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* Greg Hinz has a reminder for those of you who feel sorry for Rod Blagojevich…
It now has been a few years since the Blagojevich tempest first arose. So let me provide a little bit of a reminder of what he did that was clearly illegal, clearly unethical or just damned stupid.
Start with shaking down a children’s hospital executive for a campaign contribution in exchange for a state grant. That was one of the guilty counts.
Or repeatedly lying to federal agents. That was another, the same type of offense alleged against various associates of President Donald Trump. […]
Or the Tribune story about how 75 percent of those who contributed at least $25,000 to the then-governor’s campaign war chest received something of value from his government: an appointment, a contract, a favorable policy decision, whatever. […]
As U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel said in sentencing Blagojevich to 14 years, the ex-governor “wasn’t marched along this (corruption) path by his staff. He marched them.”
Also, don’t forget that Blagojevich’s first trial ended with a hung jury on all but one count. Charges were then dismissed against his brother Rob. The former governor could’ve tried to cut a deal, but he defiantly refused to even consider it. So there he sits.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 9:58 am
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Everything stated is spot on. Nevertheless the sentence was too severe by 6 years. The mastermind Tony Rezko only spent 8 years in prison
Comment by Sue Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:00 am
Blagojevich is still not remorseful or contrite, is he?
Keep him in there.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:05 am
Just for our favorite blogger Bill’s sake, keep him in there.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:06 am
I only feel bad for Rod because they actually threw him in jail for doing what, in his opinion, every did and does.
But he was dumb enough to get caught, and that’s a no-no. But many others have too, sometimes for worse crimes, and they were given a slap on the wrist or set free.
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:07 am
Prosecution for the appointments, contracts, etc. got big footed by the USA. Maybe if they let Blagoof loose he could face some of that. More fun
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:11 am
Rod was a good Governor and should be free. If anyone should be locked up it should be Rauner. Urging people not to feel sorry is wicked.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:15 am
and I think he could probably beat Rauner if he was on the ballot in November.
Comment by Saluki Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:16 am
No sympathy for Rod (or Patti), a little for their kids, but there thousands of families w/ dad locked up and much less support
Comment by Rutro Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:19 am
If you’re pigheaded and refuse to see how you can soften your own punishments, and show no remorse for your actions, seen by a court as illegal, you can’t help those who won’t help themselves.
I feel terrible for his daughters, I feel some sympathy for Patti… I have no time for Rod as he has acted up to the time if this comment.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:19 am
Most of the people on social media happy about Rod being in jail have been white people.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:21 am
I’m surprised Patti B. didn’t make a stronger direct appeal during her appearance on the Tucker Comedy Hour.
She had an audience of one, and had to throw the Hail Mary: she should have emptied the bag with “witch hunt,” “fake news,” “slimeball,” the whole whiny victim schmear.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:21 am
===Rod was a good Governor and should be free===
It can’t get more absurd than this.
Comment by People Over Parties Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:21 am
It can’t get more absurd than this.
-what’s absurd is u not providing examples that he wasnt
Comment by Real Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:24 am
===what’s absurd is u not providing examples that he wasnt===
Rod shook down a children’s hospital, in a capacity as governor, for political monies.
That’s not a good governor.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:25 am
If you saw Patti Blagojevich on Tucker Carlson, she exemplified why her husband is still locked up. She was defiant and blamed everyone else except her husband for his crimes. It was pathetic and proves they are both incapable of remorse. I really have a hard time feeling sorry for her.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:26 am
Real @ 10:15
I knew someone who aspired to be a public servant (along the lines of a Paul Simon) become thoroughly disillusioned under Rod. I suspect a lot of Gen X’ers left Springfield never to come back. Good riddance to him.
Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:28 am
Friends who were at DCFS under Blagojevich have described how they avoided dealing with some of his appointees they thought corrupt. At least one went to jail.
Few of us know our elected officials on a personal basis. I fault those Democrats, such as Mike Madigan, who knew who he was and still backed him for re-election. I now fault those Republicans, like Jim Durkin, who know Rauner and still back him.
I know my view will be considered naive by many and politics makes strange bedfellows. But our elected officials have a duty to use their inside knowledge for the general good.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:30 am
Blago gave us a foretaste of the President to come!
Comment by d.p.gumby Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:38 am
Only a tool would claim that citizens are happy when their elected officials are jailed. Jailing elected officials is not enjoyable. It is a disaster for government and an embarrassment for everyone.
Claiming that anyone enjoys jailing other citizens is disgusting.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:44 am
Trump fired Blagojevich for poor results.
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:46 am
Remember, Rod (nor Patty) has yet to express any remorse for his (their) actions.
Comment by Wylie Coyote Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:50 am
These two things are both true:
1. Blago’s behavior as Governor was disgraceful and he thoroughly deserved to be removed from office and convicted for breaking the law.
2. The sentence of 14 years was and is excessive by any reasonable standard. He has served more than enough time for the crimes he committed.
Comment by slow down Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:51 am
Remember, Rod (nor Patty) has yet to express any remorse for his (their) actions
Both called on the full release of all tapes. Sounds like the ones not wanting all the tapes heard are the ones with something to hide.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:53 am
The defense of “But everyone else was doing it” didn’t work in kindergarten and it sure as heck shouldn’t work for political corruption convictions. So no sympathy for Rod. Though plenty of sympathy for his family including Patti.
Comment by Chicago_Downstater Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:56 am
Blago wanted all tapes released. If he leaked the tapes they would put him and under the jail. But Rauner and Tribune do it and they are free to go.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:57 am
He was awful, he was found guilty. However the sentence was way too long especially considering most of the charges were conspiracy charges and overlapping crimes. His theatrics, unwillingness to admit wrong doing, Letterman, Pistachios, Celebrity Apprentice, etc; led to the them going all out after him even more than they would any public official, but in my opinion that should not lead to an extra ~4 years in prison.
Comment by Worth It Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 10:57 am
===but in my opinion that should not lead to an extra ~4 years in prison.===
It’s not “extra”, that’s the issue.
The judge, within the federal sentencing guidelines, gave Rod a sentence consistent within the years Rod “could” serve being found guilty.
Rod is serving the higher end of the guidelines by being… Rod… and not showing contrition, remorse, and by defiantly throughout the trial and after conviction being overtly strident.
Actions have consequences.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:01 am
===Both called on the full release of all tapes===
Will JB be joining them in that call? Lol
Comment by People Over Parties Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:01 am
Now that the Tribbies have leaked portions of the tapes maybe the Blagoofians could leak the one they have. Actually all we recall near to hear are the Stu Levine segments
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:01 am
JB already called on it. Funny how the people with the tapes only release some for campaign benefits.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:03 am
So many mindless zombies accuse Blago of being guilty but he and his wife want all tapes released. Why won’t prosecuters release them?
Comment by Real Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:06 am
===So many mindless zombies accuse Blago of being guilty===
A federal court found Rod guilty, through a jury trial.
Nothing to accuse, it’s factual. Rod is guilty, as the case closed with that verdict.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:07 am
OW
Yeah with only hearing preselected tapes. That was the point.
Comment by Real Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:11 am
I agree with slow down. To those who say that Rod has not shown remorse: Justice does not require a showing of remorse, class, a likeable personality or a willingness to cut a plea deal. Justice is supposed to be blind to all of that. That said, a 14 year term did was excessive.
Comment by Southside Markie Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:15 am
OW @ 11:01 “Rod is serving the higher end of the guidelines by being… Rod”
My problem is with the subjectivity. Rod’s behavior impacted not only the judge’s sentencing but also the aggressiveness of the added counts by the prosecution. I think it is ridiculous that anyone’s sentence could potentially increase or decrease by 4-5 years for the same exact crimes based on being a horse’s you know what.
Comment by Worth It Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:16 am
With respect,
===I think it is ridiculous that anyone’s sentence could potentially increase or decrease by 4-5 years for the same exact crimes based on being a horse’s you know what.===
… then people can’t get the lower end of the guidelines for showing contrition, remorse, and owning up to their guilt.
Works both ways. Respectfully.
- Real -
Rod isn’t a victim. Rod is a felon, based on his actions and a court case, with his peers finding him guilty.
The tapes are ironically a side show, as Rod’s Show was found wanting to jurors.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:19 am
It is only because of their privileged status that the family Blago can continue to show up in the media whining about Rod’s sentence.
I reserve my sympathy for the powerless who also received long sentences but have expressed regret, and are living in rougher prisons right now than Rod’s.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:21 am
I feel more sympathy for nearly every petty criminal I prosecute on a daily basis than I do for Rod.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:28 am
No reasonable person is saying Rod should not have been punished.
OW @ 11:01 “Rod is serving the higher end of the guidelines by being… Rod”
The statement I quote above is true, but is ridiculous on it’s face. If you want to provide room for leniency I understand, the problem is that I and many many people feel that sentence was too harsh. I dispute that Blago got the normal sentence (with no leniency). However, if I concede that for a minute, would it make any sense if his sentence was reduced from 14 to 10 years based simply on an impassioned speech and trotting his young daughters out for sympathy? It wouldn’t and it doesn’t. A 10% change in sentencing in either direction could make sense but a system that allows such a significant increase or decrease based on subjectivity deserves criticism.
Comment by Worth It Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:32 am
Rod got his due process. His court case and appeals. Very unlikely someone will commute his term. Patti is expending tremendous amounts of emotional energy on trying to get him released. The hope monster. Do feel sympathy for his daughters.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:36 am
(un)Real, here is just a short list of Blagoofs poor leadership:
1. Skipped pension payments
2. All kids
3. Tried importing pharmaceuticals from Canada
He should received the maximum sentence, and clearly 14 years has not deterred any other politicians in IL from corruption.
Comment by Angry Republican Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:38 am
“Don’t forget Judy Baar Topinka, the godmother of the moderate wing of the Illinois Republican Party. The state treasurer dared to run against Blagojevich in his 2006 re-election race. He used his war chest, the one Kelly assembled amid all the scandals, to demonize her as a crazy lady in millions of dollars of TV ads. The Illinois GOP has not been the same since.”
I never forgave him for that.
Comment by ste_with a v_en Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:40 am
===impassioned speech and trotting his young daughters out for sympathy?===
Again, with respect.
I wrote…
===…not showing contrition, remorse, and by defiantly throughout the trial and after conviction being overtly strident.===
Two different animals.
Respectfully.
===…allows such a significant increase or decrease based on subjectivity deserves criticism.===
I’m not ready to discard compassion for a smaller window that allows uniformity for those contrite and strident. Otherwise, the strident will sink the compassion for the contrite.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:42 am
===Why won’t prosecuters release them?===
That was up to a federal judge.
Sheesh, some of you people are just daft.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:45 am
Fair enough OW…I believe our disagreement relates more to the measure of degree. Thanks for the reasonable discourse.
Comment by Worth It Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:47 am
===Thanks for the reasonable discourse.===
Thank you - Worth It -, I enjoyed it too.
It’s a good discussion to have, sentencing, and thinking it through in places like Rich has here… good stuff.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:53 am
“You got to be careful how you express that, and assume everybody’s listening. The whole world is listening. I would do it in person. I would not do it on the phone.”
Comment by ZC Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 11:56 am
If you don’t think your behavior post indictment affects your sentence, look at Parma Bro Martin Shkrelli, now doing 7 years. His behavior reminds me a lot of Blago’s and he got hammered too.
Comment by The Way I See It Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 12:11 pm
Politicians who abuse the public trust for their own personal gain should rot in jail for a very long time. Hopefully Blago will serve as a warning to the rest of them that think they can get rich off their office.
Comment by bb Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 12:14 pm
“Rod was a good Governor and should be free. If anyone should be locked up it should be Rauner.”
But for Rod Blagojevich’s criminality, Bruce Rauner would never have been elected as governor.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 12:15 pm
Trying to sell a US Senate seat is not exactly your average political corruption case. He got what he deserved and he can finish his sentence.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 12:27 pm
==Rod is serving the higher end of the guidelines by being… Rod… and not showing contrition, remorse, and by defiantly throughout the trial and after conviction being overtly strident.==
OW, I’m not always the biggest fan of your takes but you nail this one. I admit to feeling sympathy for Blago in recent years but then I remember nobody forced him to do/act like he did.
Comment by FDB Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 12:30 pm
==Pharma Bro Martin Shkrelli==
This is also one of the best comparisons I’ve ever seen lol…. it’s not hard to envision Rod as Shkrelli in another life.
Comment by FDB Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 12:36 pm
My recollection is that part of the basis for the 14 years was that Blago’s immediate predecessor had been sentenced to six and a half years for corruption and that did not deter Blago. So the court wanted a sentence substantial enough to make future governors think twice. At looks like the next two did, so the deterrent may have been effective.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 12:48 pm
===I’m not always the biggest fan of your takes…===
… the list is long and distinguished, you’re in good company.
Thank you, appreciate your kind words.
The “Martin Shkrelli” take is the most glaring example. Good catch.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 12:52 pm
Part of Rod’s punishment landing on the harder side of the guidelines is no doubt due to the inability to charge him with 12 million counts for each crime - because that’s how many people he betrayed. The rich and powerful should be held to a higher standard, and you could argue that Rod was. Many of the arguments for Rod here revolve around others being given lesser sentences for similar crimes. I would argue that many of those got off too easy, not that Rod was punished too severely. Plus, he’s serving his time in a Colorado country club, not Stateville. My guess is his safety and daily comfort is a thousand times more secure than some stickup guy in Pontiac.
Comment by Stuntman Bob's Brother Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 3:27 pm
Blago is a vile, not particularly bright man.
He deserved to spend some time in the crossbar hotel.
He and Lady MacBlago have shown no remorse and continue to see themselves as victims. Well they are victims of their own bad choices.
Given what she said on the tapes she’s lucky Fitzgerald decided to go after Brother MacBlago and not her.
All that being said I’d have zero problem with Trump commuting Blago’s sentence on the following conditions:
1. No interviews or public appearances of any sort until his original sentence runs out.
2. No working as a radio hosts, commercial spokesperson etc of any sort during same time frame.
3. No jogging through my neighborhood so I don’t have to see him.
Comment by Irishpirate Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 3:53 pm
Blago will never get a presidential pardon.
The last thing Trump needs now is more people talking about a golden tape.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 4:07 pm
Genealogy is one of my hobbies. If I weren’t so busy working on updating a family book, I’d be tempted to run genetic tests on Blago and Pharma Bro, then do their family trees to see if they have any common ancestors, and how far back those ancestors are.
Comment by Lynn S. Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 6:45 pm