strange dance where they have to charm the governor and then immediately disown him.”

“If whoever becomes our next senator wants to have a political future, they cannot afford to have their star tied to the governor one day longer than it takes to be appointed,” said Canary, who called Blagojevich “politically toxic.”

Anyway, it’s nice that the Tribune finally noticed this real problem.

* The Tribune had another Blagojevich story over the weekend…

The contents of the [Wyma] taping have not been disclosed, and the governor’s office reiterated Friday that he had committed no wrongdoing. Blagojevich has not been charged with a crime. Nor has his wife, Patricia, whose real estate deals have come under the federal microscope as part of the probe of pay-to-play politics. Wyma has not been charged, either.

So far, though, 13 people have been indicted or convicted in the festering scandal, including prominent Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko, who faces sentencing, and the governor’s former chief fundraiser, Christopher Kelly, once the governor’s point man on gambling issues, who stands indicted on tax fraud counts linked to his betting activities in Las Vegas.

“I think we have to look at the inner core of the governor’s sanctum and who those players are,” said Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), a longtime critic of Blagojevich. Franks has pushed for legislators to do a preliminary investigation on whether they should launch impeachment hearings.

* And speaking of Blagojevich’s troubles…

The sentencing of former Democratic National Committee fund-raiser Joseph Cari Jr. has been delayed at the request of prosecutors.

It’s a sign the feds want to use Cari as a witness — again. […]

He was supposed to be sentenced months ago, after he testified against Tony Rezko, the former fund-raiser for Blagojevich and President-elect Barack Obama. But that was put off, and no new date has been set.

At Rezko’s trial, Cari testified that Blagojevich told him he planned to reward big campaign donors with state contracts. The governor has denied having that conversation.

Not a good thing for the guv, or for whomever he appoints to the Senate.

* Mayor Daley is no fool…

Mayor Richard M. Daley is lobbying to keep Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s mitts off several hundred million dollars Chicago is poised to get through a proposed economic stimulus package under debate in Congress.

* Related…

* NEW: Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan wants to block former tollway chief Brian McPartlin from taking a job with an engineering firm that has received more than $30 million in agency contracts.

* Emil Jones interested in U.S. Senate seat

* Obama’s Mini-Me

* Obama’s basketball pal for governor?

* Obama breaks Cook County records

* Tribune Editorial: If you keep your pledge of 21 months ago to discuss the federal investigation with us, we would hope for a similar engagement and a similar tone. Mostly we would hope to help explain to the people of Illinois your thoughts on the cloud of scandal that, fairly or not, envelops your administration. Governor Blagojevich, let’s talk.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 9:24 am

Comments

High priority among the Illinois constitutional amendments that are so easy to pass: fill US Senate vacancies by special election, not by gubernatorial appointment. Include NY.

Comment by Excessively rabid Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 9:30 am
Poor Blago. Once he names the new Senator, it’s back to the usual hassles: plotting his campaign for a third term, figuring out how to deflect a chunk of the tsunami of cash coming from the feds this spring to the appropriate supporters, consulting with his uber-expensive lawyers about what the US Attorney’s Office might be up to and figuring out how to deal with a slightly less malleable state Senate. A busy spring, in other wordsl

No wonder he is dragging out the appointment decision.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 9:34 am
Rabid-

I’m in favor, but…your amendment won’t pass in time to fix this particular situation, and it will likely be a long time til it is needed again.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 9:40 am
I mentioned this last week - no one should be trying to join this group of wanna-be’s. Their parading about to kiss Blago’s ring is sickening. To do this in public is suicidal.

If I were Blagojevich, I’d let these human flies buzz around in public, revealing themselves to be what they are. Then pick someone who didn’t make a fool of themselves over the past month.

I’d definately select someone who claims “not to want” the US Senate seat.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:00 am
Please Emil retire and enjoy your senior years. What could you possibly bring to the US Senate that would help the people of Illinois? We need a fresh new face.

Comment by Mr. Ethics Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:04 am
1. The theory that being picked by Blago to serve in the Senate will severely taint that person’s re-election is being way overblown. I’m not saying it helps, but I think the public will understand that it doesn’t make the person Blago’s protege (and I always set the bar very low for the general public).

2. Does anyone else think Alexi is throwing around this idea that he is gearing up to run for Governor for leverage to be appointed to Obama’s Senate seat?

Comment by Just Observing Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:20 am
==“Barack would not be there had [it] not been for an Emil Jones,’’ Ald. Carrie Austin (34th) said at a Sunday news conference to push Jones.==

He also wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for Blair Hull’s and Jack Ryan’s ex-spouses — maybe one of them should get the appointment or maybe their divorce lawyers?

Comment by Anon Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:23 am
“A Seat in the US Senate”

Oh, there’s no seat like Obama’s in Congress,
‘Cause no matter how far away you roam,
When you pine for Blago’s friendly gaze,
For the Senate, you can kick back and be home.

I met a Senator from Tennessee,
He was headin’ for,
Pennsylvania, and some funds that’ll reach the sky.
From Pennsylvania, Senators are travelin’
Down to Dixie’s sunny shore,
From Atlantic to Pacific,
Stretch those Earmarks, they’re terrific.

Oh there’s no place like Blago’s home for the holidays,
‘Cause no matter how bad the deal goes,
You might end up in Obama’s seat,
For the holidays,
You can always later claim that Blago blows.

Take a bus?, take a train?
No, use the state aeroplane!
Put fund raisers in a big state car
For the cash that they bring
As you kiss Blago’s ring
No trip could be too far

I met a Senator from Hawaii,
He was headin’ for,
California, and some medicinal smoke.
From Washington, Congress is travelin’
Down to collect a whole lot more,
Bonus income to be specific,
Gee, the money is terrific.

Oh there’s no place like Obama’s for your future,
‘Cause you want to end up in that big White Home,
If you want his Senate seat in really bad ways,
You can trade your Chicago home.
For the holidays,
Get a US Senate seat, as your home.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:25 am
===He also wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for Blair Hull’s and Jack Ryan’s ex-spouses — maybe one of them should get the appointment or maybe their divorce lawyers? ===

The theory that Blair Hull would’ve beaten Obama had it not been for his spousal problems is more than ridiculous. Same goes for Jack’s troubles.

Reality is reality. Deal with it.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:26 am
Something rubbed me the wrong way with Sunday’s goofy Trib editorial. Comparing Blago to Obama at this point is pointless and to expect him to sit in front of their firing squad with so many federal investigations cresting is legal lunacy. Haven’t they already called for his head?

The editorial read, at least to me, like self-patronizing blather. The Tribs going to give Blago one more chance until they give him another. Give it up Trib, it’s way past the time for a strong heart to heart with this Governor.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:28 am
“All I Want For Christmas”

Every body Pauses and stares at me
My ethics are gone as you can see
I don’t know just who to blame for this catastrophe!
But my one wish on Christmas Eve is as plain as it can be!

All I want for Christmas
is Obama’s seat,
Obama’s seat,
Obama’s seat!

Gee, if I could only
have his Senate seat,
then I could wish you
“Merry Christmas.”

It seems so long since I could say,
“I’m against pork and gristle!”
Gosh oh gee, how happy I’d be,
if I could only blow that whistle!

All I want for Christmas
is Obama’s seat,
Obama’s seat,
Obama’s seat!

Gee, if I could only
have his Senate seat,
then I could be run
the White House too!”

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:32 am
== What could you possibly bring to the US Senate that would help the people of Illinois? ==

What has any politician from this state in the Senate done to help the people of Illinois? What did POTUS-elect Obama do? What would any appointed-to-be-actually-elected-Senator Illinois politican do? Illinois politics promotes broader public-good policies only when it benefits either the officeholder or his/her party or both. I know that viewpoint is cynical, but I cannot reasonably believe otherwise.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:33 am
The above Anonymous @ 10:33 a.m. was mine. I sent before I signed.

Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:34 am
>Unless it was RRB hisself, I don’t buy that report.

Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:38 am
Mr. Jones Goes To Washington.

I love this state.

Comment by BandCamp Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:41 am
Commending the marital problems of Hull and Jack Ryan for Obama’s win is like saying that Christ would have not been crucified if it hadn’t been for the treachery of Judas, the theory that Judas is the midwife of our salvation. Speculative politics, speculative religion, and speculative journalism will all obscure reality, and render decision-making all the more difficult. The fact is that for better or worse, the cards we are dealt are the ones we have to play with, no matter how circumstances may have stacked the deck.

Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:42 am
No U.S. senator should be supported mainly because he or she would help his or her state, a lot, since that usually includes bringing unconstitutional “pork barrel” spending to the state. All U.S. senators and reps. should be elected because they will help the country, as a whole, which should include income tax rates, spending, a strong military, and immigration.

Obama’s replacement should be Rep. Schakowsky, since she’s slightly less liberal than Reps. Davis and Jackson. She has more political experience than Tammy Duckworth.

Comment by Phil Collins Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:44 am
Why does anyone think Emil wouldn’t run again if appointed. He might actually believe he wouldn’t–but after a few months of Washington life as someone who will at least be perceived as having Obama’s ear..he’ll want to sign up for another six.

And remember, a lot of US Senators have been truly ancient. Historically, at least, a senator in his
70’s is middle-aged. Age will not be a factor. Incumbency will.

And finally, he’ll owe our Blago, who needs hefty African American support for his third term primary run. Emil can provide it, or some of it anyway. African American voters, like all voters everywhere, are sheep. No racial divide there.

Comment by Cassandra Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:44 am
Emil Jones has become the front runner to

I see we get our present early, this year *^^*.

Obama would have won anyway

Perhaps, but with lots of mega bucks being spent against him in a primary then the general, it would have been closer, and he might have been forced to actually discuss the issues.

And can I fuss now about how horrible it was for Ryan to have a camera man watching Obama, but somehow it was magically ok for Webb to have one follow George Allen?

Comment by Pat collins Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:47 am
===And can I fuss now about how horrible it was for Ryan to have a camera man watching Obama, but somehow it was magically ok for Webb to have one follow George Allen? ===

Goofy comparison.

Jack Ryan’s cameraman followed Barack to the bathroom, down the street, listened in on phone conversations with BHO’s wife, etc. It was truly creepy. The Webb guy was just basic campaign OR.

Apples and automobiles.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:49 am
You’re right not to trust the Fox News report. I know the source they’re relying on. I have better sources than that…

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 11:14 am
Not sure why my earlier post got cut off. What I meant to post was:

>Unless it was RRB hisself, I don’t buy that report.

Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 11:21 am
I love the mini me story actually Sen. Raoul would be a great choice he has done great work in the State Senate and he is independent and does not have the “bagage” of the other candidates! Also he would make a great partner to Senator Durbin.

Comment by anon2 Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 11:22 am
Did it again! For the last time: even if it was RRB himself, I wouldn’t buy the report. Perhaps especially if it was RRB himself.

Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 11:23 am
I saw that Fox Report. Breathless and strange.

The big news is the trans money. Daley is going to find out in a hurry where he stands with the next president and Dem Congress.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 12:04 pm
I can’t be the only person who has looked at the list of Senate appointees and noticed an important trend:

http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/co
mmon/briefing/senators_appointed.htm

Comment by Redbright Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 12:06 pm
Raoul is polished, but his “present” vote on the salary increase really bothers me. This was a very straightforward and clear piece of legislation, and his vote was cowardly. The comparisons to Obama are superficial and based almost exclusively on skin color, geography, and eloquence.

Comment by The Doc Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 12:24 pm
he list of Senate appointees and noticed an important trend:

The only trend I noted was that early on, people didn’t run for election after appointment.

In more modern times, they do tend to run, and have about a 50~50 (roughly) chance of making it.

Seems quite encouraging to me, if I am Mr. Jones. Especially since those who made it seem to have been elected in some other office before.

Comment by Pat Collins Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 1:59 pm
Wow so the present vote isa bad and he is eloquent sounds alot like what SEnator Clinton said about President elect Obama!

Comment by anon Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 2:14 pm
lol

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 2:16 pm
===Wow so the present vote isa bad and he is eloquent sounds alot like what SEnator Clinton said about President elect Obama===

You mean SOS-elect Clinton, right? The one who will soon be working for Obama, yes? Thanks for making my point!

Comment by The Doc Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 3:45 pm
Just Observing’s speculation re: a potential strategy re: Gov’s mansion v. Senate by Alexi is very interesting. Could be the best way to play it if he’s interested.

Re: the comments on the 04 Senate Race, rehashing all of that doesn’t make any sense especially when there are so many people who are still actively trying to take credit–or deny credit–for what happened. And, there are so many variables in that story that if all of the major published “contributing factors” were reversed and/or hadn’t occurred, the outcome still might have been the same.

My suggestion: save it for the several fiction and non-fiction books that could be written based on all the speculation, facts, and rumors.

Comment by Ahem...The REAL Anonymous Monday, Dec 8, 08 @ 10:55 pm
[…] Rich Miller’s The Capitol Fax Post, December 8, 2008, Obama’s replacement circus and the Blagojevich taint and If the feds have Wyma, who needs Rezko? […]

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