Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: The prosecution makes its closing arguments
Next Post: The prosecution’s rebuttal
Posted in:
* 11:04 am - I’ll be live-blogging this one. Fasten your seatbelts, campers…
All quotes are paraphrased. Mistakes are my own.
The governor is being escorted into the chambers.
The guv said he’s been talking to people about his desire to appear before the Senate and tell the “whole story” and tell “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” Never intended to violate any law.
Once again trashes the Senate rules and talked about all the witnesses he wanted to bring, like Rahm Emanuel and Dick Durbin, etc.
When he made his case to people, he said, they were “mostly sympathetic,” over his claim that he couldn’t confront his accusers. Emanuel, by the way, is not an accuser.
So, people said that he should go to the Senate and tell them this.
Think about if you knew were you right and you knew you were innocent.
The guv said he wanted to tell the truth. Warts and all, the truth. Unadulterated truth. And there was never a conversation where I intended to break the law.
There was no criminal activity on those four tapes. You can express things in a free country, but those four tapes speak for themselves. Those are conversations… that all of us in politics do.. to win elections.
That’s why I am appealing to you, that unless I’m allowed to bring this evidence in [then it should be heard in a court of law.]
Articles 1 through 8 don’t prove a criminal case. So how can you throw him out of office. Used impact it could have on other officeholders here and out of state.
I’m appealing to you and your sense of fairness. Since the articles don’t prove any criminal activity, I don’t know how you can throw me out of office.
He’s on to the health care stuff now and the JCAR fight. JCAR members, he pointed out, are in good standing with legislative leaders. In nine other states, he said, there have been court challenges to their JCARs. I’ve respected that committee. My legal advice, and I believe they’re right, that JCAR is an advisory committee, that it cannot dictate to the executive branch. If you want to stop an executive branch, the House and Senate passes a bill, I veto it, it goes back to you and then you override my veto.
12 lawmakers picked by the legislative leaders cannot constitutionally thwart the executive branch. In nine states, this has been upheld.
Flu vaccines: In 2005… there were warnings coming from the Center for Disease Control about the worst flu season in American history. There was a shortage of vaccines because of a contaminated supply.
So, take the flu vaccine, bring them in. Wouldn’t be the first time I’d be criticized. Bill Richardson asked for help.
If it is an impeachable offense, it should’ve been done during the first term. The people chose me again. They evidently approved of what I did.
Drugs from Canada. How many of us talked about those things in speeches? How many of us railed against the FDA because they wouldn’t allow seniors go to Canada? How many of us believe in free trade? Yet, somehow, we don’t have free trade on this issue. So, we found a way.
Rahm Emanuel came to me and suggested the solution. Go to Canada. I loved the idea and we did it. And so did Wisconsin, and so did Kansas and so did Vermont. Those governors ought to be impeached if you’re impeaching me for it. Expel John McCain and Ted Kennedy. President Obama should fire Rahm Emanuel.
Auditor General. And what did I do there? The AG had a misunderstanding with CMS. Almost nothing I’ve done, couldn’t have been done without you in the state Senate.
We streamlined to save money. They saved over $500 million for taxpayers. In this particular case, they found a way to save money, but then the AG got involved and said stop, don’t do it.
When the Inspector General and the Auditor General said don’t do it, we didn’t do it. How can that be an impeachable offense? And, again, this was an issue that took place in the first term, not the second term.
* Inspector General report on hiring. Allegation, nothing proven, nothing shown yet to be true, that someone may have violated some of the hiring rules. Never an allegation that I ever knew anything about it. How can I be thrown out of office for something that was never claimed that I knew anything about? Again, it took place in the first term, not the second term.
* So far, a crime has not been proven. How can you throw a governor out of office for insufficient and incomplete evidence?
Again, pleas with Senate to allow him to bring in witnesses.
I know, we’ve had ups and downs. Praises SDem caucus for working with him. Philosophical differenes with Republicans, honest differences.
But we worked together on public works program.
We’ve had disagreements, but isn’t that how a democracy is supposed to work?
Talking about his past, his parents, his dream of higher office.
Said he came from humble beginnings, wouldn’t have dared mess up his chance. Wanted to help people and change priorities of state government.
* So far, this has been a pretty darned good speech. Perhaps the best of his life. He’s made some decent points, but glossed over the criminal complaint, asking members to trust his word that he didn’t do anything illegal, or intended to do anything illegal. That’s his biggest problem.
“I confess, maybe, I pushed too hard. I confess, maybe, I fought too much.”
Is it the right precedent to set to throw a governor, twice elected, out of office. Think about the dangerous precedent you’ll set… Quoting prosecutor Ellis, the ends don’t justify the means.
Impeachments are very rare… designed to be used only in extreme cases. That’s why I stand before you in a unique and lonely place.
You haven’t been able to show wrongdoing in this trial. If I could call witnesses I could show that I haven’t done anything wrong and have done a whole lot of things right.
Appealing to the Senate’s sense of fairness, sense of responsibility. “I’m asking you to aquit me… or extend this process to allow me to bring my witnesses in to show I did nothing wrong.”
”Walk a mile in my shoes.” Imagine going to bed one night thinking everything is fine… And then the next morning your whole world changes… Not even aware or knowing what it’s all about… Then the whole world is outside your house. And before you can even catch your breath the whole world has convicted you.
*** “I didn’t resign then, and I’m not resigning now because I have done nothing wrong…. Let me show you I have done nothing wrong.” ***
* The governor has finished speaking. Both parties will caucus until 1 o’clock.
* Sen. Mike Jacobs walked over to the press box a few minutes ago and quoted an old legislative proverb: “I’ve heard a lot of great speeches in my life. A few changed my mind, but none of them changed my vote.”
* Something to keep in mind: The governor was not under oath when he made his statement.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:04 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: The prosecution makes its closing arguments
Next Post: The prosecution’s rebuttal
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
A few House lawmakers are in the president’s gallery. Starting back up. #sjrlive
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:05 am
Did the judge just make a funny?! “We’ll see” about Blago’s showing up. HYSTERICAL.
Comment by DB Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:05 am
He’s going to ask for a continuance until after the criminal trial.
Comment by Drew Blagojevich Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:08 am
yup he did.
Comment by wndycty Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:08 am
I am playing a drinking game, everytime he says witness I take a swig. I am already drunk.
Comment by Jake L. Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:09 am
from the politicalwire:
Will Blagojevich Resign First?
In a lead editorial, the Chicago Tribune suggests that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich resign before the state Senate votes on his impeachment today, a move which would allow Blagojevich to “make peace with the people of Illinois whom he cheated” and still be “the master of his own fate.”
The advantages: The move would derail a vote on his removal from office and a second vote to banish him for life from holding public office in the state.
Comment by bored now Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:10 am
B.S. Name these people. I think they only exist in Rod’s mind.
Comment by IMBack Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:10 am
We’ve gone from cowboys to school yard bullies as metaphor?
Comment by Anonish Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:11 am
This is already jawdropping. He leads with lecturing the Senate to respect the Constitution!
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:11 am
he looked very nervous at the start but now he’s winding up with school yard justice foaming.
Comment by Amy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:11 am
Does he have a leg to stand on with a continuance?
Comment by Porcupine Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:11 am
Gov still not getting through his head that this not a criminal trial but an impeachment hearing.
Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:12 am
“I never intended to break any laws:
he’s been using the intended to break laws thing for a while now.
Comment by Amy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:13 am
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH etc.
Comment by Shakedown Street Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:13 am
Re: the racetrack tapes: “You know what we have to do to run for office.”
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:13 am
The Senate set their own rules. They could grant a continuance.
Comment by Drew Blagojevich Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:14 am
How can you throw a governor out of office…
Evidence, gov, evidence.
Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:14 am
THIS IS NOT A CRIMINAL TRIAL..Shut up
Comment by chimary Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:15 am
He couldn’t seriously be granted a continuance could he?!
What a fraudster!
Comment by DB Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:15 am
Yes,those 4 tapes do speak for themselves. Actually, you spoke for yourself, Governor.
Comment by dznuts Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:15 am
is he going to throw anyone under the bus?
Comment by chimary Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:15 am
SNL sketch writers have GOT to be watching this…
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:16 am
imagine that! blagojevich has been wanting to explain himself for years! because, you know, he’s been completely cut off from the public or the media…
Comment by bored now Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:17 am
DB: It’s the Senate’s own rules. They have the ability to grant a continuance.
Comment by Drew Blagojevich Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:17 am
Recitation of achievements. Booooooooring.
Comment by Tim Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:17 am
He’s rambling on about his congressional experiences. Where’s the relevance? Blah, blah.
Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:18 am
There is only 1 article of impeachment, were does he come up with these other articles? He doesn’t even understand the process.
Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:18 am
coffe what?
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:18 am
What a thrill it will be for us to have you in the same committee as those who have been thrown out of office.
Comment by dznuts Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:18 am
Liz Taylor?????
Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:19 am
The coffee story? Is he out of his mind? Is this part of an insanity defense?
Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:19 am
He is definitely a celebrity freak - just like Glen Beck said….
Comment by Toni H. Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:20 am
Is he hyperventilating?
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:20 am
He won’t throw anyone under the bus. He’ll save that for his plea bargain in the criminal trial.
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:20 am
Governor’s “testimony” is nothing more than argument. It is unsworn and should not be considered by Senate. His arguments could have been better crafted and presented by a first year assistant public defender.
Comment by My Kind of Town Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:20 am
First thing he can think about fellow senators is who they are married to? Illinois’ own Womanizer-in-Chief.
Comment by Trav in the lab Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:20 am
Said that basically everything he did had the stamp of approval from the GA.
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:21 am
Sounds like campaign speech. Me! Me! Me! Me!
Comment by Wacker Drive Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:23 am
He seems to think he’s King - that he can do whatever he wants if he feels it is right.
Comment by Skeeter Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:25 am
“How can ya throw a Governor out of office…”
Hey, Rod. Watch this.
Comment by Concerned Observer Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:25 am
Thanks for the shout out, guy. Oy.
Comment by Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:25 am
The speech teacher I had in college would completely have flunked him for going off-topic. Boy, I wish this was like vaudeville, where you got hooked off the stage. Or even Late Night at the Apollo or something. DUDE. You’re getting voted off the island, and probably quicker due to this horrible speech. Lecturing the Senate on Constitutionality - the gall!
Comment by DB Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:26 am
–”Said that basically everything he did had the stamp of approval from the GA”. —
I must have heard wrong. All I kept hearing was ‘in conjuction’ with the Senate and Senate leaders. The GA has a House too.
Comment by Princess Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:26 am
If loving me is wrong, I don’t want to be right!
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:27 am
We were so mistaken. We thought Rod had done bad and self serving things. We missed him being the savior of seniors and infants. Our bad! I’m so glad he came to clear this up for us. Rich, sorry for the snark. Its unavoidable.
Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:27 am
He’s going to invoke the Charles I Defense: I was ordained by God to be King. Pfffttt!!!
Comment by Drew Blagojevich Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:28 am
He is building a case for the House Prosicutor rebuttal.
Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:28 am
Gives Rahm the credit for the flu vaccine debacle!
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:28 am
Rod: “Yada, yada, yada, blah, blah blah”.
SSDD - same stuff different day.
Thought it was funny it had to be pointed out to RRB where his seat was in the chamber.
Things getting crowded under the bus. Seniors, infants, Govs of other states, US senators, Us reps Rahm, etc…..
Comment by tanstaafl Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:29 am
It’s all Rahm’s fault.
Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:29 am
Impeach McCain? He is absolutely off the deep end.
Comment by dznuts Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:29 am
He’s now buttering the Senate up. Combative and ingratiating, an interesting combination.
Efficiency! Ha!
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:30 am
Ellis countered this ’stream of consciousness’ spiel already. It’s not the ends — it’s the means that are impeachable. Blago is not talking about the means.
This is terrible. Organize your thoughts. You should have used notes.
Comment by IMBack Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:31 am
He’s winding up the great things he did WITH the Senators help. Will he resign next?
Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:31 am
He just threw Rahm Emanuel under the bus.
WHOA!
Your TOAST Rod!
Comment by Wacker Drive Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:31 am
There goes Rahm under the bus!!!
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:31 am
Governor, you’re going to wear the jacket. They don’t like you, and the Feds have given them the cover to do what they’ve wanted to do for years.
These issues probably are impeachable under the US Constitution, but this is the Illinois Constitution. It’s how we do things in Chicago.
Comment by Drew Blagojevich Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:32 am
Well, if he doesn’t lose his license, he can become an ambulance chaser. He would do well in front of that type of jury.
Comment by PPHS Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:33 am
i wish it wasn’t too early for a drinking game, on the words “senior citizens,” “infants,” “children.
Comment by grace Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:33 am
“The people of Illinois elected me to a second term.”
TRANSLATION: The people of Illinois are mindless sheep.
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:33 am
he does have a good point about the first term vs the second term.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:34 am
LizTaylor
BTW when Holland tried to Stop CMS they sent out a private eye to smear Holland
His IG quit
TTFN Blagoof
Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:34 am
The states Inspector General is a farce.
Comment by Shakedown Street Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:35 am
His staff under the bus. He knew nothing about hiring process. Wait, he isn’t saying he didn’t, he is saying the inspector general didn’t say he did anything wrong.
Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:35 am
Who are the three people in the front row? Two are making serious eye contact with the governor. The other keeps looking at his notes.
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:35 am
It’s an UP day for the governor…well, mostly up.
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:37 am
Call CMS it is in a mess…
Comment by stallion Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:38 am
Too bad the feds won’t let him make his own closing argument so he can talk about his humble upbringing in front of that jury, too.
Comment by Ann Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:38 am
Fan, they are the House Prosecution Team.
Comment by Drew Blagojevich Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:38 am
A La Archie Bunker begin singing “God Bless America”
Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:39 am
This passage reminds me of “I was born in the house my father built.” Does he ever stray far from Nixon?
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:39 am
This is the John Edwards segment of the argument, “My father was a mill worker”…
He’s arguing to people who have long since stopped listening and who have long ago made up their minds.
Comment by chiatty Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:40 am
Direct quote:
“In most cases, the ends were moral.”
So, he just admitted that in some cases the ends were immoral. Nice.
Comment by Gadfly Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:40 am
If I were Ellis, I don’t think I could go up for my rebuttal after this and do anything but laugh hysterically for a solid five minutes before ending with “O RLY?” I mean, seriously, what can you do as follow up to this logorrhea?
Comment by DB Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:40 am
This is a verbal purgative.
Comment by Scarlett Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:40 am
“I didn’t go to the national media”
Does he really want to claim that after this week?
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:41 am
No shout out yet to Tony Rezko and Emil Jones?
Comment by HoBoSkillet Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:41 am
Oh, mercy. Not the humble I’m the product of an amazing American story.
Comment by Keep Smiling Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:41 am
Interesting “shame on you” then “pity on me” argument.
Didn’t “sell myself to national media”?
Pepperdine is modest? Harvard wouldn’t take him.
Comment by dznuts Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:41 am
I don’t think Northwestern & Pepperdine are exactly “modest” schools
Comment by he gone Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:42 am
I, for one, am glad he has acknowledged his Senate Democrat enablers in all of this.
Comment by Jim Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:42 am
He’s hosting his own pity party, desperately hoping the senate will join. This is absolutely pitiful.
Comment by EarlyBird Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:42 am
“The other place?” Did he just call the House Hades?
Comment by Rod sez I'm pork Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:43 am
Blames it on the Illinois House those guys who wouldn’t let Blago do all that he wanted to do.
Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:43 am
Enough Already, Cut him short and VOTE HIM OUT!!!
Comment by Jolly1 Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:43 am
Yeaaaaaah!!! I love story time!
Comment by JohnnyC Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:43 am
“not you guys, but your colleagues in the… other place…”
He’s completely blocked the House out of his mind — can’t even use the word anymore lol.
Comment by Chambananon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:43 am
could they just fast-forward him? what does tippy toe moms have to do with the case brought against him?
Comment by Princess Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:44 am
Wow! This is better/quicker than Sominex. Same song he sang on every news & cable show that would give him a seat and point a camera at him, but we’re getting ALL the verses and the refrain, over and over and over…
Comment by BehindTheScenes Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:44 am
I’m all verklempt…..talk amongst yourselves.
Comment by SpfldJimbo Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:45 am
Policies like shutting down Pontiac prison or moving an entire IDOT division to southern Illinois… we’ll pass on your policies Governor.
Comment by dznuts Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:46 am
Closing arguments in chancery cases are more interesting.
Comment by Drew Blagojevich Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:46 am
While you in the know find it ridiculous, this is the type of thing that average people will pick up on and think he’s right. They won’t know enough to see his errors. The prosecutor needs to rebut it all and the networks need to show that too.
Comment by ThreeSheets Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:46 am
Note: He didn’t know what neighborhood the single Mom was from. He named 3.
Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:46 am
Yes, throw him out!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by bmrnp Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:47 am
It feels as if he’s still pleading his case to the talk show audience, not the Illinois Senate.
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:47 am
OK, he’s done the talking points. Now, let’s close and get off the stage. The latter part is the most painful for this man. He craves attention and the next time in the docket will be very negative attention.
Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:48 am
I’m all verklempt…talk amongst yourselves.
Comment by SpfldJimbo Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:48 am
All together now:
My baby takes the morning train
She works from nine till five and then
She takes another home again
To find me waitin’ for her.
Johnnie C., bring it on home!
Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:49 am
it’s very painful to listen to him detail a woman who benefits from his plans who is more like his own mother. painful. he started strong, especially the “what about Rahm” etc. part, and the it happened in my first term so why didn’t you act, but now it’s getting weepy and kinda strange.
it’s live on Fox cable, CNN and MSNBC. that will have some effect on things, far away in DC.
Comment by Amy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:51 am
And now he mentions his daughters. Doe she have no shame at all?
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:52 am
He’s not resigning. “There is some embarrassment to some of my collegues in Washington DC.”
“Even more important than my daughters” I don’t get that statement.
Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:52 am
Isn’t he essentially making the Ryan defense? “It was just politics. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
And it worked so well for Ryan.
Comment by orb Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:52 am
A pretty compelling campaign. Let’s see how it plays with the voters — who today is the Senate, and only the Senate.
Comment by Keep Smiling Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:53 am
Enough already!
Comment by Shakedown Street Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:53 am
I have a vision of Ted Bundy saying, at his trial, “But I helped little old ladies cross the street! I’m an angel for that! You can’t execute me for that!”
Comment by kimsch Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:54 am
FINALLY Whew
Comment by curoius george Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:54 am
It’s over. Will he stay, no.
He gone.
Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:54 am
Rod’s done. Cullerton requests a caucus, Radongo does the same. We’re back at 1pm with the prosecutor’s rebuttal.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:54 am
I knew it! Blagojevich managed to sneak in one Elvis song reference:”Walk a Mile in My Shoes.”
Comment by Honest Abe Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:56 am
I thought it was a great speech. I’m nervous as to whether it swayed 20 Senators.
Comment by SoILRepub Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:57 am
Nice job, Rich.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:57 am
Rich, FANTASTIC JOB. How many votes do you think Rod will get
Comment by chicago way Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:58 am
oh thank god it is OVER. interesting. does anyone know - can they forgo the rebuttal? I’m guessing the Senators are going to use the caucus to discuss the vote. Can they come back from caucus and immediately do the vote?
Comment by DB Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:59 am
Who is the female member of the House Prosecution team?
Comment by Tron Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:59 am
JAlter on MSMBC, says an exceptional speech, he joins the ranks of Curley, and Huey Long, flim flam man. Jim Warner says you can be nervous about the prospect of getting rid of a gov but be astonished at the half truths that Blago is telling, that the tapes are exculpatory, that he’s not hard working, that he jogged passed Jim Warren’s house at all times of the day, that he is not an average working person since he went to Northwestern.
“that can’t sit well with your political friends” CBrewer on GRod’s comments on Rahm etc. in DC. “this is now about entertainment. Rod as one of the great rogues in political history. enjoy it in the same way we saw Nixon…..it’s not about me charge it to my heart. the guy committeed gross abuses of office, enjoy a historical political performance.”
Comment by Amy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:00 pm
His ability to produce smoke in a room full of mirrors is now legendary. The speech was pitiful and disjointed, please give it some “context”. Ignore the proceedings then justify your innocence with mere words proves that his arrogance is monumental.
Comment by Obamas' Puppy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:02 pm
Good job, Rod!
…and good luck, buddy!
Keep in touch, man, just not on the phone.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:03 pm
Alexi Giannoulias repeated Rod’s key quote in disgust on channel 9: “I want to apologize, but I can’t, and I won’t.”
Alexi’s summary of Rod’s performance: “Immensely selfish.”
If Rod’s stemwinder changed any minds, those people aren’t near a microphone right now.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:06 pm
Alexi G. speaking to WGNTV. Time to move forward get Quinn sworn in and get back to work. Considers Blago not resigning a selfish act not for the good of the state.
Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:06 pm
could blagojevich been compelled to be under oath?
Comment by bored now Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:08 pm
The Gov is so far removed from the average citizen of Illinois that he doesn’t understand the working woman he describes is the rule not the exception. Her life would sound pretty darn good to most people. Do you think she really exists? I mean, other than in RB’s imagination.
Comment by puzzler Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:09 pm
As politely as I can say it, “Rod, good effing riddance”. There were literally 1,000’s of hard-working State Employees that were put out of work by you and your tactics. Cry your crocodile tears somewhere else.
This upcoming vote in the Senate is nothing more than an employer firing an inept employee.
As Mr. Trump is famous for saying ,”Rod, you’re fired”.
What a great day.
Comment by Jechislo Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:10 pm
Great speech!!!
I bet Fitz never lets go of the tapes with
Emmanuel, Jackson, Reid etc.
I bet the Black caucus votes NO!
Goodbye Elvis … He gives great hair.
Comment by Linda Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:11 pm
===Alexi’s summary of Rod’s performance: “Immensely selfish.”===
I have a feeling that, if Mr. Giannoulias were in the governor’s shoes, he would be doing all he could to save his job and his freedom.
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:12 pm
Oh look, over there! A baby wolf! All that was missing was a basket of kitties and a group of nuns humming Ava Maria. I am SO over this guy!!
Comment by snore Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:13 pm
Isn’t this the longest Blago’s been in Springfield since he was a state legislator — & had to be there to collect his per diem?
Comment by YourNameHere Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:14 pm
Good speech, too little too late.
Comment by Anon-athon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:15 pm
Alexi, what are you doing on TV? No state business or nothing happening in the capitol today?
Get to work. You’re not governor yet.
Some might think your hotdogging is immensely selfish.
Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:15 pm
Some of the media types covering the case are buffoons: Bill Cameron at WLS referred to importing prescription drugs from Canada as coming from “overseas.” Hello, Canada borders the USA. Rahm Emanuel was up to his elbows in this deal when he and Rod were both looking to publicize themselves.
Blagojevich did attend Northwestern as a transfer student after he put in several semesters at a university in Tampa. He attended the Chicago Public Schools and graduated from Foreman High School on Belmont Avenue. He may have enjoyed a privileged life as an adult after he married Patricia Mell and joined the 33rd Ward Democratic Organization, but he was not a child of wealth or privilege as Jonathan Alter suggested.
Comment by Honest Abe Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:16 pm
Somewhat good speech, too little too late.
Comment by Anon-athon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:17 pm
“Provin’ On Up”
the tune of “The Jeffersons” tv show
We’ll we’re provin’ on up
The inpeachment charges
Against a de-luxe liar in the gov’s office
Yeah we’re provin’ on up
point after point
detailing the gov’s addiction to illigal largess
Lies don’t float in the IL House
Even less so in the SenAte
Took Rod a whole lotta tryin’
To get to Springfield and not be late
He was just standing in the dock
Spewing lies after BS
As long we live, we’ll never believe him
Can I hear y’all just say YES!
Hooray we’re provin’ on up
That our gov is a pure creep
He’ll go to a dee-luxe jail cell with the Feds
Oh, yeah, we’re provin’ on up
That our gov is weaselly, lying bleep
He’ll finally get a piece of the rock.
Comment by Musical Interlude Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:18 pm
Central Illinois PBS stations WSEC, WQEC and WMEC will resume broadcasting the trial when it reconvenes around 1pm.
Comment by Now on TV Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:18 pm
TruTV, Banfield & Ford is really ripping on the Gov. Did the speech live, post commentary no very flattering for Blago. Rerunning Blgo now iuntil the 1:00 rebuttal
Comment by curoius george Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:19 pm
HELP! I was in a meeting and missed it, and can’t find the clip on-line. Please, somebody, take pity and send a url.
Comment by soccermom Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:20 pm
Gov. Hair was not under oath, so he will speak later that this has all been taken out of context.
Just pandering to a potential jury pool in Chicago.
It was their fault not mine… back on the plane for one last ride on our dime.
Comment by Southern Illinois Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:21 pm
I watched the ordeal on C-Span.
PLEASE know, never having voted for the man, having worked for the State, and having been ushered out the door for what I believe, (because I was given no clear reason) contributing to his opponent’s campaign, I want this guy gone in the worst way possible. BUT…does the evidence presented…do the tapes of his “discussing” shaking down people, “discussing” selling the senate seat, et al., constitute having followed through = guilt?
I feel his RX drug plan, in which he skirted around the legislature, as well as those stupid flu vaccines from Canada….if those were so bad, why did they not act to impeach him then?
I’m trying to dismiss my emotionality and look at this from a clear “legal” point of view. I keep thinking “if only” Fitzgerald had LET him go through with the sale of the Senate seat, we would have him by the leg…but they didn’t. I realize the rules for impeaching a governor are quite different from finding someone guility in a trial. Maybe that’s what has me worried. Maybe the rules should be the same.
Would I love to see Emanual and Jarret and Jackson brought in? YOU BET!!
I’m just thinking this sets a dangerous presedence….WILL there come a day when people who express their ideas and thoughts in blogs such as this, be arrested for those “conversations?”
Comment by Crazy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:21 pm
were they taking down the blago signs on 355 this morning?
Comment by foster brooks Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:21 pm
Hey Look!
A Kitty!
Comment by SLICK NICK Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:22 pm
A good speech, but I like to proverb in the original post: not changing any votes. What time will the gavel fall and Private Citizen Blagojevich is created? Possible QOTD: Name the time the gavel falls…winner gets a free beer with Rich.
Comment by Vote Quimby! Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:23 pm
That was the most blatant campaign speech I have ever seen. Defend yourself Governor, don’t just rattle off a laundry list of accomplishments.
Comment by Levois Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:23 pm
The gov is saying it’s wrong to fire him when no crime has been proven, yet (unless my memory is incorrect), he did the very same thing to former Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum director Rick Beard after he was charged with shoplifting for the second or third time.
Comment by Scarlett Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:23 pm
There is one point I will give him and that is that many of these things or similar things were done in his first term, and he was re-elected.
I have asked around a bit about how that came to be and one answer is that his approval ratings were so high no one wanted to challenge him, though insiders already knew that he was corrupt and incompentent. If that was the case, why was that story not being told? Why were the people of Illinois able to think he was doing a great job when those “in the know” knew he was not? Our elected officials and party leaders should be looking out for the interests of the people, and if someone is not serving those interests they should find someone to replace him/her who will. The 2006 primary was the time to do that, but instead of doing what was right they all rallied around Rod the Corrupt. I would love to seem some accountability for this, or at very least some documentation of who is to blame that a) he wasn’t called out on this stuff long ago and b) he wasn’t primaried out of office in 2006.
Comment by Lakefront Liberal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:24 pm
the craziness and total inability for rod to know what a “normal” person’s life is like is a reminder to all of us that you (I would say we, but I never voted for him not one time) should only elect people who have held real jobs first . . . I mean ones they didn’t get from family members or from Eddy Vrydoliak
Comment by Carbon Deforestation Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:24 pm
Decent but not great speech as it is largely divorced from reality. The rebuttal should wipe away any doubts that he raised. That said, the argument that first term stuff should be off the table is interesting. He is right that the people reelected him even with the knowledge of that stuff. Still, there is no time limitations on what he can be used to remove him from office. The impeachment process is political not legal and there is certainly the political will in this state to boot him out.
Comment by TominChicago Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:25 pm
Who will become the Lieutenant Governor?
Comment by Oak Parker Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:25 pm
musical interlude - great song! good job
Comment by Carbon Deforestation Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:27 pm
There is no LG. It will remain vacant until the next election. Lisa is next in line should something happen to Pat.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:27 pm
OP: There is none. Vacant until next election
Today, I was going to spray paint over Governor’s name on the way in from Missouri, but I wouldn’t want to ruin the day for a non-political-hack IDOT employee who has been dreaming of this day for years….
Comment by Vote Quimby! Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:27 pm
Public Perspective
This is how I see the public looking at this situation:
Blago goes on nation wide TV and because the national pundits don’t know this guy, and he is a Governor, they give him the benefit of the doubt that what he says is mostly truthful (regardless that most of now that every word out of his mouth is crap), and by all means mostly agree with him that this is a rail road job. Meanwhile, this impeachment thing is going on that no one is watching (I mean I have worked here for a decade and while I had the trial on in the background while I worked, Ellis droned out of my focus after 30 minutes). I know the public only saw the sensationalism on national news that basically backed the Governor that he was not getting due process. So the public tunes in to the Blago speech today (after ignoring the actual impeachment process) but then turns it off right after he is done. They think yeah this guy is a hipster dufuss but he makes good points and gave a great speech (which he has always done, to bad once he got done with the speeches he went home, literally, and never Governed, never gave the time to even give himself a chance to).
Anyway, my point is what the public will see is a guy getting railroaded by a faceless body and maybe even resurrected himself for the time being in some way today because of it. Some say to run for Rams seat, to secure a job, or just keep his dignity but whatever, I guarantee he put a lot of the public back in his corner today.
All in all he will be convicted (when all the evidence is heard, he will go away for a long time and this will be washed away), and impeached (great line by Jacobs and spot on) we all know that, however, there is a political lifetime left for him before that happens and while the inevitable will be there after his conviction he has pushed off the shame and embarrassment until then
Comment by Moderate Repub Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:28 pm
I feel bad for Patty and the kids who have to live with this man.
Comment by Drew Blagojevich Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:28 pm
Crazy,
It’s a totality of what he’s done over the years. Just recently events have fallen out to allow the impeachment. First, Emil Jones decided to retire conveniently past the deadline for the Nov ballot allowing his son Emil Jones III to be appointed to take over his spot on the ballot. Being thisclose to Blago, Jones would never had allowed a trial had the House issued the impeachment in the first place. Then Blago was arrested in December and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was just too much. So Blago was impeached and how his trial is over and we’ll see what the verdict (and sentence) is later this afternoon.
Comment by kimsch Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:28 pm
By my clock he came in late. Was that his doing? How many times did he say ‘dangerous precedent’? I really don’t think impeachment is dangerous, it’s the NOT impeaching him that would have a ‘chilling effect’ on Illinois. You know what they say about a lawyer defending himself, he has a fool for a client. He proved it!
Comment by Belle Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:29 pm
Rich,
Do you know the current whereabouts of the Governor? Is he already on the plane back to Chicago? Thanks!
Comment by UISeast Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:29 pm
The gov just arrived at the Springfield airport or at least his two SUVs he is getting the heck out of dodge
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:32 pm
To paraphrase the meaning of “the speech changed my mind, but none changed my vote”:
The governor’s right - he didn’t do anything most of us don’t. But he got caught on tape, so we’ve got to banish him lest voters get the wrong idea.
Comment by lincoln street Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:32 pm
Can’t wait for your criminal trial too, Rod. Just think how much fun it will be when everybody can call witnesses (including you) and they all back up the G’s allegations against you, and more.
Comment by Tollway Joe Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:32 pm
Thanks for the update, He Makes….
Comment by UISeast Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:33 pm
Many of the posters’ perspectives are shaded by their own self-interest.
Without question, one of the finest speeches ever given under stressful conditions.
Many viewers may have teared up.
Comment by True Observer Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:34 pm
“And finally, in closing, just let me say, I’ve got a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.”
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:34 pm
What a pathetic, self-serving pile of junk! Imagine how you would feel if you got arrested? I don’t think the Senators were sympathetic, since his first two minutes were devoted to his standard lies about the impeachment trial- no witnesses allowed, can’t challenge the evidence.
I don’t care what happens with the criminal case- the main point is that he will no longer be governor. He has been an embarrassment for so long, with his phony ethics tests and sanctimonious claims about serving the people. As my grandmother used to say, “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”
Comment by DuPage Dave Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:35 pm
Blago’s Last Plane to C-ville is leaving the station
Comment by curoius george Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:35 pm
Hey Rod,
How fairly did you treat others when YOU had to power to decide?
Karma back at you……..multiplied.
Comment by SOken Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:35 pm
The Guv could have called in Geraldo to testify. I’m sure he would have been willing.
Comment by Kevin Fanning Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:36 pm
Do ya think the plane will flyover around the Capitol for one last time?
Comment by HoBoSkillet Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:37 pm
TO…teared up ya riiighttt.. from laughter. The only tearing up I saw was Blag telling his “mother” of a story
Comment by curoius george Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:37 pm
Crazy:
First, they never attempted to impeach the Governor before because Emil Jones would have blocked it. Second, the Senate does not have to find him guilty of a crime or crimes. This is not the criminal case. There will be time for that later. The Senate is charged with removing the Governor from office if they concur with the article of impeachment which established a pattern of abuse of power.
Comment by GA Watcher Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:37 pm
Point to remember about “innocent until proven guilty”:
A governor found guilty of a serious crime can NOT be impeached. Under the Illinois Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1, “A person convicted of a felony, bribery, perjury or other infamous crime shall be ineligible to hold an office created by this Constitution.”
Thus, upon conviction, the individual is no longer governor. Only sitting Executive and Judicial officers can be impeached, not individuals who previously held, but no longer hold, office.
Comment by Charlie Wheeler Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:39 pm
* So far, a crime has not been proven. How can you throw a governor out of office for insufficient and incomplete evidence?
Huh? What about Rick Beard…who was booted without being convicted or even indicted…a double standard here? Forget it Rod.
Comment by Siyotanka Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:40 pm
TRON 11:59
Heather Wier i believe
Comment by beagle Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:40 pm
I’m betting where ever he is, plane or automobile, he’s in the fetal position, murmuring “I AM the governor, I AM the governor”.
Comment by EarlyBird Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:41 pm
What happens when the GA raises taxes tomorrow and Rod is on TV telling everyone I told you so?
This is going to be a blood bath! I LOVE IT!
Hey Democrats welcome to our world! LOL
Comment by GOPvotecounter Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:41 pm
looks like he’s catching the state plane back to chicago while he still can…
Comment by bored now Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:42 pm
Blagojevich has been trotting out his parents for years. He depicted their lives (performing factory work, collecting fares and issuing transfers at a CTA train station) as something out of Charles Dickens.
Comment by Honest Abe Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:43 pm
I wish they had voted before he got to the airport and made Rod find his own way back to Chicago.
Comment by SIUPROF Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:45 pm
How soon before Fox News takes the Rahm accusations & runs with them? Will RRB become the new “poster boy”??
Comment by jagsfan217 Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:45 pm
>Blago’s Last Plane to C-ville is leaving the station
He’s going to Carlinville?
If he’d made it to Carlinville on time the first time, we wouldn’t be here!
Comment by lincoln street Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:45 pm
GA Watcher, thanks for clarifying. Yea, he abused his power AND APPOINTED DIRECTORS to agencies that abused (are abusing) their powers as well. Yup…FIRE HIM and THEM!
Comment by Crazy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:45 pm
Rod Blagojevich is the new O.J. Simpson.
Comment by Dect 6.0 Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:46 pm
OK, I stand corrected. Yesterday, I said we would here 90 minutes of the same stuff from RRB we have been hearing from the talk shows, with his final statement that since he could not get a fair trial, he has resigned as of (insert time here).
He only talked for about 50 minutes (still saying basically what was said in NY) and that he would not resign.
My bad.
Comment by tanstaafl Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:47 pm
heard a lot of good speeches
this was not one them
Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:48 pm
jfan
What if Blago is telling the truth? Why do you think this is happening it comes from DC “Get him out of there” Blago has been the poster boy since they arrested him. Nobody would have cared if the national media were not in town covering the new President now Blago and Obama are connected at the hip until Blago is gone. That is my only problem with this process tiis going way to fast.
Comment by GOPvotecounter Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:49 pm
He probably did not stay after his speech so he could catch a state plane back to Chicago before they vote him out and he no longer has access to that state plane.
Comment by get out quick Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:51 pm
I have to bqck to Rich Miller’s retelling of what Blago considered before making any decision — “Legal, Personal, Political.” Would it get him in hot water, how would it benefit him persoanlly, and how would it play politically.
Not - is it good for the general public of Illinois, or for the proper administration of Illinois state government, or just the right thing to do.
Emotionally, Blago is a self-centered child.And his speech today was all about “don’t blame me,I didn’t do anything” — just like a four year old with cookie crumbs all over his shirt. Now it is time for him to be banished from the playground.
Comment by Capitol View Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:52 pm
Ever notice how eloquent they sound when speaking from the gallows. That was one his best speeches.
And on Rx Drug reimportation… wait…hold on… it’s coming… Rich, you know what I’m going to say… here it comes… wait…wait… I told you so.
Comment by Greg Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:53 pm
- True Observer - Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:34 pm:
Many of the posters’ perspectives are shaded by their own self-interest.
Without question, one of the finest speeches ever given under stressful conditions.
Many viewers may have teared up.
I don’t think its self intrest but more bias. Bias because most on here know this guy, maybe not personally but know how he works (or doesn’t) because they have watched him and had to deal with him for the past 6 years lie and mismanage the state. Call it the bubble syndrone, they are bias because they are to close to the situation. No one will gain anything because Quinn is going into the Executive branch, trust me.
That being said, I agree with your assesment of the speech, it was very good and maybe a few, very few tears in cook county some where, but lets not get crazy.
Comment by Moderate Repub Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:54 pm
GOP,
The reason this is going so fast is for two reasons:
1) The evidence is so clear and convincing. Also, every single Senator has been witness to his total disregard for the legislature and his long record of abusing the powers of his office.
2) The State has very serious problems and real work to do. Blago has done enough damage already and the sooner others can start cleaning up his mess the better.
Comment by JohnnyC Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:55 pm
Tears of laughter maybe.
Comment by kimsch Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:55 pm
Hopefully when get home from my factory job tonight Rod Blagojevich will be legally impeached and forbidden to hold any state office for the rest of his nature life.
Good Riddens!
Comment by Muel Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:58 pm
Like others have observed did an outstanding job — under the most difficult of conditions.
Comment by diana Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:58 pm
Fast and efficient is fine for this impeachment process, but I do hope that if there are or were any machinations from the White House, or its staff, to influence anything in the proceedings in Springfield, that the information is made public.
Comment by Captain Flume Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:59 pm
another music interlude:
Bon Jovi — Goin’ down in a blaze of glory
Comment by dupage progressive Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:00 pm
Aside from the fact that nearly everything he said was BS, it was a great speech. The one thing he said that WAS true was that he should have been impeached in his first term!
His assertion that “more people voted for me than not” in 2006 is also wrong. He got just UNDER 50 percent of the vote that time; he won only because JBT and Rich Whitney split the remaining vote.
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:02 pm
If the Senate convicts, what is the proceess for the governor’s ouster? Is he automatically removed from office? Does he have access to any state resources? Can he go to his various offices and retrieve personal items? Will some of those items be off-limits to him because they might be part of the criminal investigation?
Comment by Fan of the Game Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:03 pm
And now the deluge: politcal decapitation; eventual indictment; and personal oblivion.
The king is dead.
Long live “interim” Governor Quinn!
Comment by Captain America Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:04 pm
Secret Square - you are correct. I think he also won his first term by a plurality.
Comment by tanstaafl Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:04 pm
I hope that we’ll hear proof that Rahm Emanuel is corrupt. If so, the residents of the 5th Congressional District will know that three of their last four congressmen, Emanuel, Blagojevich, and Rostinkowski, were corrupt Democrats. That will help the campaign of the republican nominee, of the special election. That nominee will be Rosanna Pulido.
Comment by Phil Collins Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:05 pm
Fan, as I understand it, he is removed from office as soon as the gavel comes down to close the tribunal, providing of course the Senate votes to convict.
Phil, perhaps Rahmbo is corrupt, most pols are, but you’re dreaming if you think the 5th will vote GOP, especially with the decline they seem to be on.
Comment by Ken Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:10 pm
Thanks Phil. I forgot that Emanuel was convicted of corruption. Not sure how I missed that development. Obama must be terribly embarrassed too.
Could you tell us all when those charges against Emanuel were brought? My memory is hazy on that. Weird, especially since I live in the 5th. I would have thought that might have been in the news or something.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:13 pm
Phil, I can almost see Blago deciding to run for his old Congressional seat. The fact that the filing deadline is over is irrelevent - he’s Rod Blagojevich. But Blago is the only Democrat that Pulido could beat in that special election.
Comment by Capitol View Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:17 pm
Get past the b.s. and look at the impending real criminal issues. Real enough that the guv has warned the senate and house that he will take them all down with him!
Comment by Lucy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:26 pm
Lucy- Exactly. It’s just like his procamation that he should be allowed to call witnesses. He was trying to front run the impeachment by saying well if you do this “I will burn the house down”.
He will too. If he goes down so will alot of other people. He’s got the dirt and bring it to light if impeached. He will cut his nose off to spite his face.
All of this testimony will be used at his criminal trial as part of his “insanity” plea.
Comment by GofGlenview Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 1:38 pm
My mama was an alley cat and I never even knew my daddy… We ate out of garbage cans… I never sat on the best fences… sad…
Comment by Kitty Herself Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 2:13 pm
I’ve always wondered how proud his dearly-departed parents would be of him and what he has done to this state - and the family name. Luckily he has daughters and they’ll only be hung with the shame of that name until they marry.
Comment by JW Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 2:14 pm
I thought the were supposed to be starting back up at 2:00
Comment by Tired Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 2:30 pm
Idiot Rod. Missed his chance. He should have ended his speech by offering to give $100K and move 250 state jobs to the district of anyone who voted against his impeachment!
Comment by JW Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 2:33 pm
got the feed again sorry to bother Y’all
Comment by Tired Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 2:41 pm
Those of you who (some deleted) are whining about how this is taking too long need to take a breath and grow up. This is an historic moment. Debate is necessary. No more of that, please. If you can’t wait, go away.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 2:43 pm
The hard working people in Illinois state government who have been fighting Blago and his ” appointed Hoodlums ” deserve our respect and gratitude. I hope the appointees from this governor run and hide in shame, and as they leave let us all keep vigil over who and where they came from.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 3:16 pm
Oh Ya lets keep in mind and on tape what our senators are saying today
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 3:19 pm
Frank is on a roll!
Comment by Vote Quimby! Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 4:25 pm
Phil Collins, you’re a one-trick pony.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 5:26 pm