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This has been the rumor for days, but the Tribune was apparently able to confirm it.
Some notes of caution, however. Subpoenas can sometimes be routine matters. Also, an investigation is not a conviction.
Obviously, the timing of this revelation can’t be good for the governor, considering that we have eight days left in the scheduled session. The governor will likely just press ahead as he always has, claim he did nothing wrong, say he has helped uncover wrongdoing, etc., etc., etc. Still, he’s been undercut at a very crucial moment.
Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed records from Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s campaign fund as part of a sweeping corruption investigation into whether top aides and advisers exchanged state business and jobs for political support, the Tribune has learned.
The recent move is the first public indication that political financial records belonging to the governor are being sought. Sources describe the subpoena as the latest step in an ongoing investigation that has focused on major players in the record-breaking fundraising effort that propelled Blagojevich to consecutive terms. […]
The governor’s office had no comment when asked about the subpoena late last week, referring questions to the campaign. A spokesman for Blagojevich’s campaign did not return repeated phone calls Tuesday seeking comment on the subpoena but in previous days said, “We do not comment on these matters.”
Details about what records were being sought were not immediately known. But three law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation said the subpoena for documents was issued in recent days and is a noteworthy signal that the federal probe is active and ongoing.
Comment ground rules: No names allowed. Don’t pass along rumors of what you think you know about this. If you have a news tip, contact myself or some other reporter. You’ll face permanent banishment if you violate these ground rules.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 7:06 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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It is about time!
Comment by Patriot Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 7:41 am
Follow the money…
The point about being undercut during the budget negotiations is a valid one: Rod’s tactic is always to use the court of public opinion to bludgeon his adversaries, but with this story hanging around, he’s like a submarine that’s afraid to surface because of a fleet of hostile reporters circling, waiting to bombard him on this topic.
It’s also hard to position yourself as a Holy Warrior on the side of Right and Justice under these conditions.
I expect this situation makes Madigan’s position in the 3-way budget negotiatons much stronger, and Emil’s, weaker.
Comment by Gregor Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 7:51 am
Do they ever learn? Quoting the Bible AGAIN: “The truth shall set you free;” but it’s more like: “The truth will get you 10 to 20 years.”
Comment by If It Walks Like a Duck... Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 7:54 am
Another IL Governor, this time a Dem, who may be pokey bound–
the corruption in IL politics is truly sad–
I don’t think things will ever change–
the only positive development from this is that Emil Jones’ closeness to the the Gov and ComEd seriously erodes his gravitas at a critical juncture in the electricity rate war–one can only hope some of the legislators are now emboldened to work on the behalf of the rate payers–someone muzzle Emil’s guard dog Clayborne
PLEASE!!
Get to work Mr. Speaker–
Comment by Loop Lady Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 8:08 am
Rich said….>”The governor will likely just press ahead as he always has, claim he did nothing wrong, say he has helped uncover wrongdoing, etc., etc., etc.”
Did you get a sneek peek at today’s, Ms. Nix press statement?
Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 8:10 am
This is actually buisness as usual in Blagos administration. The feds have issued at least 8 seperate subpoenas into the blago administration and he is using taxpayers money to fight freedom of information requests to release these documents. yeah this guy deserves more of our money.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 8:11 am
For the good of the citizenry, the guv’s GRT proposal should be evaluated independently of any problems he might have with the feds. Completely independently. GRT still seems to be the best plan under discussion, given its ease of collection and resistance to special interest loopholes. Loopholes riddle the current Illinois tax system, both business and personal, and would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to plug over the short term. And I doubt that any party in power would ever have the appetite for a major long-term tax overhaul.
And let’s not forget that both pay to play by the private sector and state jobs patronage are substantially legal in Illinois. Even if Blago does get into trouble on these issues, the laws won’t necessarily change, allowing future pols
wide latitude in how they use patronage and campaign contributions to influence government activities.
Over the longer run, might be good news for Lisa or Alexi’s gubernatorial prospects though.
Comment by Cassandra Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 8:21 am
This really does come at a bad time for the Gov. He was sort of loosing his seat at the table anyway, this news now that it is confirmed can’t help.
Comment by leigh Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 8:24 am
Maybe this is why the civil service commission spiked the CMS Two case without explanation? They didn’t want to feed the ongoing investigation? Maybe we should declare May Honest Hiring Month.
Comment by Babysitter's Club Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 8:26 am
Rich, what records could they be looking for that aren’t already on the state board website?
Comment by Anon Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 9:09 am
Anon, the feds just don’t go to the Board’s website for info. When building a case, they have to use subpoenas. So, again, this may not be as ominous as it looks from what little info we have. Then again, it may be worse. Nobody but the feds and the governor know for sure.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 9:16 am
Republicans - don’t give up hope…
Comment by Dieter Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 9:32 am
A really good indicator might be to check and see if Pat Quinn has been to his tailor recently.
Another question Rich, how did we learn of this subpoena when all the others have been so cloaked ?
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 10:06 am
I did not think subpoenas would come down on his campaign headquarters.
Cassandra, I think our “leaders” will see the tea leaves if this gets bad and move to change hiring practices and contracting standards. A new-age leader like Lisa or Alexi or Bill Brady would be ideal at revamping the system.
I think it puts a black eye on the citizens of Illinois that we put Blago back in office. We will regret this for years to come.
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 10:44 am
The practices for campaigns, contracts, and patronage will never change; the foxes are in charge of the hen house so we cannot expect inherent behavior to change.
Comment by i d Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 11:50 am
I read the story on the Tribune website, they have a CLTV video story posted on the side - it shows the Governor ducking into an elevator to avoid substantive questions about investigations. Classic Governor in action.
Speaking of the Tribune - Rich can you do a post about its new “bloggy” feature. I think it sucks, there is no comment moderation and they need it. The comments make Tribune readers look like morons. That kind of open free public dialogue is fine for some websites, but that is definately not what want when I go to the Tribune website.
Comment by Napoleon has left the building Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 12:22 pm
Every day that goes by, Governor Blagojevich seems more and more like Warden Samuel Norton (Shawshank Redemption)
~ I believe in two things: discipline and the Bible. Here you’ll receive both. Put your trust in the Lord; your ass belongs to me. Welcome to Shawshank.
~ Salvation lies within.
Comment by Free Press! ! ! ! ! Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 1:07 pm
Tribune readers are morons!
Comment by Bill Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 1:41 pm
Rich, Is it possible to recall a sitting gov?
Comment by NIEVA Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 1:55 pm
Thanks Bill. Sensitive today?
Comment by Gravy Train Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 1:56 pm
Nieva, I recall Ryan, Kerner and Walker.
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 1:57 pm
When I say recall I mean now! Can we ask for a vote or someother method to rid ourselves of this joke they call gov?
Comment by NIEVA Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 2:06 pm
Nieva, I apologize, just the old high school mentality resurfacing. No, Illinois doesn’t have a recall process. Other than Fitzgerald. Sorry!
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 2:16 pm
However, Fitz first indicted and convicted Ryan’s Citizens for Ryan Campaign Fund under RICO as a criminal enterprise . . . then the dominos began to tumble.
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 2:21 pm
It does seem that the same pattern that was used to take down old George is being employed on Blago. Tick tock, tick tock. Time is the great equalizer and Rod’s clock may be winding down.
Comment by Papa Legba Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 2:36 pm
Why are Tribune readers morons? There is no way the Trib would run that story if they were not absolutely sure it was true. No paper could afford that lawsuit.
Comment by leigh Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 2:38 pm
Isn’t Governor Blagojevich governed by the same laws that govern you and me?
Instead he tramples the law.
Comment by Terrible Example Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 2:48 pm
Blagojevich’s campaign has paid Winston & Strawn $981,000—more than $735,000 of that in the second half of 2006.
Shouldn’t this expense come out the Governor’s pocket not the taxpayers?
Comment by ALL~BRAN Enema Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 2:57 pm
If the flames of justice were nipping at yor hind end you’d be trampling them too!
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 2:59 pm
Just how much is it costing the State of Illinois taxpayers for Rod’s handlers to keep spinning all this “we do things right” crap?
Rod’s is without doubt delusional.
Comment by Rod's Private Universe Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 3:32 pm
Now would be a good time for Rod and his staffer’s to take a trip to Cuba on the public’s dime.
Yea know, some nice cigars, sipping some fine cognac with Fidel and talking socialism.
Rod wouldn’t have to worry about the media asking tough questions down there.
Comment by Assignment Cuba Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 3:59 pm
Expect a flurry of press releases and agency Director appearances this week touting little “good news” stories wherever they can dig them up.
Comment by Babysitter's Club Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 4:19 pm
Maybe the gov’s wife could write a children’s book - something along the line of “It Takes A Prison and a US Attorney” - that’d be a real barn burner!
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 5:28 pm
Hey Bill- I read the Tribune and I’m not a moron. I thought insults were not allowed in the comments, Rich???
Comment by Decatur Dave Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 9:09 pm
Dave, take it easy on Bill, he’s really had a baaaad day! Besides, he’s our somewhat misguided but lovable curmudgeon mascot. He wears the same rose tinted sunglasses the guv does.
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 9:39 pm
To add fuel to the Guv’s fire, CMS is starting to nose around about expenses in printing for the past year, especially around election time. Remember all those All Kids, Vet’s Care, etc brochures and flyers that miraculously appeared in peoples’ mail boxes just before the election, with the governor’s name the largest type on the page.
Comment by Disgusted Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 10:52 pm
“Disgusted” - That’s great, more business for Carl Draper!! Free the CMS Two !!! Make room for the next herd of sacrificial lambs.
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, May 23, 07 @ 11:22 pm