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I'm not a lawyer, but I think it can be shortened to: investigating allegations of misconduct of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich.
But it wouldn't be as fun to read aloud.
He would be getting tried twice on the same charges it seems. Just trying to figure out what his strategy would be here.
Not anywhere close to double jeopardy. Heck, you can be tried federal and state for the same crime - and those are actual legal trials. This is a political procedure.
Carl, that phrase should be preceeded by: oh ye, oh ye, oh ye, gather fast and stand near to hear as this honorbale committee convenes to....
I know the committee is going to work on this everyday between now and the end of the year (except the two holidays and eves) but we may be in for a long haul.
When a contract creates a duty that does not exist at common law, the parties can do one of three things:
(1) perform the duty fully;
(2) perform the duty inadequately or poorly; or (3) fail to perform the duty at all.
When a party fails to perform at all, it is nonfeasance. When a party performs the duty inadequately or poorly, it is misfeasance. Malfeasance is used to denote outright sabotage which causes intentional damage.
I think Rod, wins the trifecta
There is just only so much about this story I can bookmark away and save...stuff keeps pouring in...
Stuff like that....
I love this little gem:
"The governor's situation is a stressful one for his staff. Guerrero said employees in Blagojevich's office are stressed and feel a sense of uneasiness about their futures."
Huh, ya think?
Much remains to be seen, but if I were called before the committee, knowing full well that there are a number of federal investigations ongoing, I would take the 5th. Why take a chance on letting something slip here that the feds could use against you?
Geez, if the feds didn't want Lisa stepping on their investigation as AG, what are they going to think about this? And what if they ask the House to limit the inquiry?
Madigan at his press conference seemed focused on Abuse of Power -- spending without approps., ignoring intent of GA, etc. Maybe that will be the focus of this inquiry. Lots of ground to cover.
No kidding... and what kind of option is that for a politican, ....or a member of a transition team?
In response to your question, the Oliver North case:
on July 20, 1990, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), North's convictions were vacated, after the appeals court found that witnesses in his trial might have been impermissibly affected by his immunized congressional testimony. Because North had been granted limited immunity for his Congressional testimony, the law prohibited the independent counsel (or any prosecutor) from using that testimony as part of a criminal case against him. To prepare for the expected defense challenge that North's testimony had been used, the prosecution team had - before North's congressional testimony had been given - listed and isolated all its evidence; further, the individual members of the prosecution team had isolated themselves from news reports and discussion of North's testimony. While the defense could show no specific instance where any part of North's congressional testimony was used in his trial, the Court of Appeals ruled that the trial judge had made an insufficient examination of the issue, and ordered North's convictions reversed. The Supreme Court declined to review the case. After further hearings on the immunity issue, Judge Gesell dismissed all charges against North on September 16, 1991, on the motion of the independent counsel.
(from wikipedia)
Is there a danger? Yes, but only if the Governor himself is subpoenaed and appears. Its doubtful that the General Assembly can enforce a subpoena against the Governor's office or any member of the Executive. And my legal and political advice would be to "invite" the Executive to testify.
Any testimony given would be admissible in court, since it was not compelled. And if anyone refuses the invitation to testify, it can be "duly noted."
I would still administer the oath to members of the Executive during their voluntary appearance, however. They would retain their right against self-incrimination, but perjury would attach to any untruthful testimony.
I think the feds have to suck it up. The feds may have power to hold onto evidence that they own (recordings), but the ILGA can call witnesses and the feds don't have any right to interfere.
One of the tricks the House Republicans used to get the impeachment charges out of the House and over to the Senate was to privately make the case that Clinton raped Juanita Broderick. I specifically recall reading this was the case made to Rep. John Porter (IL10).
Just as the defense is free to make the case that the good of the governor outweighs his misconduct (the argument that saved Clinton), the people arguing for removal will be able to make the case that the known bad of Blagojevich outweighs the technicalities of the rules of evidence.
I still advocate letting it stay as an appointment process but have the lege approve any mid-term appointment; no matter who the guv is.
By the time we have special elections we'll have not only spent $50mil+ we don't have but also lost 1/4th the time remaining on the term.
And appointing Roland Burris would at least satisfy a lot of "demands" -- he's African-American, he could be viewed as a placeholder, he hasn't been involved in the S'field antics.
=Did anyone else catch Rep. Brandon Phelps on Fox News=
It was not what he was saying that you needed to hear. He was running as far away from Blagojevich as he could. Every sentence he referred to Shepard Smith by his first name. Kinda creepy...
As long as the Governor wasn't offered immunity, the case is not relevant. And I think I can say no one is giving him immunity right now.
hmmm... read this.
LOL. Why does that not suprise me?
Maybe he'll ask? And over a compelling reason why his testimony worth it?
If you get any reports tonight or tomorrow from the Pat Quinn fund-raiser tonight, I am sure your readers would love to know what you heard about turnout, etc.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/quinn-fundr...
CD
CUrrie presenting HR 1650 right now.
I hope they put this out on DVD. I'm soooo proud.
You are BOTH worthless and embarrassing. No wonder Blago had no respect for the Legislature. You guys are acting like a JOKE!
So far, we've seen Mendoza & Miller and a few others who most likely want to move up.
Where is Franks, Fritchey??
So funny.
Where did you find that information?
http://www.ilga.gov/reports/default.asp
then go down to "Bills that became public acts"
julie can spend time with AlG.
http://www.bnd.com/ntm/story/580132.html
The theme continues...
THey introduced HB 6733 -- a bill for special election for US senator.
If house dems leave, the media will most likely pick up on the bill black hissy-fit.
Here we go...
We've seen some of our cast of characters in national media this week.
First the Gov, then Patty, then Lisa & Pat.
Today, we had MJM & house staff on CNN.
Now, I'm guessing we'll see the Bill Black/ Lou Lang verbal volley.
So surreal.
The whole scene on the house floor today seems a bit like old politics vs. new -- watching folks who understand how to make the best out of this unfortunate situation. I'm a proud dem, but I must give it to them for getting their message out today.
That said, MJM won the votes for his impeachment resolution and is most likely thinking about 10 steps ahead (again).
Your points are well-taken. I hope that our legislators that are soooo boldy speaking to the cameras recognize that their relationship with the national media is mutually exploitative.
Thanks for the link..
(signing with actual moniker)
Does anyone have a list they can post of what bills he signed? Thanks... I must be computer stupid!!!
BTW- that Rep. Black is a character, huh?!?
I am off to the snail races. Let me know if anything happens in the meantime, OK?
He could appoint tomorrow.
You need to hold down your ctrl key as your computer thinks its a pop-up.
Bills That Became Public Acts on 12/15/2008
SB0450 b Antonio Munoz
(Charles E. Jefferson)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT-TECH 12/15/2008 Senate Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-1009
SB0620 h William R. Haine
(Thomas Holbrook)
UTILITIES-FIRE PROTECTION CHG 12/15/2008 Senate Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-1010
SB1890 b William R. Haine
(Marlow H. Colvin)
PUB CONST BOND-DEFAULT 12/15/2008 Senate Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-1011
SB1981 b Rickey R. Hendon
(Frank J. Mautino)
INC TAX- COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN 12/15/2008 Senate Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-1006
SB2031 h William R. Haine
(Thomas Holbrook)
EMERG TEL SYS BOARD-CNTY BOARD 12/15/2008 Senate Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-1012
SB2492 h Kimberly A. Lightford
(Cynthia Soto)
MEDICAID-HOSPITAL-PSYCH SRVCS 12/15/2008 Senate Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-1013
SB2536 b William R. Haine
(James D. Brosnahan)
RTA-PUBLIC HEARING 12/15/2008 Senate Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-1014
SB2688 b Dan Kotowski
(Edward J. Acevedo)
EDUCATION-TECH 12/15/2008 Senate Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-1015
SB2743 b Michael Noland
(Charles E. Jefferson)
MUNI TIF-FIRE PROTECTION 12/15/2008 Senate Public Act . . . . . . . . . 95-1016
For example, one of the people most recently indicted pre-Blago had via his lawyer substantial discussions with the Feds before his bell was rung. On the other hand, Rezko never approached them or hired counsel to do so.
Basically, it's a bit like buying the farm. When your number comes up, it's up. To your question, were AA that specific party, I would not be buying any nonrefundable plane tickets for overseas travel.
First, despite being an outstanding legislator, you can't have Julie Hamos serving on this committee if you also have her husband (former legislator and State Appellate Court Judge Alan Greiman) serving as chief counsel of the committee! While both Hamos and Greiman are above reproach, I am certain that Blago's attorney and his PR people will note the connection any time they are within five feet of a media person.
Second, Rep. Acevedo??? Did Speaker Madigan feel a need to have representation on this panel of legislators whose reputation is nearly as sordid as that of Gov. Sleazy? The national press will have a field day when they look into his background!
Interesting thing about having an unbalanced Committee, 12 dems to 9 reps is that subpoena power will stay firmly in Madigans control.
This will allow him to fry the governor, without getting any hot grease on himself. Gotta give Madigan credit, as always, he knows how to play the cards to his favor.
Adlai Stevenson, although he has been elected and is about 70. Porter McNeil. Maybe the Kennedy in the North Shore. We need someone who isn't already elected. Dems need a fresh change to survive this one.
Greiman wasn't appointed as the Counsel to the Committee, he was appointed Special Counsel to the Speaker. Dave Ellis was appointed Counsel to the Committee.
Do not get between the Madigan and his prey....the gov is toast!
What about the futures of the state employees who were wrongfully terminated at the hands of Blagojevich?
What goes around, comes around!
Guess they should update their resumes'
(that is if they ever had a resume') and
learn how to say "Yes Governor Quinn".
I bet everyone in elected office has at least 3 or 4 degrees of separation to Blago, so the tinfoil hatters and GOP admakers will have a field day no matter what.
Say, haven't quite a few Republicans given Blago a handshake over the years?
What were they thinking? ;)
...Bill for Senate. "The only choice left."
DEMOCRATS
Barbara Flynn Currie, Chicago, chairperson
Art Turner, Chicago
Monique Davis, Chicago
Mary Flowers, Chicago
Jack Franks, McHenry
Frank Mautino, Spring Valley
Gary Hannig, Litchfield
Lou Lang, Skokie
Constance Howard, Chicago
John Fritchey, Chicago
Edward Acevedo, Chicago
Julie Hamos, Evanston
REPUBLICANS
Jim Durkin, Western Springs, Minority spokesperson
Suzie Bassi, Palatine
Patti Bellock, Westmont
Bill Black, Danville
Mike Bost, Murphysboro
Roger Eddy, Hutsonville
Chapin Rose, Mahomet
Jim Sacia, Pecatonica
Jil Tracy, Mount Sterling
Maybe they'll call him in to testify.
Looks like the machine is taking this one personally.
Technically, Frank Mautino is from south of I-80, although it is close.
>there is nothing lower they a dirty rat
We know it's Illinois politics when people who think they're moral start blithering about rats.
No, theirs nothing lower than thieves and murderers. Rats don't really bother me. We'd never find out any of this stuff out without rats. When I see someone talking about rats, I assume they're involved in something illegal.