DISQUS

CapitolFax.com: But, wait, there’s more! *** Quinn responds *** Genson to resign *** Legislature gets tapes *** Guv on GMA, The View ***

  • Governor Cuckoo · 11 months ago
    I'm thinking Ed Genson's going to walk away from this one eventually. He is too much of a pro to embarrass his client but a good defense lawyer needs control and Blago is out of that.
  • He Makes Ryan Look Like a Sain · 11 months ago
    How would you like to be in Emmanuel's office today, the Gov has drawn his name out like a "Six Shooter" (sorry about the wild west pun)
  • Secret Square · 11 months ago
    While I can't blame Pat Quinn for sidestepping the tax increase question -- he is, after all, not governor yet, and (unlike Blago) isn't going to make promises he can't keep -- it seems to me that most of what he needs to know about the state's financial situation could be obtained from Dan and Alexi, and perhaps MJM... does he really need cooperation from Blago to know how bad things are?
  • Bill Baar · 11 months ago
    What's Quinn been doing all this time that he doesn't know? Sounds like impeachable ignorance of the job.
  • cardinals fan · 11 months ago
    The State Journal Register has posted their editorial position as requested by the Governor, http://www.sj-r.com/archive/x1589172855/Our-Opi..., guess he should remember what his mother told him years ago, "be careful what you ask for!"
  • enrico depressario · 11 months ago
    “There’s no benefit at all, except to make himself look ridiculous."

    Did plenty of that already today! Don't know how he can top that there cowboy yarn!
    Might want to trade that tie for a kerchief!
    Would take a 10-gallon hat to fit over all that hair!
    Rod and Howdy Doody share the same stylist! The little woodman never wore a hat, either!
    Gotta stop myself, I'm killin' me!
  • Secret Square · 11 months ago
    Unless, and this is quite possible, Blago has been cooking the books to an extent that no other state official has yet discovered.
  • Anonymous Coward · 11 months ago
  • Say WHAT? · 11 months ago
    =What’s Quinn been doing all this time that he doesn’t know? Sounds like impeachable ignorance of the job.=

    Bill Baar, You don't pay attention in school. Anyone knows that with this Governor, the only way you will know anything is when the 10:00 news tells you. This Governor doesn't give anyone the respect of telling them things that directly concern them. He governs by press conferences. He panders. Always has.
  • Rich Miller · 11 months ago
    ===Unless, and this is quite possible, Blago has been cooking the books to an extent that no other state official has yet discovered. ===

    That's pretty much on target. It's been difficult for anybody, including legislators, to get an answer out of the governor's office about what the real situation is.

    Barr, you jumped the gun again.
  • sinequanon · 11 months ago
    This may be obvious to some, but it appears to me that the Gov's play is to pit the impeachment process against the criminal investigation in hopes that one or each will reduce the other and possibly open an escape or delay in the inevitable. The rules that “are unfair or unconstitutional” are essentially the rules that protect the investigation from being compromised by the impeachment. Interesting – I don’t see how this play could do anything but delay. Having read SR006and the two sections the Gov has questioned, I am now wondering how, the Gov will be physically removed.

    Will that be Sec of State police or US Marshal’s? What agency or office enforces the ruling of the tribunal?
  • Louis G. Atsaves · 11 months ago
    So on Monday will several buses of protesters appear in Springfield at the start of the trial?
  • A Citizen · 11 months ago
    "...I am now wondering how, the Gov will be physically removed. ..."
    Rich Miller will be swearing in a special posse to go after the varmint and bring'em to justice, ma'am.
  • IrishPirate · 11 months ago
    I suggest that a Blago sized humane mouse trap be created to help after he is found guilty by the Senate and removed from office.

    Place some hair care products, running suits, TV cameras, $100 bills, and some cheese in the trap and watch Blago take the bait. Then use a forklift to remove the trap to Ravenswood Manor.
  • How Ironic · 11 months ago
    I was wondering. Does anyone know the sentence for russlin' a senate seat back in the day?
  • What planet is he from again? · 11 months ago
    "...I am now wondering how, the Gov will be physically removed..." He's never there to begin with, so there's nothing to physically remove, right?
  • VanillaMan · 11 months ago
    How many of my "hanging" references have you deleted over the past month?

    I've got Dandy saddled up, borrowed some working gear at the livery, and am ready to ride when you are Chief!
  • How Ironic · 11 months ago
    4:15 Gov still not in the studio. At least he's late for everything.
  • Vote Quimby! · 11 months ago
    ==nothing to physically remove, right?==
    I think changing a few key cards and locks should do it...make sure to shut that balcony window that caused the pipes to freeze!
  • Spiney Norman · 11 months ago
    $100.00 to the first reporter who can sneek an actual kitten into his next presser.
  • Secret Square · 11 months ago
    What if he holes up at the JRTC and attempts to form a Chicago government-in-exile?
  • Been There · 11 months ago
    I thinking Rod will be like the the guy in the movie Office Space (Jennifer Anniston was a waitress).
    "Milton Waddams (Stephen Root), a meek, fixated collator who constantly mumbles to himself (most notably about his workmates borrowing his favorite red Swingline stapler)."
    That's going to be Rod after he is convicted by the Senate and then Fitz. Except instead of the stapler he's mumbling about the hanging.
  • How Ironic · 11 months ago
    OMG. And you thought the AM interview was a cream puff interview...give this one a listen.
  • Tim · 11 months ago
    I'm a little shocked at how many of the WVON callers have been taking Blago's side.
  • Sangamon Sage · 11 months ago
    I'm back in the saddle again
    Out where a friend is a friend
    Where we sleep out every night
    Where the only law is "right"
    I'm back in the saddle again
  • Princess · 11 months ago
    not a horse this time, a candy bar
  • HoBoSkillet · 11 months ago
    This morning Frank Capra, afternoon was westerns, and now candy? Talk about being all over the place.
  • How Ironic · 11 months ago
    Now it's about Madigan. Jones and I vs the evil Madigan empire.

    Jeez
  • Princess · 11 months ago
    and now the Evil Madigan, I'm done, can't listen to this.
  • Nearly Normal · 11 months ago
    C'mon, he didn't do anything wrong. It's all Madigan's fault! Now, he's conspiring with Cullerton who is the godfather to one of MM's children.

    Blago doesn't get it. This is not a civil trial. It's an impeachment.
  • 2ConfusedCrew · 11 months ago
    It nevers hurts to insert this into the discussion

    Profile of the Sociopath
    This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.



    Glibness and Superficial Charm


    Manipulative and Conning
    They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.


    Grandiose Sense of Self
    Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."


    Pathological Lying
    Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.


    Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
    A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.


    Shallow Emotions
    When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.


    Incapacity for Love


    Need for Stimulation
    Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.


    Callousness/Lack of Empathy
    Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.


    Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
    Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.


    Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
    Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.


    Irresponsibility/Unreliability
    Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.


    Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
    Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.


    Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
    Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.


    Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
    Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
  • vole · 11 months ago
    Softball? This is T ball with a soccer ball!
  • Busted · 11 months ago
    Other than not funding their free social programs I wonder if there is a crime Blago could commit that would turn some Afro-American against him.
  • HoBoSkillet · 11 months ago
    Where's David Frost when you need him?
  • How Ironic · 11 months ago
    Well, I guess Cliff makes up part of the 7% that still support the Gov.
  • he gone · 11 months ago
    He is not a good governor simply by irresponsibly giving things away with no way to pay for it.
  • Been There · 11 months ago
    I wonder if the governor knows this?

    The governor's attorney, Edward Genson,says he is quitting the case entirely.
    Complete details from NBC Chicago:
  • anon36 · 11 months ago
    I listened for a while, then the feed cut out. Just as well...I don't know who was turning my stomach more, Cowboy rod or the radio 'personality'. Oh, my!
  • anon · 11 months ago
    brokeback spring patch
  • he gone · 11 months ago
    Genson is gone, Tribune has more details:

    http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/01/govs...
  • Governor Cuckoo · 11 months ago
    Well it appears Blago can drive even the great Ed Genson insane. It was probably the cowboy story.
  • HoBoSkillet · 11 months ago
    Rod did say he has someone working on gettin on "The View" for Monday...
  • How Ironic · 11 months ago
    Well, good thing he got that retainer up front in cash.
  • Chicago Cynic · 11 months ago
    Twill be hard for the Gov to talk his way out of Genson resigning...

    Time to face the music Rod.
  • Nearly Normal · 11 months ago
    Beat me to it, Rich.
  • Rich Miller · 11 months ago
    ===Beat me to it, Rich.===

    By about nine hours. lol
  • HoBoSkillet · 11 months ago
    I can't believe all the callers that are supporting the governor. They're almost repeating his talking points word for word.
  • How Ironic · 11 months ago
    So in Gov. palence "Today was an up day!"
  • Nearly Normal · 11 months ago
    The governor must think he is acting in a soap opera. Friday's episode always ended with a dramatic cliffhanger. Today, we have had the governor doing his media rounds and now his attorney for the criminal case has resigned.

    Cue the music. Fade out with title--To Be Continued.

    Trouble is that this audience is looking for a permanent fade out and the words THE END.
  • so i hear · 11 months ago
    I heard that the judge ruled to release the tapes. I don't have the details but its from a reliable source.
  • Regarding Genson's resignation · 11 months ago
    Cowboy up, Rod!
  • Levois · 11 months ago
    http://tinyurl.com/d854o2

    This may be old news, but I wonder why Genson is leaving the Governor's defense team.
  • Rich Miller · 11 months ago
    Levois, I'll tell you Monday.
  • Sbear · 11 months ago
    Hello Rich,

    I have been online and still on the phone in line for comments to the radio station.

    In a nutshell, kissing butt, you are the greatest Gov., comments, the State of Illinois is behind you, etc. are the only comments yet to be made. Kelly is bowing down to the Gov. and is encouraging others to do the same. As for the Governor, he is playing the white knight on a charger that everyone wants to hang without due process. My comments probably won't be heard on air as they disagree completely with the circus I have been listening to. I will keep you posted tho. OBTW - www.thepetitionsite.com has a petition asking the Gov. to resign and needs comments and opinions that can be forwarded on since the Gov. thinks he is "beloved by all"...simply go to the website and click on politics as the category and seek out Gov., please resign petition. Talk to you soon, SherryBear.
  • VanillaMan · 11 months ago
    If he makes it through the weekend, which I suspect he will do, I will enjoy how the Senate will digest this weekend's events, the Governor's pressers, and how they will sit stunned listening to those tapes.

    It will be incredible! I don't know how the senators will just sit there without exploding in anger. A complete fireball of fury against Cowboy Rod.
  • Nearly Normal · 11 months ago
    Judge: Lawmakers can hear some Blagojevich tapes
    January 23, 2009 4:43 PM | No Comments
    A federal judge today ordered that four undercover recordings from the criminal investigation of Gov. Rod Blagojevich be released to the state Legislature.

    The decision by U.S. District Chief Judge James Holderman this afternoon appears to clear the way for the Illinois Senate to consider the tapes as evidence in its impeachment trial of the governor.

    The U.S. attorney's office had offered to make the tapes public, something rarely done before a criminal trial.

    Prosecutors have said the tapes concern Blagojevich's alleged attempt to solicit campaign contributions in exchange for supporting a bill to divert a percentage of Illinois casino revenue to the horse racing industry.

    From the Trib--http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/01/judge-lawmakers-can-hear-some-blagojevich-tapes.html

    I just heard Quinn called this a "soap opera." Guess I'm not the only one who thinks the same.
  • Give Ed a hand · 11 months ago
    Godspeed, gee I wonder what ole' Ed meant by that.
  • Nearly Normal · 11 months ago
    Or is this a horse/soap opera. If so, I can guess which part of the horse Blago is playing.
  • Gregor · 11 months ago
    When Genson could hold his nose and defend R. Kelly but can't continue to work with Blago, that there tells you something.
  • Poor Blogo · 11 months ago
    The guy spends all day trying to drum up some press and all he'll get out of the day is "Governor's Lawyer Resigns".

    Bummer for him
  • Correction · 11 months ago
    Rich, the HOUSE got the tapes. Not the Senate.
  • SherryBear · 11 months ago
    Hi Rich,

    I did get on the radio just now and I asked the Gov. for a comment on how he felt about the tapes being released to the Senate and also to confirm that Atty. Genson is no longer his attorney and I was cut off before I could let people know of the petition for resignation on www.thepetitionsite.com under the heading politics...but his "amusing" response to the tapes being released was that and I quote, "It will good to know that everyone will be able to hear that I have done nothing wrong" and that the "truth will finally come out" to paraphase. In response to Genson question, he wasn't able to really confirm that as fact as he hasn't spoken to him.
  • Rich Miller · 11 months ago
    ===as he hasn’t spoken to him.===

    Figures.
  • Hair today, gone tomorrow · 11 months ago
    How long before WE get to hear the tapes? Any predictions?
  • Cheswick · 11 months ago
    I know a lot of people have tossed around ideas that the Gov may have a personality disorder. But, listening to him this afternoon, I wonder if it isn't something more ominous. Like a brain tumor. I'm not trying to make a joke, as a friend of my family some years ago had one which no one knew about until after he passed away. The Gov is starting to remind me of that friend.
  • SherryBear · 11 months ago
    Forgot to add in the last post....can we say "delusional". Geez, give the citizens of Illinois the respect we deserve....resign now Mr. Governor.
  • walter sobchak · 11 months ago
    Per many others the strategy is clear: use the impeachment process to appeal to the jury pool. Losing the Governor's office is chump change compared to spending years in jail. It was not happenstance that the Governor used the loaded word 'lynching' in his metaphor of the impeachment process. He merely followed Bobby Rush's preemptive strike that struck so much fear in the hearts of Reid, Durbin, et.al. The most he can hope for is a hung jury in the criminal trial, but such is his position that that would be a major victory.
  • Giddy Up · 11 months ago
    Rich why did you delete my post?
  • A Citizen · 11 months ago
    Governor, please do not resign! The House and soon the Senate have and will continue to work very dilligently on your "case". They deserve the rush they and also we will feel when your sorry butt is kicked the heck to the curb and Illinois goes back to the serious business of the citizens.
  • sal-says · 11 months ago
    Maybe Genson’s dumping his 'client' because he's finally had enough time: 1) getting press coverage; & 2) finally figured out he can't win this one and doesn't want the loss on his 'ego'?

    "I can’t believe all the callers that are supporting the governor. " Maybe family-call-in-hour?
  • Old Timer · 11 months ago
    I think every contract and payment made by agencies under this administration needs to be examined. Invoices have been paid that don't show up in IDOT's financial system because they were processed off tape.
  • Quizzical · 11 months ago
    Walter Sobchak is right, my only hope is that any jurors predisposed to sympathizing with Blagoof because of his 'fighting for little people' schtick will be persuaded otherwise by his voice on tape clearly more interested in himself than in any little people.
  • Princess · 11 months ago
    --"Maybe family-call-in-hour"? --

    More likely preplanned call ins. You know, line them up in advance and get as many as you can to volunteer. That way the others either give up and hang up before they get on or have a slim chance of getting 'anti' calls in. It's not rocket science.

    Genson? I think he's learned what everybody else has, Rod's not a team player and it's his way and no other way, no matter how stupid that way may be. Hope Genson gets to keep some of his fees, poor guy has earned it.
  • For the people · 11 months ago
    The best Blago could ever hope for is 1 or 2 jurors being so snowed by his omnipotant presence that the jury gets hung on some charges ect. The feds will retry him to infinity and beyond till they get a fair group. There will be only one conclusion right thinking people will be able to draw.
  • Rich Miller · 11 months ago
    sal-says, you have no idea what you're talking about on this one. None.
  • Rich Miller · 11 months ago
    Giddy Up, I think it was deleted because you posted something from the subscriber section.
  • this voter will remember · 11 months ago
    I just listened to his press conference - unbelievable. Why doesn’t he mention that the people of Illinois want him out of office because he tried to sell the Senate seat for his benefit. He had no intention of sharing his gains with the people of Illinois. What a crook. In addition, he is trying to garnish support from the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune - the very people he was hoping to fire on the Feds tape. I’m sure they are jumping through hoops trying to help him.
  • anon-athon · 11 months ago
    I have a bad feeling about all this. I keep thinking of the scene in the "Untouchables" in the courtroom where the evidence is piling up against Al Capone and he's just sitting smiling away because (as we later saw) he bribed the jury. Does Blago know something or have something that has yet to come out that will exonerate him?

    It's a bit unsettling.
  • Fed Up State Employee · 11 months ago
    Maybe it was Blago's staff calling into the Kelly show. How else could you find that many people supporting him?
  • Bookworm · 11 months ago
    Given the fact that nearly every policy proposed by the Blago Administration had to go through GOMB, and getting a straight answer from most agencies about the cost of anything is like pulling teeth, Quinn probably IS telling the truth when he says he will have no idea of the real state of the state's finances until he becomes governor and has the authority to find out.
  • train111 · 11 months ago
    Somehow after today's performance, I'm totally convinced that the Governor's mind has -- ahem -- "thrown a rod"

    train111
  • Pot calling kettle · 11 months ago
    The Governor and his wife remind me of a play about a Scottish King and his wife who had their way for a while. Eventually, all the backstabbing and intrigue caught up with them. There are so many appropriate quotes...how about this one:

    Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
    That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
    And then is heard no more: it is a tale
    Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
    Signifying nothing.

    Who will tell the Governor that Birnam wood is moving? What will he say? I suspect he will, as did MacBeth, fight on futilely until the very end, even after all around him is laid waste.
  • Fed Up State Employee · 11 months ago
    The cowboy story has been played all over the news tonight; nightly, MSNBC, CNN, Fox. Each replay seems to be worse than the previous one. It's been said before, but the entire nation is making fun of him and the state. We know he's not embarrassed, but everyone else in the State of Illinois is. It's time for him to go.
  • Segatari · 11 months ago
    Rush Limbaugh makes a prediction that somehow Rod Blagojevich beats the rap entirely...

    http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_012...
  • Anonymous Coward · 11 months ago
    Perhaps Rod is going to veg out in front of the TV this weekend:

    "AMC's Hollywood Icon for January 2009 is Sylvester Stallone. This weekend, hunker down with Sly for a weekend of Rocky and Rambo. If two days of Stallone isn't enough for you, then it's time to find out..."

    http://www.amctv.com/movienights/rockyweek/
  • wordslinger · 11 months ago
    Mencken said it best. Blago is as "appalling and fascinating as a two-headed boy."
  • Anonymous Coward · 11 months ago
    "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" text with GRod specifically mentioned on page 14.

    http://www.rules.house.gov/111/LegText/111_hr1_...
  • Arthur Andersen · 11 months ago
    Bookworm, that is baloney.

    If what you say is true, then why do we have a State Comptroller? Or an Auditor General?

    Quinn's gubernatorial credibility will not be enhanced if he pays Sgt. Schultz on the budget.
  • Fed Up State Employee · 11 months ago
    After seeing the ST, Trib and SJR editorials today, it doesn't look as if his appeal to them was such a good idea.
  • Mighty M. Mouse · 11 months ago
    ==Blago doesn’t get it. This is not a civil trial. It’s an impeachment.==

    Blago has admitted that he was a "C" student, and he probably didn't pay much attention in class. That explains why he doesn't understand the law.