The Conservative Cave
Current Events => Breaking News => Topic started by: thundley4 on December 09, 2008, 08:26:37 AM
-
(http://www.indignantonline.com/images/blago-me-worry.gif)
December 9, 2008 at 8:10 AM | Comments (0)
A source said today that Gov. Rod Blagojevich was taken into federal custody at his North Side home this morning. The U.S. attorney's office would not confirm the information.
A Blagojevich spokesman said he was unaware of the development. "Haven't heard anything -- you are first to call," Lucio Guerrero said in an e-mail.
Developing (http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/source-feds-take-gov-blagojevich-into-custody.html)
Edit: Just heard on FNC that he may have tried to sell Obamas vacant senate seat.
-
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
I bet the folks at BofA are feelling schadenfruede. (not the moderator.) :tongue:
-
well, this is huge. this guy is probably toast.
Blagojevich Selling Obama's Senate Seat? [Byron York]
The criminal complaint against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich includes the following allegations concerning Blagojevich's actions (and those of Blagojevich's chief of staff John Harris) to fill Barack Obama's Senate seat:
By law, after the President-elect’s resignation of his position as a U.S. Senator, which was effective on November 16, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH has sole authority to appoint his replacement for the two years remaining of the President-elect’s Senate term. During the course of this investigation, agents have intercepted a series of communications regarding the efforts of ROD BLAGOJEVICH, JOHN HARRIS, and others to misuse this power to obtain personal gain, including financial gain, for ROD BLAGOJEVICH and his family. In particular, ROD BLAGOJEVICH has been intercepted conspiring to trade the senate seat for particular positions that the President-elect has the power to appoint (e.g. the Secretary of Health and Human Services). ROD BLAGOJEVICH has also been intercepted conspiring to sell the Senate seat in exchange for his wife’s placement on paid corporate boards or ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s placement at a private foundation in a significant position with a substantial salary. ROD BLAGOJEVICH has also been intercepted conspiring to sell the Senate seat in exchange for millions of dollars in funding for a non-profit organization that he would start and that would employ him at a substantial salary after he left the governorship.
Link (http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NGE5ZDE2NjQ1ZTIwMTVmYTQzYWFmZjVkOWI1ODJlYzk=)
-
Gee.
A crooked politician from Illinois.
Who would have thought?
Yes, there must be another explanation.deminks Donating Member (1000+ posts) Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Tue Dec-09-08 09:37 AM
Response to Original message
9. OK, one day he threatens Bank of America, next day he is arrested.
He may be crooked, I don't know, but I think he might be being Siegelmanned.
http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/620572.html
They (Bushco) don't even try to hide it anymore, do they?
BFEE to blame!!11!! (http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3637580)
-
So, who gets to choose Obama's replacement, or does he still have that power even now?
-
well, this is huge. this guy is probably toast.
Yow, if that is what's going on this is going to spatter sewage all over the Dems! Oh, wait, what am I thinking, that would require a free and independent press...
-
So, who gets to choose Obama's replacement, or does he still have that power even now?
the next highest ranking elected state official that isn't in jail, I suppose. :-)
seriously, I would assume that blagowhatever retains that authority until he resigns or is otherwise removed from office.
I have read in a couple of places this morning that jesse jackson jr was lobbying heavily for that senate seat. :uhsure:
-
Illinois Gov. Blagojevich, chief of staff, arrested
Breadth of corruption "staggering"
Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, were arrested by FBI agents on federal corruption charges Tuesday morning.
Blagojevich and Harris were arrested simultaneously at their homes at about 6:15 a.m., according to Frank Bochte of the FBI. Both were awakened in their residences and transported to FBI headquarters in Chicago.
In one charge related to the appointment of a senator to replace Barack Obama, prosecutors allege that Blagojevich sought appointment for himseld as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the new Obama administration, or a lucrative job with a union, in exchange for appointing a union-preferred candidate.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rod-blagojevich-1209,0,7997804.story
.
-
(http://www.indignantonline.com/images/blago-me-worry.gif) Developing (http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/source-feds-take-gov-blagojevich-into-custody.html)
Edit: Just heard on FNC that he may have tried to sell Obamas vacant senate seat.
Wait.... it's not my birthday yet. Maybe.......... Santa IS real! :lmao:
-
It's.....................................
FITZMAS
“The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering,†U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said in a statement.
-
I notice no mention of his political affiliation.
If he were a Rethug, where would that bit of information be in the story, do you think? :whatever:
-
I notice no mention of his political affiliation.
If he were a Rethug, where would that bit of information be in the story, do you think? :whatever:
Usually preceeding the first use of his name - in the headline even.
example Eeeeee-vil corrupt rethug dictator Robby BlowJob...
-
while most of this seems to be about the attempt to sell obama's seat, I also seem to recall that rezko's sentencing was delayed before the election, and that the conjecture was that it was because he was cooperating with the feds.
-
Gee.
A crooked politician from Illinois.
Who would have thought?
Has there ever been an honest one? I mean ever.
-
well, this is huge. this guy is probably toast.
In particular, ROD BLAGOJEVICH has been intercepted conspiring to trade the senate seat for particular positions that the President-elect has the power to appoint (e.g. the Secretary of Health and Human Services).
I wonder how he was planning to get a job offer from Obama, unless he thought that Obama had in mind a favoured successor.
-
I wonder how he was planning to get a job offer from Obama, unless he thought that Obama had in mind a favoured successor.
Blackmail. :lmao:
-
Has there ever been an honest one? I mean ever.
Well, Lincoln was from Illinois, and his nickname was "Honest Abe." Other than that, I don't think so.
-
at least one of the candidates for obama's senate seat was willing to play ball, apparently. this could get deep. quick. :-)
According to the affidavit from prosecutors, Mr. Blagojevich told an adviser last week that he might “get some (money) upfront, maybe†from one of the candidates hoping to replace Mr. Obama. That person was identified only as “Candidate 5.â€
In an earlier recorded conversation, prosecutors say, Mr. Blagojevich said he was approached by an associate of “Candidate 5†with an offer of $500,000 in exchange for the Senate seat.
More (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/10Illinois.html)
-
Well, Lincoln was from Illinois, and his nickname was "Honest Abe." Other than that, I don't think so.
he was a republican. it matters. :wink: :-)
-
while most of this seems to be about the attempt to sell obama's seat, I also seem to recall that rezko's sentencing was delayed before the election, and that the conjecture was that it was because he was cooperating with the feds.
Yes, I remember that. I wonder if Rezko rolled on Blagojevich.
-
Wonder what Obama's involvement is in all of this....... :evillaugh:
-
I wonder how he was planning to get a job offer from Obama, unless he thought that Obama had in mind a favoured successor.
can't we all predict the soon to be released statement from the Office of the President-Elect? "That's not the Rod Blagojevich that I knew", followed immediately by the sound of a body squishing under a bus. :rotf:
-
I notice no mention of his political affiliation.
If he were a Rethug, where would that bit of information be in the story, do you think? :whatever:
Looks like even the NY Times forgot to mention it until they modified it.
LINK (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/10Illinois.html?_r=2&hp)
HT: NRO.
-
Looks like even the NY Times forgot to mention it until they modified it.
LINK (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/10Illinois.html?_r=2&hp)
HT: NRO.
My husband sent me the link from MSN's front page before it was corrected for Blagojevich's party affiliation but it did say this on page two:
Would-be reformer
Blagojevich took the chief executive's office in 2003 as a reformer promising to clean up Ryan's mess.
Ryan, a Republican, is serving a 6-year prison sentence after being convicted on racketeering and fraud charges. A decade-long investigation began with the sale of driver's licenses for bribes and led to the conviction of dozens of people who worked for Ryan when he was secretary of state and governor.
-
The smoking gun has the FBI affidavit
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/1209081rod1.html
(http://i.cdn.turner.com/trutv/thesmokinggun.com/graphics/art4/1209081rod1.gif)
another 20 pages at the link
-
pdf of the CRIMINAL COMPLAINT. :-) (sorry if already linked)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2008-12/43789434.pdf
I admit to feeling like dancing on this guys political grave but it's too soon for me. This guy looks so dirty it's just bad for the whole State if not the country. (I'll dance when he is in jail and they throw away the keys)
-
Well, Lincoln was from Illinois, and his nickname was "Honest Abe." Other than that, I don't think so.
He was a transplant. He was born and bred in Ky.
-
jeez. how do people like this get elec . . . never mind. :-)
The Senate candidate whom Blago at one point thought that President-elect Obama seemed most likely to be supporting -- friend and adviser Valerie Jarrett, who later took herself out of the running and will be a White House Senior Adviser -- is discussed, as "Senate Candidate 1." Jarrett referred ABC News to the Obama Transition Team for comment; they did not have one.
Ultimately, it appears that neither PEBO nor Jarrett were willing to discuss any of Blago's various notions of how he could sell them the seat. Talking to his chief of staff on November 11, Blago said he knew PEBO wanted Jarrett to get the Senate seat but “they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. F--- them."
At one point, discussing what he could get from PEBO for the Senate seat, Blago said his general counsel believes that PEBO could get Blago's wife on paid corporate boards "in exchange for naming the President-elect’s pick to the Senate."
The general Counsel asked, “can [the President-elect] help in the private sector... where it wouldn’t be tied to him?... I mean, so it wouldn’t necessarily look like one for the other.â€
Blago says consultants are telling him that he has to “suck it up†for two years and do nothing and give this “motherf----r [the President-elect] his senator. F--- him. For nothing? F--- him.â€
He adds he will give "Senate Candidate 4" (a deputy Governor) the Seat “before I just give f---ing" Jarrett the "f---ing Senate seat and I don’t get anything.â€
More (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/12/fbi-blago-tryin.html)
-
at least one of the candidates for obama's senate seat was willing to play ball, apparently. this could get deep. quick. :-)
According to the affidavit from prosecutors, Mr. Blagojevich told an adviser last week that he might “get some (money) upfront, maybe†from one of the candidates hoping to replace Mr. Obama. That person was identified only as “Candidate 5.â€
In an earlier recorded conversation, prosecutors say, Mr. Blagojevich said he was approached by an associate of “Candidate 5†with an offer of $500,000 in exchange for the Senate seat.
Would it be too much to ask of Fitzmas that Jesse Jackson Jr. is candidate number 5? :rotf:
**edited for quote tags**
-
Quote
According to the affidavit from prosecutors, Mr. Blagojevich told an adviser last week that he might “get some (money) upfront, maybe†from one of the candidates hoping to replace Mr. Obama. That person was identified only as “Candidate 5.â€
In an earlier recorded conversation, prosecutors say, Mr. Blagojevich said he was approached by an associate of “Candidate 5†with an offer of $500,000 in exchange for the Senate seat. [quote/]
Would it be too much to ask of Fitzmas that Jesse Jackson Jr. is candidate number 5? :rotf:
Maybe not. :-)
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/12/blago_indictment_who_is_senate.php
In other words -- if Blago doesn't get what he wanted, then he'd stiff the PEOTUS by appointing someone he didn't like -- Senate Candidate 5.
Who might this person be?
From the context, it's probably Jesse Jackson. Jr.
"Later on December 4, 2008, ROD BLAGOJEVICH spoke to Fundraiser A. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he was "elevating" Senate Candidate 5 on the list of candidates for the open Senate seat. ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated he might be able to cut a deal with
Senate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH with something
"tangible up front." ROD BLAGOJEVICH noted he was going to meet with
Senate Candidate 5 in the next few days."
The only candidate with whom Blagojevich met within that period was Jesse Jackson, Jr.
-
Rove, you magnificent b*stard! :lmao:
-
Santa Claus is coming to town.....he knows if you've been bad or good..... :rotf:
Fritzmas at last ......but the DUmmies ain't gonna like it...... :rotf:
What's Poo-lucy got to say about this? Was he part of the most ethe.... ether..... ehtr.... ah hell, even spell checker won't put that word anywhere near a democrat.
-
Fox has a press conference going on.
All I can say is WOW.....it's stunning. Apparently even the FBI was shocked at the information coming from the wire taps.
Blago kept money from going to a Children's Hospital because someone wouldn't give him money first. (from the wire tap)
US Attorney is answering questions now, and has said there is no time limit on the Q/A session.
-
Santa Claus is coming to town.....he knows if you've been bad or good..... :rotf:
Fritzmas at last ......but the DUmmies ain't gonna like it...... :rotf:
What's Poo-lucy got to say about this? Was he part of the most ethe.... ether..... ehtr.... ah hell, even spell checker won't put that word anywhere near a democrat.
According to the article WE posted, Obama didn't want any business with selling the seat and Blagojevich wasn't too pleased with that:
The Senate candidate whom Blago at one point thought that President-elect Obama seemed most likely to be supporting -- friend and adviser Valerie Jarrett, who later took herself out of the running and will be a White House Senior Adviser -- is discussed, as "Senate Candidate 1." Jarrett referred ABC News to the Obama Transition Team for comment; they did not have one.
Ultimately, it appears that neither PEBO nor Jarrett were willing to discuss any of Blago's various notions of how he could sell them the seat. Talking to his chief of staff on November 11, Blago said he knew PEBO wanted Jarrett to get the Senate seat but “they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. F--- them."
At one point, discussing what he could get from PEBO for the Senate seat, Blago said his general counsel believes that PEBO could get Blago's wife on paid corporate boards "in exchange for naming the President-elect’s pick to the Senate."
The general Counsel asked, “can [the President-elect] help in the private sector... where it wouldn’t be tied to him?... I mean, so it wouldn’t necessarily look like one for the other.â€
Blago says consultants are telling him that he has to “suck it up†for two years and do nothing and give this “motherf----r [the President-elect] his senator. F--- him. For nothing? F--- him.â€
He adds he will give "Senate Candidate 4" (a deputy Governor) the Seat “before I just give f---ing" Jarrett the "f---ing Senate seat and I don’t get anything.â€
More (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/12/fbi-blago-tryin.html)
-
So lemme get this straight--Zerobama KNEW Blagojevich was pulling this, but did or said nothing?
Oh, this is REALLY getting good now.
-
So lemme get this straight--Zerobama KNEW Blagojevich was pulling this, but did or said nothing?
Oh, this is REALLY getting good now.
Knowledge of the crime during an ongoing investigation? Yo mama, Obama. :rotf:
-
I wonder if he was being wiretapped before the election as a result of the rezko investigation, and this all just sort of fell into their lap. the dates for the incriminating quotes have all been post-election, but that could just be because this was so glaring, and by definition had to occur after the election. well, I suppose he could have speculated on what he would do with BHO's senate seat should it become vacant, but it really wasn't worth anything until he had officially won.
-
The FBI has the lot of them, including Nobama's REPRESENTITIVES , but, of course, NObama knows nothing.
Nobama should be called "Schultz".
-
Knowledge of the crime during an ongoing investigation? Yo mama, Obama. :rotf:
It never says that they approached or talked to Obama about a deal, but that Blagojevich in a phone call with Harris agreed that it was unlikely that Obama would appoint him to anything.
On November 10, Blagojevich, his wife, Harris, Governor General Counsel, Advisor B and other Washington-based advisors articipated at different times in a two-hour phone call in which they allegedly discussed, among other things, a deal involving the SEIU. Harris said they could work out a deal with the union and the President-elect where SEIU could help the President-elect with Blagojevich’s appointment of Senate Candidate 1, while Blagojevich would obtain a position as the National Director of the Change to Win campaign and SEIU would get something favorable from the President-elect in the future. Also during that call, Blagojevich agreed it was unlikely that the
President-elect would name him Secretary of Health and Human Services or give him an ambassadorship because of all of the negative publicity surrounding him.
In a conversation with Harris on November 11, the charges state, Blagojevich said he knew that the President-elect wanted Senate Candidate 1 for the open seat but “they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. [Expletive] them.†Earlier in that conversation, Blagojevich suggested starting a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, which he could head and engage in political activity and lobbying. In that conversation with Harris and other discussions with him and others over the next couple of days, Blagojevich suggested by name several well-known, wealthy individuals who could be prevailed upon to seed such an organization with $10-$15 million, and
suggesting that he could take the organization’s reins when he is no longer governor, according to the affidavit.
pdf of Press Release "ILLINOIS GOV. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH AND HIS CHIEF OF STAFF
JOHN HARRIS ARRESTED ON FEDERAL CORRUPTION CHARGES" (http://abcnews.go.com/images/Politics/rrb%20-%20jh%2012-9%20final%20rel.pdf)
-
Who knew Fitmas would REALLY come? And it has come for me!!!!!
Oh happy day! I got a big paycut last week, and I don't care!
-
I wonder if he was being wiretapped before the election as a result of the rezko investigation, and this all just sort of fell into their lap. the dates for the incriminating quotes have all been post-election, but that could just be because this was so glaring, and by definition had to occur after the election. well, I suppose he could have speculated on what he would do with BHO's senate seat should it become vacant, but it really wasn't worth anything until he had officially won.
I would assume that until Obama won, this was in the back of his mind, but come Election Day he was already starting to plan.
Over the next couple of days – Election Day and the day after – Blagojevich was captured discussing with Deputy Governor A whether he could obtain a cabinet position, such as Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Department of Energy or various ambassadorships. In a conversation with Harris on November 4, Blagojevich analogized his situation to that of a sports agent shopping a potential free agent to the highest bidder. The day after the election, Harris allegedly suggested to Blagojevich that the President-elect could make him the head of a private foundation.
-
I wonder if he was being wiretapped before the election as a result of the rezko investigation, and this all just sort of fell into their lap. the dates for the incriminating quotes have all been post-election, but that could just be because this was so glaring, and by definition had to occur after the election. well, I suppose he could have speculated on what he would do with BHO's senate seat should it become vacant, but it really wasn't worth anything until he had officially won.
This has to have been going on for a little while, these investigations do not get to the point of wrapping up and arresting the principals in a handful of weeks, getting the warrants for the wiretaps has to jump some big hurdles for anything but critical national security cases. I suspect there has been a corruption probe going on for some time (so the Rezko deal probably does figure into this), and the Senate seat transaction fell into the laps of the investigators, a special-delivery piece de resistance.
I can hardly wait to see PJ's Fitzmas-themed extravaganza on this one over at DUFU!
:rotf:
-
Anyone that reads my blogs knows, I LOVE a feel good story, and THIS is a feel good story if ever there was one!
I don’t care WHAT political party they belong to, Dem, Repub, Libertarian, Indy, makes NO difference to me, I HATE crooked politicos! There is nothing that makes me ANY happier than to see a crooked official get arrested. I am elated when they have their feet held to the fire. And if we’re so lucky as to see them actually go to prison, well, that is a great day for American government!
-
Maybe, just maybe, there will be a few roads leading back to Obama....
-
Remember, the Electoral College has yet to speek, so NObama is still NOT YET Pres. Elect, and , if it all goes to hell in a handbacket, we may be saying, "Congratulaions, Prestdent Biden!" , which might be worse.....
-
It never says that they approached or talked to Obama about a deal, but that Blagojevich in a phone call with Harris agreed that it was unlikely that Obama would appoint him to anything.
well, blago called BHO the hyphenated mother-word, so he was obviously pissed off at him about something. :-)
-
This has to have been going on for a little while, these investigations do not get to the point of wrapping up and arresting the principals in a handful of weeks, getting the warrants for the wiretaps has to jump some big hurdles for anything but critical national security cases. I suspect there has been a corruption probe going on for some time (so the Rezko deal probably does figure into this), and the Senate seat transaction fell into the laps of the investigators, a special-delivery piece de resistance.
I can hardly wait to see PJ's Fitzmas-themed extravaganza on this one over at DUFU!
:rotf:
He's been under investigation for 3 years (I believe) and the first count goes back to 2002:
Count One
From in or about 2002 to the present, in Cook County, in the Northern District of Illinois, defendants did, conspire with each other and with others to devise and participate in a scheme to defraud the State of Illinois and the people of the State of Illinois of the honest services of ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH and JOHN HARRIS, in furtherance of which the mails and interstate wire communications would be used, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341,1343, and 1346; all in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1349.
-
This has to have been going on for a little while, these investigations do not get to the point of wrapping up and arresting the principals in a handful of weeks, getting the warrants for the wiretaps has to jump some big hurdles for anything but critical national security cases. I suspect there has been a corruption probe going on for some time (so the Rezko deal probably does figure into this), and the Senate seat transaction fell into the laps of the investigators, a special-delivery piece de resistance.
I can hardly wait to see PJ's Fitzmas-themed extravaganza on this one over at DUFU!
:rotf:
this quote was october 31, so the wiretaps were active at least as far back as that.
In a recorded conversation on Oct. 31, Blagojevich claimed he was approached by an associate of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: “We were approached to ‘pay to play.’ That, you know, he’d raise 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a Senator.â€
More (http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1321300,rod-blagojevich-illinois-governor-custody-120908.article)
-
Well, Rod's the top of the Ill. food chain, and, if he wants to deal himself out, there's only one way up....
-
amazing. it sounds like they had him wiretapped for quite some time trying to get the goods on him for a dozen other charges, and trying to sell a senate seat just "happened".
so, then the question becomes, "didn't this guy know he was under federal investigation"? hell, I knew it, and I live a thousand miles away? :-) what a maroon. :whatever: :uhsure:
I am sure the wiretaps were part of the BFEE "domestic spying" program.
The feds said the charges focus on events since October when they obtained information that Blagojevich and “Fundraiser A,†who is chairman of Friends of Blagojevich, were accelerating Blagojevich’s allegedly corrupt fund-raising activities. The goal was to accumulate as much money as possible this year before a new state ethics law would severely curtail Blagojevich’s ability to raise money from individuals and entities that have existing contracts worth more than $50,000 with the state of Illinois.
Agents said they learned that Blagojevich was seeking approximately $2.5 million in campaign contributions by the end of the year, principally from or through individuals or entities — many of whom have received state contacts or appointments — identified on a list maintained by Friends of Blagojevich, which the FBI has obtained.
The complaint details several incidents involving efforts by Blagojevich to obtain campaign contributions in connection with his official actions as governor, including three in early October:
• After an Oct. 6 meeting with Harris and Individuals A and B, during which Individual B sought state help with a business venture, Blagojevich told Individual A to approach Individual B about raising $100,000 for Friends of Blagojevich this year. Individual A said he later learned that Blagojevich reached out directly to Individual B to ask about holding a fund-raiser.
• Also on Oct. 6, Blagojevich told Individual A that he expected Highway Contractor 1 to raise $500,000 in contributions and that he was willing to commit additional state money to a Tollway project — beyond $1.8 billion that Blagojevich announced on Oct.15 — but was waiting to see how much money the contractor raised for Friends of Blagojevich.
• On Oct. 8, Blagojevich told Individual A that he wanted to obtain a $50,000 contribution from Hospital Executive 1, the chief executive officer of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which had recently received a commitment of $8 million in state funds. When the contribution was not forthcoming, Blagojevich discussed with Deputy Governor A the feasibility of rescinding the funding.
More (http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1321300,rod-blagojevich-illinois-governor-custody-120908.article)
-
Remember, the Electoral College has yet to speek, so NObama is still NOT YET Pres. Elect, and , if it all goes to hell in a handbacket, we may be saying, "Congratulaions, Prestdent Biden!" , which might be worse.....
As much as I despise "plugs", he's ten times smarter than the Big Zero, and has a zillion times more experience....but then again, so does my cat. :-)
-
Well, Rod's the top of the Ill. food chain, and, if he wants to deal himself out, there's only one way up....
He better keep an eye out for an "Oswald" and a "Jack Ruby".
-
I don't think Blagobitch is at the top of the Illinois political food chain, Mayor Daley pulls his strings most of the time. Now there would be someone for Blagobitch to drop a dime on. :fuelfire:
-
amazing. it sounds like they had him wiretapped for quite some time trying to get the goods on him for a dozen other charges, and trying to sell a senate seat just "happened".
so, then the question becomes, "didn't this guy know he was under federal investigation"? hell, I knew it, and I live a thousand miles away? :-) what a maroon. :whatever: :uhsure:
I am sure the wiretaps were part of the BFEE "domestic spying" program.
Yeah, it was pretty common news that he was under investigation. Arrogance and ego are the only reasons he would continue to do these types of things.
-
Well, Rod's the top of the Ill. food chain, and, if he wants to deal himself out, there's only one way up....
if he has had any recent phone conversations with blago about anything underhanded, it would seem that the FBI has it on tape, anyway :popcorn:.
but for some reason, I doubt it. this guy was not only obviously the most corrupt illinois politician since the last governor of illinois (:whatever:), but also apparently the dumbest.
-
if he has had any recent phone conversations with blago about anything underhanded, it would seem that the FBI has it on tape, anyway :popcorn:.
but for some reason, I doubt it. this guy was not only obviously the most corrupt illinois politician since the last governor of illinois (:whatever:), but also apparently the dumbest.
I sure hope he placed a few phone calls to Barry. :fuelfire:
-
if he has had any recent phone conversations with blago about anything underhanded, it would seem that the FBI has it on tape, anyway :popcorn:.
but for some reason, I doubt it. this guy was not only obviously the most corrupt illinois politician since the last governor of illinois (:whatever:), but also apparently the dumbest.
Out of pure curiosity, I wonder what his DU screen name is/was...
-
Yeah, it was pretty common news that he was under investigation. Arrogance and ego are the only reasons he would continue to do these types of things.
stupidity. there is always stupidity. :-)
-
Out of pure curiosity, I wonder what his DU screen name is/was...
U.P. ??? :lmao:
-
As much as I despise "plugs", he's ten times smarter than the Big Zero, and has a zillion times more experience....but then again, so does my cat. :-)
I hereby nominate lug-nut's cat for President of the United States of America.
-
I don't think Blagobitch is at the top of the Illinois political food chain, Mayor Daley pulls his strings most of the time. Now there would be someone for Blagobitch to drop a dime on. :fuelfire:
I've been looking for his name to come up in this......and hoping he goes down too.
-
Is it just me, or is there a complete lack of "public service" in "public servants" anymore?
I lived in Illinois when George Ryan was Gov. As has already been stated, Ryan's corruption harkened back to his days as IL Sec. of State. Selling CDL licenses was something that apparently he found of interest. :whatever:
So Blago takes the helm and is going to "clean up Ryan's mess."
Uh huh.
Digging into Ryan's predecessor's info just a little bit, Jim Edgar was also tainted by scandal. Apparently one of Edgar's largest campaign contributors was granted a "sweetheart deal" that bilked Illinois taxpayers to the tune of $20 million in overcharges.
I'd say that Blago was merely carrying on in proud Illinois tradition! His sole focus is himself, just like his predecessors!
And I haven't even mentioned Otto Kerner, Jr.!
Love Them Bribes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Kerner,_Jr.)
-
I hereby nominate lug-nut's cat for President of the United States of America.
He'd have this country's problems licked in no time. :rimshot: :rotf:
-
According to the press conference....they said there were 8 weeks of investigative wire tapping, but didn't give a date ...that I heard anyway....of when the wire tapping started.
-
He'd have this country's problems licked in no time. :rimshot: :rotf:
Nah. He'd be just like the current crop of politicians we have in that cess pool on the Potomac. Always covering their shit up.
-
According to the press conference....they said there were 8 weeks of investigative wire tapping, but didn't give a date ...that I heard anyway....of when the wire tapping started.
then they were after the goods on other corruption charges, and the big drooling moron walked into a trap. it isn't necessarily criminals that piss me off, but stupid criminals I have absolutely no patience for. :-)
-
Nah. He'd be just like the current crop of politicians we have in that cess pool on the Potomac. Always covering their shit up.
This is one weird cat. He never covers up...he ani't smart enough.
-
According to the press conference....they said there were 8 weeks of investigative wire tapping, but didn't give a date ...that I heard anyway....of when the wire tapping started.
Holy Hell.
8 Weeks is a blink in a political corruption case.
The guy must be covered in dirt if they got him into court in that short an amount of time.
-
Holy Hell.
8 Weeks is a blink in a political corruption case.
The guy must be covered in dirt if they got him into court in that short an amount of time.
apparently he didn't know there was a "b" in "subtle".....
-
I read someplace else that blago was beating the graft tree as hard as he was because he was trying to beat an ethics law that goes into effect on the jan 1st. this may be the first time in history that a law nailed a perpetrator before it formally existed.
-
Is it just me, or is there a complete lack of "public service" in "public servants" anymore?
I lived in Illinois when George Ryan was Gov. As has already been stated, Ryan's corruption harkened back to his days as IL Sec. of State. Selling CDL licenses was something that apparently he found of interest. :whatever:
So Blago takes the helm and is going to "clean up Ryan's mess."
Uh huh.
Digging into Ryan's predecessor's info just a little bit, Jim Edgar was also tainted by scandal. Apparently one of Edgar's largest campaign contributors was granted a "sweetheart deal" that bilked Illinois taxpayers to the tune of $20 million in overcharges.
I'd say that Blago was merely carrying on in proud Illinois tradition! His sole focus is himself, just like his predecessors!
And I haven't even mentioned Otto Kerner, Jr.!
Love Them Bribes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Kerner,_Jr.)
This has been going on for decades in Illinois.
Illinois Secretary of State Paul Powell had a simple definition, expressed in the negative, of a successful politician: "There's only one thing worse than a defeated politician, and that's a broke one." For 42 years, Powell was an undefeated politician. Now, three months after his death, at age 68, his executor, the Illinois attorney general and the Illinois Bureau of Investigation are taking the true measure of his success. Powell, who in his lifetime of public service never earned more than $30,000 a year, left an estate worth more than $2 million—$800,000 of it in bills packed into shoe boxes, briefcases and strongboxes in the closet of his hotel suite in Springfield.
Time Magazine circa 1971 (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,942440,00.html)
-
Interesting thing to consider from Rush: He noted that Fitz said they moved in to shut down what he called a "crime spree" in order to stop this Senate appt. from taking place. So he asked why he felt the need to shut it down so fast when usually you would leave it open to try and capture as many crooks as you can. Was it really that, or was it because certain Illinois politicians might be in danger of having some of their own people getting caught up in the net?
Certainly that's a possibility. It is the Chicago Machine and they stand to lose a lot if things get too far out of hand.
.
-
I read someplace else that blago was beating the graft tree as hard as he was because he was trying to beat an ethics law that goes into effect on the jan 1st. this may be the first time in history that a law nailed a perpetrator before it formally existed.
And take a wild guess who The Smoking Gun (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/1209081rod1.html) thinks "Senate Candidate 5" is? Why, could it be Obama's mentor (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3602710.ece) Emil Jones???
The very same Emil Jones who according to the Times Online link above, "For almost a year Jones has used his position as leader of the state senate to block anticorruption legislation passed unanimously by the state’s lower house."
Sidenote: This is speculation as further back in the tread I noted that Marc Ambinder made an educated guess that Senate Candidate 5 was Jesse Jackson. Jr.
-
And take a wild guess who The Smoking Gun (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/1209081rod1.html) thinks "Senate Candidate 5" is? Why, could it be Obama's mentor (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3602710.ece) Emil Jones???
The very same Emil Jones who according to the Times Online link above, "For almost a year Jones has used his position as leader of the state senate to block anticorruption legislation passed unanimously by the state’s lower house."
Sidenote: This is speculation as further back in the tread I noted that Marc Ambinder made an educated guess that Senate Candidate 5 was Jesse Jackson. Jr.
Emil Jones has been the name floated prominently of late as the successor to Obama in the Senate.
-
Emil Jones has been the name floated prominently of late as the successor to Obama in the Senate.
Well Candidate 5 just might be dirty to from my understanding so that's just one more mentor under the bus. It's no wonder that Obama is brimming with Clintonistas. His Chicago friends are all criminal and stupid whereas the Clinton cronies are merely criminal.
-
I read the entire complaint. it certainly appears as though someone identified as "President-elect advisor" was in contact with blago's chief of staff on a relatively frequent basis to discuss the candidacy of obama's #1 choice for his former senate seat. and whoever it was, seemed to be "in the know".
wonder who "President-elect advisor" is . . .
-
Apparently Obama's seat is for sale on Ebay now. :-)
http://cgi.ebay.com/OBAMAS-ILLINOIS-SENATE-SEAT-FOR-SALE_W0QQitemZ160303950570QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item160303950570&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
-
I read the entire complaint. it certainly appears as though someone identified as "President-elect advisor" was in contact with blago's chief of staff on a relatively frequent basis to discuss the candidacy of obama's #1 choice for his former senate seat. and whoever it was, seemed to be "in the know".
wonder who "President-elect advisor" is . . .
Elsewhere, I was hearing that said advisor was none other than (fellow Illinoian) Rahm Emanuel.
-
I read the entire complaint. it certainly appears as though someone identified as "President-elect advisor" was in contact with blago's chief of staff on a relatively frequent basis to discuss the candidacy of obama's #1 choice for his former senate seat. and whoever it was, seemed to be "in the know".
wonder who "President-elect advisor" is . . .
Possibly Rahm. There was some reporter on Chicago's Fox affiliate that said Rahm talked to the Feds about Blago wanting a deal. Pure speculation, I'm sure within a day or so, we'll know for sure.
And we know Jarrett was #1 Candidate.
I think either Jesse Jackson Jr or Emil Jones is Candidate #5, just a guess.
-
Elsewhere, I was hearing that said advisor was none other than (fellow Illinoian) Rahm Emanuel.
That's what The Smoking Gun link I posted thought too. It's a small world after all.
Apparently Obama's seat is for sale on Ebay now.
Freaking great find there. :cheersmate:
-
I gotta leave for work now. Be there late. So, could nobody learn anything cool till I get back? I promise we can turn the internet back on bright and early tomorrow. :p
Merry Fitzmas everyone. Rove bless us each and everyone.
-
Rove DAMN that Ebeneezer Scrooge for making you work on Fitzmas, Rearden.
-
The media is apparently working quite deligently to find out who the candidates are.... :evillaugh:
-
The media is apparently working quite deligently to find out who the candidates are.... :evillaugh:
http://gawker.com/5105643/whos-who-in-the-blago-affidavit
* Senate Candidate 1, whom Obama's team wanted appointed and whom Blagojevich was disinclined to appoint without a gift, is Obama confidante and advisor Valerie Jarrett. Jarret withdrew from considering for the seat, maybe partly because she didn't want to be involved in the coming Blagojevich indictment and scandal (if Rod had appointed her before this all broke, lord knows how bad that'd look for Barry and company).
* Senate Candidate 2, the one whom Chicago Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed shilled for on Blago's behalf (in order to piss off Obama), is Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Hey, her dad is the Speaker of the Illinois House. The Illinois House would be the ones who would have to impeach Blago or pass legislation necessitating a special election if they don't want Rod to still appoint his own candidate.
* Senate Candidate 5, rumored to be Jesse Jackson, Jr., is actually probably Illinois state legislator Emil Jones. This is the one Obama didn't want appointed, and Blago repeatedly threatened to pick him instead of Jarrett.
Senate Candidate 6, a rich person Blago wanted to appoint to the Senate in exchange for millions of dollars in donations, is probably J.B. Pritzker. Pritzker is a Hillary donor, a wealthy Chicago businessman, and the brother of Obama finance advisor Penny Pritzker.
-
(http://a.abcnews.com/images/Blotter/ap_Blagojevich_Obama2_081209_mn.jpg)
"I did not have a conversation with that Governor" ;)
-
Obama: No contact with IL gov (http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/09/1704683.aspx)
Posted: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 3:31 PM by Carrie Dann
From NBC's Athena Jones
CHICAGO -- President-elect Barack Obama responded solemnly to news that FBI agents arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich this morning on a series of corruption charges and said that he had not been aware of what was going on in the governor's office.
"Obviously, like the rest of the people of Illinois I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the US attorney's office today," Obama said today, "but as this is a ongoing investigation involving the governor I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the issue at this time."
The charges against Blagojevich include seeking favors in exchange for appointing a replacement to Obama's Senate seat.
Obama said he had had no contact with Blagojevich's office about the appointment of a replacement for the Senate seat he resigned last month after winning the presidential election.
"I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening," he said. "And as I said, you know, it's a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that I don't think it's appropriate to comment."
Obama made the comments to a pool of reporters after he and Vice President-elect Joe Biden met with former Vice President Al Gore to talk about climate change.
-
I just realized it, but all of this brazen, unabashed, in-your-face corruption makes me a tiny bit nostalgic for the clintons. at least you knew what they were all about. :-)
-
"I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening," he said. "And as I said, you know, it's a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that I don't think it's appropriate to comment."
Translation: "My handlers are trying to work the timing so that I am prez before he gets tried (so I can claim Exec Privilege) but the trial is soon enough to make sure my handlers' cronies get in clean. I would hate to have to Clinton-Fosterize him, but hey, you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs."
-
Axelrod Comments On Open Senate Seat, D.C. Leadership Vacuum
by Josh Kalven on November 23, 2008 - 4:04pm
This morning, David Axelrod appeared on Fox Chicago Sunday and had some notable remarks on both the local and national fronts. He said that President-elect Barack Obama plans to stay out of Prairie State politics once in the White House and doesn't plan on being "a kingmaker or boss here in Illinois." When co-host Dane Placko asked him about the vacant U.S. Senate seat, Axelrod disclosed that the Obama has spoken to Gov. Blagojevich about his replacement. Watch it:
This is the first indication I've seen that the governor and president-elect have directly discussed the issue. Of course, Axelrod gave no timeframe, so the discussion in question could presumably have occurred at any point (after all, the Chicago media and Illinois political community has been chatting about the subject for almost a year).
...
http://progressillinois.com/2008/11/23/axelrod-on-fcs
video at the link
-
From NBC's Athena Jones
CHICAGO -- President-elect Barack Obama responded solemnly to news that FBI agents arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich this morning on a series of corruption charges and said that he had not been aware of what was going on in the governor's office.
had this involved republicans:
President-elect Hugh G. Guiltydude denied allegations of criminal wrongdoing this morning in response to the news that his long time close associate and confidante, Ima ****in-Felon, had been arrested on a variety of federal charges stemming from the attempted sale of the senate seat that the President-elect himself held until just a few weeks ago. His transition team had no response to questions as to whether or not there had been any contact between the Guiltydude transition team and the ****in-felon regime.* The Guiltydude camp reportedly fell into disarray** as rumors that ****in-felon was cooperating with federal authorities swirled through Washington***.
and then something about chimpeachment.
*probably because no one asked the question.
**reportedly, because we just reported it
***at happy hour. in the bar that I hang out in. with 100 other fuzzy headed liberal journalists.
-
http://progressillinois.com/2008/11/23/axelrod-on-fcs
video at the link
that makes this a big lie.
"I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening," he said. "And as I said, you know, it's a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that I don't think it's appropriate to comment."
-
Change! Bwahahaha!
Right out of the same stable...
-
that makes this a big lie.
Yup. Unless he manages to throw his own statement under a passing bus.
-
Yup. Unless he manages to throw his own statement under a passing bus.
or axelrod. God knows that is one lamb I wouldn't mind seeing sacrificed for the Obamessiah. :-)
-
that makes this a big lie.
Obama said that he hasn't had any contact with Blago since he resigned his seat. I can't watch videos at work, but did Alexrod suggest a specific time frame when this discussion about the replacement happened? For all we know they did discuss it before he resigned and hasn't had any contact with him since.
-
The Democrats are frothing at the gills. The Magic Negro might be involved with his buddy. :drool: :drool: :fuelfire:
-
Obama said that he hasn't had any contact with Blago since he resigned his seat. I can't watch videos at work, but did Alexrod suggest a specific time frame when this discussion about the replacement happened? For all we know they did discuss it before he resigned and hasn't had any contact with him since.
Obama said he had had no contact with Blagojevich's office about the appointment of a replacement for the Senate seat he resigned last month after winning the presidential election.
"I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening," he said. "And as I said, you know, it's a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that I don't think it's appropriate to comment."
not that it would do us any good to be splitting hairs that finely to begin with, but obama didn't specify a timeframe. neither did axelrod, other than chronologically speaking. according to axelrod, obama would have had to have had contact before this afternoon, when he said that he had not.
edit for punctuation
-
Obama said that he hasn't had any contact with Blago since he resigned his seat. I can't watch videos at work, but did Alexrod suggest a specific time frame when this discussion about the replacement happened? For all we know they did discuss it before he resigned and hasn't had any contact with him since.
Axelrod was speaking on 23rd November but doesn't give a time frame for the calls with Blagojevich. But Obama may want to rethink this answer:
PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: I -- hold on, hold on, hold on a second, guys. I'll just answer this one question.
I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so we were not -- I was not aware of what was happening. And as I said, it's a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that, I don't think it's appropriate to comment. Okay?
Q Thank you very much.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/12/obama_on_blagojevich_says_he_n.html
-
I just realized it, but all of this brazen, unabashed, in-your-face corruption makes me a tiny bit nostalgic for the clintons. at least you knew what they were all about. :-)
uh....that would be sex, drugs, and rock and roll? :uhsure:
-
Axelrod was speaking on 23rd November but doesn't give a time frame for the calls with Blagojevich. But Obama may want to rethink this answer:
PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: I -- hold on, hold on, hold on a second, guys. I'll just answer this one question.
I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so we were not -- I was not aware of what was happening. And as I said, it's a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that, I don't think it's appropriate to comment. Okay?
Q Thank you very much.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/12/obama_on_blagojevich_says_he_n.html
this could have been read in such a way as to infer that he had specified a time frame. it's a clumsily written sentence; it has a flashback, a flashforward, and a flashsideways.
Obama said he had had no contact with Blagojevich's office about the appointment of a replacement for the Senate seat he resigned last month after winning the presidential election.
-
uh....that would be sex, drugs, and rock and roll? :uhsure:
And then more sex and drugs...
-
And then more sex and drugs...
And power -- POWER -- UNLIMITED POOOOWWWEEERRR!!!
[youtube=425,350]GiCznGaex2c[/youtube]
-
uh....that would be sex, drugs, and rock and roll? :uhsure:
I was thinking that they were all about themselves. all clintons, all the time. predictable. not matter what happened, you always knew that much about them. :-)
-
And then more sex and drugs...
Yeah, because the rock 'n roll thing was nonexistent. Slick Willie plays tenor sax like Vince Foster handled stress -- badly.
-
Obama said he had had no contact with Blagojevich's office about the appointment of a replacement for the Senate seat he resigned last month after winning the presidential election.
"I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening," he said. "And as I said, you know, it's a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that I don't think it's appropriate to comment."
Oh bullshit! Anyone here believe Obamawanna didn't have a hand in "suggesting" a replacement for his vacant seat?
-
Oh bullshit! Anyone here believe Obamawanna didn't have a hand in "suggesting" a replacement for his vacant seat?
Nope. Of course he did. It's in his best interest to do so.
This may be one of many lies that bring him down from his lofty pedestal. Oh wait. He hasn't ascended the throne yet.
-
Oh bullshit! Anyone here believe Obamawanna didn't have a hand in "suggesting" a replacement for his vacant seat?
It's been reported all over that Valerie Jarrett was Obama's preference to the Senate seat, but then she took herself out of the running on 11/12.
-
Hmmm. Ironic. Fitzgerald fails to frogmarch a single republican to jail, bur succeeds with a prominent democrat governor.
:cheersmate: Karma
-
Hmmm. Ironic. Fitzgerald fails to frogmarch a single republican to jail, bur succeeds with a prominent democrat governor.
:cheersmate: Karma
Actually, Fitzgerald also prosecuted former Illinois Governor Ryan too.
-
Yut Row:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Aide_Ax_misspoke.html
An Obama aide, speaking on the condition of anonymity, took back David Axelrod's remark last month that Barack Obama and Rod Blagojevich had spoken recently.
"What the president-elect said today is correct, David Axelrod misspoke," the aide said.
Obama said today the men had not spoken.
An open question: When they last spoke.
:rotf:
-
Rut Row again:
Questions Arise About the Obama/Blagojevich Relationship
And, it should be pointed out, Mr. Obama has a relationship with Mr. Blagojevich, having not only endorsed Blagojevich in 2002 and 2006, but having served as a top adviser to the Illinois governor in his first 2002 run for the state house.
That 2002 endorsement came at the same time that Axelrod had such serious concerns about whether Blagojevich was ready for governing he refused to work for his one-time client.
According to Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., Mr. Obama's incoming White House chief of staff, Emanuel, then-state senator Obama, a third Blagojevich aide, and Blagojevich's campaign co-chair, David Wilhelm, were the top strategists of Blagojevich's 2002 gubernatorial victory.
Emanuel told the New Yorker earlier this year that he and Obama "participated in a small group that met weekly when Rod was running for governor. We basically laid out the general election, Barack and I and these two."
It's from ABC News but I found it on FR: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2145764/posts
When I clicked on the ABC link I had to register to view the article.
-
I may actually watch Olberdork tonight to see what the DUmmy talking points will be.
-
I may actually watch Olberdork tonight to see what the DUmmy talking points will be.
That's just too much nuttiness in an hour program. Even I can't watch that crap, plus it would interfere with my night dose of Family Guy. :-)
-
That's just too much nuttiness in an hour program. Even I can't watch that crap, plus it would interfere with my night dose of Family Guy. :-)
That's why God/Allah invented the DVR. :tongue:
Off-topic, but haven't you seen all the Family Guy episodes already?
-
That's why God/Allah invented the DVR. :tongue:
Off-topic, but haven't you seen all the Family Guy episodes already?
It doesn't matter, it's up there with Law & Order and Bridezillas, I don't care if I've seen the episode before. :-)
-
(http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/233/blagoiixt5.jpg)
Its beginning to look allot like fitzmassss
-
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
I bet the folks at BofA are feelling schadenfruede. (not the moderator.) :tongue:
I saw this post earlier and it cracked me up. :lmao:
-
I may actually watch Olberdork tonight to see what the DUmmy talking points will be.
He spent the first 15 minutes on it, and then poof, back to bashing Bush. :censored:
If this were a Republican governor, it would have been an hour every day for weeks. Plus his stupid "special comment" where he drools and spits hatred at the whole Bush administration.
-
He spent the first 15 minutes on it, and then poof, back to bashing Bush. :censored:
If this were a Republican governor, it would have been an hour every day for weeks. Plus his stupid "special comment" where he drools and spits hatred at the whole Bush administration.
Olberman saying "Good night and good luck" actually makes me throw up a little in my mouth.
-
On Oct. 8, Blagojevich told Individual A that he wanted to obtain a $50,000 contribution from Hospital Executive 1, the chief executive officer of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which had recently received a commitment of $8 million in state funds. When the contribution was not forthcoming, Blagojevich discussed with Deputy Governor A the feasibility of rescinding the funding.
A children's hospital. Wow. Rod sounds like a swell guy.
-
A children's hospital. Wow. Rod sounds like a swell guy.
Standard issue liberal -- kill them in the womb. If you miss, take shot shortly thereafter.
-
A children's hospital. Wow. Rod sounds like a swell guy.
Yeah and I'm sure Obama didn't align himself with that type of mentality during those 2 campaign advising stints like he didn't sitting in Rev. Wright's pews for 20 years.
-
On Oct. 8, Blagojevich told Individual A that he wanted to obtain a $50,000 contribution from Hospital Executive 1, the chief executive officer of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which had recently received a commitment of $8 million in state funds. When the contribution was not forthcoming, Blagojevich discussed with Deputy Governor A the feasibility of rescinding the funding.
Sounds like they could have taken him down before the election, but didn't as that would have hurt democrats. It paid off as he got even more greedy after the election.
Paladin0
-
It's.....................................
FITZMAS
Wouldn't that be an inverted FITZMAS since the dems could burn over this?
-
Yeah and I'm sure Obama didn't align himself with that type of mentality during those 2 campaign advising stints like he didn't sitting in Rev. Wright's pews for 20 years.
I can hear the bullshit now: "I did NOT have sexual relationships with that GOVERNOR!"
-
This will be bipartisan when Rod Blagojevich shares a cell with George Ryan.
-
A children's hospital. Wow. Rod sounds like a swell guy.
Steaming pile of cockroach shit is really how to explain it.... and that is being nice. I knew something was REALLY fishy wit the guy when he refused to stay in the governor's mansion in Springfield and decided to live in Chicago while using (taxpayer funded of course) a private jet to travel to the capital to work.
-
It's been reported all over that Valerie Jarrett was Obama's preference to the Senate seat, but then she took herself out of the running on 11/12.
Chicago businesswoman Valerie Jarrett has earned all sorts of nicknames as an aide to President-elect Barack Obama — from "First Friend" to "big sister" to "the other half of Obama's brain." As co-chair of his transition team, Jarrett has spent the past week denying rumors, parsing policy changes and insisting that she doesn't know where she'll end up in the new administration (although Beltway gossip suggests she may be appointed to Obama's seat in the Senate). Of her relationship with the 44th commander-in-chief, Jarrett says simply: "He is my dear friend. I would do anything the President of the United States asked me to do."
Time (http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1858012,00.html)
She didn't so much withdraw herself as she took the the job of being Obama's senior White House Advisor. Could it be that Team Obama new something was going to go down and so removed her from the firing line?
-
If they keep illiminating Obama's people, howze duh brutha gonna make any money? 'Shell ain't gonna be happy if she don't get her bling-bling......and if 'Shell ain't happy, ain't nobody gonna be happy.
-
This will be bipartisan when Rod Blagojevich shares a cell with George Ryan.
:rotf: :lmao:
h5
-
I saw this post earlier and it cracked me up. :lmao:
I am glad you liked it.
-
snip
But Obama wouldn't answer a question on whether he was aware of any conversations between the governor and his top aides, including incoming White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel. "It's an ongoing investigation," Obama said. "I think it would be inappropriate for me to ... remark on the situation beyond the facts that I know."
In Chicago on Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said prosecutors were making no allegations that Obama was aware of any scheming. And Blagojevich himself, in taped conversations cited by prosecutors, suggested that Obama wouldn't be helpful to him. Even if the governor was to appoint a candidate favored by the Obama team, Blagojevich said, "they're not willing to give me anything except appreciation."
Link (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081210/ap_on_go_pr_wh/illinois_governor_analysis)
Doesn't this seem like Team Obama had been approached by Blago or his cronies at least for some kind of a deal?
-
Link (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081210/ap_on_go_pr_wh/illinois_governor_analysis)
Doesn't this seem like Team Obama had been approached by Blago or his cronies at least for some kind of a deal?
Yes
-
yesterday's speculation appears to be correct. and the plot thickens yet again. the fact that he hauled ass
to talk to his attorney would seem to indicate that everything in the complaint is substantially true.
Sources Say Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is 'Senate Candidate #5'
Chicago Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) is the anonymous "Senate Candidate #5" whose emissaries Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich reportedly claimed offered up to a million dollars to name him to the U.S. Senate, federal law enforcement sources tell ABC News.
According to the FBI affidavit in the case, Blagojevich "stated he might be able to cut a deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH" with something "tangible up front."
Jackson Jr. said this morning he was contacted yesterday by federal prosecutors in Chicago who he said "asked me to come in and share with them my insights and thoughts about the selection process."
Jackson Jr. said "I don't know" when asked if he was Candidate #5, but said he was told "I am not a target of this investigation."
Jackson Jr. said he agreed to talk with federal investigators "as quickly as possible" after he consults with a lawyer.
more (http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/ConductUnbecoming/Story?id=6431739&page=1)
-
Yup. Unless he manages to throw his own statement under a passing bus.
hmmmm. what obama actually said yesterday was that he personally hadn't had any contact with blago. that leaves open a whole range of staff contacts that could have occurred with the disgraced governor. in fact, he actually said "we" in his comments yesterday, and corrected himself to say "I".
“I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so we were not — I was not aware of what was happening, and as I said it is a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that I don’t think it’s appropriate to comment.â€
I just found that interesting.
-
hmmmm. what obama actually said yesterday was that he personally hadn't had any contact with blago. that leaves open a whole range of staff contacts that could have occurred with the disgraced governor. in fact, he actually said "we" in his comments yesterday, and corrected himself to say "I".
“I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so we were not — I was not aware of what was happening, and as I said it is a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that I don’t think it’s appropriate to comment.â€
I just found that interesting.
I saw a reference on Free Republic in a post (and I can't remember which thread, grrr) that an Obama aide had told the press that Axelrod 'misspoke'. If that's right then he is going to need to tap Ray Nagin for spare buses soon. :-)
-
I saw a reference on Free Republic in a post (and I can't remember which thread, grrr) that an Obama aide had told the press that Axelrod 'misspoke'. If that's right then he is going to need to tap Ray Nagin for spare buses soon. :-)
yep. as predicted by you, someone wound up under the bus. :wink:
-
I saw a reference on Free Republic in a post (and I can't remember which thread, grrr) that an Obama aide had told the press that Axelrod 'misspoke'. If that's right then he is going to need to tap Ray Nagin for spare buses soon. :-)
here is the statement he released last night; it's all over the place. just google "Axelrod" and "bus" :-)
"I was mistaken when I told an interviewer last month that the President-elect has spoken directly to Governor Blagojevich about the Senate vacancy. They did not then or at any time discuss the subject."
-
Damn bus sure is running out of room fast. The UNDERSIDE of the bus, that is...
-
yesterday's speculation appears to be correct. and the plot thickens yet again. the fact that he hauled ass
to talk to his attorney would seem to indicate that everything in the complaint is substantially true.
Jackson Jr. said "I don't know" when asked if he was Candidate #5, but said he was told "I am not a target of this investigation."
No dumbass, but you may be the subject of another investigation, say one for offering bribes to elected officials? :fuelfire:
-
finally. yesterday, he was sobered and saddened when he should have been outraged. I hope he gets better at this president thing pretty quick. :whatever:
Obama: Blagojevich Should Resign
President-elect Barack Obama believes that Gov. Rod Blagojevich should resign, his advisers said on Wednesday. "The President-elect agrees with Lt. Gov. Quinn and many others that under the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois," Robert Gibbs, the incoming White House press secretary, said.
On Tuesday, shortly after news of the criminal corruption complaint against Blagojevich broke, Obama said he was "saddened and sobered" by the news. But he stopped short of demanding the governor's resignation or addressing the questions that arose in the wake of Blagojevich's arrest, including how his successor to the Senate will be picked. The Obama transition team has worked to distance itself from Blagojevich, with whom relations were already strained.
Gibbs said that Obama believes the Illinois general assembly should now take control of the issue of picking a new U.S. Senator for Illinois. The assembly is expected to reconvene next week to debate whether to hold a special election to fill the seat. The assembly should "consider the issue and put in place a process to select a new senator that will have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois," Gibbs said.
Link (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/12/10/obama_blagojevich_should_resig.html?hpid=topnews)
-
finally. yesterday, he was sobered and saddened when he should have been outraged. I hope he gets better at this president thing pretty quick. :whatever:
There's been talk of impeaching Blowjobabitch for a year now. Hell, let that happen instead of him just resigning.
-
There's been talk of impeaching Blowjobabitch for a year now. Hell, let that happen instead of him just resigning.
However Rowdy Roddy is pushed out of the Gub'nor's chair, Der Fuhrer just wants it done as quickly as possible; before he is forced to answer "uncomfortable" questions.
-
However Rowdy Roddy is pushed out of the Gub'nor's chair, Der Fuhrer just wants it done as quickly as possible; before he is forced to answer "uncomfortable" questions.
I wouldn't put anything past the Big Zero. They're all corrupt pukes in Crook county. They've been ruining it for us downstaters for a long, long time. I can't even remember the last time when someone outside of Chicago was elected governor or to the U.S. Senate.
-
However Rowdy Roddy is pushed out of the Gub'nor's chair, Der Fuhrer just wants it done as quickly as possible; before he is forced to answer "uncomfortable" questions.
or before too many pictures similar to these get around
(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01202/blagovich-obama460_1202459c.jpg)
(http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20081210/0013729e42ea0aa95b5e61.jpg)
(http://photos.upi.com/story/w/e84160505633c3a3ab080bd07b68fa91/Obama_I_had_no_contact_with_Blagojevich.jpg)
-
However Rowdy Roddy is pushed out of the Gub'nor's chair, Der Fuhrer just wants it done as quickly as possible; before he is forced to answer "uncomfortable" questions.
Bingo.
-
Hat tip to BulletBobCo at FR for this find
Who will fill Obama's senate seat? (So Obama says never met with Blagojevich)
Connect Tri States ^ | November 05, 2008 | Carol Sowers
Posted on 10 December 2008 14:30:39 by BulletBobCo
CHICAGO, ILL. -- Now that Barack Obama will be moving to the White House, his seat in the U.S. Senate representing Illinois will have to be filled.
That's one of Obama's first priorities today.
He's meeting with Governor Rod Blagojevich this afternoon in Chicago to discuss it.
Illinois law states that the governor chooses that replacement.
There's already been speculation about his selection...from Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. of Chicago's south side who co-chaired Obama's presidential campaign, to recently-retired state senate president Emil Jones, to the governor himself.
It's likely the governor will make his decision quickly so the new senator will get some seniority before newly-elected senators take office in January.
Part of the timing depends on when Obama officially vacates his senate seat.
KHQA's Alexis Hunt is speaking with Illinois Senator John Sullivan today about his thoughts on that replacement process, his time working with Obama in the state senate, and if there's a chance Sullivan might play a role in the Obama administration. Watch KHQA News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. tonight to hear what he has to say.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2146114/posts
and further down the same thread is this link: http://www.connecttristates.com/news/story.aspx?id=219212
Duckworth comments on consideration for Senate
By Alexis Hunt
Saturday, November 08, 2008 at 9:48 p.m.
QUINCY, IL -- Now that Barack Obama will be moving to the White House, his seat in the U.S. Senate representing Illinois will have to be filled.
Obama met with Governor Rod Blagojevich earlier this week to discuss it. Illinois law states that the governor chooses that replacement. There's already been speculation about his selection...from Congressman Jesse Jackson, Junior to Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth.
...
-
"FBI mole "logged frequent visits to Rezko" by Obama (renamed)"
Posted by Gabrielle Cusumano on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 12:57:42 PM
“[In 2004 and 2005,] Sources said Thomas also logged frequent visits to Rezko from Gov. Blagojevich and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.). Blagojevich and Obama were among the many politicians for whom Rezko raised campaign cash…. Sources said the government had him wear a hidden wire to record conversations with a Chicago alderman–but that he did not record Blagojevich or Obama.â€
...
http://gabriellecusumano.blogtownhall.com/2008/12/10/fbi_mole_logged_frequent_visits_to_rezko_by_obama_renamed.thtml
-
....and you won't hear Obama singing this old favorite around the White House....
Chicago is.......my kind of town.....Chicago is......
-
from an LAT interview yesterday with obama; the answer to the question, "did YOU have contact with blago or his staff?" is "no". the answer to the question, "did anyone on your staff have contact with blago or his staff" is "I won't answer that question".
Q: Have you ever spoken to [Illinois] Gov. [Rod R.] Blagojevich (photo left) about the Senate seat?
O: I have not discussed the Senate seat with the governor at any time. My strong belief is that it needed to be filled by somebody who is going to represent the people of Illinois and fight for them. And beyond that, I was focused on the transition.
Q: And that was before and after the election?
O: Yes.
Q: Are you aware of any conversations between Blagojevich or [chief of staff] John Harris and any of your top aides, including Rahm [Emanuel]?
O: Let me stop you there because . . . it's an ongoing....
...investigation. I think it would be inappropriate for me to, you know, remark on the situation beyond the facts that I know. And that's the fact that I didn't discuss this issue with the governor at all.
Link (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/12/obama-transcrip.html)
-
Candidate #5 is Jesse Jackson, Jr.
-
Candidate #5 is Jesse Jackson, Jr.
And him or his agents suggested a total payment of $1M for the seat? If true, then there may be another congressional seat for Illinois opening up. :rotf:
-
I doubt if JJJ was talking directly to Blorg, more likely through intermediaries so there will be a fair chance of plausible deniability in the whole thing...though I don't doubt for a minute he knew a money deal was being worked on his behalf.
-
The Senate seat is for sell. Going twice. Sold to the highest bidder!
-
The Senate seat is for sell. Going twice. Sold to the highest bidder!
Heh, that sure helped "The One" get elected. He raised more money, bought more tv ads, and duped the mouth-breathing public into voting for him.
-
on the scarborough show this morning, the libs (mika, barnacle) were attacking the MSM (attacking themselves, mind you :thatsright:) for paying too much attention to this "boring non-scandal". barnacle said, "I have to tape my eyelids open to stay awake".
if this was george bush, they would be speculating on when impeachment proceedings would start. :whatever:
-
on the scarborough show this morning, the libs (mika, barnacle) were attacking the MSM (attacking themselves, mind you :thatsright:) for paying too much attention to this "boring non-scandal". barnacle said, "I have to tape my eyelids open to stay awake".
if this was george bush, they would be speculating on when impeachment proceedings would start. :whatever:
The dems I have seen on the "news shows" have all basically said that even though everyone around Obama is dropping like flies that there is no way in hell he has ever done anything dirty....in his life. Obama really is just like Jesus apparently.
-
The dems I have seen on the "news shows" have all basically said that even though everyone around Obama is dropping like flies that there is no way in hell he has ever done anything dirty....in his life. Obama really is just like Jesus apparently.
I haven't seen him walk on water...................yet................news at 11.
-
The dems I have seen on the "news shows" have all basically said that even though everyone around Obama is dropping like flies that there is no way in hell he has ever done anything dirty....in his life. Obama really is just like Jesus apparently.
the number of questionable associations that he has had in his extremely short public life should be setting off alarm bells in newsrooms all over the country. of course, the media is so utterly in the tank for the guy that they wouldn't hear them if they were going off.
but the clumsiness with which they were trying to bury this whole thing this morning really was pretty sickening.
I don't think BHO got within 1000' of blago, myself. he isn't that dumb. you could smell the stench coming off that silly governor a mile away. but the MSM isn't even mildly curious.
-
the number of questionable associations that he has had in his extremely short public life should be setting off alarm bells in newsrooms all over the country. of course, the media is so utterly in the tank for the guy that they wouldn't hear them if they were going off.
but the clumsiness with which they were trying to bury this whole thing this morning really was pretty sickening.
I don't think BHO got within 1000' of blago, myself. he isn't that dumb. you could smell the stench coming off that silly governor a mile away. but the MSM isn't even mildly curious.
Obama endorsed Blago TWICE (both 2002 and 2006).