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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:16 PM CST
Governor allegedly tried to sell seat in US Senate
Feds charge Blagojevich with 'crime spree'

By the ASSOCIATED PRESS

Check out all 78 pages of a criminal complaint against Rod Blagojevich filed by the United States District Court.

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was roused from bed and arrested Tuesday after prosecutors said he was caught on wiretaps audaciously scheming to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat for cash or a plum job for himself in the new administration.

The 51-year-old Democrat described his authority to appoint Obama’s replacement as “golden” and something he would not give away for free.

Nothing in court papers suggested Obama had any part in the discussions. In fact, Blagojevich was overheard complaining at one point that Obama’s people are “not going to give me anything except appreciation.” He added: “(Expletive) them.”

Prosecutors did not accuse Obama himself of any wrongdoing or even knowing about the matter. The president-elect said: “I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so I was not aware of what was happening.”

FBI agents arrested the governor before daybreak at his Chicago home and took him away while his family was still asleep, saying the wiretaps convinced them that Blagojevich’s “political corruption crime spree” had to be stopped before it was too late.

“The Senate seat, as recently as days ago, seemed to be on the verge of being auctioned off,” U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said. “The conduct would make Lincoln roll over in his grave.”

Federal investigators bugged the governor’s campaign offices and tapped his home phone, capturing conversations laced with profanity and tough-guy talk from the governor. Chicago FBI chief Robert Grant said even seasoned investigators were stunned by what they heard, particularly since the governor had known for at least three years that he was under investigation for alleged hiring fraud and clearly realized agents might be listening in.

The FBI said in court papers that the governor was overheard conspiring to sell the Senate seat for campaign cash or lucrative jobs for himself or his wife, Patti, a real estate agent. He spoke of using the Senate appointment to land a job with a nonprofit foundation or a union-affiliated group, and even held out hope of getting appointed as Obama’s secretary of health and human services or an ambassador.

According to court papers, the governor tried to make it known through emissaries, including union officials and fundraisers, that the seat could be had for the right price. Blagojevich allegedly had a salary in mind — $250,000 to $300,000 a year — and also spoke of collecting half-million and million-dollar political contributions.

The governor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. As recently as Monday, he told reporters: “I don’t care whether you tape me privately or publicly. I can tell you that whatever I say is always lawful.”

The governor’s attorney, Sheldon Sorosky, said he didn’t know of any immediate plans for the governor to resign. Blagojevich believes he didn’t do anything wrong and asks Illinois residents to have faith in him, Sorosky said.

“I suppose we will have to go to trial,” Sorosky said.

The charges do not identify by name any of the political figures under consideration for the Senate seat, referring to them only as “Candidate 1,” “Candidate 2,” and so on. However, those being considered for the post include: Obama confidante Valerie Jarrett, Reps. Jesse Jackson Jr., Danny Davis, Jan Schakowsky and Luis Gutierrez; Illinois Senate President Emil Jones; and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth.

Fitzgerald did not address whether any of the potential Senate candidates crossed the line themselves and could face charges. And it was unclear from court papers whether the governor or his aides spoke directly to the candidates.

Blagojevich was charged with two counts: conspiracy to commit fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and solicitation to commit bribery, which is punishable by up 10 years. He was released on his own recognizance.

Blagojevich, a former congressman, state lawmaker and prosecutor, also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., owner of the Chicago Tribune, in an attempt to strong-arm the newspaper into firing editorial writers who had criticized him.

In addition, the governor was accused of engaging in pay-to-play politics — that is, doling out jobs, contracts and appointments in return for campaign contributions.

Court papers portray Blagojevich as a greedy, vindictive pol who couldn’t wait to find ways to cash in on the Senate appointment. The charges also paint a picture of breathtaking arrogance and perhaps cluelessness, with the governor contemplating a Cabinet position or even a run for the White House despite an abysmal 13 percent approval rating and a reputation as one of the most corrupt governors in the nation.

Blagojevich becomes the latest in a long line of Illinois governors to become engulfed in scandal. He was elected in 2002 as a reformer promising to clean up after Gov. George Ryan, who is serving six years in prison for graft. He was re-elected to another four-year term in 2006.

The scandal leaves the Senate seat in limbo. Illinois legislative leaders said they were preparing to quickly schedule a special election to fill Obama’s seat rather than let Blagojevich pick someone.

“No appointment by this governor, under these circumstances, could produce a credible replacement,” said Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois.

Some Illinois politicians immediately demanded that the governor step down or face impeachment.

Also arrested was Blagojevich’s chief of staff, 46-year-old John Harris, who was accused of taking part in the schemes to enrich the governor.

Blagojevich also considered appointing himself to the Senate seat, telling his deputy governor that if “they’re not going to offer me anything of value, I might as well take it,” prosecutors said.

He said becoming a senator might help him avoid impeachment and also remake his image for a possible presidential run in 2016, according to court papers. And he allegedly said that he would have access to greater resources if he were indicted while in the Senate.

Prosecutors said he also talked about getting his wife placed on corporate boards where she might get $150,000 a year in director’s fees.

In court papers, the FBI said Blagojevich expressed frustration at being “stuck” as governor. “I want to make money,” the governor, whose salary is $177,412, was quoted as saying in one conversation.

The head of the FBI’s office in Chicago said he phoned Blagojevich at 6 a.m., telling him of a warrant for his arrest and informing him there were two FBI agents at his door. Blagojevich’s first comment was, “Is this a joke?” Grant said. The governor was led away in handcuffs.

Authorities said Blagojevich was hoping to raise $2.5 million by the end of the year and decided to speed up his “crime spree” before a state anti-corruption law takes effect Jan. 1. The governor had vetoed the law, but the Legislature overrode his veto.

The incriminating conversations took place even before Election Day and continued as recently as last week. On the recordings, Blagojevich warned one person not to use the phone and said, “The whole world is listening. You hear me?”

Political fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko, who raised money for the campaigns of both Blagojevich and Obama, is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of fraud and other charges. And Blagojevich’s chief fundraiser goes on trial next year on obstruction charges.

The court papers also outline Blagojevich conversations related to Tribune Co., which has been hoping for state aid in selling Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. Blagojevich was quoted as telling his chief of staff, Harris, in a profanity-laced Nov. 4 conversation that Tribune executives should fire the editorial writers “and get us some editorial support.”

Harris was later overheard telling the governor on Nov. 11 that an unnamed Tribune owner, presumably CEO Sam Zell, “got the message and is very sensitive to the issue.”

———

Associated Press writer Don Babwin contributed to this report.

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291953 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:23 AM:

" perhaps he can share a cell with Ryan. "

buh wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:24 AM:

" About time. "

Illinoisbound wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:30 AM:

" Good! Now they can get on the Obama trail!!! "

warrior wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:32 AM:

" You did a fine job of cleaning up Ryan's mess Hot Rod. Maybe you and him can be cell buddies, if you know what I mean. "

Midnight Writer wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:34 AM:

" Christmas just came early for Illinois !!!! "

medic57 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:42 AM:

" Well, what do you know, chain smokers. Ole George ought to be getting out of prison just about the same time as Rod goes to prison. "

RAK wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:47 AM:

" Arrests show a disturbing lack of ethics among IL politicians. "

cubs4341 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:59 AM:

" It's about time! "

HisChild wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:00 AM:

" :-) Yes, Yes, Yes, Thank God! :-)
Hallelujah, Thank You God! "

veteran wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:12 AM:

" It is about time that the north of I-80 crowd starts to pay for their pay-to-play politics "

Becky wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:19 AM:

" Hey Chicago!!! Maybe it's time to pay attention to us toothless hillbillies in So. IL. so we can stop being embarrassed by your mobster governors going to jail! "

The Curious wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:46 AM:

" Maybe now someone who takes his place can make right all of Blago's wrongs, get rid of the people he hired illegally, and give those whose jobs were stolen back so they can begin to rebuild lives. "

62463 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:54 AM:

" i find it very sad that so many many people think it is a funny thing when the govenor of any state is arrested and charged with a crime while still in office. you should not think that it is a good day when your govenor is taken away in cuffs. dont get me wrong if he is guilty and is convicted he should be punished and deserves to be, but this should not be considered a good day for illinois "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:06 AM:

" Now's the time to look at that Rezko/Obama land deal. "

oldschool wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:34 AM:

" Holy Cow !!....Obama'a pardon list has started and he's not even in office yet. Only in Illinois "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:41 AM:

" (but this should not be considered a good day for illinois)

It's a great day for Illinois.

This State needs an enema to clean out the corrupt Democrat machine.

But don't hold your breath. Barry Obama will make sure the Chicago Democorrupt Machine will stay firmly in place.

After all, he's part of the machine. The Machine made him. "

CHILL! wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:46 AM:

" 62463- This is not considered a good day for Illinois - It is the BEST DAY for Illinois! Blago has been the biggest crook of all, and torn many families apart by giving their jobs, jobs they had for 15-20-25 years- to "his friends" and people who could give him a kickback.

Now lets see Blago lose his home, his kids' college funds, all his past income, his retirement, and everything he has to help rebuild all the lives he has thrown to the wolves.

Lost jobs, lost homes, lost lives, time for Blago to start paying back what he has been stealing SINCE DAY ONE. Too bad he cannot ever undo all the damage he has caused, but he can start from prison, and that is a start. "

TommyTutone wrote on Dec 9, 2008 12:48 PM:

" The amazing thing to me is that this idiot couldn't even successfully sell a seat in the U.S. Senate. The people he was calling must have known he would get caught. What a maroon! Let's hope he doesn't trade the seat for a pack of smokes and a jug of toilet wine before we get him impeached. "

misterdeez wrote on Dec 9, 2008 1:02 PM:

" IMPEACH, IMPEACH, IMPEACH!!!!!!! "

mhsgal wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:07 PM:

" MERRY CHRISTMAS, ILLINOIS!! "

thirtysomething wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:08 PM:

" We can finally have our Gov. live in Springfield, in the house we are paying for. Thank God he has been exposed for the rat he is "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:09 PM:

" The Democrat way.

"It's the Chicago Way."

Now don't yous guys forget it. "

father bob wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:30 PM:

" BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:41 AM:
"After all, he's part of the machine. The Machine made him. """"

oh yeah....nevermind the harvard law degree or personal achievement.

ooops...you wouldn't have a clue about such things.....nevermind, go play with your toy soldiers. "

medic57 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:36 PM:

" RAK wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:47 AM:

" Arrests show a disturbing lack of ethics among IL politicians.

You're absolutely right RAK, it is very sad that there has not been an Illinois Governor in my lifetime that has not either been investigated or convicted of something, and I'm 51 years old. It really is sad. "

medic57 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:38 PM:

" BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:41 AM:

" (but this should not be considered a good day for illinois)

It's a great day for Illinois.

Has it, when almost every governor in the last 50 years has either been investigated or convicted for something. It really is sad. "

daksma wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:41 PM:

" VERY GOOD "RAK" "

Rotty wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:53 PM:

" I wonder if Blago is into bondage? "

just wondering wrote on Dec 9, 2008 3:24 PM:

" I am wondering where all the left wing people are at. You know who you are. The ones that couldn't wait to get Ryan out and anything will be better. You know the same things you are saying about Bush. Where are you folks? Blago is one of yours. No comments? Just what I thought. Well at least we will get a little rest from the liberal bologna for a while maybe. Knowing the way some of these people think, pretty soon we will find out it's the conservative Republicans fault for all this. "

Becky wrote on Dec 9, 2008 3:34 PM:

" No, Blago isn't a true Democrat. Heck the Dems can't stand him either. And all of you who are dancing about him being a Dem, are your memories so short that our last Gov now in jail for being a crook was a Rep? We really, REALLY need 3rd and 4th parties in our government. Both the Dems and Reps are crooked, corrupt, self indugent mobsters anymore. "

Illinibill wrote on Dec 9, 2008 3:40 PM:

" Everyone think back and remember the night the "Omega Scam" broke. There were lots of names flying around - some to who got to buy their house twice to stay out of limelight - Well, we are back there. Guarantee there are LOTS of folks in Springfield and Chicago who are hoping their name does NOT come up right now. Let's see - Hey Carle, why don't you resubmit that petition to start a surgery center in Mattoon/Charleston area. And imagine the trickery going on when FutureGen was announced/rescinded. Will be an especially interesting next few weeks. Where is Glenn Poshard when we really need him? "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 9, 2008 3:43 PM:

" (No, Blago isn't a true Democrat. Heck the Dems can't stand him either.)

ROFLMAO!!! "

Why Not wrote on Dec 9, 2008 3:43 PM:

" First hot winter Chicago has ever had, just started today! OUCH! Or should I say, not surprised...yet kind of in shock...Did he really think there was even a chance of being president at anytime? What arrogance! What has he done for Illinois? "

medic57 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 4:45 PM:

" He was released on his own recognizance. "

HeinekenMan wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:01 PM:

" I see that people are quick to connect Obama and others to this despite one shred of proof. Some folks are even supposing that Democrats are at fault or that we're ashamed.

If you want to know how Democrats feel, why not ask them? I'd much prefer that to having you invent my responses for me. "

Billie Brant wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:15 PM:

" No medic, he wasn't released on his own recognizance I just heard in the radio he was released after posting $4500.00 bond. That's probably the 10% of the full bond.

fb--- "personal achievement? Yeah his achievements were looking out for himself and to hell with the rest of us.

I have a feeling the fallout from this is going to be HUGE! People are going to be falling like a domino line!

He's an arrogant jerk, like Ryan, believing himself above the law. If convicted I hope he gets the maximum sentence available. There's no way he can justify this. "

Billie Brant wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:23 PM:

" SORRY fb! In my last post I mistakenly read your post to BDD thinking you were refering to Rod's achievments. I apologize! That will teach me to slow down a little.

In a hurry to correct this I posted it on another thread. So if you see it somewhere else, oops!

Twenty lashes? :-) "

291953 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:36 PM:

" Did Y'all catch up there where Blago doesn't think he did anything wrong and asks we the people of Illinois "to have faith in him"?? Ohboy. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:38 PM:

" If you want to know how Democrats feel, why not ask them? I'd much prefer that to having you invent my responses for me. "

Get used to it, H-man, the village idiot (Doh) speaks for everyone one here. It's his mission in life. "

291953 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:40 PM:

" Illinibill, Glenn Poshard is down where he wants to be; at SIU. I doubt that he's interested in the job anymore. It's sad because he's a good man. "

The Question wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:52 PM:

" Naturally Obama will be guilt by association-attacked on this by the eager GOP propagandists.
Since Obama is not a crook, everything has to hurt him "by extension." Otherwise the corporate media can't hurt him. And they MUST hurt him. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 9, 2008 6:16 PM:

" HeinekenMan wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:01 PM:

" I see that people are quick to connect Obama and others to this despite one shred of proof.

--------------
I heard Limbaugh desperately trying to make a link to Obama today, H-man. Not surprisingly most of the garbage strewn by Limbaugh says seems to wind up on this site by his faithful such as Doh and Neo. Of course both of them have, at various times, denied even listening to the old gasbag. "

Billie Brant wrote on Dec 9, 2008 6:23 PM:

" Question, I don't think there's any "love lost" between Blago and Obama. Did you check out all the nasty "bleeps" in the lovely name calling quotes being played on news reports coming out of Rauncy Rod's mouth directed toward Obama? It seems to me that Obama has done quite a bit to distance himself from him for quite awhile.

As nasty and self-serving as Blago is, I wouldn't be surprised when he knows the ship is sinking, to try and drag Obama down with him. "

Old Grumpy wrote on Dec 9, 2008 6:49 PM:

" Illinois politics are like Chicago Style pizza, all sauce and no meat. Chicago has dominated State politics for so long it is no surprise that our Govenor asks for bribes. Regardless of which party is in office the real work goes on in the dark. Can we declare independance from Chicago? "

Chad(USAF) wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:44 PM:

" Billie, there is no love lost between Jesse Jackson and Obama either, but that didn't stop the crocodile tears on election night. Throw everyone north of I-80 out of the state and start over. "

RAK wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:56 PM:

" Here's a link to the full indictment:

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/09/complaint.pdf "

steve senteney wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:00 PM:

" I would encourage readers to read the federal complaint filed by the FBI which supported the arrest warrant issued by the U.S. Judge Magistrate. It is available on the Internet. You will be able to see for yourself what the arrest is based on.

I believe it is appropriate to compliment the FBI for their excellent work. The FBI has certainly made errors over the years, but the men and women who worked on this case have done a great job.

I suspect at the same time the governor and his chief of staff were being arrested (6:00 AM), FBI agents and investigators from IRS, Dept. of Labor and Postal Inspection Service were knocking on the doors of people whom they wanted to interview in this case before they had time to talk with each other.

This is another case of where cooperation betweeen law enforcement agencies resulted in success, similar to the local OMEGA investigation which involved many law enforcement agencies working together.

Now it is time for citizens who have information which will assist with the investigation and prosecution to step forward and cooperate with the federal investigators.

The work has just begun for the investigators and prosecutors, many many hours will be spent to bring this case to a successful conclusion.

Again, I encourage reading the federal complaint that was filed in court and not let the media's interpretation be the only source of your information on this matter. "

Illinibill wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Mr. Sentney - I agree that the amount of work and cooperation would have been huge. Can you imagine the difficulty and amount of evidence it must have taken to get a Federal Judge to approve a wire tap on a sitting Governor! Wow.... I congratulate law enforcement (all branches) and hope the justice system works. We, the people of Illinois deserve better.

I have read the entire 76 pages (via Chicago Tribune and assume it is factual) and tried to sort out Person A and Lobbyist 1 etc. I seem to remember that Patrick Fitzgerald was considered for the federal Attorney General position in the past - now I see why. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:14 PM:

" UH-OH

Questions Arise About the Obama/Blagojevich Relationship

ABCNEWS- Asked what contact he'd had with the governor's office about his replacement in the Senate, President-elect Obama today said "I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening."

But on November 23, 2008, his senior adviser David Axelrod appeared on Fox News Chicago and said something quite different.

While insisting that the President-elect had not expressed a favorite to replace him, and his inclination was to avoid being a "kingmaker," Axelrod said, "I know he's talked to the governor and there are a whole range of names many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them." "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:23 PM:

" Well gosh darn it!

Wouldn't you just know it.

It turns out that ole Barry Obama has a long history as a friend of (and advisor to) Blago. Axelrod himself begged off Blagojevichs first gubernatorial campaign because I was concerned about whether he was ready for ... governing.

Not so Obama and Emanuel; they both served as advisors, and they and Blago went on endorsing each other to the bitter end.

Hmmmmmm.... "

sapient wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:33 PM:

" What amazes me is that the downstate democrats keep voting for these clowns in spite of the Chicago democrat's compulsion to lie, cheat, and steal. No wonder the democrats are symbolized by the jackass. "

RAK wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:41 PM:

" Daley's scared:

http://www.nbcchicago.com/station/as_seen_on/Mayor_Daley_on_Blagojevich_Arrest_Chicago.html "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:23 PM:

" What did Obama know and when did he know it?

What did Obama know and when did he know it?

What did Obama know and when did he know it?

What did Obama know and when did he know it?

What did Obama know and when did he know it?

What did Obama know and when did he know it?

Since the liberal media won't ask this question, or investigate him as evidenced with the elections, I guess us RIGHT-WING-NUT-JOB-PURITANS will have to do it. "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 5:39 AM:

" Illinois politicians are no more corrupt than those of any other state. They just get caught more often, so maybe they're just more brazen or more stupid.
Look at every Republican presidential primary candidate, for example. All of them were completely corrupt, with the possible exception of Huckabee.
Hats off to Patrick Fitzgerald for nabbing another highly placed crook. The man's a hero. "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 5:53 AM:

" Funny that it that it was apparently Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel who tipped feds off to Blagojevich's corrupt dealings, isn't it? How does that fit in with the "Obama is a crook" web of smears and lies the Republican propagandists are so busy spinning? "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 7:22 AM:

" Well, this isn't even the big story anymore. Haven't you heard? The really HUGE news is that Oprah is fat!
The fact that such brain-dead, trivial nonsense is getting major news coverage illustrates the depth of the stupidity of the American public, and that stupidity is at the root of our problems here. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 10, 2008 7:50 AM:

" The Question wrote...

"web of smears and lies the Republican propagandists are so busy spinning? "

Yes, the Republican propagandists have learned their craft from the very best...the no standard is the standard... liberals like you. "

Knowitall wrote on Dec 10, 2008 8:13 AM:

" It got so warm in Il. the Governor went into the cooler "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 10, 2008 8:18 AM:

" (Funny that it that it was apparently Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel who tipped feds off to Blagojevich's corrupt dealings, isn't it?)

Not as funny as the Obama camp lying about their contact with Blago about Barry's Senate seat replacement, is it Question.

It's not surprising that Rahm Emanuel (another scumbag Chicago Democrat) would get this entire thing over with quickly, before Barry gets into office.

So why did Barry lie? "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 8:19 AM:

" Don't forget, Karl Rove tried to stop Patrick Fitzgerald from being appointed and wanted to get him fired.
So if the Bush White House had its way, Blago might never have been arrested. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 10, 2008 8:19 AM:

" I see our resident expert on all things political is making an attempt to tie Obama to Blago. I'm not surprised by his pathetic attempt though. "

Chad(USAF) wrote on Dec 10, 2008 8:32 AM:

" Question, I disagree. Illinois politicians are far more corrupt than most other states (not all). Republican, Democrat... doesn't matter much in this state.

As for the incessant need to tie Obama to Blago, I'll give the man the benefit of the doubt and wait to see evidence of wrongdoing. I may not like the man or care for his policies, but that doesn't necessarily make him a crook. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:24 AM:

" Hey Doh, check out the article of the female robot on today's Drudge report. There might be hope for you yet. Perhaps we could take up a collection on here for you to get one. "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:25 AM:

" Yes, some of you are always hoping that there is a guilty Democrat around so you do not have to face the reality of the failed Republican Party.
As for Blago, put that sewer-swimming rat in prison for the rest of his rotten existence. Corrupt public servants do tremendous damage to society with NO POSSIBLE excuse for their actions, and should be dealt with mercilessly. "

gocubs wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:29 AM:

" political corruption crime spree had to be stopped before it was too late.
-Isn't a few years to late? The only question I have is if Ryan and Blago share a cell in prision.....who will be the husband?
Rot in Prision Bubba...I mean blago!! "

Steve Senteney wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:40 AM:

" The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 8:19 AM:

" Don't forget, Karl Rove tried to stop Patrick Fitzgerald from being appointed and wanted to get him fired.
So if the Bush White House had its way, Blago might never have been arrested. "

I have a different perspective on whether the governor would have been arrested if Patrick Fitzgerald was not the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

Daniel W. Cain, was the Affiant on the federal complaint that support the issuance of the arrest waqrrant and has been a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for over twenty-two years. He states in the federal complaint that he has participated in and am familiar with this investigation through interviews
and analysis of reports submitted by other Special Agents of the FBI, the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the U.S. Department of
Labor's Office of Inspector General (DOLIG).

The federal investigative agencies investigate and the U.S. Attorney's office prosecute. I believe Patrick Fitzgerald is an outstanding U.S. Attorney and appears to have outstanding Assistant U.S. Attorney's working for him. His office seems to be aggressive and supports prosecuting those whom the federal investigative agencies investigate.

This arrest and investigative action is the result of team work by many investigators and agencies. The U.S. Attorney's office is only one of those agencies involved.

It is opined that the FBI was the lead investigative agency in this case, but I do not know that for fact. However, it is the team work and cooperation of all the agencies that resulted in this arrest.

As I previously posted, many more hours of work remain to successfully prosecute this case. I suspect that a indictment will be returned by a federal grand jury within the next 30 to 90 days charging the governor with many more crimes.

The federal complaint process was used to merely stop the ongoing crimes from continuing. This is similar to a complaint being filed to obtain an arrest warrant for a bank robber that needs to stopped from committing additional robberies. Investigative agencies and U.S. Attorney's office do not want to wait to present their evidence to a federal grand jury which can issue an indictment and have a federal judge issue an arrest warrant. Normally the grand jury process is much slower and delays the arrest. "

father bob wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:43 AM:

" The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 5:53 AM:
" Funny that it that it was apparently Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel who tipped feds off to Blagojevich's corrupt dealings, isn't it? How does that fit in with the "Obama is a crook" web of smears and lies the Republican propagandists are so busy spinning? """"

you forget Q, it's totally a guilt by association type thing with them. i'm sure i will be accused of ties to blago......since i vacationed in chicago last summer, i voted democratic and i hate george WTF bush. "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 10:02 AM:

" Chad, do you know where the term "Sucker" came from, as in never give one an even break? It referred to citizens of Illinois, and, given our string of governors, apparently it's still true. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 10, 2008 10:05 AM:

" Former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison for taking $2.4 million in homes, yachts and other bribes in a corruption scheme unmatched in the annals of Congress.

I believe he was from California. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 10, 2008 10:12 AM:

" One of the biggest political scandals in modern times was the Iran-Contra scandal of the Reagan administration. And Reagan was originally from Illinois. Fortunately for Reagan his mind as so far gone that he probably really didn't know what was going on at the time. And thanks to Bush Sr's pardons of all of the skunks involved we will never know either. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 10, 2008 10:28 AM:

" And speaking of despicable Republicans, Bush had better get busy if he is going to pardon his fellow Texan and close personal friend, the sleazy Tom Delay. I suspect he's waiting till the last minute for this one, knowing the flack it will cause.

There is a rumor floating around that Delay, Cunningham and Ryan's attorneys, Foley, Stevens, Libby and Larry Craig were seen in the waiting room at the White house. Cheney is probably asking for a post dated pardon. Too bad Rods a Democrat and Bush will probably only be pardoning his fellow Pubs.

If George doesn't come through maybe they can build on a huge new wing at San Quinton just for the fallen Republicans. They could name it the Nixon/Agnew/Reagan wing. Oops, I forgot, Reagan never got caught.

Of course they would have to build a much smaller wing for fallen Dems. One or two cells night work for the Dems. LOL! "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 10, 2008 11:04 AM:

" Obama adviser endorsed Blago-style politics in 2005

I doubt too many people around Barack Obama would have any criticisms for US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald or offer any defenses of Illinois politics now. In 2005, however, Obamas chief political adviser did both in the pages of the Chicago Tribune. While Fitzgerald probed the endemic corruption in the Land of Lincoln, David Axelrod scolded him for criminalizing the normal trading of interests in Chicago-style politics:

Patrick Fitzgeralds charges against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich have drawn a chorus of shock and outrage.

But Barack Obamas message man David Axelrod once staked out a much more nuanced position on Fitzgeralds anti-corruption crusade.

In a 2005 op-ed, Axelrod argued, in effect, that trading political favors including jobs is part of the grease that makes government work.

He ripped Fitzgerald at the time for trying to use the criminal code to enforce (his) vision of entirely remov(ing) politics from government.

The piece in the Chicago Tribune was prompted by Fitzgeralds indictment of aides to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley for conspiring to give city jobs as political favors. Daley was Axelrods client at the time. "

even steven wrote on Dec 10, 2008 12:52 PM:

" Blagojevich will snitch on anyone and everyone. He's a true sociopath. Obama better hope he's not somehow tied into any of this corruption, but since he rose from the political cess pool of Chicago politics, he or some of his associates are most likely going to be questioned at the very least.

Obama's sycophants will undoubtedly chalk this up to partisan dirty tricks and dismiss any suggestion that Obama could be embroiled in this pay-to-play slime, but those who don't have their heads firmly lodged in the sand won't be so forgiving. Chicago politics is some of the most corrupt in the country. "

6Shooter wrote on Dec 10, 2008 1:35 PM:

" I'm surprised it took until 8:19 this morning for the Bush blame to come in..

Blogo has been corrupt since BEFORE winning the race on his first term. "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 2:15 PM:

" The corporate media haven't been able to hurt Obama by citing his actions, so they cite other people's actions and blame them on him.
There is only one imperative -- they MUST hurt Obama. "

even steven wrote on Dec 10, 2008 3:03 PM:

" The corporate media you bemoan is biased. It favors Democrats and leftists. All one has to do is read the pathetic New York Times (where "journalists" (hacks) include editorial content in front page "news" stories). The NY Times is going broke, though, because their warped version of "news" doesn't sell in the marketplace of ideas... much like Air America. Very few media outlets did their jobs before this past election and did little more than act as cheerleaders for Obama. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 10, 2008 3:08 PM:

" While listening to a radio call in show today (on WLS) I came to the conclusion that the same right wing nut cases posting on this site must be calling there too. I tried to figure out which one was Doh, but none of them identified themselves by name. The one guy that I suspected might be Doh kept bragging about how astute he was, thus my conclusion. Another one of them sounded about as bitter over the presidential election results as my other pal, Neo. So maybe one of you would be willing to fess up, huh? "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 10, 2008 3:18 PM:

" (The corporate media haven't been able to hurt Obama by citing his actions, so they cite other people's actions and blame them on him.
There is only one imperative -- they MUST hurt Obama.)

LOL

Looks like ole Scut Farkus is having a hard time listening to any criticism of his little messiah!

*heartache*

And THIS coming from a hypocritical wing nut who has endlessly stunk this site up with "tricked"-in-the-head conspiracies of "tricked-up Intel", diabolical imperialist ambitions, jackbooted fascist infringements of civil rights, and Big Evil Oil.

cookoo* cookoo* cookoo*

Quick Scut! Is that a black helicopter landing in your yard?...!!!!

LOL "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 3:24 PM:

" Obama will, of course, eventually do something wrong, being human and not "the Messiah" that the right wingers seem to fear he is. And they'd better hope it's soon. Because trying to condemn him without any evidence of wrongdoing has been driving the Republicans crazy for months. The poor, poor things.
By the way, that corporate media that you say "favors Democrats" has been busy all day trying to smear Obama with tenuous links to Blago. Fox News has gone crazy with it. "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 3:32 PM:

" Now I know you Republicans are itching to impeach Obama for this awful thing he did that you can't quite put your finger on, so go to it. Maybe you can kick him out of the presidency before he actually takes office, which would certainly be a record.
Funny. Right-wingers search desperately for something Obama did wrong while everyone else searches for something, anything, that Bush did right. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 10, 2008 3:38 PM:

" Breaking News:

Scut Farkus (AKA The Question) and Barry Hussein Obama disciple extraordinaire,

Was spotted on youtube sporting a stylish blond wig, ruby red lipstick, and a fabulous shade of eyeshadow; as he went on a tear-filled rant beseeching the media to "Leave Barry alone!"

....sad..... "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 4:45 PM:

" The president-elect has released a new statement calling for the governor to resign. As a friend of mine said, this of course suggests the corporate media topic for the rest of the day: Was Obama's statement calling for the governor's resignation too weak? Does it "taint" him? Should Obama demand that Blagojevich be ejected into space? "

HeinekenMan wrote on Dec 10, 2008 6:15 PM:

" His name is Barack Obama. Not Barry Hussein Obama, a name clearly chosen to disrespect the leader of the free world and suggest that he is Muslim because of his middle name despite loads of actual evidence that suggests otherwise. One would think that we could move past that. I guess when you're dumb as a post, the best you can do is keep playing your pair of deuces and hope for a miracle.

To this point, there's not even the slightest indication that he's done anything wrong. Fitzgerald has already said he has nothing on Jackson Jr. and that the man is completely in the clear.

Someone needs to acknowledge this. I've read several posters who have tied Jackson Jr. to this investigation. You owe Jackson and a lot of other people an apology.

It happens every day in the comments. Someone invents a scenario and then hangs the whole of the Democratic Party based upon the scenario. Then, when that scenario is proven clearly illogical and completely false, we hear nothing.

It's disgusting. What ugly, ugly people. Try smiling once in a while. Get outside and suck in some fresh air. Being angry at the world, or at least half of it, isn't healthy, and it's even worse to live in a fairy-tale world.

Try reality. Perhaps get some help. But please stop creating false scenarios. d "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 10, 2008 7:05 PM:

" Sober up HeiniHead.

When Barry Became Barack

Newsweek- March 31 2008 Barry Obama decided that he didn't like his nickname. A few of his friends at Occidental College had already begun to call him Barack (his formal name), and he'd come to prefer that. The way his half sister, Maya, remembers it, Obama returned home at Christmas in 1980, and there he told his mother and grandparents: no more Barry. Obama recalls it slightly differently, but in the same basic time frame. He believes he told his mom he wanted to be called Barack when she visited him in New York the following summer. By both accounts, it seemed that the elder relatives were reluctant to embrace the change. Maya recalls that Obama's maternal grandparents, who had played a big role in raising him, continued long after that to call him by an affectionate nickname, "Bar." "Not just them, but my mom, too," says Obama.

AND THIS:

Swearing in: 'Barack Hussein Obama'

Politico- 12/10/08

President-elect Barack Obama says he plans to use all three of his names when he takes the oath of office in January, giving voice to a name that was was rarely used during the campaign except by critics.

He replied: I think the tradition is that they use all three names, and I will follow the tradition, not trying to make a statement one way or the other. I'll do what everybody else does.

In fact, all presidents have not used their middle names when taking the oath of office. Jimmy Carter famously went as Jimmy Carter. Ronald Wilson Reagan took the oath as simply Ronald Reagan.

See that Heini?

Apparently you're dumb as a post.

LOL "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 10, 2008 7:11 PM:

" (To this point, there's not even the slightest indication that he's done anything wrong.)

Then why is Obama lying, Heini?

Questions Arise About the Obama/Blagojevich Relationship

ABCNEWS- Asked what contact he'd had with the governor's office about his replacement in the Senate, President-elect Obama today said "I had no contact with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening."

But on November 23, 2008, his senior adviser David Axelrod appeared on Fox News Chicago and said something quite different.

While insisting that the President-elect had not expressed a favorite to replace him, and his inclination was to avoid being a "kingmaker," Axelrod said, "I know he's talked to the governor and there are a whole range of names many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them." "

The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 7:35 PM:

" Gosh, you right wingers certainly enjoy attacking the next commander in chief. What do you hate America? "

Chad(USAF) wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:28 PM:

" Question, it's not the people of Illinois that keep electing these morons, it's the people of Cook County. According to WDWS this morning, Blago lost the entire rest of the state by over 200,000 votes. Problem is that he won Cook County by 400,000. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:41 PM:

" ( Gosh, you right wingers certainly enjoy attacking the next commander in chief. What do you hate America?)

Barry Hussein is not my CIC and he's not my president. So when did you stop hating America Scut? "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 10, 2008 10:43 PM:

" UH-OH!

From Politico-

Change.gov the transition website for President-Elect Barack ObamaChange.gov is now hiding questions on the Blagojevich scandal.

Hmmmmmmmmm

Questions removed from the site:

-Given the current corruption charges involving Blagojevich, will serious campaign finance reform that takes money completely out of politics through publicly funded elections be a priority in the first term?

-In light of the recent corruption scandals (Blagojevich, Rangel, Jefferson, Stevens, etc) that have dominated the political scene,is there any ethics legislation being crafted to actually curb corruption and prevent another wave of nixonian cynicism?

-Is Barack Obama aware of any communications in the last six weeks between Rod Blagojevich or anyone representing Rod Blagojevich and any of Obamas top aides?

Move along now people......nothing to see here.

LOL "

The Question wrote on Dec 11, 2008 4:35 AM:

" Even though there's no evidence against Obama, Fox News and talk radio will repeat its sly smears and innuendo about him daily for weeks, if not months, determined to create plenty of smoke to disguise the fact that there's no fire.
And Obama will eventually get a reputation for being "dirty," based on no evidence, because many Americans are morons who wouldn't know a rational argument if it slapped them and think that Oprah's weight is a major new story. "

Early Bird wrote on Dec 11, 2008 5:29 AM:

" Barry Hussein is not my CIC and he's not my president.

.....................

I certainly hope your green card doesn't expire, we would miss you. (not really) "

The Question wrote on Dec 11, 2008 5:40 AM:

" "Barry Hussein is not my CIC and he's not my president. So when did you stop hating America Scut?"
---
Temper, temper, Doggy Doh. Better be careful. Why, you sound just like an "enemy combatant." And you know what happens to them -- rendition, permanent secret imprisonment, torture. You know, all those policies you endorse. "

The Question wrote on Dec 11, 2008 6:42 AM:

" Public corruption is endemic in the United States, not just in Illinois. In terms of per capita prosecutions for public corruption, Illinois is way down the list. North Dakota and Louisiana are at the top. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 6:53 AM:

" Blagojevichs Big Conference Call and Valerie Jarretts Clean Break

WSJ- Dec 10 2008

-Were any members of his (Obmam's) transition team among the Washington advisers on the line during this marathon conference call, or did one of the participants fill them in about these wild ideas?

Mr. Obamas people are not commenting on details about the case. But the reason that question is on so many minds today is because of what happened that very same Monday night.

At 7:56 p.m. Eastern Time, CNN reported that two Democratic sources close to President-elect Barack Obama tell CNN that top adviser Valerie Jarrett will not be appointed to replace him in the U.S. Senate.

That was an abrupt turnaround. While we cant vouch for CNNs reportage, the network had reported that same weekend that Ms. Jarrett was Mr. Obamas top choice. (Ms. Jarrett herself confirmed that she was out of contention two days after it was reported by CNN, and two days after the marathon conference call. She told the PBS show The Newshour with Jim Lehrer, Well, you know what? I`m actually not interested in the Senate position.)

At a bare minimum, the timing of Team Obamas decision to remove Ms. Jarretts name from contention, or at least to remove her name from the public speculation about the post, seems extraordinarily lucky. It came on the very same day the FBI secretly recorded Mr. Blagojevich telling a huge conference call loaded with politicos, in Illinois and Washington, that he wasnt about to give the Senate spot away for nothing.

Its also the same recorded conversation in which Mr. Blagojevich uses an obscenity to refer to Mr. Obama, before the governor makes clear he wont give the president-elect the seat for free. F him. For nothing? F him.

Look for everyone to continue focusing on this call, and who from Washington was on the line. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 6:57 AM:

" (Fox News and talk radio will repeat its sly smears and innuendo about him daily for weeks)

Funny, Scut- the posts I've been sourcing on Obama's lies and corruption (which have been a matter of documented fact) have yet to come from the dreaded Fox News or talk radio. LOL "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 7:02 AM:

" (Why, you sound just like an "enemy combatant." And you know what happens to them)

Uhm....I believe YOUR president Barry O wire taps them and listens in on their conversations....doesn't he, Scut?

That is right isn't it, Question?

Barry Hussein Obama DOES support FISA doesn't he, Scut? "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 7:27 AM:

" (I certainly hope your green card doesn't expire, we would miss you)

Oh I don't need a green card in the ObamaNation, Early Blurb.

In fact, not having a green card automatically makes an individual:

- a disenfranchised registered Democrat voter

- a member of ACORN

- qualified to (no no, make that) GUARANTEED, the right to a Bawney Fwank and Friends, Fannie Mae Sub-prime loan

- Granted the RIGHT to a free College education

- predisposed to mental disabilities known as "Hope and Change" and "Yes we can!"

-and last but not least, completely impervious to anything resembling: fact, reality, or commonsense. Oops! But I repeat myself! I already said registered Democrat, didn't I. "

The Question wrote on Dec 11, 2008 7:28 AM:

" I wonder. Will Fox News make an error and put an (R) behind the governor's name? They so often make the opposite "mistake" when a Republican congressman is caught chasing teenage boys or something. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 11, 2008 8:45 AM:

" Yeah Dohdoggy, and you don't listen to Rush Slimeball either. LOL! "

The Question wrote on Dec 11, 2008 9:33 AM:

" "...last but not least, completely impervious to anything resembling: fact, reality, or commonsense. Oops! But I repeat myself! I already said registered Democrat, didn't I."
---
How odd. According to your screen name, YOU are a Democrat, Doggy Doh.
Unless, of course, you're simply a liar. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 10:44 AM:

" BWAHAAHAHAA

This just keeps getting better.

DEPENDS ON HOW YOU DEFINE CONTACT I GUESS

Obama- I had NO CONTACT with the governor or his office and so we were not, I was not aware of what was happening.

Dec 2 2008- Obama met with Blago at the National Governors Association

Look at the pretty picture!

http://tinyurl.com/5okc7b

That's a real wall-hanger ain't it, Question?

LOL "

father bob wrote on Dec 11, 2008 10:53 AM:

" BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:41 PM:
"Barry Hussein is not my CIC and he's not my president""""

he will be it about 30 days....got your passport ready? "

father bob wrote on Dec 11, 2008 11:13 AM:

" BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 7:27 AM:
" (I certainly hope your green card doesn't expire, we would miss you)

Oh I don't need a green card in the ObamaNation, Early Blurb.

In fact, not having a green card automatically makes an individual:

- a disenfranchised registered Democrat voter

- a member of ACORN

- qualified to (no no, make that) GUARANTEED, the right to a Bawney Fwank and Friends, Fannie Mae Sub-prime loan

- Granted the RIGHT to a free College education

- predisposed to mental disabilities known as "Hope and Change" and "Yes we can!"

-and last but not least, completely impervious to anything resembling: fact, reality, or commonsense. Oops! But I repeat myself! I already said registered Democrat, didn't I.""""

and you make it sound like all this is bad????? "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 11:34 AM:

" I said- (and last but not least, completely impervious to anything resembling: fact, reality, or commonsense. Oops! But I repeat myself! I already said registered Democrat, didn't I)

fatherbobby said-(and you make it sound like all this is bad?????)

I rest my case. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 11:39 AM:

" (he will be it about 30 days....got your passport ready?)

Looks like Barry's corruption got a headstart huh. LOL

There's no way I'd miss this.

Oh and, passports aren't necessary in ObamaNation, bobby. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 11, 2008 2:09 PM:

" "is caught chasing teenage boys or something. "

Ah... no that was Barney Frank (chasing teenage boys).

When it's a republican, they get booted.

When it's a democrat(like Barney Frank) you get a better committee seat like, the Chair of the House Financial
Services Committee. A chair position where he did nothing to avert the mortgage meltdown crisis and spiral our economy into a depression. You how much $$$ did he get from Fanny and Freddie?

As for Fb's "he will be it about 30 days....got your passport ready? "

Why would us right wing nut jobs leave?

It's too much fun watching the meltdown when dems take over...like in California, Michigan, and dare I forget to mention Illinois?

Hey, hear the New York Times is just about ready to go belly, up!

That's really a shame. All those liberals with absolutely no skills other than to print dogmatic liberal tripe, whatever will they do? "

injustice85 wrote on Dec 11, 2008 2:56 PM:

" The Question wrote on Dec 10, 2008 7:22 AM:

" Well, this isn't even the big story anymore. Haven't you heard? The really HUGE news is that Oprah is fat!
The fact that such brain-dead, trivial nonsense is getting major news coverage illustrates the depth of the stupidity of the American public, and that stupidity is at the root of our problems here. "

That same stupidity led people to vote for the man as well, maybe the people of Illinois will research before they cast their ballot this time "

father bob wrote on Dec 11, 2008 3:24 PM:

" well Neo, you got one thing right. there's going to be a he11 of a meltdown. the economy is going to tank further. but since the rightwingers are all for failure.....at least you'll be happy in your misery.

the corrupt, inept bush administration has singlehandedly scuttled the ship with no life boats....and that will be his legacy. "

father bob wrote on Dec 11, 2008 4:01 PM:

" funny, sarah palin's office is now selling her e-mails for 10K....'spose that's legal? "

The Question wrote on Dec 11, 2008 4:02 PM:

" Ah... no that was Barney Frank (chasing teenage boys).
---
Ah... no that was Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Foley (chasing teenage boys). "

The Question wrote on Dec 11, 2008 4:09 PM:

" " funny, sarah palin's office is now selling her e-mails for 10K....'spose that's legal?
---
The Winking Temptress of the Tundra can do no wrong, Bob. No matter how corrupt or blindly stupid her actions are. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 11, 2008 4:44 PM:

" Ah... no that was Barney Frank (chasing teenage boys).
---
Ah... no that was Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Foley (chasing teenage boys). "
____________________________

AAHHH NOOOOO...Craig and Foley learned "their craft" from Frank.

Check YOUR H-I-S-T-O-R-Y...that was Barney Frank with a young male prostitute back in 1989. He got a formal "reprimand" from the democrat-controlled congress (in other words..."don't get caught again") and alas, there he is now...Chair of the House Financial Services Committee.

And it was Frank in 2003 leading the charge to oppose George Bush and republicans wanting to overhaul The Housing Finance Industry.

Darn it there's those pesky facts again.

So what will your hypocritical reply be now? "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 11, 2008 4:46 PM:

" "No matter how corrupt or blindly stupid her actions are. "

Unlike Comrade Blago's actions right?

Blah-ha-hah, hee-hee-hee, chuckle, chuckle! "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 5:00 PM:

" Good grief-

Looks like NeoCon was forced to throw a beatdown on Scut Farkus (AKA The Question)

When will Grover Dill show up to help Scut out?

Oy! "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 11, 2008 5:04 PM:

" FB....

Misery?

Oh no, no, no you democrats have all the answers...that's why "the messiah", birthed from one of the, if not THE, most corrupt political machines in the country, has to dodge questions about his involvement with Blago even before he takes office.

And remember character doesn't matter...you all told us that with 'Bamas nefarious "associations" back during the election cycle, remember?

So forgive me if I find it all way too comical. It's more like I'll be happy when your in your misery.

I think the economy is great right now. Low gas prices, bunches of new homes on the market, all kinds of commodity prices falling, even looks like "the messiah's" lied about raising taxes ASAP after taking office ....looking pretty good to me!

EEwwww...that was harsh wasn't it? "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 11, 2008 5:18 PM:

" I think the economy is great right now.

-----------------

Hey Neo, unemployment rates are breaking records. Or haven't you heard? I though even Fixed news was talking about it. Maybe you need to lay off of Limbaugh for a day or two and listen to some real news. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 11, 2008 5:48 PM:

" Number one on Letterman's top ten list was:

Sara(h) Palin called and thanked Blago for replacing her as the country's most embarrassing governor. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 6:03 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Dec 11, 2008 5:18 PM:

And there he is!

Grover Dill saves Scut Farkus!

We'll all shoot our eye out...... "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 11, 2008 7:55 PM:

" "Hey Neo, unemployment rates are breaking records. Or haven't you heard?"

You mean it's past the 10.2% peak of the Carter year's?

"Or >25% from the FDR years?"

No, it's not past those two records yet.

Wake me when it reaches those two milestones, Harry Potter.

'Cuz I can't wait (reluctantly) to get out my 2 "I told you so's". "

out-there wrote on Dec 11, 2008 10:02 PM:

" Let's all pretend that this is only
common in Chicago.
If you follow the way the political
process has become you will find it in all parties Blue ,Green,Red from Washington to our city halls.It's
called ear marks pork barrel spending.
Lobbist,Patronage hiring,Nepotism,union
affillation,
The job market the last few years and
the practices of the hiring process
could only spell out that being a hard worker,Experience, and reliable are not
the Qualification for Employment.
Lets all put the blinders back on so we don't have to see what value's this teaches our younger Generation. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 10:50 PM:

" Well well well.

This just keeps getting curiouser and curiouser......

Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel ducks reporters' questions

December 11, 2008

Suntimes- President-elect Barack Obamas chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, refused to take questions from reporters this morning about whether he was the Obama advisor named in the criminal complaint against Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The complaint states Blagojevich wanted a promise of a high-level appointment or some other reward for Blagojevich in exchange for Blagojevich naming Obamas friend Valerie Jarrett to replace him in the U.S. Senate.

Emanuel was uncharacteristically absent from Obamas news conference this morning. He was spotted two hours later in the lobby of Chicagos City Hall. He was there to listen to his two children performing in a concert with their school, Anshe Emet.

A Sun-Times reporter pressed him to comment about whether he was the emissary named in the criminal complaint.

Youre wasting your time, Emanuel said. Im not going to say a word to you. Im going to do this with my children. Dont do that. Im a father. I have two kids. Im not going to do it.

Asked, Cant you do both? Emanuel replied, Im not as capable as you. Im going to be a father. Im allowed to be a father, and he pushed the reporters digital recorder away.

Blagojevch was caught on tape saying that he wanted the Obama advisor in question to know what Blagojevich wanted in exchange for the Jarrett appointment.

Blagojevich said, He asks me for the fifth CD thing, I want it to be in his head. Emanuel represents the 5th Congressional District in Illinois.

No one in the Obama campaign or administration has been charged with any wrongdoing. Obama said this morning that none of his staff has had a hand in any dealmaking on his Senate replacement. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 11, 2008 11:12 PM:

" UH-OH!

Rahm Emanuel Reportedly Spoke with Blagojevich About Senate Seat

myfoxchicago.com - The firestorm surrounding Governor Blagojevich is putting some heat on Barack Obamas transition team. Fox Chicago News has learned about possible conversations between a top Obama aide and the governor regarding the open senate seat. "

Early Bird wrote on Dec 12, 2008 6:28 AM:

" Is Neocon trying to catch up with the Dog character and become the number one blog hog on this site?

Still smarting over the election huh, Neocon? "

The Question wrote on Dec 12, 2008 7:07 AM:

" Yes, according to Fox News, Obama is somehow "tainted" by being in the same state as a man who despised him. Yet George W. Bush had nothing at all to do with Ken Lay, the corporate master criminal who was one of his best friends.
Fox News and the fascist echo chamber will spend the next four years looking for any trumped-up excuse to beat President Obama over the head with. And they will find it, because they are not constrained by mere reality. And then they will start screaming for his impeachment, loud and long and unrelentingly, with the corporate media chiming right in like some corrupt Vienna Boys' Choir. Despite the paucity of evidence or reason, we may well that impeachment is suddenly right back "on the table" again. Then we will see where Nancy Pelosi's stupid pledge not to impeach Bush and Cheney has gotten us in terms of "unity" and "ending division" and the other claptrap Democrats say when they're too cowardly to enforce the Constitution and throw war criminals out of high office. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 12, 2008 9:29 AM:

" "Still smarting over the election huh, Neocon? "

I dunno. You still a liberal hypocrite like the rest of your liberal pals here? "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 12, 2008 9:31 AM:

" "Yet George W. Bush had nothing at all to do with Ken Lay, the corporate master criminal who was one of his best friends."

Oh yeah...try to re-direct...HYPOCRITE. "

NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 12, 2008 9:39 AM:

" " Dear Governor Blagojevich,

Please, please do not resign. Obama has disrespected you too severely by not giving you a cabinet position.

Hang tough and make the FEDS take you to court.

HAVE A LONG DRAWN OUT TRIAL THAT GOES AT LEAST UP UNTIL NEXT YEAR, THEN PLEA BARGAIN, TURN STATES EVIDENCE, AND THEN START NAMING NAMES!

It's okay if BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA is the name at the top of the list then Jesse Jackson, Jr., then Emil Jones, and so on.

Provided by Citizens to Re-elect Blagojevich 2010.

;-) " "

The Question wrote on Dec 12, 2008 10:48 AM:

" Blagojevich prayed with several ministers in his home before heading to his office Friday, telling them he is innocent and will be vindicated "when you hear each chapter completely written," according to one of the pastors.
"I look at it like this: Everybody that's hurting needs hope and the family needs hope and that's what our jobs are as pastors," said the Rev. Steve Jones, the president of the Baptist Pastor's Conference,. "Nobody should be left hopeless. Nobody, no matter what the circumstances."
And that's where you're wrong, God peddler. While you preachers are busy holding this creep's hand, he's busy wrecking the state. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 12, 2008 11:03 AM:

" Always use small bills when buying "Hope" from a Chicago Democrat.

They have a tendency to keep the "Change".

-BDD "

The Question wrote on Dec 12, 2008 11:24 AM:

" I see that our Republican pal Connie here now wants to keep Blagojevich in office, on the chance that he can be used to hurt Obama.
If the state is wrecked, well, that's a small price to pay for damaging the first black president right, Connie? And if your unfounded attacks on Obama prevent him from forestalling a world-wide Depression, that too, is worth it. Right, Connie?
You're as crazy as Blagojevich. "

jrfan wrote on Dec 12, 2008 12:03 PM:

" How many people think Obama was involved in some of these dealings over the past 6 years? No way he is squeaky clean with all the corruption he is surrounded by. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 12, 2008 12:49 PM:

" Obviously, anyone who thinks that Barrak Obama is in any way tainted by the corrupt Chicago-Democrat machine that is being exposed through the criminal actions of our once esteemed Democrat Gov, is simply delusional.

I mean really people, just because B.O. came up through the ranks of the Mayor Daily School of The Chicago Way, is in no way indicative that Barrak had any connections whatsoever with any of this. I don't even think B.O. ever met Blago! I'm not even sure B.O.'s ever heard of Blago's name before!

Just because David Axelrod (who used to work for Blago) misspoke (really he did) and said (just last month) that B.O. was in talks with Blago about potential candidates for his Senate seat, means nothing! B.O.'s team misspoke! How do we know this? Because Barrack assured us that that's what really happened!

And just because Obama said he never met with Blago after the election, even though he actually DID meet with Blago after the election at The National Governers Meeting in Philedelpia on December 2, means absolutely NOTHING! And just because cached stories and photos of that meeting have mysteriously been scrubbed from various sites all over the web recently, MEANS NOTHING AT ALL!

Really people, when we get to the point where we can't trust the word of a Chicago Democrat, who tells us that we can't trust the word of another Chicago Democrat, then what does that say about us? "

The Question wrote on Dec 12, 2008 12:58 PM:

" "How many people think Obama was involved in some of these dealings over the past 6 years? No way he is squeaky clean with all the corruption he is surrounded by."
---
You're in Illinois, surrounded by all that corruption, too. Are you corrupt? How can you NOT be corrupt? Fox News wants to know. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 12, 2008 1:21 PM:

" Come on guys, you know that Neo only like to talk about Democrat scandals and crooks. When it comes to crooks like Delay and Bush he sort of gets amnesia. lol... "

father bob wrote on Dec 12, 2008 2:13 PM:

" NeoCon Academician wrote on Dec 12, 2008 9:39 AM:
"Provided by Citizens to Re-elect Blagojevich 2010.

;-) " "

i thought it was humorous....but then i realized coming from you, it's probably how your truly feel. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 12, 2008 2:32 PM:

" (You're in Illinois, surrounded by all that corruption, too. Are you corrupt? How can you NOT be corrupt? Fox News wants to know.)

Oh I see Scut, so in YOUR eyes, being part of the Chicago Democrat Machine is no more significant to corruption than being an average citizen in the same State.

Well played Scut. You need a nap. "

Harry Potter wrote on Dec 12, 2008 3:36 PM:

" Poor Neo thinks the openly gay Franks was giving lessons to the two Republican closeted gays, Foley and Craig. lol...

Contrary to what you right wing nutzos think, Neo, gays don't recruit or give gay lessons.

I'm afraid they were that way long before they met Franks. Who by the way is honest about his homosexuality, unlike your two guys. "

out-there wrote on Dec 12, 2008 9:02 PM:

" This just in the conspiracy thickens
repub reach to discredit a president
elect that show's that he is on the ball and can do some good for this
Country.Sound a lot like the fear that we have been subject to the last eight years.Just can't wait til they hall Chenney in for hillburton scams.
Then there is the forgeing of intellegent reports.The whole Chenney,Rumsfeld,Gonzales Getmo and torcher Im sure it will be linked back
to Bush.
Today Gop And UAW work at putting more Americans out of work.
WE could all learn from the repub radical rush baby on how to ruin the values of this Great Nation.
Evil people always try to stop good from happening. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 12, 2008 9:09 PM:

" (I see that our Republican pal Connie here now wants to keep Blagojevich in office, on the chance that he can be used to hurt Obama.)

I agree with Connie. Let this Democrat cancer spread straight to Barry's White House.

(If the state is wrecked, well, that's a small price to pay for damaging the first black president right, Connie? And if your unfounded attacks on Obama prevent him from forestalling a world-wide Depression, that too, is worth it.)

Gee- kinda sounds like the same scorched-earth strategy the Democrats used when they flipped on the Iraq War and then disingenuously screamed they were misled and lied to when they gave their initial support for the invasion. Not to mention their incessant whining for immediate troop withdrawal. So, yeah. I'd like to borrow a page from their playbook: "Whatever it takes baby!"

Just remember Question: What comes around goes around.

Oh and, the recession (and it will not be a depression) will eventually end as the economy and the market begin to settle on their own. The most Obama can do is prolong it and deepen it with a bunch of Socialist legislation. "

BlueDogDemocrat wrote on Dec 12, 2008 10:03 PM:

" ATTENTION ALL OBAMA-ZOMBIES, PLEASE IGNORE THESE NEWS STORIES:

ABCNEWS- Rahm Emanuel has refused to comment as to whether he is the un-named presidential adviser cited in the FBI affidavit filed in the Blagojevich case. "You're wasting your time," Emanuel told a Chicago Sun Times reporter yesterday. "I'm not going to say a word to you. I'm going to do this with my children. Don't do that. I'm a father. I have two kids. I'm not going to do it."

AND IGNORE THIS:

AP WASHINGTON President-elect Barack Obama is refusing to answer any questions about the internal review he has ordered into Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's alleged efforts to sell his former Senate seat, saying he will do so when the examination is finished.

Obama's staff has declined to respond to even basic questions, like who is conducting the probe, how long it will take, what issues are being explored and whether they are working with federal investigators. Obama has promised transparency throughout his service and to divulge contacts his staff has had with Blagojevich's office in the coming days. But his staff has locked down on inquiries in the meantime.

The Obama transition team's refusal to talk has contributed to a maelstrom around Obama's incoming White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, a Chicago congressman likely to have been in contact with the governor, who was arrested this week in a corruption scandal. But Emanuel is not a target of the probe, according to people who have been briefed on the investigation.

OH AND *DEFINITELY* IGNORE THIS:

AP- Another question that Obama's staff didn't answer is how he knows that his office had no involvement if he had yet to gather all the facts about conversations they had with Blagojevich's office.

MOVE ALONG NOW PEOPLE. NOTHING TO SEE HERE.

REMEMBER: EVEN THOUGH THE INVESTIGATION IS STILL ONGOING, OBAMA IS CLEAN. HE TOLD US SO.

NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED DENIAL (ALL READY IN PROGRESS) "

injustice85 wrote on Dec 23, 2008 8:18 PM:

" Barry Hussein is not my CIC and he's not my president.

Who wrote this and what common sense are you lacking? Go ahead and hop a trip to Iraq if you think we are doing so well there. Pull up a foot stool ya know...DOINK! Aside from that we all saw this coming, everyone knew it would only be a matter of time before someone on capital hill got the cojones to cry scandal "

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich talks with Illinois State Senator Dale Righter and Illinois State Representative Chapin Rose while on stage Tuesday during the press conference at the Time Theatre in Mattoon. (Mattoon Journal Gazette/ Ken Trevarthan)