CHUD.com Community › Forums › POLITICS & RELIGION › Political Discourse › Illinois Rod Blagojevich arrested
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Illinois Rod Blagojevich arrested

post #1 of 110
12/9/08 at 12:11pm
Thread Starter 
Anyone know how I can fix the thread title to add Governor?

He's got some balls
When you are under investigation for all sorts of shit it may not be a good idea to try and sell Obama's Senate seat.
Quote:
Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff, John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption charges alleging that they and others are engaging in ongoing criminal activity: conspiring to obtain personal financial benefits for Blagojevich by leveraging his sole authority to appoint a United States Senator; threatening to withhold substantial state assistance to the Tribune Company in connection with the sale of Wrigley Field to induce the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members sharply critical of Blagojevich; and to obtain campaign contributions in exchange for official actions – both historically and now in a push before a new state ethics law takes effect January 1, 2009.


A 76-page FBI affidavit alleges that Blagojevich was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps during the last month conspiring to sell or trade Illinois' U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama for financial and other personal benefits for himself and his wife. At various times, in exchange for the Senate appointment, Blagojevich discussed obtaining:

A substantial salary for himself at a either a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions;

Placing his wife on paid corporate boards where he speculated she might garner as much as $150,000 a year;

Promises of campaign funds – including cash up front; and

A cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself.

Just last week, on December 4, Blagojevich allegedly told an advisor that he might "get some (money) up front, maybe" from Senate Candidate 5, if he named Senate Candidate 5 to the Senate seat, to insure that Senate Candidate 5 kept a promise about raising money for Blagojevich if he ran for re-election. In a recorded conversation on October 31, Blagojevich claimed he was approached by an associate of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: "We were approached '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."
Can't wait to see who else will go down over this. Look for a Republican Gov and Senator in 2010 from Illinois.
Reply
post #2 of 110
12/9/08 at 12:17pm
To have two count'em two governors go down on corruption charges in a row. That's kind to be a new achievement eh Illinois?

Still, I heard everyone in the state hated the guy.
Reply
post #3 of 110
12/9/08 at 12:30pm
"C'mon Jake. It's Illinois."
Reply
post #4 of 110
12/9/08 at 12:41pm
That's why I moved to Chicago.

I love the politics.
Reply
post #5 of 110
12/9/08 at 12:57pm
Because you left the "Gov." out of the subject line, I was mentally putting quotes around "Illinois Rod" and wondering, is this an old west gunslinger? A wrestler maybe? Professional gambler? Well, he's "Illinois Rod" to me now, so thanks.
Reply
post #6 of 110
12/9/08 at 1:13pm
This put a monkey wrench in anything, Chi Town chewers? Who was up for Obamas seat? A quick google search implied the Lt. Gov...
Reply
post #7 of 110
12/9/08 at 1:25pm
Last I heard, Jessie Jackson.

This arrest has been a long time coming.
Reply
post #8 of 110
12/9/08 at 1:40pm
Thread Starter 
I'll be interested to see how the Obama team handles this. Valerie Jarrett seems to be Sen candidate 1 and Blago wanted Department of Health and Human Services. I would think she's smart enough not to play ball but on Politico they are saying that they(doesn't say who) asked for something "more reasonable" and "not make it look like some sort of selfish grab for a quid pro quo.”

That could be a problem for the Obama team just starting out if they were negoiating with Blago.

I have very little doubt that Emil Jones or Jesse Jackson Jr would have went along with him.

The Gov is really fucked because his Chief of Staff was arrested too. He'll flip and it's over for him.
Reply
post #9 of 110
12/9/08 at 2:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anyawatchin Angel View Post
I'll be interested to see how the Obama team handles this. Valerie Jarrett seems to be Sen candidate 1 and Blago wanted Department of Health and Human Services. I would think she's smart enough not to play ball but on Politico they are saying that they(doesn't say who) asked for something "more reasonable" and "not make it look like some sort of selfish grab for a quid pro quo.”

That could be a problem for the Obama team just starting out if they were negoiating with Blago.

I have very little doubt that Emil Jones or Jesse Jackson Jr would have went along with him.

The Gov is really fucked because his Chief of Staff was arrested too. He'll flip and it's over for him.
Valerie Jarrett is out. Obama appointed her White House Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison.
Reply
post #10 of 110
12/9/08 at 2:15pm
My god, how could anyone on the Obama transition team NOT see this coming? If they were smart, they shielded themselves from this fucking loser. Wanting the Senate seat for himself? Blago's the kind of guy who will sink the Titanic while blaming the iceberg.
Reply
post #11 of 110
12/9/08 at 2:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
To have two count'em two governors go down on corruption charges in a row. That's kind to be a new achievement eh Illinois?

Still, I heard everyone in the state hated the guy.
4 out of the last 8 governors from Illinois have been incarcerated on corruption charges.

We're number 1! We're number 1! Land of Lincoln, baby.
Reply
post #12 of 110
12/9/08 at 2:21pm
I dunno if this necessarily means anything terrible for the Dems (assuming Blago doesn't run again) because the Ryan corruption scandal was coupled with an implosion of the IL Republican party. The Dems seem to be in a relatively strong position compared to then. Also, this seems like a Blagojevich problem-- the guy is an unmitigated scumbag.
Reply
post #13 of 110
12/9/08 at 2:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spook View Post
4 out of the last 8 governors from Illinois have been incarcerated on corruption charges.

We're number 1! We're number 1! Land of Lincoln, baby.
Not to mention you once had Dan Rosenkowski, once one of the most powerful men in congress go down in flames. Nice work IL.
Reply
post #14 of 110
12/9/08 at 2:47pm
As someone who was born in Illinois and lived there until spring of 2004, I couldn't be more proud to be Illinois-born.

Not that it's the most reliable source, but if you want a full list of many of the corrupt things he's done while governor, check out his Wikipedia page. He almost rivals Kwame Kilpatrick just for the amount of stuff he's been accused of.

A quote in a New York Times article is classic.

Quote:
According to the indictment, while talking on the telephone about the Senate seat replacement with his chief of staff and an adviser, Mr. Blagojevich said he needed to consider his family and their financial struggles. “I want to make money,” he said, according to prosecutors. He then added, they allege, that he wanted to make $250,000 to $300,000 a year.
Reply
post #15 of 110
12/9/08 at 2:58pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Muharulz View Post
Valerie Jarrett is out. Obama appointed her White House Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison.
Which doesn't mean she didn't try to deal and get the senate seat.

Quote:
I dunno if this necessarily means anything terrible for the Dems (assuming Blago doesn't run again) because the Ryan corruption scandal was coupled with an implosion of the IL Republican party. The Dems seem to be in a relatively strong position compared to then. Also, this seems like a Blagojevich problem-- the guy is an unmitigated scumbag.
I think it's a huge problem. Jackson Jr, Madigan, Emil Jones and others will all have to answer what the Gov wanted in return and if they played ball. Jesse Jackson Jr met with him on Monday to discuss the seat. He'll look foolish if he says no kickback was talked about.

I don't think anyone who has been rumored can take the seat unless the Gov resign. Taking if from him is a death sentnce for reelection in 2010.

The Republicans should have it easy to take back Illinois. Obama won't step foot in the state to campaign for anyone.

If there was only a third party.
Reply
post #16 of 110
12/9/08 at 3:10pm
All of those people who met with him didn't end up getting the seat though, so it's not like they agreed to anything.

The only way this works is that whoever Blago picks cannot run for re-election in 2010. The state party won't support that campaign. Blago's actions have basically guaranteed that. Whoever does end up running will have an uphill battle to climb against the GOP candidate. But if it's Jim Oberweis (lulz), that seat will stay safely Dem.
Reply
post #17 of 110
12/9/08 at 3:14pm
What amazes me about this is just how blatant he was about it. I mean how do you even defend against that sort of thing? Talk about being certifiably fucked.
Reply
post #18 of 110
12/9/08 at 3:15pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pop Zeus View Post
All of those people who met with him didn't end up getting the seat though, so it's not like they agreed to anything.
Nobody has the seat yet and all the info from the tapes aren't out. I find it very hard to believe that he didn't get any takers. I would bet he got multiple takers. Even discussing a deal would tarnish any politician.
Reply
post #19 of 110
12/9/08 at 4:56pm
I'm just happy this investigation brought out my boyfriend/stalker target Patrick Fitzgerald. Call me shallow.

Also, word is that Rahm Emanuel may have given the tip that led to this.
Reply
post #20 of 110
12/9/08 at 4:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pop Zeus View Post
My god, how could anyone on the Obama transition team NOT see this coming? If they were smart, they shielded themselves from this fucking loser.
Indeed, word has it Rahm Emanuel might have provided the tip that the U.S. Attorney's office moved on...
Reply
post #21 of 110
12/9/08 at 6:29pm
What a fucking asshole. I hope the prison rape doesn't stop until the dick hits his lunch.
Reply
post #22 of 110
12/9/08 at 6:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan "Nordling" Cerny View Post
What a fucking asshole. I hope the prison rape doesn't stop until the dick hits his lunch.
I can't even begin to tell you how sigged that is.
Reply
post #23 of 110
12/10/08 at 4:01am
I like how the Governor promised that the state of Illinois would no longer do business with the Bank of America and they pull the string on him the next day.

Not that it's a conspiracy - the dude evidently dug his own grave quite willingly - but damn, that is an entertaining series of unfortunate events.
Reply
post #24 of 110
12/10/08 at 4:12am
All this hope and optimism was beginning to frighten and confuse me. Here's the corrupt politics I know and love!
Reply
post #25 of 110
12/10/08 at 4:15am
I'm all for Kuruption! I prefer straight-up monetary shenanigans to ideological clusterfucks. Seems a little more old-fashioned.
Reply
post #26 of 110
12/10/08 at 10:24am
This could turn into Whitewater if the Democrats aren't careful.

They should just pick failed congressional candidate and Iraq Vet Tammy Duckworth as the Senator and be done with it. It is hard to be corrupt when you haven't been in office yet.

Okay which is the most corrupt state in the Union?

New Jersey:
"Pros"
Sharpe James, The Tony Soprano led unions, The Gay Governor, Bob Torricelli, Govenor Whitman, casino bosses, the crappy enviromental record

Cons
Corey Booker, getting rid of the Death Penalty, the possible legalization of Gay Marriage, one of the best states in the union for third party candidates to run, and the fact that both of its senators had the balls to vote against the Iraq War.

Louisiana

Pros

Bobby "2012" Jindal, Ex Rep William Jefferson, The senate runoff system, and the numerous governors, senators, and representatives tainted by corruption scandals.

Cons

They just fired William Jefferson
Reply
post #27 of 110
12/10/08 at 2:25pm
Unfortunate headline time!

http://www.time.com/time/nation/arti...te-cnn-partner
Reply
post #28 of 110
12/10/08 at 2:27pm
So now the word is that Jesse Jackson Jr was the one who offered (supposedly) $1,000,000 for the Senate seat.

Count your lucky stars this didn't occur the week before the election. Between Blago being governor when Obama was elected to his opponents being removed from the ballot, it would have been like shooting fish in a barrel for the McCain/Palin camp.
Reply
post #29 of 110
12/10/08 at 4:39pm
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Conduc...6431739&page=1

Jesse Jackson Jr. could be Candidate #5, that means he offered up to a million dollars for the seat. Jackson was Obama's national campaign co-chair and was approached before the election was over... wow. So can a President-Elect claim executive privilege?
Reply
post #30 of 110
12/10/08 at 4:44pm
It's not Whitewater. Fitzgerald said repeadly that Obama nor his team had anything to do with this.
Reply
post #31 of 110
12/10/08 at 4:46pm
Something tells me Snaieke can't hear you, Ed.
Reply
post #32 of 110
12/10/08 at 4:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan "Nordling" Cerny View Post
What a fucking asshole. I hope the prison rape doesn't stop until the dick hits his lunch.
Personally, I would have went with "the fisting will continue until he writes love sonnets to his cellmate's hands"...
Reply
post #33 of 110
12/10/08 at 4:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schwartz View Post
Something tells me Snaieke can't hear you, Ed.
Well no shit
Reply
post #34 of 110
12/10/08 at 7:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rourkefan View Post
This could turn into Whitewater if the Democrats aren't careful.

They should just pick failed congressional candidate and Iraq Vet Tammy Duckworth as the Senator and be done with it. It is hard to be corrupt when you haven't been in office yet.

Okay which is the most corrupt state in the Union?

New Jersey:
"Pros"
Sharpe James, The Tony Soprano led unions, The Gay Governor, Bob Torricelli, Govenor Whitman, casino bosses, the crappy enviromental record

Cons
Corey Booker, getting rid of the Death Penalty, the possible legalization of Gay Marriage, one of the best states in the union for third party candidates to run, and the fact that both of its senators had the balls to vote against the Iraq War.

Louisiana

Pros

Bobby "2012" Jindal, Ex Rep William Jefferson, The senate runoff system, and the numerous governors, senators, and representatives tainted by corruption scandals.

Cons

They just fired William Jefferson
Connecticut will give 'em a run for their money of late!

Governor John Rowland tossed in jail for palling around with "contractors", two mayors recently tossed in prison for separate scandals including Giordano of Waterbury who was a convicted pedophile, not to mention Joe "Asshole" Lieberman and a never-ending army of "contractors" in the "sanitation business."
Reply
post #35 of 110
12/10/08 at 7:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Closer View Post
So now the word is that Jesse Jackson Jr was the one who offered (supposedly) $1,000,000 for the Senate seat.

Count your lucky stars this didn't occur the week before the election. Between Blago being governor when Obama was elected to his opponents being removed from the ballot, it would have been like shooting fish in a barrel for the McCain/Palin camp.
Except that Obama played a key role in pushing through an Illinois ethics bill AIMED at Blago, which Blago vetoed, which Obama then a month before his own election went back to Illinois to convince the objecting state senators to override, therefore passing the bill that would then go into effect in January of 09, most likely driving Blago to this extortion frenzy. And that Blago hated Obama, called him a "m***erf***er," said Obama would only give him "appreciation" for appointing who Obama wanted, and therefore "f**k him," and also since everyone with a mouth in Illinois government spoke at the Dem convention EXCEPT Blago, most likely because Obama didn't want him there. Yeah, they were sure pals.

Actually, I would LOVE to have seen McCain and especially Palin try to make this stick, especially with Palin being a governor with so many potential hair-trigger corruption investigations against her in Alaska.
Reply
post #36 of 110
12/10/08 at 8:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by yt View Post
Except that Obama played a key role in pushing through an Illinois ethics bill AIMED at Blago, which Blago vetoed, which Obama then a month before his own election went back to Illinois to convince the objecting state senators to override, therefore passing the bill that would then go into effect in January of 09, most likely driving Blago to this extortion frenzy. And that Blago hated Obama, called him a "m***erf***er," said Obama would only give him "appreciation" for appointing who Obama wanted, and therefore "f**k him," and also since everyone with a mouth in Illinois government spoke at the Dem convention EXCEPT Blago, most likely because Obama didn't want him there. Yeah, they were sure pals.

Actually, I would LOVE to have seen McCain and especially Palin try to make this stick, especially with Palin being a governor with so many potential hair-trigger corruption investigations against her in Alaska.
I didnt say Obama was in any way in on this.

The truth is whatever it seems like.

You gotta be kidding yourself if you think this wouldnt have had an impact if it broke on 10/31.
Reply
post #37 of 110
12/10/08 at 9:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
It's not Whitewater. Fitzgerald said repeadly that Obama nor his team had anything to do with this.
Except it leaked that Jesse Jackson Jr may have been involved and he was on Obama's team....

Also, Obama has claimed he didn't talk to the governor yet there have been several news stories since the election that said he did...

Do I think Obama's done something wrong? No but some of his campaign staff might have while trying to look out for their future after the election. Also, more importantly it doesn't look good to have something like this coming out of the gate.
Reply
post #38 of 110
12/10/08 at 9:42pm
Does it have any reach beyond Jackson? No.

And also the Senate is saying if Rod here has the audacity to name someone. They will not seat that person. Frankly if you're picked by him, why in hell would you accept? You've pissed your career away by doing so.
Reply
post #39 of 110
12/10/08 at 10:02pm
Obama is from Chicago. Even if he's a saint, people around him who came up through the Chicago machine will, inevitably, have some taint.

Call me when there's a taped conversation between Obama and Blago about giving his seat to the highest bidder. If Pat Fitzgerald hasn't nailed Obama or Jackson, Jr. yet, there's nothing to nail them for. Fitzgerald is legit and doesn't pull punches. The media is running with this because: 1) they're tired of reporting on a story they don't understand, i.e., the economy; 2) there's nothing else to report on but the bail out and the worsening economy; and 3) see my first point.
Reply
post #40 of 110
12/10/08 at 10:42pm
and e) it's much more operatic than the odious, eternal injustices of the Bush administration, which will never be prosecuted.

And agree, Fitzgerald doesn't pull punches.

Snaieke, Blago has stunk for a long time - hasn't he been under investigation for the last 5 years? Anyone with half a brain would have stayed far away from him, and I think even you can recognize that Obama has more than half a brain.

Obama clearly knew Blago was dirty, hence the ethics bill. But you won't hear about that on Hannity/O'Reilly/Limbaugh/Glenn Beck, etc.
Reply
post #41 of 110
12/10/08 at 10:44pm
I felt like I was in the middle of that "Really?" Weekend Update bit that Seth and Amy used to do on SNL while I was watching the coverage of this on CNN. Really? He thought he could get away with this? REALLY? Nobody is going to notice you SELLING off one of the highest offices in your state. Really?
Reply
post #42 of 110
12/10/08 at 11:10pm
Blago was under investigation before he was sworn into office as governor. I remember I had just arrived in Chicago, circa late 2005, and there were already rumors of him being investigated by the feds.
Reply
post #43 of 110
12/11/08 at 1:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarleyQuinn22 View Post
I felt like I was in the middle of that "Really?" Weekend Update bit that Seth and Amy used to do on SNL while I was watching the coverage of this on CNN. Really? He thought he could get away with this? REALLY? Nobody is going to notice you SELLING off one of the highest offices in your state. Really?
If they don't do EXACTLY this routine Saturday night, I'll be stunned.
Reply
post #44 of 110
12/11/08 at 2:20pm
Rachel Maddow raked this imbecile over the coals last night. I was very pleased.
Reply
post #45 of 110
12/11/08 at 2:39pm
What's really shocking is that the guy knew his phone was tapped and did it anyway. Once again, how in the hell can you create a defense on that?

And yet this asshole will not resign. Mission accomplished Ron, you just paralyzed state government.
Reply
post #46 of 110
12/11/08 at 4:43pm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/...?se=yahoorefer

The most corrupt state in the Union since 1998 is...

NORTH DAKOTA!?!?
Reply
post #47 of 110
12/12/08 at 3:32pm
Five bucks for shipping!? RIP-OFF
Reply
post #48 of 110
12/13/08 at 12:20am
I hope he goes postal, holes up in his office with a shotgun, and demands a big over priced car that gets really shitty gas mileage!
Reply
post #49 of 110
12/13/08 at 12:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rourkefan View Post
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/...?se=yahoorefer

The most corrupt state in the Union since 1998 is...

NORTH DAKOTA!?!?
Kinda makes sense. I mean, there's like 27 people in the whole state, so a little corruption goes a long way.
Reply
post #50 of 110
12/17/08 at 10:59pm
So, Obama's new Chief of staff is on 21ish FBI recordings talking about the Senate seat and now Blago gives the bird to the Democrats. No one gets the seat, it'll be vacant.

Quote:
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An attorney for Rod Blagojevich says the embattled Illinois governor will not appoint someone to replace Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.

Attorney Ed Genson says Senate leaders have already said they won't accept an appointment by Blagojevich, so there's no reason for the Democratic governor to select someone.

Blagojevich has been charged with scheming to auction off the position to the highest bidder.

The allegation prompted calls to strip the governor of his power to choose a new senator. But Democratic lawmakers dropped that idea.

That has led to speculation about whether Blagojevich would try to make an appointment despite his legal and political problems.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Political Discourse
CHUD.com Community › Forums › POLITICS & RELIGION › Political Discourse › Illinois Rod Blagojevich arrested