http://capitolfaxcom.disqus.com/NoneenThu, 09 Aug 2007 09:40:19 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114403<p>"Governor Rod Blagojevich cited their case as a key example of his ability to fight corruption."</p><p>See? The Governor gets it right now and then! This is a key example of his ability, isn't it?</p>VanillaManThu, 09 Aug 2007 09:40:19 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114402<p>Rich,<br>I don't dispute that they were simply following orders. Of course they were. They wanted to keep their jobs. But that still doesn't absolve them of the fact that they did exactly what they were charged with. They were not trying to fix the system. They simply tapped into a system that had already been in place.</p>Perspective TwoThu, 09 Aug 2007 07:59:51 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114401<p>wonder how BlunderBoyBlaggo will blame the Madigan's for this one?<br>Word on the Street is that a case of the sniffles ia being developed at BlunderBoy's estate and he will rush home to tend to the illness --- and sadly miss the parade.</p>Mr. W.T. RushThu, 09 Aug 2007 07:48:10 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114400<p>Looks like it might be time to update Blago's Wikipedia entry... seen it lately?</p>Gregor SamsaThu, 09 Aug 2007 00:53:27 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114399<p>Adding... The Blagojevich patronage office ordered DeFraties to move people ahead. She did some of it, but not most of it. They got caught with their hand in the cookie jar and tried to make her take the fall. Wrong person. Her basement was full of boxes of e-mails, memos and faxes. Hardly the actions of a guilty person.</p><p>Notice I say "was full." The feds have that stuff now.</p><p>But nice try.</p>Rich MillerThu, 09 Aug 2007 00:19:56 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114398<p>Perspective Two, you have no idea what you're talking about. Truly.</p>Rich MillerThu, 09 Aug 2007 00:16:11 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114397<p>Norsemon,</p><p>State of Illinois vs Nelson et all</p><p>This is the case that resulted from the first set terminations ie Executive Order Number One.</p><p>I believe the state (via Winston &amp; Strawn) appealed the decision to the 7th Circuit which issued a stay and subsequent reversal of the Civil Service Commission.</p><p>Perhaps it was the Civil Service commission that was appealed as opposed the Judge Kelly decision?</p><p>But rest assured the two sides battled over which Court would hear an appeal and it was indeed the D controlled, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that issued a stay, and later reversed the earlier decision (reinstatement w/back pay) .</p><p>Their opinion was a near match to brief filed by Winston&amp; Strawn.One might even say plagiarism <br>;-) <br>The state workers never had a chance in that court....</p>Larry MullhollandWed, 08 Aug 2007 23:42:23 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114396<p>Congrats to Dawn, Mike, and their attorney, Carl Draper. I know Carl, and he is a great guy. I know attorneys get a bad rap, but Carl deserves some credit here. He isn't political, he just wants to do the right thing. I am glad they called Blago on this and won. Another embarassing day for the Blago administration.</p>HoldingontomywalletWed, 08 Aug 2007 23:40:15 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114395<p>Mike and Dawn, <br>No sale of violent video games<br>1.2 Million in vaccine that was wasted <br>Trying to get rid of Health Alliance HMO <br>A reading book for every child<br>Patties wild flowers that never bloomed at 1.5 million dollar’s<br>Buying illegal drugs from Canada that nobody wants<br>A failed plan for healthcare that nobody wants but him<br>A failed Kid First program<br>Numerous audits ridiculed by the Auditor General <br>Missed paydays for State workers<br>A Federal Investigation<br>Misuse of State Aircraft (PS and it is a State owned Aircraft)<br>A call for a re-call<br>Trying to sell the State lottery<br>Trying to sell the James Thompson Center<br>Failure after Failure Enough said.</p>Sprinflield WatcherWed, 08 Aug 2007 23:02:47 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114394<p>Political Observer: Which witness lied repeatedly? Just because a court rules a certain way doesn't always mean they got it right. Does the name O.J. ring a bell? The OIG had the case right; the lawyers put in charge, after it was determined there was enough evidence to go forward, were the ones who bungled it. They were guilty and they were scape-goated. What they did was wrong, plain and simple. Whether they were simply "following orders" is irrelevant. They helped people move ahead of others. Look into a couple of guys named Nevins and Banal. They are the tip of the iceberg.</p>Perspective TwoWed, 08 Aug 2007 22:56:51 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114393<p>Don't forget from where this originated. It was the OEIG that "made" this case. If anything, this ruling should cause some people to open their eyes at what it is that office is actually investigating and to begin re-evaluating whether its worth the $8million per year to fund such a charade. One of my biggest concerns is the OEIG hung its hat on this case, investing much time and money and perceived it to be a just cause. Maybe its time someone evaluate the OEIG decision making processes prior to their reckless chase for ethical justice.</p>No SpinWed, 08 Aug 2007 22:31:02 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114392<p>It will take 50 years just for them to figure out the mess they created. Ryan was good to many democrats. When this admininstration came to power they wanted their democrats in play, not the ones Ryan put in. So you had democrats fighting with democrats. Many people at CMS take marching orders from the Gov's office. Actually, CMS is just an extention of the Gov's office. I don't see many GOPers in any top or even mid management positions now.</p>Blue DogWed, 08 Aug 2007 22:05:37 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114391<p>Perspective Two should go to the Civil Service Commission and read the record. Witnesses for the state were the ones who admitted that the charges were false. One witness lied repeatedly as the commission judge found.<br>The commission's own judge found that the charges were not proven except for a minor infraction that he recommended should result in a short suspension only. Even that would have been reversed by the courts.<br>The report noted that DeFraties was trying to change the system before she was transferred.<br>If someone claims to have the "truth" he or she should read the real facts first.<br>These 2 proved they were scapegoats and the gov spent millions of tax dollars on false and unfair attacks on state workers over the years and no one has held him accpuntable yet.</p>Political ObserverWed, 08 Aug 2007 21:51:20 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114390<p>Congratulations to these two victims. However, they can expect Blago's people to appeal all the way to the Supreme Court. But, contrary to one of the posts, they don't get their choice of which district to file their appeal. Since the decision was made in the fourth district, the appeal has to be made in that district. Also, their attorney's fees will continue to increase. Fees that will not be reimbursed, but should be, by Blago. They will get back pay after waiting for months and then hope its enough to cover their legal bills. The best thing they can take from this is that they beat Blago and did not accept being the sacraficial lambs.</p>NorsemanWed, 08 Aug 2007 21:51:20 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114389<p>To Bluedog Demo: Excellent post. You are right on the money. The Republican's had 25 years to perfect their system. They learned from the Rutan case and figured out all of the loopholes. The problem with Democrats is that they are a lot slower in the intellect category. Give them 50 years in power and they might figure it out.</p>southern manWed, 08 Aug 2007 21:30:26 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114388<p>Blago and his underlings weren't smart enough to assume power, watch and study how the GOPers did it for 25 plus years then make their moves. When the GOPers shuffled and shunted state workers the waters boiled underneath but the surface was as smooth as glass. When he assumed the throne their were GOPers in every agency at every level just waiting and watching as the Blagoes churned the employee sea from top to bottom. Added to this mix has been a litany Of " Blago bungles " which will surely make him one of the worst governors in Illinois history. The irony : Rank and file Dems who busted their backsides to get Blago in the first time were shut out of state jobs and for the most part the GOPers still dominate the workforce !</p>bluedog demoWed, 08 Aug 2007 20:55:37 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114387<p>Congratulations to Dawn and Mike. This is the right decsion. As has been previously mentioned on this post; watch out for what comes next. The administration may try to move/ostracize them to a same class position elsewhere when the intention of the courts was to restore them to their former positions with same job duties and repsonsibilities. I know from first hand experience they will try this.</p><p>The other previous observation is also appropriate. This decision is just at the Circuit Court level. The Apppellate Court may issue a stay and reverse. I can't explain just how frustrating this can be when you first file for, and receive unemployement, then return the unemployment money and receive your back pay, then have it all jeopordized by the appellate court. It makes filing your tax returns a real nightmare. Not that Rod cares about any of this so long as he gets a headline and a scapegoat.</p>one of the 35Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:52:40 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114386<p>Blago's going surround himself with women and children at the state fair. The press won't be able to get near him.</p>Stupid is as stupid does.Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:29:50 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114385<p>CMS workers are dancing tonite like the ewoks at the end of that Star Wars movie. This story will be one of the main things the reporters will be asking Blago about at the state fair parade and ribbon cut, bet on it. I hope Bernie can dig up the final cost to the taxpayers for this misadventure.</p>PalpatineWed, 08 Aug 2007 20:21:07 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114384<p>Nothing but best and brightest for Blago.</p>FlounderWed, 08 Aug 2007 20:03:06 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114383<p>So many on this blog do not know the true story. What was reported in the news was not accurate by any stretch of the imagination. The Blago admin just didn't prosecute the case correctly. They were guilty of what they were charged with. The reason the higher ups never fell is that the trial ended, coincidentally, right before Mike and Dawn were to testify. The true cost to the state of Illinois is that these two have shown that it is possible to do illegal things and get away with it. They are not heroes; they are beneficiaries of poor prosecution.</p>Perspective TwoWed, 08 Aug 2007 20:00:25 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114382<p>Has anyone stop to think that vast majority of state employees are regular people who don't have any clout to begin with. They got jobs because they were qualified. But Blago treats everyone that he didn't give a job too like vermin.</p>District 3Wed, 08 Aug 2007 19:54:59 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114381<p>So, 6:08,</p><p>If they were only doing what they were told to do why weren't the bosses that gave them the orders strung up also?</p><p>Oh, that's right. Holdover employees from republican administrations are singularly responsible for patronage hiring under the democrats. Yeah, sure.</p><p>Blagojevich 101:<br>The buck stops, oh I don't know, I guess somewhere over there.</p>Keeping Things in PerspectiveWed, 08 Aug 2007 19:45:23 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114380<p>Many of you make it sound like these two were complete innocent victims. They were victims for sure, but up until they got thrown under the bus, they were happily doing esactly what they were told to do by the gov's people, moving favored applications to the head of the line, etc. Hardly innocent. Try to keep things in perspective, please!</p>Stop the Dramatics, PleaseWed, 08 Aug 2007 19:08:06 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2007/08/08/defraties-and-case-reinstated/#comment-18114379<p>J &amp; J had it right. The Governor didn't file appeals in time because he knew it was a loser. Under this scenario, he can blame a Republican judge for keeping the status quo.</p>4%Wed, 08 Aug 2007 19:00:39 -0000