http://capitolfaxcom.disqus.com/NoneenThu, 20 Nov 2008 02:03:06 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189155<p>Come to think of it, Carl might be onto something. If I were a Democrat making the decision right now, I'd be fantasizing about tossing an R in with the Lions. At least one would have an excuse if he didn't walk away alive.</p>AnonymousThu, 20 Nov 2008 02:03:06 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189154<p>==================<br>Blagojevich has maintained his decision will not be made in haste, and he wants “to ensure that Obama’s successor will understand and fight for the needs of average Illinoisans.<br>===================</p><p>Is Blago showing signs of clairvoyance? Could be the smartest thing I've heard him ever say because here's the flip-side: How many in Illinois are banking--right or wrong--on Obama and his replacement to be able to easily bring/send home the bacon? And what if the slabs just aren't big enough or don't get here quickly enough?</p><p>Oh, boy.</p>AnonymousThu, 20 Nov 2008 01:54:46 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189153<p>We know who Rod won't appoint; he won't take any one of his possible primary opponents out of the running in hopes that they will all jump in and divide the Anybody But Blago vote. So Alexi, Lisa, and Bill (the Daley, not the Capitol Fax poster) are out of the running.</p><p>If I had to guess, I'd say Jan Schakowsky is the pick. But I know better than to try to think too hard like Rod Blagojevich.</p>Boone Logan SquareThu, 20 Nov 2008 01:44:57 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189152<p>All these elite, effete, Beltway media types have no clue about the Bill for Senate movement and will be caught totally off-guard when the historic announcement is made.</p>Arthur AndersenWed, 19 Nov 2008 17:49:35 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189151<p>Not only does Illinois lose a vote every everytime a bill is on the floor, but whoever is appointed could be going through orientation with the rest of the new Senators and getting his or feet wet -- instead they will be lagging when it comes to getting things rolling.</p>Just ObservingWed, 19 Nov 2008 17:38:43 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189150<p>The Gov is trying to trade a pardon for any future indictments for the Senate seat. Obama will make the pick and I don't imagine all of the details has been worked out yet. The Gov is still trying to get his arms around the fact that this is the best way for him to go as I imagine he sees himself as the perfect replacement and a chance for him to move into national politics.</p>Harvey MushmanWed, 19 Nov 2008 17:01:40 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189149<p>Plutocrato3, I agree that too many voters have short attention spans. Within the past 18 months, Gov. Blago, Cook Co. President Stroger, and Mayor Daley proposed tax rate increases. They probably know that, the next time that they run for re-election, the voters will forget what they did, in 2007 &amp; '08.</p>Phil CollinsWed, 19 Nov 2008 15:43:01 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189148<p>Whomever Ahnold Jr. appoints to Obama's seat will have to stand next to him at the announcement, amind flowing words of kindness and inspiration. Contrast that image to campaign commercials by GOP (or even other dems in a contested primary) linking the next junior Senator to someone who is reported to be indicted by a grand jury soon. Heck, even if Rod's not indicted, it will still be the kiss of death. I think voters have longer memories than others on here have given them credit for having. Besides, the little Ahnold will undoubtedly create even more controversy (if that's humanly possible) between now and the next general election.</p><p>I just had an epiphany: I think Rod's time as Governor would make for a great Oliver Stone movie. Kennedy; Nixon; W; RodMan. That's one movie I would definitely pay to see.</p>DzNutsWed, 19 Nov 2008 15:29:20 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189147<p>I don't thing the stigma of being appointed by the Gov would be too great. The electorate seems to have the attention span of a gnat. By the time election time comes, all will be forgotten.</p><p>The real issue is determining how this is to benefit the Gov.</p><p>In the meantime Illinois loses a vote on anything being considered through inauguration day. What happens if the bailout fails or succeeds by just one vote? Do we thank the Gov or curse him on that day?</p>Plutocrat03Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:15:10 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189146<p>I've figured out how Blagojevich will play it!</p><p>He'll nominate Big Jim to the U.S. Senate in exchange for getting the George Ryan pro bono defense deal.</p><p>Is anybody offering Blagojevich a better deal?</p>Carl NybergWed, 19 Nov 2008 14:11:03 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189145<p>Those with testicular virility and an ability to decide would have already named Obama's appointment. My guess is that the heir-apparent is trying to pull together the requisite financing. "Pay-to-Play on Steroids" may need a new moniker by the time this is all said and done. The longer the delay, the more the Governor could fool himself into thinking that people will give more attention. The reality is that the Governor will please a handful of people with the appointment, but will anger many who thought they had his support but really didn't.</p><p>If his track record on appointing vacancies to state boards and commissions is any indicator, Illinois may be without a 2nd US Senator for months or years to come.</p>DzNutsWed, 19 Nov 2008 13:19:59 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189144<p>I'm wondering too what is taking Blago so long? He should have had his choices narrowed down before Obama even won.</p>Just ObservingWed, 19 Nov 2008 12:56:03 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189143<p>The Holder-Rosemont casino issue will not even be discussed unless Senate Republicans bring up the issue.Unless Blago gets indicted between now and Jan.20,2009,Eric Holder probably will not be a big issue.</p>SteveWed, 19 Nov 2008 12:51:38 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189142<p>Triple-J has Chuck Todd covered like sweat on a summer day. From comments at the <a href="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/11/19/1681124.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/11/19/1681124.aspx">MSNBC blog</a>...</p><p><i>I’m rather curious too as to what is taking Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) so long in appointing a successor to Obama in the Senate!<br>The opportunity will end up missing the African-Americans if Jessie Jackson Jr. is not chosen; especially, since there are already Latino Senators.</i><br><i>Beverly in Chicago (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:02 AM)</i></p>Rob_NWed, 19 Nov 2008 12:22:24 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189141<p>I think Rod is just unhinged enough, and angry enough at his fellow D's for lack of support, to appoint as a 2-year Senator with a promise of not running in 2010: Jim Edgar! I hope this isn't regarded as "rabid" or a "gratuitous insult".</p>BruceWed, 19 Nov 2008 12:20:18 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189140<p>TAG UP- He did. To an extent at least.</p>Bill S. Preston, Esq.Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:18:08 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189139<p>The Chuck Todd gang asks the right question, but us locals know that Blago's me-first persona is the reason he's stalling. The governor is either waiting for the most lucrative quid pro quo from the senate-seeking vultures, or enjoys basking in the glow of the spotlight a bit too much.</p><p>Or maybe he's tied up battling the deadly carbon deforestation problem.</p>The DocWed, 19 Nov 2008 12:13:29 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189138<p>Let's be honest. The last thing we need is if Blago appoints Madigan to the U.S. Senate seat, him appointing one of his cronnies to the AG spot.</p>It's MeWed, 19 Nov 2008 11:41:44 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189137<p>Those foundations clearly have more money than sense. Throwing money at the likes of Edgar, Hastert and Daley is insane.</p><p>All of those guys have already been in significant positions of power for many, many years. What did any of them ever do to really advance the ball on education reform?</p><p>This smells to me like yet another dishonest road, one that is sooner or later going to lead to another push for higher taxes and more casinos.</p>GOP'erWed, 19 Nov 2008 11:32:15 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189136<p>I contemplated who would be the best choice for Blago to pick for the Senate seat that would do him the most good. I wouldn't make this suggestion unless I knew full well he won't.</p><p>I think my selection would help Blago traverse the tight rope he is walking-above overly ambitious black politicians who will scream and yell if they don't get the job.</p><p>I think it would make him look thoughtful and creative and would reward a deserving pol who has put his time in, swallowed a lot of pride and would be welcome by virtually all of the black community.</p><p>It would be a pick that even Obama, who wants to call the shots would have to say-good choice. I should have thought of that.</p><p>It would be a pick that would fully heal some old wounds that are still present in some voters minds from council wars.</p><p>I would personally like it because he is not embarrassing the state by campaigning for it.</p><p>There are a whole bunch of other reasons I think this would be the best choice, however, time is of the essence so here is my pick-if it is not Bill, of course.</p><p>And the winner is,</p><p>Judge Timothy Evans!</p><p>There ya go Blago.</p>Phineas J. WhoopeeWed, 19 Nov 2008 11:30:27 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189135<p>I don't think Holder worked here. Holder was a Clinton appointee for U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. That was where and when he indicted Rosty.</p>wordslingerWed, 19 Nov 2008 11:29:49 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189134<p>To the Holder question...</p><p>In the end, Holder was charged with (rightly) helping to get rid of a casino bid by someone who shouldn't be getting a casino.</p><p>Don't think this will stick on him too hard. Unless people gloss over the actually issue at hand (as they are wont to do), and instead play the association game.</p><p>That game worked really well this Fall, didn't it...</p>jWed, 19 Nov 2008 11:23:25 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189133<p>You tell us, TAG. Seems like you guys in the Treasurer's office are trying hard to get that out there.</p>jWed, 19 Nov 2008 11:21:18 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189132<p><i>Holder now appears to regret getting involved at all with Blagojevich </i></p><p>Well, for sure that's worse than doing a quickie OK of Marc Rich's pardon. I guess he can get past that one, but this will be more uncomfortable questioning during confirmation.</p>Pat collinsWed, 19 Nov 2008 11:17:13 -0000http://capitolfax.com/2008/11/19/the-rod-factor-is-all-powerful/#comment-18189131<p>Is it true that the State Treasurer announced his intentions to run for gov last night?</p>TAG UPWed, 19 Nov 2008 11:16:56 -0000