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* 2:48 pm - More on Elga “Present” Jefferies…
Asked if Blagojevich had offered her a job, Jefferies said, “Not at this point, no.”
“I might go and ask him for one,” she said. “I have no problem with asking.”
She said the idea of potential state job no role in her vote: “Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.”
When a reporter suggested that she ask Blagojevich soon, she said: “I know. Maybe I can get a couple of months in.”
Jefferies said she did not think Blagojevich should resign now.
“I think he’s due his day in court,” Jefferies said. “I really do. I really do.”
In fact, Jefferies said, he should be able to finish the term if the court case drags through the next two years.
“Sure,” she said, “I think that there’s still a chance that he can make some adjustments and making things right.”
* 1:28 pm - House GOP Leader Tom Cross was asked by reporters today about his past cooperation with Blagojevich…
[Cross] defended his decision to work with Blagojevich on projects such as legislation to pay for road and building construction. Cross called such cooperation necessary for the state.
* That other one was getting too long.
Hey, remember this?
Discuss.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:21 pm
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I mean this very seriously, someone needs to be keeping an eye on the Governor from a health standpoint. Specifically, making sure he doesn’t do anything rash. There will be a time coming soon where some drastic measures might look like the easy way out. There is forgivness and redemption for almost everybody.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:27 pm
Where’s Tusk when you need him?
Comment by Juice Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:29 pm
Forgiveness is between God and the Gov. And to be forgiven, one must repent. Don’t see that happening.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:29 pm
The Master has once again proven that nothing happens by accident. He took a lot of abuse from the 2nd floor over the capital bill, and other stuff. He just sat back and planned, every move was thought out thru at least 10 steps ahead. He let Emil and Cross hang in the wind, he let Rod be a blowhard. And the Master just sat back and let the whole scenario unfold, JUST like he knew it would.
Of course, the smartest guy in Illinois politics v. the dumbest ever, was it really ever a fair fight????
Comment by ivoted4judy Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:29 pm
I agree PJW.
Comment by Bill Baar Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:29 pm
Predictions for RRB’s presser?
I think he’ll go for some Churchill allusions:
“We shall defend our Illinois, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight in the senate, we shall fight in the federal courts, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender. “
Comment by Barnum and Blago Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:30 pm
There are a couple rules you need to live by if you want to get around Springfield:
Speaker Madigan knows more about what you are going to do, before you know you are going to do it.
Speaker Madigan is, at least, 3 steps ahead of you at any point in your thinking.
If speaker Madigan shows favor upon you, take it.
If Speaker Madigan shows displeasure with you, fix it.
Know when Speaker Madigan “gives” you something, you will give back something, and it will be of the Speaker’s choosing.
If the Speaker says no, get over it, and don’t go around.
Other than that …
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:33 pm
@Barnum and Blago
After his ‘fight fight fight’ speech last time, perhaps some Knute Rockne..
We’re going inside of ‘em, we’re going outside of ‘em — inside of ‘em! outside of ‘em! — and when we get them on the run once, we’re going to keep ‘em on the run.
Comment by Anonymous Coward Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:35 pm
This was more like the Governor laying down his King - or going all-in with a 7-2 offsuit.
He shot himself in the foot. I don’t think we ever got to see the REAL contest.
That’s probably a good thing.
Comment by no contest Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:38 pm
GRod never learned the #1 commandment of Illinois Politics — “don’t mess with Mike Madigan.” He’s the master, having seen numerous hacks rise to power over these years — and then watch them fall. I’m guessing GRod “blames” Madigan for his problems, but they’re all of GRod’s making.
GRod let his ego get in the way, thinking he was all powerful. His penchant for “throwing people under the bus” when they displeased him certainly didn’t help his cause. Good leaders don’t step on people when they’re climbing up the ladder — because those are the same people that will kick you when you slip.
For Jay Hoffman to vote for the impeachment, says volumes.
I just feel horrible for the Blagojevich girls (Patti not included). To have their father splashed all over worldwide media like this, must be exceptionally painful. I’m sure Ald. Mell will be able to take good care of them while their parents are away!
Comment by 312 Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:39 pm
I talked to several folks who work at the Stathouse for various code departments today. Yep, the Gov brought some real hacks into jobs, but there are some talented hard working ones also who I hope are going to be OK,
Comment by Just Watching Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:43 pm
To Oswego Willy…you have described the best and only way to survive in Springpatch
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:46 pm
I rethought my post on the earlier thread about Blago appointing himself to the MWRD board right before he is convicted in the Senate. I didn’t realize he will be disqualified from holding any office in this state if convicted.
So, he appoints Patti. It’s a part-time gig and she works out something with her current job. He drives the car.
Comment by Been There Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:46 pm
At 2PM Rod will announce that he has convinced Emil Jones to return to the Senate and take back his seat from his son. Emil will then challenge Cullerton for the presidency. Once back in the Chair, Rod will maintain that Emil will refuse to convene the procedings therby covering his rear one more time. I am on the job to stay!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by ivoted4judy Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:46 pm
I seriously doubt if Cross went as far as some think in accommodating the gov, against Madigan’s wishes. Even though Rod was continually pushing him to do so. Cross is correct that, as the Gov is the guy who pulls all the puppet strings at the agencies, if you don’t at least have some semblance of a working relationship with the Gov, nothing (and I mean nothing) is gonna get done. That being said, I’m sure Madigan and Cross haven’t seen 100% eye to eye on everything in the last 6 years, to say the least. After all, they are from different parties, and they are natural rivals to a certain extent.
It is unfortunate for the state that we had a meglomaniac at the controls for six years, who the legislators needed to deal with, but couldn’t rationally be dealt with.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:47 pm
Let’s not canonize the Speaker just yet. If he is so smart and so many steps ahead of everybody then he is partially responsible for this mess too. Another words, if this was part of his plan we really are in big trouble. The State is 5 billion in debt.
I happen to think that even he was overwhelmed by the self destructive greed of the Blago corruption machine. As smart as the Speaker is, one guy brought down this Governor and his name is Patrick Fitzgerald.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:48 pm
The sad issue seems that we watch “hacks” time and time again think that the “Speaker Madigan Rules” do not apply to them … I guess if I could amend my list, there would be one more to add:
Do not forget theses rules.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:50 pm
Oswego-
The antics of the last 6 years show why no one - not the Gov, not MJM - should have, or be given, absolute power. This is a representative democracy, not some feudal monarchy. That it has taken this long to slowly start righting the ship is an argument that power needs to be diffused and balanced in this state, not concentrated more.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:51 pm
Sorry Rich, I don’t think the voters are going to be keen on giving Mike Madigan complete control of Illinois. Plus, Lisa Madigan’s reputation among thinking people who paid any attention to her ridiculous attempt to twist the state constitution like a nose of wax must have taken a hit.
Unless Mike Madigan’s endgame was to revive the Illinois Republican party, in which case he’s a Gary Kasparov.
Comment by lake county democrat Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:53 pm
The view from the gallery of the House today was what I thought it would be.
It was like being there when pull the plug on someone. You felt numb when the voting was closed.
I do not know what I really want cheering or what.
It was the first step. I hope the Senate will put an end to this nightmare soon.
Comment by being there Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:54 pm
I’ll say it again: Mike Madigan was co-chair of Rod’s re-election campaign in 2006…did he forward the candidacy just to see the man crumble under the weight of his own ineptitude? Hmmmm makes me wonder…
Comment by Anonymous45 Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:58 pm
The difference, this time for the “Speaker Madigan Rules”, and other times we have seen this game played, is that the worthy opponents of the Speaker were rational. The “Speaker Madigan Rules” seem to make perfect sense when dealing with a rational person … Rod … well …the results are the same, the Speaker wins, but look at what Rod left us …
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 1:59 pm
I think I should learn how to play chess or some strategy game.
Comment by Levois Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:07 pm
Shocking. The Gov is late.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:17 pm
Oh look. He brought in a person in a wheelchair. What a weasel.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:19 pm
So, we’re going to get third person testimonials as to how the Governor has helped people. Others talking about Rod. Okay.
Comment by Ms Port Belly Mushroom Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:21 pm
To quote John Dryden:
Beware the fury of a patient man.
Comment by ZC Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:23 pm
Expanding on yesterday’s QOTD–to the tune of the Cult’s “Love Removal Machine”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vneFS48Z4Ws
Fell to the House Chambers to impeach him.
Scarlet Governor, he got us to hate him, yeah, yeah.
Speaker said, “Remember all those things he did to you.
Do you know what I mean, boys?
Remember all the pay-to-play?”
Talking ‘bout the Guv
Guv remover
Talking ‘bout the Guv
Guv Removal Machine
Blago, Blago, Blago, Blago, he’s fallen from grace.
Today, today we spit it back in his face.
It’s been a statewide reaction,
Big smiles and satisfaction. Oh, yeah.
Talking ‘bout the Guv
Guv remover
Talking ‘bout the Guv
Guv Removal Machine.
Comment by Fan of the Game Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:32 pm
MJM and his minions will regret this day - the day they caved into “political winds” and succumbed to self-righteous pressure.
Governor Blagojevich may have engaged in questionable conduct, but so have MJM and his many little men and women. Does the Governor’s conduct rise to the level of impeachable offenses - NO. Merely “words” not “action” - this is a very bad joke.
For shame, House members, for shame~
Comment by Black Ivy Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:32 pm
OMG. I can only wait unit Blago lays hands on the poor person in the wheel chair, and commands her to walk.
Comment by How Ironic Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:33 pm
What are we made of? Our fathers came across the prairie, fought Indians, fought drought, fought locusts, fought Dix - remember when Richard Dix came in here and tried to take over this town? Well, we didn’t give up then, and by gum, we’re not gonna give up now.
Comment by playk8 Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 2:56 pm
Can they schedule another special election before Wednesday so people can vote against Elga Jeffries again?
Comment by Scooby Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:08 pm
Rod Bla-gone-a-vich
Comment by Eileen Left Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:12 pm
to How Ironic: Priceless!
The impeachment is step one in scraping the dung from our shoe. The Senate will wrap it up, and God willing, Fitzpatrick will toss it(him) in the can.
Comment by You Go Boy Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 3:36 pm
Does Elga “Present” Jefferies watch the news or read the paper? Why would she say that she would ask Blagojevich for a job? This makes it appear as though her ‘present’ vote should be exchanged for a ‘favor’.
Comment by this voter will remember Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:34 pm
Guess who else received money from the horseracing lobby:
Tom Cross $30,000
Lou Lang: $22,00
Susan Mendoza: $2,000
‘
Jack Franks: $1,250
Al Riley: $1,000
Ken Dunkin: $500
Deb Halvorson $13,000
do a search on the Illinois campaign contribution website using “Racing” as the donor search term
Comment by ProfGKlass Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 4:37 pm
Black Ivy,
IL’s constitution does not define impeachable offenses like the US Constitution does. Being a bad actor, and turning public support against him, got him impeached. Essentially, our legislators did the same thing the CA voters did to Gray Davis.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 5:14 pm
ProfGKlass, what’s your point? There’s nothing illegal about accepting campaign contributions.
Comment by Cubs Fan Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 6:08 pm
BI, impeacheable offenses are whatever the House decided they are, not you or me. They did (after proper legal consultation and deliberation) and then, they did.
Next case.
BTW, you aren’t Elga Jefferies, are you?
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Jan 9, 09 @ 8:32 pm
All I heard last night was that this Governor has to be mentally ill. Sure it was political, but Lisa Madigan’s immediate move to have Blago removed by the Supremes was brilliant. This saga will drag on far longer and what a shame. The Governor does deserve due process and I guess this is the way it had to go. However, I have a bad feeling about the conclusion with this man Blagojevich. I don’t think it is going to be pretty, and possibly tragic. Thank’s for trying Lisa. It’s definitely turning out that this guy is mentally unstable. All the talkng heads on Cable last night were saying, “This guy is nuts.”
Comment by anon Saturday, Jan 10, 09 @ 8:17 am
So, do I get another t-shirt?
Comment by been there Monday, Jan 12, 09 @ 2:20 pm
Nothing seems to be easier than seeing someone whom you can help but not helping.
I suggest we start giving it a try. Give love to the ones that need it.
God will appreciate it.
Comment by Marlictlantee Wednesday, Jan 21, 09 @ 6:02 pm