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Chief of Staff Harris resigns

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Illinois

* This report was just confirmed by the governor’s office to me…

John Harris, chief of staff to Gov. Rod Blagojevich, has resigned, sources close to the matter reported Friday morning.

Earlier this week, Mr. Harris and the governor were both named in a federal complaint alleging that they attempted to auction off President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat and shake down others for Mr. Blagojevich’s political war chest and personal gain.

Mr. Harris’ resignation comes as Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan was going to the state Supreme Court to force the governor out of office — at least temporarily — and as efforts have stepped up in Springfield to impeach the governor.

There also are widespread rumors — so far denied — that Mr. Blagojevich will resign soon.

* From CBS2 last night…

Sources told CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine that the governor is actively considering resigning — perhaps sooner rather than later — as the move to impeach him gained new momentum and new urgency.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:10 pm

Comments

Hmmm makes the rumour that the Gov may be resigning as well to avoid the historical marker of first impeached Illinois Gov take on a new gleam.

Comment by Ghost Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:12 pm
Why did it take John Harris — arrested and named in a crimnal complaint — longer to resign than Deputy Governor A, who was unnamed until he resigned?

Comment by Carnac Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:13 pm
Yeah, because Rod Blagojevich has a deep sense of history and propriety.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:14 pm
Wow. If he resigns, there goes all the stuff….bodyguards, cars, planes, office, office staff and stuff such computers, and all the other things that come with being the guv. I wonder if he’ll leave the house…or be able to leave the house.

Comment by Deep South Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:14 pm
So, I bet you it is awfully cold out there as Blago supporters and state workers scrape off those old Blagojevich campaign bumper stickers off their vehicles.

Comment by Smelly Cat Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:15 pm
That ol gang of mine is just disappearing. When the Gov goes to the JRT center what does he do exactly? Who does he communicate with? Harris/GONE Greenlee/GONE Quinlan/still spilling his guts out Wyma?GONE. Monk/GONE. He probably just calls Patti and they MF each other.

Comment by ivoted4judy Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:15 pm
This part surprises me, is Harris turning on the Guv?

Comment by HoBoSkillet Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:15 pm
I can’t imagine a person with self-proclaimed testicular virility would cave to pressure to resign - particularly if he believes he did nothing wrong. If you did nothing wrong, Governor, now is the time to exercise that amazing viriilty.

Comment by Dznuts Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:16 pm
If the governor resigns, I’ll be surprised.

Comment by Fan of the Game Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:17 pm
Here’s hoping Harris spills the beans about both of his former bosses.

Does a potential Blago resignation signal a willingness to cooperate with the authorities? Or simply a realization that continuing to serve only can further tarnish his “legacy”?

Comment by The Doc Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:17 pm
So does that mean Tammy Duckworth will be our next Illinois Senator.

Quinn has been a strong advocate for military personnel and their families and I am sure he admires Ms. Duckworth, who would be an outstanding
choice.

We couldn’t do any better.

Comment by Cassandra Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:18 pm
Why does everyone assume that the US Attorney is asking the Gov to cooperate. PEOPLE, G ROD IS the big fish in this mess, the G does not go downward in the indictment GOTCHA process. IT is called UP THE LADDER for a reason..

Comment by ivoted4judy Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:21 pm
Take down those expense-stupid-Blago Illinois Tollway signs this weekend.

Comment by Wacker Drive Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:21 pm
Cassandra…she will be if she wins the special election. If anyone actually gets appointed, it will have to be someone with impeccable legislative (and campaign) experience. I don’t know if anybody from Illinois meets that qualifications.

Comment by Vote Quimby! Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:22 pm
Smelly Cat -
Much of the crud will not be able to be scraped off! we all need to be reading the rest of the signs -

Comment by Collar Observer Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:22 pm
Obviously, Rod could do anything, but I sure wouldn’t resign without some kind of deal. It’s his last card.

CNN a few minutes ago showed what they called “three South Side ministers” being let into his house by Rod this morning to “pray.”

The reporter said Rod was wearing a black jogging suit.

Again with the jogging suits. I thought the only grown men who wore jogging suits in public during the day were on “The Sopranos.”

Life imitating art?

The rat sign is finally gone this morning. The crack, highly paid “image” team is really on the ball.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:25 pm
Cooperation could also mean a confession.

Certainly the feds would be willing to listen to what Blago has to offer, even if it’s corroboration of his taped conversations.

Comment by The Doc Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:26 pm
VQ-if Blago resigns soon, as he is now rumored to be considering, why do we need a special election?

Quinn may not be everybody’s favorite guy, but he is clearly qualified to make the appointment.

Comment by Cassandra Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:26 pm
Rich… Great job staying on top of all this. Pace yourself since you won’t be able to sleep or take time off for many months now. Thanks for your job well done!

Comment by North of I-80 Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:26 pm
There is concern that the Governor will behave like a tenant about to be evicted. Who knows what damage he can do each minute he remains in office. Taxpayers are well beyond angry.

Comment by Say WHAT? Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:26 pm
Praying with the Ministers: that sure is playing to the base, even it is a 2%base!!!! Are we sure the Speaker is still in town? Boy the silence on his part is deafening??

Comment by ivoted4judy Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:29 pm
Time & Pressure

Comment by Shades of Warden Norton Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:29 pm
Blagojevich is too stupid to be able to predict his actions. No one knows what this guy will do, or why.

As to Harris - thanks for demonstrating your ethical judgement and character over the past few months. You don’t deserve any trust and shouldn’t step foot into any public office ever again without thorough delousing.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:31 pm
Not only will the gov resign TODAY, it will coincide with the federal indictment that will be release before the end of the businessday…according to my source 00fed watcher…thats why John Harris quit 1st…now the good stuff will follow. Rod wiill resign today to avoid the embarassment of impeachment for his family.

Comment by some people call me "Maurice" Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:31 pm
Three wise men came to his door. Were thay bearing gifts?

Comment by Mr. Ethics Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:31 pm
I won’t believe it until I see it, but IF (still a big if) Rod did resign today, it would be consistent with his previous habit of announcing the resignations of various staff people late on Friday afternoons.

I can also see him hanging on just long enough to act one way or the other on the special election bill, then resigning to avoid impeachment.

Comment by Secret Square Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:37 pm
Tanny Duckworth is the perfect placeholder appointment. As a wounded Iraq veteran, no one could object to Gov. Quinn appointing her next week to fill out Obama’s term.

This would give various Senate contenders two years to get their campaigns started. Duckworth could take over for Shinseki at the VA in 2011.

Plus it would drive Peter “Cut and Run” Roskam crazy….

Comment by DuPage Dave Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:37 pm
“Three wise men came to his door. Were thay bearing gifts?”

Not today. That was Tuesday.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:40 pm
Why should Rod fear impeachment at this point?

He’s very likely looking at multiple federal charges that will carry hard time. Impeachment’s nothing. If he resigns, he loses his salary, his posse, his perks and his last card to make a deal. Doesn’t compute.

So he’ll probably do it!

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:40 pm
When I got to work Tuesday morning people in my state building were hooting and hollering.
People you better get your state business done. If this man steps down the celebrations in state govt will not slow down until after the new year….

Comment by 618er Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:43 pm
Excellent work, Rich, and I hate suck-ups. As for the “placeholder” idea: back in history a bit, wasn’t Frank Fitzsimmons supposed to be Jimmy Hoffa’s “placeholder”? Once they get a taste of power/perks, etc…just try to pry them from their perch.

Comment by You Go Boy Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:45 pm
I agree with Wordslinger.
Why would Blago resign?
What does he have to gain by doing so?
As he said, he’s got this thing, and its valuable and he’s just not going to give it away.

Comment by Skeeter Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:49 pm
Happy days are here again
The sky is also clear again
So lets sing a song of cheer again
Happy days are here again

Altogether shout it now

Comment by I'mTellingYou Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:50 pm
Smellycat - I assure you, the only state employees with Rod bumper stickers are the at-will staff he brought in.

Comment by Hawkeye Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:51 pm
I agree 100% with Ivoted4judy. Blago is THE person Fitzgerald and his crew want. He’s the one with the bulls eye on his forehead. I doubt very seriously if Blago is being asked anything at all. With wiretaps on the phone and bugs in either the house, campaign headquarters, or both, why would Fitzgerald need to ask Blago one single solitary question? Think back to GRyan. Ryan was interviewed but just long enough to give Fitz more ammunition. This isn’t “deal or no deal”. It’s NO DEAL for Blago. Stick him with a fork, Blago’s done. No ambassador position, no CEO, no Senator, no nuthin’. I don’t think even Chicago Streets & Sanitation would hire him (OK, they would). If he thinks he was having financial difficulties before this, he ain’t seen nuthin’ yet. Patti, pack your bags, take the kids, and go home. Reaquaint them with your side of the family because very, very soon you’re gonna need all the help you can get.

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:52 pm
I have many reasons to be gleeful but I am filled only with sadness. Strangely, I feel sorry for Blago. but mostly I feel for his children & the reputation of Illinois. Perhaps once this settles down Illinois and the Blagojevich family can heal and achieve greatness.

Comment by Larry Mullholland Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:53 pm
At least there is not an epidemic of cholera running rampant in our version of Zimbabwe.

Comment by vole Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:53 pm
Why does he resign? A guess is that there is more on the tapes than has been released. They will not bring charges if he resigns.

Comment by AGuess Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:58 pm
It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas….and Hanukkah,,,,and Ramadon….and Muharram….and Kwanzaa….and…..!! Oh joy!!! Now for the gov!!!!

Comment by Justice Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:00 pm
With Harris resigning the train has left the station. Celini, Kelly, Monk, Rezko, Governor F-Rod, Mrs. F-Rod you all missed it. No soup for you!

Comment by Leave a light on George Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:00 pm
Larry, his actions as governor have brought this on himself. But I feel a bit as well. People that should have known better (Ald. Mell, step right up) helped elevate him to a position that was beyond his intelligence, competence, energy level and ethics.

He could, and should, have remained a congressman forever. It’s the perfect job for him. Dress up, work as much or as little as you like, give some speeches, act like a macher — and you can’t do a whole lot of damage.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:01 pm
To Larry M. - I feel sorrow only for the 2 children. Patti’s face has been buried in the trough along with Rod’s. The UNNECESSARY

Comment by Hawkeye Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:03 pm
How many agency directors are spending their time writing statements about “pursuing other interests” or “spending more time with my family”?

Comment by Central_IL_farm_boy Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:04 pm
AGuess, if Rod could walk away from all the potential federal charges (they’ve been investigating for three years, remember; this stuff is just a tip of the iceberg) by resigning, you bet he would do it. But that dog don’t hunt.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:05 pm
The UNNECESSARY anguish, suffering and general mayhem Rod place on the entire state makes it impossible for me to feel anything but relief, and joy. Thank the founding fathers that sooner our later the checks and balances of our system offer a way out this mess.

Everyone in the state owes a huge debt of thanks to both Patrick AND Peter Fitzgerald.

Comment by Hawkeye Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:07 pm
==I don’t know if anybody from Illinois meets that qualifications.===

Huh? There are dozens of people in Illinois with legislative and campaign experience (more experience than Duckworth) to serve as the next U.S. Senator. If legislative and campaign experience is the barometer of eligibilty, and assuming Obama’s replacement will be a democrat (not subjecting Illinois to an expensive special election and the risk of losing a democrat seat), one only need look at past statewide campaign folks from the House or Senate for an ample supply of qualified replacements.

I have nothing against Duckworth, but based on a prerequisite of legislative and campaign experience, she only has one piece of that pie and frankly she didn’t even get the whole piece.

Comment by Dznuts Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:08 pm
To “Larry M” …where’s your brother Daryl and your other brother Daryl. Sappy, sentimental BS like this is ruining the fun of watching this man meet up with JUSTICE.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:12 pm
Along with what Word said, the Gov needs resources. He loses is his paycheck if he resigns. I expect he will keep in as long as he can to keep earning an income. Not many Job openings right now in IL.

I tedn to lean more towards the idea that Harris resigned to keep what dignity/honor he has left after realising the Gov was not going to do the same.

Comment by Ghost Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:15 pm
When Blago is finally gone, what in the world will everyone have to talk about?? I sort of hope that Quinn retains some of his old colorful ways for interest sake, if nothing else.

Comment by Skirmisher Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:15 pm
ivoted4judy.

I hope you are wrong that the feds only work their way up the ladder, not down. Fitz needs to clean the slate and make it clear underlings and advisors can’t walk free just because the Feds got the boss. This entire situation is disgusting. It is a culture that needs to be fixed, not just a Governor.

Get’em all Fitz.

Comment by BigBob Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:18 pm
You are all jealous we have a governor with testicular virility otherwise, What is is thinking?

Comment by I can't believe my eyes Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:18 pm
BigBob you took the words right out of my mouth.

Comment by Leave a light on George Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:22 pm
Being a Blago appointee will keep Duckworth from being givin the seat tho she could win in a special election.

Comment by Sick of it Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:22 pm
Why is resignation better than impeachment? The feds are not going to stop either way.

Comment by Why, Oh Why Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:25 pm
This is a little off subject, but I think now would be a good time to modify the wording in the ethics test that each state employee is required to take.

Comment by One of the 35 Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:26 pm
Vote4Judy:
Who does Blagoof talk to ?….Deputy Gov Head “SC4″ Bump.
Judy was jut on WGN-AM blaming Karl Rove for the sad sack campaign….
Capt. Fax has done a great job but no more mornings off.

Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:27 pm
Harris flip-o-da-lid, I guarontee. That is what happens when a bully is called out. They have the spine of a snake.

The funniest thing I read is that Rezco’s sentencing will be delayed. Ya think. That guy, or his lawyers, have not made a smart move since he got caught. How on earth did he ever get so much clout?

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:38 pm
Up the ladder? Oh no, there’s still more “up the ladder” yet to go. I have a LOT of trouble believing Obama doesn’t know what went on.

Also, Jim Edgar for Senate.

Comment by Awoogah Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:41 pm
For those who believe guv is the ultimate target of Fitz’s crusade I suggest you may be shortsighted. I think he is after “The Combine” in total. Guv is at best a middle manager in it and most of the real movers and shakers are not on the state payroll. Fitz is just getting up a good head of steam!

Comment by A Citizen Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:43 pm
Merry Fitzmas everyone. This was passed to me today from a friend and I just had to share. Please sing along to the tune of God Rest U Merry Gentlemen…

Wake up old Rod Blagojevich, the Feds just rang your bell,
Just step outside and take a ride, no time for extra gel,
They heard the tape its no mistake,
The state’s halfway to hell,
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, Save Illinois, Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
How could you Rod Blagojevich this really has me beat,
It was not nice to put a price on that there Senate seat,
The way you threatened Wrigley Field, how can the Cubs compete?
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Save Illinois, Oh tidings of comfort and joy,
Get real there Rod Blagojevich you’re much too smart a man, remember what this state has done to Otto, George and Dan,
If Durbin doesn’t write a note
You’ll join them in the can
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Save Illinois, Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comment by beenaroundawhile Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:49 pm
As a 30 year NON-POLITICALLY connected state employee and self avowed political junkie, I am ever so conflicted. I am extremely pleased to see the backside of this administration and its arrogant big city toadies, but having waited for so long for this to happen, I also feel like I did as a kid on the day after Christmas - kind of sad and let down. The only thing that perks me up is the thought that maybe now we can get back to the business of serving the tax payers of Illinois instead of spending most of our time trying to clean up the messes the gov and his incompetent team left in their wake. I am anticipating the resignation of John Filan. With the clarity that accompanies hindsight, his appointment to the IFA November 12th takes on a whole new interest, given the deals Blago had coming up that would involve IFA approval… Blago has plenty of info that the feds would love to add to their dossier and that in effect is his “GOLDEN TICKET”. No he won’t get to go to Wonka Land, but he may well be able to parlay his info into some kind of plea deal. For Pat Fitzgerald to pull the hammer BEFORE the rat took the cheese can only indicate that the Feds have a he**uva a lot more on Blago and his posse than they are letting on. From my sources I am told that there are a number of very nervous bankers, real estate developers and road/transportation contractors holding their collective breath in fear and anticipation of just who Blago will throw under the bus to help save himself. Before this is all over, I believe we will all be amazed at the scope and depth of the corruption that riddled this facist regime.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:49 pm
New applicant for COS:
What if Blagojevich is not guilty?

By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

Powerful politicians are calling for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich — a duly elected public official — to resign. Or, they threaten to throw him out of office or have a court strip him of his powers. But what if Blagojevich is not guilty?

Sure, the tapes of his phone calls sound bad, bad enough to lead to federal corruption charges against him. He’s certainly not innocent of saying some very stupid things.

But the federal government has not proven in a court of law that Blagojevich is actually guilty of the criminal charges against him.

Yet Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Friday rushed to take the extraordinary step of asking the state Supreme Court to remove Blagojevich temporarily from office, if he won’t quit.

Madigan wants to eliminate the governors powers, including that to appoint someone to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama.

Madigan said she doesn’t think Blagojevich can do his job.

But is that really for her — or even the courts — to determine? And how will they determine that…?

Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:52 pm
Rich - You have deleted me! I am delighted to have been deleted by the best. Let’s try this again. As a previous poster mentioned, most of the really BIG DOGS in this fight are NOT state employees. They are the money men that lurk in the shadows of ALL administrations - regardless of political affiliation. The gov’s info may finally be the antiseptic needed to clean up the “COMBINE”. Only time will tell.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 2:44 pm
Judy was jut on WGN-AM blaming Karl Rove for the sad sack campaign….

Oh look, a kitty.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 2:47 pm
Even if he’s not guilty of any of the allegations listed in 70+ pages of a federal affadvit (chuckling at the mere thought of complete innocence), the GA has an arsenal of other examples of allegations of misfeasance of office and alleged violations of the Illinois Ethics Act. Those in and of themselves are plenty enough to impeach even in the absence of a Supreme Court decision or exoneration in federal court.

Let’s not forget that Fitzgerald’s comment of a “political crime spree”. Those words could not have been ab-libbed or chosen lightly. Additionally, Fitzgerald’s practical plea to have anyone come forward with information will open the flood gates for others with other allegations — people who were too fearful in the past to rock the boat. The Governor’s arrest and improbable ability to recover and retain power will give comfort to people to come forward and tell stories that will further add to this disgusting and abhorrent page of history for Illinois.

Comment by Dznuts Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 2:51 pm
2confusedcrew: Blago will not be found not guilty and Lisa Madigan did not rush anything today. I suspect Fitz was taking his sweet, deliberate time in getting all the ducks in a row to indict Blago in the very near future but Fitz had enough information and saw the seriousness of what Blago was doing that Fitz absolutely had to step things up. It’s interesting that even by naming Blago perhaps earlier than he would have like to do, Fitz still has a lot of info on him. I don’t think the investigation of Blago is over by a long shot. Fitz has just been able to let everyone in the whole world know what Blago was up to in trying to sell Obama’s remaining 2 years in the U.S. Senate to the highest bidder. That has at least put the skids on Blago while Fitz and his crew continue on their merry way.

I’m wondering if Blago still thinks he has nothing but sunshine over him now.

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 3:05 pm
Little Egypt - You are just the best! Your postings are something I look forward to. And not just because at times it is like you are READING my mind! Seriously, I do look forward to your comments as well as Bill Baar’s and others. Y’all keep my mind happy and active.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 4:59 pm
Blago is worried about money? Losing his job? Losing his benefits? Maybe he should have thought about that BEFORE he did that to many state employees and had his “Agency hacks” do most of his dirty work for him. I can only hope that they all go with him! Our jobs are still on the line until they are all gone!

Comment by Justice Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 5:19 pm
To Justice - From the moment the gov’s people starting showing up in our agency, career state employees were looked at with suspicion and disdain. We were considered a corrupt enemy that needed to be eradicated. After a while we all began to dread Friday afternoons - 2:30 to be exact. That was the usual and customary time for the “PERP” walk. This consisted of one or two Blagoites escorting various career middle and upper management employees out the door. We dreaded it because we knew what came next - Monday morning some yahoo would show up from Chicago as a replacement for the employee(s) fired the Friday before. A yahoo who had no idea how state government works or the laws governing the programs we administer and this meant our ability to provide services to the taxpayer would again be comprimised. Our agency has lost tens if not hundreds of milllions in federal matching funds due to the inexperience, ineptness or casual disregard for actually performing the duties they were hired to do. And God help you if you dared to question them. Either you were the next one out the door, or your life was made a living he**.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 5:48 pm
Polly, I work for the state, though (thankfully) not in the executive branch. Still, we have enough contact with executive agencies to know what they have been going through. We were smiling when we heard the news he’d been busted. I can imagine that in your agency it felt like being part of the French underground and hearing the news of D-Day.

Comment by Bookworm Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 6:45 pm
Bookworm - It was weird. We were all at our desks and out of the blue a fellow co-worker comes running in announcing that the gov had been arrested at his home early that morning. At first it was like What? Are you kidding? Everyone had trouble grasping the concept. Even though we had been hopeful that it would happen someday, we really never believed that it would happen. Once assured that the news was true, the place errupted in cheers and Thank Gods! Our phones have not stopped ringing. There are a lot of nervous vendors and providers who have contracts or are in the process of finalizing contracts that are expressing concerns about the legality of their dealings with the state. Many are worried they will be receiving visitors from the FBI or DOJ agents at their place of business or that the payments due them will be held up or suspended altogether. And yes, for the first time in 6 years I feel light as a feather, and happy to go to work each day.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 7:09 pm
I compare this to D-Day because while Blago is still “occupying” the governor’s office and hasn’t yet been removed by the Allied forces of Fitz, Madigan, et al., the invasion has begun and it’s only a matter of time before the REAL capital is liberated

Comment by Bookworm Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 7:50 pm
Some thoughts and observations:

I almost went off the road on the way to work when the arrest was announced.

Fellow workers grins were a mile wide at my office. Radios went on and phones were ringing all over.

I wonder if Bradley Tusk as well as Monk will feel some pain from Fitz. They were resident hatchet men in the worse way.

The Feds invitation to people who know things to divulge them to the Feds is an open door for the rank and file to tell what they know. Can you say Ghost Payrollers anyone? We all know who they are.

I hope Rich Mell can contain himself and make life more pleasant for his granddaughters that I suspect it is going to be. They have no part in this fiasco. Patty, take off the blinders and take care of your kids’ psyches first. Your husband is a grown-up and can fend for himself.

Celebrations continue even within the Holiday Season. At a union Christmas party last night, they drank a toast to the governor’s predicament and then cheered.

Comment by Disgusted Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 6:06 am
Disgusted - As to Lon Monk, there is at least one questionable occurrence. Some years back, CMS, out of the blue tried to replace the very highly rated and popular Health Alliance HMO with a poorly rated, legally beseiged HMO that just happened to be associated with Lon Monk’s sister. The effort failed thanks to the employees standing up for themselves and the media calling attention to Mr. Monk’s familial attachment.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Saturday, Dec 13, 08 @ 2:38 pm