Fritchey on Maddow too? Joe Lyons was on the other night.
this state stuff going national is surreal.
47th Ward
· 1 year ago
Re: YDD and whether this contributes to Rod's insanity defense, this is exactly why impeachment is the best course of action.
An impeachment vote total 117 to Jay Hoffman is not admissable in federal court.
JIMP
· 1 year ago
Fritchey on msnbc makes me think of a certain sketch/music video on SNL last week.
He may need a new pair of pants!
Let me see if I can find the link.
Bill Baar
· 1 year ago
pay FOR play is a different kind of vice I think...
Vote Quimby!
· 1 year ago
Who are the legislators who DON'T think we will recover and get them outta here!
Crime Story
· 1 year ago
I think I picked up on something about Rod's character in watching that Daily Show piece the other night. The one where Jason Jones goes over the old pharmacy story Blago first appeared on. Jones goes over some previously unused footage of Blago on the phone. The idea was just to shoot Blago looking like he was conducting business, Jones points out Blago made actual calls, and we here in Illinois noticed he mentioned "Tony" and "The Iraqi guy".
What I get from this is, Blago was playing a mind game for himself there. That was a conscious choice of who to call.He was flirting with getting caught live on national TV. He was getting a rise out of doing something illegal and knowing the interviewer and camera had no idea they were so close to such a big secret. It is the same thrill as shoplifters and people having affairs in public get.
I think secretly he wanted to get caught.
Larry
· 1 year ago
Kwame Raoul was just on MSNBC saying he was essentailly "shook down" by Blago and/or company over the seat and then withdrew his name from any consideration. Don't even remeber his name was in.
big fan
· 1 year ago
Rich-long time fan, first time commenter. Just had to say that you are doing the best job covering this unfortunate story and I appreciate it.
thurber
· 1 year ago
A big remainder left is the talley of the fax's from House Democrats on the impeachment issue that were due in at noon today. How many House Dems confirmed thier support for impeachment?
interesting
· 1 year ago
I am curious if anyone has an idea what they will be voting on next week. I heard members of the house received a copy of a proposal.
Why is everyone ignoring the fact that an impeachment trial could HURT Obama? And what about the State. Do we really need all of these media hungry politicians trying to make a name for themselves on national tv.
I understand the criticism that we need impeachment, but it really is not the best thing for the State. Blago needs to resign.
NWillinois
· 1 year ago
Thank you so much Rich for having the best and most coverage of the Blagovich problem. I hate it that I get so much pleasure out of someone else's problems, but this guy has caused so much pain on so many people that he deserves every bit of pain that can be dished out to him. Up until December 1st I had worked with a person that I would have to say is one of the best state employees I have ever had the pleasure to work with was layed off because of Blago. The way this man has no regard for anybody besides himself is a shame and may he rot in prison.
Little Egypt
· 1 year ago
Rich, no rest for the weary this weekend. A million thanks for keeping the blog open for any late-breaking updates. Not many of us, except perhaps the Mrs. and Kevin, realize the work and time away from family that this blog takes to make it run like the well-oiled machine it has become known as. Again, thanks my friend. Every one of us posting here appreciates you.
Toni H.
· 1 year ago
I picked this little ditti up today from some of my still working State friends...
"Illinois - where our Governors make our license plates"
Emily Booth
· 1 year ago
I could not finish watching Maddow. Too much verbage.
The cbs2.com article states the Guv gets a $177,000 pension (under other circumstances)? Is that accurate? 100% of his salary?
There were some comments made by Serbians how Blagojevich did fundraising among Serbians but never did anything for Serbians other than the Kosovo appearance with JJ. Basically, they see him as American and not Serbian.
Blogojevich is out one way or another by the end of next week. It's really unfortunate he is hogging Obama's limelight.
I once worked with someone who liked any kind of attention, good and bad. Blagojevich reminds me of him.
Big Mama T
· 1 year ago
Wow, nice debt Rod. No wonder why you don't understand what a budget is. And Patti has an economics degree. What a couple!
Bookworm
· 1 year ago
I predict: Blago resigns next Friday around 5 p.m. (his favorite time for "taking out the trash") after taking action one way or the other on the special election bill, and seeing how far impeachment goes in the GA session Monday and Tuesday. The Supreme Court will NOT remove him -- too risky of a precedent.
Frank Sobotka
· 1 year ago
"e-Novine.com"
'Novine' (no-VEE-nay) is Serbian for newspaper.
Anyone care to guess what 'Jeb Bush' means in Serbian?
watching
· 1 year ago
Read between the lines. He will roll if no one heeds his national warning "I will have alot to say when the time is right".
zatoichi
· 1 year ago
Met several retired stateworker friends over the last couple of days. Each time it took about 2 minutes for the conversations to jump to the Governor. They were each pretty pissed that other state workers had routinely been let go for situations that were tivial compared to the Governor's alleged adventures. They insisted that state employee policy calls for state workers to be put on leave for serious allegations until an investigation is completed. Some leave would be paid, others unpaid. Their point was the Governor is a state employee so why isn't he treated the same way as defined in the policy: put on leave until the investigation is done.
enrico depressario
· 1 year ago
His name is actually Milorad? Never knew that.
enrico depressario
· 1 year ago
Excuse me, typo there. Milorod
enrico depressario
· 1 year ago
No, I guess Milorad is right.
vole
· 1 year ago
So we get some bones on the "financial stress" part of the story. Have to ask: Why didn't he just sell the Washington condo? And, why didn't he sell the Chicago house and move into the Governor's mansion early on? Plus had he kept his nose clean he would have had huge opportunities to use the revolving door, gain the type of high paying job that he sought recently in his nefarious scheme, moved into some really rich digs, and set himself up for higher national office. I can't say that I particularly admire those who choose this path, but it does seem the more logical means for reaching the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
no plan B
· 1 year ago
I agree with YDD's comment. I was surprised to see that language in the AG's petition. I'm not a lawyer and haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn Express lately, but even I know not to try to help this idiot make a case for insanity. Suffering from a personality disorder or two or three does not constitute the legal definition of insanity. There are a plethora of examples that could be cited which illustrate his inablity to serve.
Cassandra
· 1 year ago
Sneed suggests that Blago is considering Ed Genson, who surely doesn't come cheap and probably wouldn't let Blago run much of a tab given his financial situation.
Is there a Legal Defense Fund yet? Surely, there are a number of grateful state contractors who would feel obligated to contribute, given the improvement in their fortunes under the Blago administration.
vole
· 1 year ago
"Surely, there are a number of grateful state contractors who would feel obligated to contribute" Cassandra
Why waste their scarce resources on past "pay for play" when they can better invest in future "pay to play"? Where there is a will there is a way. You don't waste money on those who throw themselves under the bus. You just steer to clear the road kill. Plus, why advertise your past associations on the old game board?
Cassandra
· 1 year ago
vole-I was kidding about the state contractors.
Not about the Legal Defense Fund though. It's still the same Chicago, same Machine. Surely they'll find a way to pay our Blago's legal fees. And there's always the campaign fund, I guess. You never know, when you contribute to a candidate, just exactly where that money might end up.
True Observer
· 1 year ago
OK, you got us by the short hairs.
Ain't I the luckiest guy in the world.
You sure are. If only they hadn't kept the tape rolling with Rahm.
OK, so you willing to give me appreciation.
Hell, yes.
OK, I resign. Your Chief of Staff's colorful language never gets aired. The main stream media continues to roll over for you by shutting down because there's nothing more to investigate. Are you going to be able to help with Genson's bill?
I'll put in a few calls.
thurber
· 1 year ago
I'll answer my own question, Sun-Times reports that Fritchey got commitments from 30 House Dems to support impeachment. Cross has commitments from at least 45 House Repubs. Sixty votes are needed to start the process so the votes are there, and when it comes to it how could anyone vote no.
Wonder why only 30 house dems committed to Fritchey.....Fear of the Velvet Hammer?
Princess
· 1 year ago
MSNBC was saying this morning that sources close to Rod were stating that Rod may make a decision as early as Monday as to resigning. If any truth to it, why the wait? Things can't be going to get any better for him by Monday. At what point can they freeze his campaign funds if not already done so or can they at all?
Joe in the KnoW
· 1 year ago
Has anyone else noticed the name of the lawyer that's representing Raghuveer Nayak, the Indian businessman who dined with Blago on Halloween to discuss Jackson's bid for Senate? Why it's Joel Brodsky of Drew Peterson fame! During the day he represents a suspected wife killer, by night, he's the legal ace for an Indian businessman who is seeking to get the son of a noted civil rights leader appointed to the US Senate!
Hollywood couldn't write this stuff, it wouldn't be believed!
ghostofthecolonel
· 1 year ago
Fritchey riding in on a white horse to save the state? What a joke!
Fritchey is Blagojevich-Lite, eager successor to the "sponsored" seat Blago vacated to become Congressman. Itchy Fritchey's sponsor's: his inlaws the Banks--Chicago's zoning czars. Fritch's neighbors can't stand him. (Seeing any Blago parallels here?) He drips of ambition so blatantly, particularly since his holding pattern in the State House has lasted much longer than his ambition can tolerate.
Then Poof, Obama's elected and the game of Illinois Democratic musical chairs begins! Don't think that Fritch didn't think that he could merit that Senate appointment too...
Then Rahm got his Obama slot, and the next best promotion, following Blago's footsteps exactly, for Itchey Fritchey is Rahm's Congressional seat.
The State should be cautious with Itchey Fritchey's command of the impeachment process. He has as much personal interest in outcomes as Lisa Madigan and dozens of others do.
Amy
· 1 year ago
senate list (and add on) that Emanuel gave to Blago makes sense, with one exception....Jan Schakowsky.
why in the world, especially in this ethical environment, would anyone, but especially Obama, think Schakowsky with her baggage- just- released- from- Fed -custody husband would be appropriate?
sure, it's not her, although there are misty messages about her involvement in Bob C.'s group, but it just sends a very bad messsage about ethics in Illinois. and reminds people that Bob C. had some involvement in the Obama campaign.
we don't need the ethical cloud that Schakowsky brings.
vole
· 1 year ago
Can we just contract out governing the state to the adjoining states for a few months? Chicago to Michigan, N.IL to WI, Eastern IL to Indiana, Western to Iowa, East St. Louis to MO, and S. IL to Kentucky? Where's that leave Springfield? And just what is it other than corruption and the legacy of Lincoln that unites us now?
Hall of Fame?
· 1 year ago
Has anyone seriously ever considered opening an Illinois Political Corruption Hall of Fame? This could be a great tourist attraction. Wax dummies of all the greats.
Arthur Andersen
· 1 year ago
Emily, AA thinks that was lazy reporting on the pension. They just used George's pension amount and figured that would be what Rod would get. Assuming he didn't take the money out after he left Cook County and the GA, and assuming he "serves" 6 years as Gov, a SWAG would be low six figures.
Cheswick
· 1 year ago
Just to clarify: If by hook or crook Balgojevich were to resign on Monday before 3:00, the need to pass a bill to strip senatorial appointment powers is removed. (And any subsequent special election legislation.)
Will the legislature withdraw the bill or go forward with it if Blagojevich resigns first?
Phineas J. Whoopee
· 1 year ago
Jesse Jr. is being pushed back so the feds can talk to everyone else first and then see if he matches up. He might want to say no comment on advice from my attorney ect. by that time.
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
· 1 year ago
I don't want to rain on everybody's Blago-hating parade, but Rich - don't you have some Golden Horseshoes to award? Or something for us to vote on? I think a minor distraction is called for...
MLK, Mandela? If he thinks he is being "persecuted" like these 2 world heroes then he literally is insane.
Six Degrees of Separation
· 1 year ago
When you get only 3 Google hits, it appears this "organization" was created out of the last few days' news events. A "Harold Davis" seems to be one of its associates. Davis appears to be a longtime nemesis of JJJ's dad, again using a Google search.
Louis G. Atsaves
· 1 year ago
Tribune is reporting that Blagojevich is visiting Ed Gensen's office today. Forget any plea bargains if Gensen is hired.
2ConfusedCrew
· 1 year ago
Eddie Reed was a Play For Pay guy StateWideTom was a MOU for Play guy
Seen the Light
· 1 year ago
Oh, Dear Lord, thine has shone a light on us A light we did not want the world to see
No where in the Bible does it say that pay to play is a sin, Dear Lord So, how could Governor 1 have known what he was doing was wrong? He was simply following those who have gone before him.
We pray that you watch over this man, Governor 1, during this time of public condemnation There are too many of our followers who we stand to lose should this man go down We need him to keep our precious Candidate 5 and his emissaries safely in your grasp Should the darkness of their ways become known, we ministers will no longer benefit from the errors of their ways
Tread lightly on him dear Lord so that we don’t lose the foundation of our own contributors and those who give us divine power. Those who look after us, but do nothing for their constituents. Those who let their constituents in the poorest district in the country fall into the abyss, so that we become their only hope. So that we can lift them up from their sad state of affairs and ask them tithe to us in a mirage of hope.
Let justice be done in your name oh Lord, but not to us.
Amen
Cassandra
· 1 year ago
If the R Kelly case is any indicator, Mr. Genson will indeed mount a masterful-and lengthy-defense. If Blago doesn't step down, or otherwise depart, this could go on for eons.
wordslinger
· 1 year ago
Geez, Rosty piling on? That's a bit surreal.
Bill Baar
· 1 year ago
I wondered about Rosti too... what in the world prompts a guy like that to pop out and talk?
Frank Sobotka
· 1 year ago
R. Blaggy doesn't have the financial resources that R Kelly has.
If he steps down, he still faces the criminal charges, without a salary, and without any good job prospects.
All Comments
this state stuff going national is surreal.
An impeachment vote total 117 to Jay Hoffman is not admissable in federal court.
He may need a new pair of pants!
Let me see if I can find the link.
What I get from this is, Blago was playing a mind game for himself there. That was a conscious choice of who to call.He was flirting with getting caught live on national TV. He was getting a rise out of doing something illegal and knowing the interviewer and camera had no idea they were so close to such a big secret. It is the same thrill as shoplifters and people having affairs in public get.
I think secretly he wanted to get caught.
Why is everyone ignoring the fact that an impeachment trial could HURT Obama? And what about the State. Do we really need all of these media hungry politicians trying to make a name for themselves on national tv.
I understand the criticism that we need impeachment, but it really is not the best thing for the State. Blago needs to resign.
"Illinois - where our Governors make our license plates"
The cbs2.com article states the Guv gets a $177,000 pension (under other circumstances)? Is that accurate? 100% of his salary?
There were some comments made by Serbians how Blagojevich did fundraising among Serbians but never did anything for Serbians other than the Kosovo appearance with JJ. Basically, they see him as American and not Serbian.
Blogojevich is out one way or another by the end of next week. It's really unfortunate he is hogging Obama's limelight.
I once worked with someone who liked any kind of attention, good and bad. Blagojevich reminds me of him.
'Novine' (no-VEE-nay) is Serbian for newspaper.
Anyone care to guess what 'Jeb Bush' means in Serbian?
Is there a Legal Defense Fund yet? Surely, there are a number of grateful state contractors who
would feel obligated to contribute, given the improvement in their fortunes under the Blago administration.
Why waste their scarce resources on past "pay for play" when they can better invest in future "pay to play"? Where there is a will there is a way. You don't waste money on those who throw themselves under the bus. You just steer to clear the road kill. Plus, why advertise your past associations on the old game board?
Not about the Legal Defense Fund though. It's still the same Chicago, same Machine. Surely they'll find a way to pay our Blago's legal fees. And there's always the campaign fund, I guess. You never know, when you contribute to a candidate, just exactly where that money might end up.
Ain't I the luckiest guy in the world.
You sure are. If only they hadn't kept the tape rolling with Rahm.
OK, so you willing to give me appreciation.
Hell, yes.
OK, I resign. Your Chief of Staff's colorful language never gets aired. The main stream media continues to roll over for you by shutting down because there's nothing more to investigate. Are you going to be able to help with Genson's bill?
I'll put in a few calls.
Wonder why only 30 house dems committed to Fritchey.....Fear of the Velvet Hammer?
Hollywood couldn't write this stuff, it wouldn't be believed!
Fritchey is Blagojevich-Lite, eager successor to the "sponsored" seat Blago vacated to become Congressman. Itchy Fritchey's sponsor's: his inlaws the Banks--Chicago's zoning czars. Fritch's neighbors can't stand him. (Seeing any Blago parallels here?) He drips of ambition so blatantly, particularly since his holding pattern in the State House has lasted much longer than his ambition can tolerate.
Then Poof, Obama's elected and the game of Illinois Democratic musical chairs begins! Don't think that Fritch didn't think that he could merit that Senate appointment too...
Then Rahm got his Obama slot, and the next best promotion, following Blago's footsteps exactly, for Itchey Fritchey is Rahm's Congressional seat.
The State should be cautious with Itchey Fritchey's command of the impeachment process. He has as much personal interest in outcomes as Lisa Madigan and dozens of others do.
why in the world, especially in this ethical environment, would anyone, but especially Obama, think Schakowsky with her baggage- just- released- from- Fed -custody husband would
be appropriate?
sure, it's not her, although there are misty messages about her involvement in Bob C.'s group, but it just sends a very bad messsage about ethics in Illinois. and reminds people that Bob C. had some involvement in the Obama campaign.
we don't need the ethical cloud that Schakowsky brings.
Will the legislature withdraw the bill or go forward with it if Blagojevich resigns first?
http://videos.bnd.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?...
"Citizens of Illinois for Better Government"
They just issued a press release that they're going to stage a demonstration outside of J3's office calling for his resignation.
They do not appear to be the "Better Government Association".
It may have been mentioned before here. Or not.
StateWideTom was a MOU for Play guy
A light we did not want the world to see
No where in the Bible does it say that pay to play is a sin, Dear Lord
So, how could Governor 1 have known what he was doing was wrong?
He was simply following those who have gone before him.
We pray that you watch over this man, Governor 1, during this time of public condemnation
There are too many of our followers who we stand to lose should this man go down
We need him to keep our precious Candidate 5 and his emissaries safely in your grasp
Should the darkness of their ways become known, we ministers will no longer benefit from the errors of their ways
Tread lightly on him dear Lord so that we don’t lose the foundation of our own contributors and those who give us divine power. Those who look after us, but do nothing for their constituents. Those who let their constituents in the poorest district in the country fall into the abyss, so that we become their only hope. So that we can lift them up from their sad state of affairs and ask them tithe to us in a mirage of hope.
Let justice be done in your name oh Lord, but not to us.
Amen
If Blago doesn't step down, or otherwise depart, this could go on for eons.
If he steps down, he still faces the criminal charges, without a salary, and without any good job prospects.