Your New Year's Eve Blago scandals reader

Many people will say they had a disappointing 2008. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich may not know it, but he's part of that unhappy crowd.

Below is your last Blago scandals reader of the year.

Oh, Happy New Year!

State Journal-Register: Governor’s arrest, Sir Paul, vicious squirrel top most read stories of 2008 on sj-r.com

Daily Herald: Dems explain why they let governor make appointment

AP: Legal experts say Blago's move won't sway blacks

CNN: Blagojevich playing a game of racial 'chicken'?

Bloomington Pantagraph: Blagojevich woes reverberate in Washington

New York Times: Tough calculus for Blagojevich on senate seat

AP: Blagojevich Senate pick stands by criticism of gov

Fox News: Congressman backing Blago's Senate pick earlier cited 'No moral basis'

Christian Science Monitor: With no one in charge, Illinois grinds to halt

Technorati tags: Blagojevich Illinois Politics corruption Illinois Democrat Senate race black new year's eve Paul McCartney

Illinois special election news

Yes, the title is a bit presumptuous, because there has not been a special election called by the Illinois General Assembly to choose a successor to President-elect Barack Obama.

Once news broke that goofball Governor Rod Blagojevich tried to auction off that seat, there were bipartisan calls to take away Blago's power to make the appointment.

But as I've remarked numerous times, Democrats, including Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who I believe was the first to call for for a special election, showed terrible judgement by assuming Blagojevich wouldn't select a senator.

Don't they know this guy is nuts?

Republicans, inside and outside of Illinois, have been unwavering in their support to "stick it" to Blago and give the people of the Land of Lincoln the power to choose our next senator.

The state GOP has been a potent force in leading this charge. (Wow, I can't believe I wrote that!)

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) strongly favors a special election. The same can't be said for his Democratic counterpart, Harry Reid (D-NV).

But for a while today there was a glimmer of hope that we'll get our special election. Democrats in Springfield tabled a special election bill earlier this month. Then House committee was scheduled to meet on it next week.

Hopes have been dashed, as the resurgent Illinois Republican Party announced in a press release:

Background: Crain's reported earlier today that the House Elections and Campaign Reform Committee was slated to hear special election legislation next week in Springfield . Curiously the Committee was abruptly cancelled today.

Statement from Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna on unusual cancellation of next week's House Elections and Campaign Reform Committee which could have considered Special Election legislation:

"Once again Blagojevich Democrats failed the people of Illinois.

"It appears Rod Blagojevich's campaign co-chairman Mike Madigan would rather allow this senate appointment to stand instead of doing what's right and giving the voters what they want.

"Blagojevich Democrats could have solved this problem 15 days ago by passing a special election, instead they refused to strip the Governor of his appointment powers and contributed to yet another constitutional crisis for Illinois."

We want a special election!

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics Blagojevich Durbin Republican Senate Harry Reid Republican McConnell

Breaking: Burris asks Ill. Supreme Court to force his appointment

I just saw Roland Burris on CNN and Fox News making a fool out of himself as he defended Rod Blagojevich's selection of him to replace Barack Obama in the US Senate.

Now he's sealing the deal: Burris asked the Illinois Supreme Court to force his appointment to the US Senate. Not to being an attorney, I can only guess his rationale by pursuing the matter in a state court. Could it be that the Illinois Secretary of State, Democrat Jesse White, refused to accept the paperwork regarding Burris' selection from disgraced Governor Rod Blagojevich?

This story gets weirder and weirder...

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats Blagojevich courts law breaking news

Washington Post calls for Ill. Senate special election

Politically speaking, the Washington Post will never be confused withthe Wall Street Journal.

Yet the Post, in an editorial today, is calling for a special election to decide who will represent Illinois in the US Senate, not our crazed governor, Rod Blagojevich.

The best solution remains the one that we urged at the outset of this mess: a special election. Unfortunately, the Democrat-dominated Illinois General Assembly dropped this approach because of concerns that Mr. Obama's seat might end up in Republican hands. The General Assembly should reconsider. Its responsibility is making certain that the citizens of Illinois have their full complement of senators -- not making certain that both are Democrats.

We want a special election!

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Illinois Politics Senate Democrat Rod Blagojevich Washington Post special election

Actual headline from the Southern Illinoisan: "Possible Blagojevich impeachment could pave wave for construction plan"

Yep, that's right the headline of a story in the online edition for The Southern Illinoisan reads: "Possible Blagojevich impeachment could pave wave for construction plan."

It's that bad. Indirectly to be sure, but highway improvement is linked to the impechment of Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Does this happen in other states?

The article is worth reading, if only to expose the plans of Rep. John Bradley, (D-Marion) to raise gasoline taxes.

That for sure happens in other states.

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats Blagojevich Illinois Politics energy gasoline

Feds ask for extension to charge Blago

Hey, it's not lack of material that's causing US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald to request a 90 extension to indict failed Governor Rod Blagojevich. On December 9 Fitzgerald's office issued a criminal complaint against Blago.

Here's what AP says for your doubters out there:

In the motion filed Wednesday, prosecutors ask for more time because "multiple witnesses" have come forward in recent weeks and investigators have to review "thousands of intercepted phone calls."

Technorati tags: Blagojevich Illinois Politics corruption Illinois Democrat Rod Blagojevich courts crime

Morning Blago bits

Due to yesterday's shocking news that our crazy governor, Rod Blagojevich, appointed a successor to Barack Obama's Senate seat, I didn't do a Blago evening reader.

But this morning I'm going to utilize a similar format.

Democratic Senate leaders, backed by Barack Obama, vow they will not seat Burris.

As Obama said in a statement, "Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat."

Lynn Sweet, the Chicago Sun-Times' Washington correspondent, interviewed Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Chicago), who says he was offered the job by Blago. He still wants to move up to the Senate, but not under these conditions. He turned Blagojevich down.

This adds more credibility that Blago is using the race card to make some sort of brain-addled statement only he can understand. Davis is an African-American.

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Chicago), a former Black Panther who has been experiencing health problems of late, took the race card much further yesterday. He declared, "I would ask you to not hang or lynch the appointee as you try to castigate the appointer."

Now that Blagojevich has made the appointment, it's up to Illinois' secretary of state, Jesse White, to certify it. But White told CBS 2 Chicago that he will not, backing up a promise he made earlier this month. Like Obama, Burris had nice things to say about his fellow Chicago Democrat.

White is also an African-American.

Illinois' next governor, Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, said the appointment was "an insult to the people of Illinois." He's right, but the Oak Park Democrat ran twice as Blagojevich's running mate, something Quinn forgets to mention when taking the high road in denouncing Blago.

In an editorial, the State Journal-Register compares Blagojevich to Heath Ledger's Joker character in The Dark Knight"

They have one thing in common: A desire to shock people and sow discord.

"You know what I am?" The Joker says in the film. "I'm a dog chasing cars. You know, I just do things. ... Upset the established order, and everything becomes chaos. I'm an agent of chaos."

And this chaos could end up in the US Supreme Court.

For the most part, members of the Illinois General Assembly, Democrats and Republicans, are appalled by the appoinment.

Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) exclaimed, "We hate to be the ones who told you so, but we told you so."

But Rep. Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline) will regret making this statement:

I think it's pretty wise politics. I just think the governor was wise to do something. It shows he can still act.

Please, stop Blago from acting.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Obama Barack Obama Illinois Politics corruption Blagojevich Republican Senate cronyism

Fox Chicago: Burris a frequent Blago contributor, evidence of ghost payrolling while AG

Fox 32 Chicago's Larry Yellen add more fuel to the Roland Burris fire tonight. Click here for the video. In short, Burris, who is now a lobbyist, was a frequent contributor to Governor Rod Blagojevich's campaign fund.

And while serving as Illinois' attorney general, Burris' nephew Stephen had a full-time state job, but Fox 32 found that he was working 20 hours a week for Federal Express.

Roland Burris--another political hack.

We want a special election!

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats Blagojevich Illinois Politics graft cronyism nepotism

Ill. Dems could have avoided Blago-Burris mess by authorizing a special election

Almost immediately after it was revealed the Governor Rod Blagojevich tried to sell Barack Obama's senate seat, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) called for a special election to name Illinois' next senator. But fearing a Republican pick-up of the seat, Durbin, almost certainly egged on by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) backed off that declaration.

Look at the mess the Democratic Party has created.

The Washington Post has more:

Blagojevich's choice of Democrat Roland Burris "is emblematic of the old-school, pay-to-play culture that has plagued Illinois for generations and this appointment is another embarrassment for the people of Illinois ," said Illinois GOP Chairman Andy McKenna.

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (Texas) laid the blame for the current problems in Illinois at Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid'ss (Nev.) feet.

"Senator Reid and the Democratic leadership in Washington and Springfield decided to play politics with this Senate seat and unfortunately, the people of Illinois are now paying the price," said Cornyn.

While it's almost certain that Burris won't ever be seated in the Senate, Blagojevich's attempt to do that makes for yet more problems for Democrats in Illinois and Washington -- turning a bad situation into a political nightmare.

We want a special election!

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Obama Barack Obama Illinois Politics corruption Blagojevich Durbin Republican Senate Harry Reid John Cornyn

Blago buddy Burris

Rod Blagojevich defecated on the people of Illinois today. After his attorney said he wouldn't appoint someone to the US Senate seat being vacated by Barack Obama, the one he tried to sell, Blago appointed Roland Burris.

Okay, Burris almost certainly didn't buy the seat. And is it wrong for the 71 year-old South Side Chicago Democrat to be tarred with guilt by association?

Well, as the Illinois Republican Party tells us, the two have been associating for years.

Blagojevich Ally

"I think he's doing a helluva job"– Roland Burris responding to questions about Rod Blagojevich's performance as governor – Is gov a team player? Critics insist he's not: He admits to being combative but cites 1st-term achievements, Chicago Sun Times, March 5, 2006

Blagojevich's administration has been beset by investigations and the conviction of Rezko, a onetime top adviser and fund-raiser. But a crowd still turned out, including former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris, lobbyist Al Ronan and ex-Blagojevich staffer-turned-lobbyist John Wyma. Backers turn out for gov's fund-raiser, Chicago Sun Times, June 27, 2008

Those listed on the invitation as hosts of the fundraiser include…former Attorney General ROLAND BURRIS, now a lobbyist. - Blagojevich money machine rolls on, conflict or not, State Journal-Register, April 6, 2006

Among the notable figures who attended the Blagojevich campaign event was the governor's "kitchen cabinet" adviser Antoin Rezko, a wealthy businessman who has raised political funds for him. Also present were Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, who introduced the governor before his speech, and former attorney general Roland Burris. - Governor raises $4 million, Copley News Service, June 17, 2005

Burris was the Chairman of the Governor's Commission on State Pensions as recently as 2005. Illinois State Pensions were then, and are now, the most underfunded in the country. - State pension panel nears vote on proposed cuts, Copley News Service, January 7, 2005

Pay To Play

A company headed by former state comptroller and attorney general Roland Burris has been awarded a $150,000 state contract to advise disadvantaged businesses on how to improve their operations and ultimately win state contracts. – Consulting firm awarded $150,000 contract by IDOT, State Journal-Register, June 16, 2004

The Ho-Chunk Nation has tapped former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris and his law firm to lobby for state approval of its proposed casino complex in Hoffman Estates. - Ex-attorney general to lobby for casino, Chicago Daily Herald, June 5, 2003

A wide-ranging hospital fraud investigation in Nevada has Cook County Board President Todd Stroger reconsidering his plans to help balance the county's budget on a private firm's promise to bring up to $125 million a year to the county's ailing health system...A contract has not yet been signed here, but negotiations have been going on since the County Board gave approval last year. That approval came after former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris lobbied the board on ACS' behalf. - Vegas probe casts doubt on county deal, Chicago Sun Times, January 18, 2007

A State Journal-Register investigation in 1993 found that half the outside legal contracts awarded by then-Attorney General Roland Burris went to campaign contributors. - Attorney general closing 12 outposts, hiring staff, State Journal-Register, July 27, 1995

Technorati tags: Illinois Politics corruption Illinois Democrat Rod Blagojevich gambling lobbying

Blago bizarreness

If you're wondering why I've been quiet this afternoon, well, I never dreamed that our bufoonish governor, Rod Blagojevich, would appoint anyone to serve in the US Senate after his December 9 arrest.

And I haven't really been silent, I appeared on Stephanie Davis' Patriot Games Radio this evening.

Time for dinner, then time to blog.

Blago to appoint Roland Burris to US Senate

Just one week after Rod Blagojevich's blowhard attorney, Ed Genson, said that the disgraced governor would not appoint a successor to Barack Obama in the US Senate, the Chicago Democrat picks Roland Burris, a former state attorney general and comptroller, to take Obama's seat.

Didn't Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) say the upper chamber would not seat anyone Blago appointed? He all but did that three weeks ago.

It's possible that we could have a constitutional confrontation on our hands, but my guess is that Reid won't risk the ire of blacks, and will allow Burris to be seated.

Burris was Illinois' first African American to hold statewide office. However, Burris, a Chicago Democrat who is a native of downstate Centralia, has lost four straight primary elections, most recently in 2002, when Blagojevich topped him to got the Democratic nod for governor that year.

Surely Burris hasn't been tainted by Blago sleaze, right?

I'm still doing some research, but since leaving public life, reluctantly, Burris became a lobbyist and "retained a friendship" with Blago.

More to come, that's to be sure.

Meanwhile, Obama's seat looks like a juicy pick-up target for the Republicans. Remember, Burris has lost four straight Democratic primaries. If he runs for the seat on his own, he'll have Blagojevich as a running mate.

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats Chicago crime Blagojevich Illinois Politics legal Senate Harry Reid

Um...should Caroline be a senator?

Since I can't afford handlers, I had to do some soul-searching when I started appearing on radio shows, and one thing that crossed my mind was that I must not ramble on and say "um...y'know...." and throw away ramblings like that.

Caroline Kennedy wants New York Governor David Patterson to appoint her to Hillary Clinton's soon to be vacated US Senate seat, and well, um...she said "um" and "y'know" a lot.

In an eerie flashback to her uncle Ted's disastrous 1979 Roger Mudd interview that was supposed to catapult him to the presidency--the Massachusetts senator was unable to say why he wanted to be president--Caroline couldn't come up with a credible reason why she should be a senator.

Technorati tags: politics Democrats current affairs new york Caroline Kennedy Kennedy speech

Vegas hockey team to play game in Blago prison uniforms

It's not just late-night comics who view Rod Blagojevich as a target of ridicule. So does the world of sports.

A minor league hockey team in Las Vegas will honor Gov. Rod Blagojevich at a game in January, but the honor will be a backhanded one.

The Las Vegas Wranglers, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Calgary Flames, have announced the team will wear vintage prison uniforms in recognition of Blagojevich for its game on Friday, Jan. 30. The Wranglers will face the Victoria Salmon Kings on "Rod Blagojevich Prison Uniform Night," according to a release from the team.

The uniforms will feature broad, horizontal black and white stripes and a prison issue number that begins "ILLGOV" with the last two characters representing a specific player's regular uniform number. In keeping with the "locked up" theme, the team also will auction a seat between the two benches to the highest bidder.

Two close Blago associates got in trouble in Las Vegas. In May, Nevada officials issued an arrest warrant for Antoin "Tony" Rezko for writing bad checks. What the mainstream media has largely overlooked is that those checks were drawn from Chicago's Broadway Bank, which is owned by the family of Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois' state treasurer and a Barack Obama associate.

Chris Kelly is another former member of Blagojevich's inner circle. He agreed to plead guilty earlier this month to tax charges related to gambling misdeeds, some of which occurred in Las Vegas.

Technorati tags: Blagojevich Illinois Politics corruption Illinois humor hockey sports Las Vegas Alexi Giannoulias

Your Monday night Blago scandals reader

The work week started up again, sort of, as many people are on vacation this week, and many of those (not me)who are working are putting in just three days this week. There are advantages of New Years Day being on a Thursday.

Also back to work today was the Illinois House Impeachment Panel. So unlike the last few days, I have plenty of material to comb through. It's as thick as Blago's hair.

State Journal-Register: Southern Illinois campaign contributor says he didn't 'pay' for state appointment

AP: Rahm Emanuel to resign congressional seat Friday

Chicago Sun-Times: More pieces to Senate seat puzzle

Southern Illinoisan: Quinn always prepared to take over as governor

Naperville Sun: Edward CEO, Gov. Blagojevich: Three degrees of separation

Chicago Tribune: Feds showed early interest in Blagojevich hiring

Bloomberg: Blagojevich impeachment inquiry shifts to contracts

State Journal-Register: Genson: There's no clear reason to impeach

AP: Ill. governor's lawyer doesn't like mansion

Technorati tags: Blagojevich Illinois Politics corruption Illinois impeachment Democrat Rod Blagojevich Springfield

Another fed wiretap revealed in Blago probe

There's another flood coming to Illinois, and I'm not talking about the Des Plaines or Fox Rivers. It will be a flood of information--bad news if you're Governor Rod Blagojevich--about the federal investigation the Chicago Democrat.

Here's a trickle:

Federal authorities had more wiretaps than previously disclosed in the investigation of Gov. Blagojevich -- including the cellular telephone of a member the governor's inner circle.

A new government filing in federal court indicates that in November, authorities tapped the cell phone of "Lobbyist 1." The Sun-Times has identified lobbyist 1 as Lon Monk, the governor's first-term chief of staff. Monk later became a fund-raiser and state lobbyist.

Rod Blagojevich takes a jog along with former top aide Lon Monk in 2002. Monk has been identified by the Sun-Times as 'Lobbyist 1.'

The revelation that investigators captured more on secret recordings than previously disclosed, came as federal prosecutors seek to release portions of those recordings to a House Committee seeking the governor's impeachment.

The article goes on to report on blubbering made by Blago's attorney, Ed Genson.

Monk is one of those poor souls who will have to explain why he worked for Blagojevich every time he goes on a job interview.

Technorati tags: Blagojevich Illinois Politics corruption Illinois crime impeachment Democrats

Snow, cold, ice, rain, and floods--in one week

In the last week, the Chicago area has endured two snowstorms, bitter cold, rain, and now flooding. The North Branch of the Chicago River has overflown its banks in Morton Grove's St. Paul Woods, but that's not a big deal, as the river is surrounded by forest preserves in the northern suburbs.

A little bit west of me, the Des Plaines River was at flood stage, but only one road was closed.

Other parts of the Midwest have flooding problems, Michigan (Man, hasn't this state had a terrible year?) seems to be getting the worst of it.

Technorati tags: Illinois photography photos Morton Grove weather Chicago River flooding Michigan

Yellowstone earthquakes

Yellowstone National Park, a must-see for everybody, is best known for its geysers, but the park is really a giant volcano. Yellowstone's caldera takes up most of the land of the park.

And where there are volcanoes, there are usually earthquakes--so it should be any surprise that there have been a series of minor quakes within Yellowstone over the last few days.

Six years ago the Marathon Pundit family drove to Yellowstone, we stayed in a cabin just west of the park, in Montana, on the shores of Hebgen Lake, a reservoir of the Madison River.

A few miles upstream from Hebgen Lake is Quake Lake, which was formed after a 1959earthquake, which measured 7.3 on the Richer Scale, the strongest in recorded Montana history, triggered a landslide and created a natural resevoir.

Quake Lake, pictured in 2002, is located in the Gallatin National Forest. There's a small memorial and historic exhibit located along State Highway 287.

The earthquake caused 28 deaths, most of them campers.

Technorati tags: Montana geology history Wyoming Yellowstone earthquakes nature photos photography

Marathon Pundit news coming

There are a number of things going on regarding Marathon Pundit that will be quite exciting once they're announced. Stay tuned!

A picture Ill. Rep. Lou Lang doesn't want you to see

My representative in the Illinois House of Representative is Lou Lang (D-Skokie), chairman of the House Gaming Committee and widely regarded as a close friend of the casino industry in this state.

Lang, who sits on the House impeachment panel, has been playing the role of the tough guy, as the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune has reported.

The Rockford Register-Star named Lang as among the "governor's toughest critics."

Well, how does Lang explain that photograph, which I took in the summer of 2007, on the front window of his Skokie office?

Technorati tags: Illinois politics Illinois Politics news democrats Blagojevich Skokie photography photos

Gaza war

Three years ago, Israeli forces and Jewish settlers withdrew from the Gaza Strip, leaving Palestinian authorities in control. Within hours, minutes really, every synagogue in sight was burned down.

A very bad start.

Last year the terror group Hamas seized control of Gaza from the (comparatively) moderate Fatah group. Hamas began firing missiles into Israel, killing civilians

Did you expect Israel to do nothing?

Today is the third day of Israeli air assaults on terror sites in Gaza. So far 320 Palestinians are dead, 51 of them civilians. The death of noncombatants is a tragic, but not an unexpected result. Civilized nations at war for the most part go out of their way to avoid the deaths of civilians, but terror organizations place that principle on its head by targeting civilians in their attacks. Worse, being cognizant of the standards of decency that nations such as Israel possess, groups like Hamas place their offices and training facilities within residential and commercial areas in the hopes their strategic locations will ward off an attack.

Israeli defense minister Ehud Barak says the Jewish state is in a "war to the bitter end."

War is a terrible thing, but I'm with Israel on this one, and I hope they smash the snots out of the terrorists.

Technorati tags: Israel מדינת news Hamas terrorism Palestine خبر سياسی زنان Gaza

Comments policy changed

I might switch back to the old way of doing things, but for now, I've disabled the ability to post comments anonymously.

Too much spam.

Your Sunday night Blago scandals reader

It's with a heavy heart that I post tonight's Rod Blagojevich update. And I'm not the only one in Illinois with a frown. For the second season in a row, the Chicago Bears will not be part of the NFL playoffs. And to think two years ago, the Bears played in the Super Bowl.

But by next September, the Bears will be back, and Blago will be gone.

And here are your Blago tidbits:

Chicago Sun-Times: Blagojevich's lawyer to submit internal report to impeachment panel

AP: Deficit lingers as Blagojevich faces legal fight

Peoria Journal-Star: Governor's lawyer to make case

Chicago Sun-Times: Axelrod on NBC's "Meet the Press" tells Gregory Obama team will not offer up Blagojevich inquiry notes, transcripts.

WEEK-TV Peoria: Brady On impeachment committee

UPI: Ill. legislator blasts Blagojevich lawyer

Technorati tags: Blagojevich Illinois Politics corruption Illinois crime impeachment

Bicentennial bash: Blago out by Lincoln's b-day, says lt. gov

Yes, we're gonna have an anniversary
Yes, it's gonna be a bicentennial
Hey, America's having a birthday
Gonna be 200 years old
Isn't it wonderful?
Oh, you know it certainly, certainly is!
"Bicentennial," Loudon Wainwright III, 1976.

Rufus Wainwright's dad, Loudon III, was singing about America's bicentennial in that song, but he did mention Abraham Lincoln in it. And February 12, 2009 will be the 200th anniversary of the birth of America's greatest president, Springfield's Abraham Lincoln.

And that's when Lt. Governor Patrick Quinn says his fellow Democrat, Rod Blagojevich will be out of office.

Quinn, while appearing on NBC's Meet the Press, said he hasn't spoken to Blago since August of last year.

One more quote, from US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald:

"The conduct would make Abraham Lincoln roll over in his grave." Fitzmas said that during his December 9 press conference announcing the arrest of Blagojevich.

And if Blago is out by February 12, that would certainly, certainly be wonderful.

Technorati tags: Abraham Lincoln history Americana Lincoln bicentennial democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics news Blagojevich Chicago Springfield music entertainment Loudon Wainwright III

Good news from the recession: Better music

There's a golden-record lining to the continuing bad economic news, according to the Chicago Sun-Times' music critic Jim DeRogatis, although I disagree with his characterization of the 1980s.

In announcing his list of ten best albums of 2008, here's what DeRogatis had to say about bad times and music:

If there is any upside to these dire, perilous and truly frightening economic times, it is this: History has shown us that music is one of the only things in life that seems to be recession- (and depression-) proof. In fact, it thrives in times of crisis.

The blues arose in part as a cathartic response to economic hardship. Jazz came into its own during the Great Depression. And some of the greatest sounds in the history of rock ’n’ roll were made during bleak economic times, including the recession of the mid-’70s (which gave us punk) and the era of trickle-down economics in the mid-’80s (which gave us hip-hop and the first flourishing of indie rock).

Millions of words have been written in the new millennium about the precarious state of the music industry, and the digitally induced changes in the ways that music is distributed continued in 2008. A clear model for how the business will adapt still has not emerged. But that's the music business.

DeRogatis' choice for best album of the year was Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' "Dig Lazarus Dig!"

Technorati tags: Nick Cave economy music entertainment culture

111th Congress: Two states will likely have just one senator

Illinois will go weeks, possibly months, with just one US Senator, thanks to the graft-driven madness of Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Because of the drawn-out recount in Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes will likely have just one senator when the 111th Congress begins on January 6.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune explains how things are going for Democrat Amy Klobuchar as Minnestota's defacto at-large senator:

With no clear end in sight to the recount battle between Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and DFLer Al Franken, and a new Congress convening in just nine days, it is looking likely that only Sen. Amy Klobuchar will be representing the state in the Senate for at least part of January.

Already, the task of keeping up with the routine demands from Minnesotans -- from requests for veterans benefits to help with home heating issues -- is becoming a problem. The state also could be one senator short when Congress and incoming President Barack Obama embark on an ambitious national agenda in January.

Klobuchar said her office has seen a doubling of requests in the past month for basic constituent services, including calls from people who say they are reluctant to contact Coleman's office because of the uncertainty of the election outcome. Should the vacancy continue, she added, she may ask for a temporary increase in staff.

Technorati tags: politics Democrats election Republicans Minnesota Norm Coleman Al Franken DFL Blagojevich Illinois

Your Saturday night Blago scandals reader

Well, it's back, my nightly Blago scandals reader. I took a couple of days off, and here are the best articles about America's worst governor, Rod Blagojevich.

Here's what the Chicago Democrat is up to:

Chicago Tribune: Gov. Rod Blagojevich's lawyer criticized by lawmakers

AP: Fitzgerald asks panel not to subpoena Obama aides

Southern Illinoisan: Blagojevich scandal is ray of hope for IDNR

An Illinois dynasty versus Blagojevich

Wall Street Journal: Reform law might have aided Blagojevich scheme

AP: Corruption crisis creates confusion in Illinois

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats crime Blagojevich Illinois Politics impeachment

Blago says he's on "wrong planet" if he's done wrong

Look who came out of hiding yesterday? Our absentee governor Rod Blagojevich. ABC 7 Chicago's Andy Shaw caught up with the governor when he visited the South Side office of one of his attorneys.

Like a lot of Chicagoans, Blago struggled with the effects of yesterday's ice storm--he nearly slipped while walking on a slick sidewalk.

Of course many Illinoisans believe that Blagojevich has been slipping up since 2003.

Had he fallen, some sense might have been knocked into place. But he's the same old Blago:

"I think the accomplishments for people speak for themselves. If that's impeachable then I'm on the wrong planet and living in the wrong place," the governor said. "I know what the truth is -- and the truth is, I've done absolutely nothing wrong, and I've done a lot of things right -- even in this process, without saying too much, that was all about trying to end up with the right decision that could do the most things for the people of Illinois. When the full truth is told, you will see precisely that."

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn said Thursday that Blagojevich is going to be impeached, convicted and thrown out of office, so he should resign or step aside now.

"I think it made it abundantly clear that I have no intention whatsoever of leaving a job the people of Illinois elected me to perform because of false accusations and a political lynch mob," the governor said.

Technorati tags: Blagojevich Illinois Politics corruption Illinois crime

Technorati vs. Google

I came across a great article by Simon Owens about Technorati, for now at least, performing the unthinkable: defeating Google in the search engine busines.

For the unitiated, Technorati is the leading search engine for blogs. It may lose that title if it continues to overlook some blogs, including mine.

Despite my protestations to Technorati, Maratho Pundit has not been picked up by the site, with a couple of exceptions here and there, since the Rod Blagojevich scandals exploded on December 9.

Read here.

Has my blog been identified as spam? Or a "splog?"

Technorati tags: business marketing journalism

Blago problem: Court date conflicts with swearing in of new state senators

Unless Rod Blagojevich does the honorable thing--an unlikely occurrence for such a cad--Illinois residents will have to endure more intances such as the type the Daily Herald describes this morning:

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's two worlds - that of chief executive and criminal defendant - are set for a Jan. 14 collision course.

On that date, the governor has the constitutional responsibility to preside over the Illinois Senate in Springfield as new members are sworn in. The governor runs the Senate until members elect a Senate president. While mostly ceremonial, it's one of the few times the Illinois Constitution requires the governor be in the Capitol.

Also on that day, some 200 miles away, Blagojevich faces a federal court date in Chicago. A preliminary hearing is scheduled to establish whether there's probable cause for the case against him to proceed. His attendance is required.

The conflict underscores the problems the governor, lawmakers and perhaps the entire state face in the coming weeks and months. This burgeoning corruption scandal threatens to paralyze the governor and state government, which already was snarled like rush-hour traffic in an ice storm.

Technorati tags: Blagojevich Illinois Politics corruption Illinois Springfield courts crime

Spotlight on Schakowsky exposes an earmark problem

President-elect Barack Obama's staff submitted a list of candidates for Illinois' vacant US Senate seat. One name on that was Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), my far-Left congresscritter.

Doug Ross has an excellent rundown of Schakowsky's largerly overlooked past, including her husband's felony conviction.

But there's an earmark issue for the Evanston Democrat, Ross reports:

• Rep. Schakowsky authored a 2009 earmark for another Chicago-area nonprofit called The Save A Life Foundation (SALF), which is described on her website as a "Community Response Systems Initiative". What the... ?

• A 2006 ABC investigation revealed that while Save a Life received millions of dollars in government funds and corporate donations, it made a series of "misleading claims [including] deceptive credentials that raise doubts about [its] integrity, funding and training." According to ABC, founder Carol Spizzirri represented herself as a registered nurse specializing in kidney transplants. But ABC claims she never received a degree of any kind nor was she ever registered as a nurse.

Red County has more.

Related posts:

Punishing the Blago enablers, part one: Jan Schakowksy
Blagojevich-enabler Schakowsky voted "present" on 2007 House Christmas resolution
Liberals laud book by ex-con husband of Rep. Jan Schakowsky
Rep. Schakowsky: Let your moonbat flag fly
Leftist congresswoman wants to reinstate "Fairness Doctrine"
Ex-con and congresswoman's husband Creamer taught at Camp Obama
Cong. Schakowsky: Choosing her anti-semitism battles
Cong. Schakowsky's husband enters federal prison
Report from The Bench: Chicago scumbags gather at Obama rally

Technorati tags: Schakowsky Jan Schakowsky Congress politics Illinois Obama politics Barack Obama Democrats

Midnight Blue: Washington at the Delaware pics

Every Christmas, reenactors gather at the site where George Washington led his Continental Army across the Delaware River into New Jersey and dealt Hessian soldiers a decisive defeat in 1776.

The American Revolution may have failed if Washington lost this battle.

But for the second year in a row weather, high winds, prevented Ronald Rinaldi II, who portrayed the Father of our Country, and his Continentals from crossing the Delaware.

Skye of Midnight Blue was there and took pictures. The crossing was cancelled, but there was plenty of other festivities for the 12,000 attendees to enjoy.

Pajamas Media's Rick Moran explains the importance of the Christmas of 1776 in his article How George Washington saved Christmas — and America.

Technorati tags: Christmas holidays history revolutionary war news George Washington

Lt. Gov. Quinn: Donate airline miles to troops

Illinois' next governor, Patrick Quinn, is a steadfast supporter of our troops. And it's not just when the cameras are on.

On Tuesday the Oak Park Democrat and current lieutenant governor held a press conference about his Operation Home Front initiative.

I disagree with Quinn on some political issues, but I back him completely on this initiative.

From an Operation Home Front press release:

Just two days before Christmas, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn joined with wounded veteran U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Mike Mendoza to urge citizens to remember our wounded heroes this holiday season.

Illinois citizens can help by donating their unused frequent flyer miles to Operation Hero Miles - a program that helps military families visit injured service members recovering in military hospitals around the world - and by purchasing Veterans Cash lottery tickets.

"I encourage everyone in the Land of Lincoln to honor those who fight for our freedom by supporting Operation Hero Miles and the Veterans Cash lottery ticket," Quinn said. "Donating unused frequent flyer miles and purchasing a lottery ticket are convenient ways for the people of Illinois to show appreciation for our heroes, like Staff Sgt. Mendoza."

Staff Sgt. Mendoza was wounded in a grenade blast in Iraq in the summer of 2006 and transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany for treatment and rehabilitation. He was later awarded the Silver Star - the third-highest award given for valor in the U.S. Armed Forces - and the Purple Heart for his selfless defense of his platoon.

After receiving treatment in Germany, Staff Sgt. Mendoza was transported to Bethesda Medical Center. Kelly Mendoza, wife of Staff Sgt. Mendoza, was able to fly to visit her husband in Bethesda, Maryland all thanks to Operation Hero Miles.

To donate airline miles so that families can visit their wounded military personnel at medical centers, please visit FisherHouse.org. Nearly 16,000 tickets have been issued through donations to Operation Heroes Miles, with an estimated savings of $21 million to military families.

Operation Hero Miles is administered by Fisher House, a not-for-profit foundation that provides a "home away from home" at little or no cost for family members of military men and women receiving medical care at major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers around the world.

Through Operation Hero Miles, airline tickets are available for families of military and can only be used for travel related to a medical condition. Servicemembers being treated as a result of an injury can also request a ticket to travel home while on medical leave with permission from their doctor.

Operation Hero Miles is partnering with the following air carriers:

AirTran Airways

Alaska Airlines

American Airlines

Continental Airlines

Delta Air Lines

Frontier Airlines

Midwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines

United Airlines

US Airways

Quinn was joined by Bob Adams, Director of the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. The shelter was awarded a $100,000 grant from Veterans Cash.

All proceeds from the sale of Veterans Cash tickets benefit the Illinois Veterans Assistance Trust Fund, created to help provide Illinois veterans with health care, treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, disability benefits and housing assistance.

Legislation to create the Illinois Veterans Health Initiative was spearheaded by Lt. Governor Quinn and signed into law in August 2005. The legislation created the Illinois Veterans Assistance Trust Fund, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

At $2 per ticket, the top prize for Veterans Cash is $20,000. The Veterans Cash lottery ticket has been on sale since February 2006 and has raised millions of dollars for the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund. Just launched last month, Coin Craze is the newest version of the Veterans Cash lottery ticket.

For more information on how to donate frequent flyer miles, purchase a Veterans Cash lottery ticket and help our military heroes, visit OperationHomefront.org.

Christmas is almost over, but every day we should remember the members of our military and the sacrifices they make to protect our freedom.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics Patrick Quinn travel travel blog Christmas

Doe for Christmas

I'm not sure if this doe, which was looking for food in the snow of Morton Grove's St. Paul Woods, knew it was Christmas, but this distant relation to Rudolph was kind enough to pose for a picture early this afternoon.

Technorati tags: Illinois photography photos Morton Grove snow deer wildlife

Al Capone house for sale

Chicago has had more than its share of famous criminals, but the most notrorious of them all was gangster Al Capone.

Capone's old home on Chicago's South Side, which I don't believe he spent much time in, will be for sale soon, the Chicago Tribune reported last night.

Capone's mother lived in the home until 1952, "Scarface Al" died of complications from syphilis in 1947.

Chicago and Illinois were very corrupt places during Capone's 1920s heyday. The one-time leader of the Chicago Outfit would feel at home working with our governor, Rod Blagojevich.

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Blagojevich corruption Chicago history real estate news

Christmas travel in the snow

Since more than half of the nation has snow on the ground, this is the scene many travellers are encountering this afternoon.

Mrs. Marathon Pundit took this picture two weeks ago near Wilmot, Wisconsin.

The smoke in the background--it's really steam--is from a power plant.

Once again, Merry Christmas!

Technorati tags: Wisconsin weather snow Christmas photography photos travel

Merry Christmas-and the story of the first Christmas tree

Merry Christmas to all the readers of Marathon Pundit, friend and foe alike.

As I did a couple of years ago, I'm going to leave for you, courtesy of PRWeb, the story of the first documented use of a Christmas tree, which was in Mrs. Marathon Pundit's native Latvia.

When searching for the history of the Christmas tree, one must go very deep into the past. The story about the first Christmas tree was a combination of many different facts, legends and customs all starting in the Baltic countries and what is now Northern Germany. The first documented use of an evergreen tree in a Christmas celebration was in Riga, Latvia, in the year 1510 according to many sources.

(PRWEB) December 13, 2005 -- Twas the week before Christmas and Santa’s elves were preparing for this date; so let us set the First Christmas Tree legend straight. Many sources credit the first Christmas Tree to Martin Luther’s walk in the forest near Riga Latvia in the year 1510. The Martin Luther Tree actually occurred several decades later, however, and was not the Riga Tree.

According to Mike Johnson, General Manager of Patricia Tourist Office in Riga Latvia, when searching for the historical beginning of the first Christmas tree, one must go very deep into the past. Just like Santa Claus one finds that the first Christmas tree was a combination of many different facts, legends and customs all starting in the Baltic countries and what is now Northern Germany. But, there is some interesting intrigue in this history, according to the organization: Christmas Archives International UK. http://www.christmasarchives.com

In an email to Patricia Tourist Office, Countess Maria Hubert von Staufer from Christmas Archives International UK wrote: "I hope that you do not mind me telling you this, but as Riga is very important in the History of the Christmas Tree, I thought it best to tell you, so that you will not have erroneous information."

The Riga tree reference and the Martin Luther Tree reference are two different references. The Martin Luther Tree was not the Riga Tree. In fact, little is known about the original Riga tree other than the fact that it was attended by men wearing black hats, and that after a ceremony, they burn the tree. This was a mixture of pagan and Christian custom, as were very many of the customs in Central Europe. The Martin Luther Tree was several decades later.

New available historical information in the museum of Riga's House of Blackheads, where the first Christmas tree was displayed, provides insight as to the documented facts of the winter traditions of the year 1510 and indicate that the tree was decorated with paper flowers and dried fruits. The tree was burned with a celebration in the square on or about the 6th of January of the new year. http://www.firstchristmastree.com

Riga in its efforts to re-establish the long traditions of Christmas, re-started the annual Christmas Market in UNESCO World Heritage site, Dome Square in 2001. http://www.riga-christmasmarket.com

Latvia is a destination reborn after 50 difficult years under Soviet Occupation. It is a must stop in your visit to the Baltic countries. http://www.whylatvia.com

Much closer to home, for me, is Chicago's South Side, and in his own inimitable style, Patrick Hickey writes about Christmas there.

Technorati tags: Latvia Latvija europeeuropa culture Christmas history

Humor: Christmas carnage in Alaska

Christmas! Christmas dinner, yeah. Dinner means death. Death means carnage! Christmas means carnage!! Ferdinand the Duck in "Babe."

Christmas means carnage in Alaska too.

Sent to me via e-mail by Prairie Bluestem.

Technorati tags: Christmas humor humour Palin Alaska movies entertainment

A Blago Christmas carol

A former co-worker of mine, like myself a native of Chicago's southwest suburbs, sent me this twisted Christmas carol, sung to the tune of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman."

She moved to Arizona, away from Illinois' graft. But she took her sense of humor with her.

Merry Christmas!

Get packin', Rod Blagojevich
The state's in disarray
The Tribune wants you unemployed
At least by Christmas Day.
The TV pundits want your head
Could there be pay to play?

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Save Illinois!
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.?

Good riddance Rod Blagojevich
Your Elvis look's insane,
The Senate's mad, so's Lisa's dad.
You drive us all insane.
Our transit's broke, the state's a joke,
The Tollway's one big pain.

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Save Illinois!
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.?

Good luck old Rod Blagojevich
The feds have quite a place.
Fitzgerald's poked his nose around
And if he has a case,
George Ryan's moving stuff around
Creating extra space.

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Save Illinois!
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.

I'm wondering how Christmas is working out at the Blagojevich house? Is Patti swearing, and as the Paulie character did on Thanksgiving in the first "Rocky" film, throwing the family turkey out the window?

If you are on Sunnyside Avenue on Chicago's Northwest Side, be on the lookout for a flying roast turkey.

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats Blagojevich corruption culture Christmas humor humour

Your Christmas Eve Blago scandals reader

Did you think I was going to leave Rod Blagojevich, my embattled governor, alone on Christmas Eve? No way. Although, barring a major development on Christmas Day, there will not be a Blago Scandals Reader tomorrow.

But our nutty governor is liable to surprise us on any day of the year, so I just might to have to blog about Blago on December 25.

CNN: Poll: Illinois governor named naughtiest politician of 2008

Rockford Register-Star: State Capitol Q&A: Why won't gov just quit?

Fox News Channel: Former Mayor Giuliani on Gov. Blagojevich: 'He has to resign'

CBS 2 Chicago: Gov's lawyers want Obama aides, Jackson To testify

Champaign News-Gazette: Bill Black: Impeachment panel to finish job by mid-January

Belleville News-Democrat: Blagojevich fished for Obama Cabinet post, report says

AP: Quinn won't say yea or nay on tax increase

Chicago Sun-Times: Blagojevich's lawyer asks House for subpoenas

Fox News Channel: Analysis: Obama inquiry has closed loop quality

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats crime Blagojevich Illinois Politics impeachment

Festivus pole erected inside Ill. state capitol

Driven by the theft of a sign espousing atheism placed under the rotunda of the Illinois state capitol building, and disgusted (Who isn't?) by the conduct of Governor Rod Blagojevich, an 18 year-old Springfield resident received permission from the Secretary of State's office to erect a Festivus pole along side a menorah, a Nativity scene, a new atheist sign, and I imagine, that 1944 St. Louis Browns American league pennant. (There are many fans of St. Louis sports in Springfield.)

From the State Journal-Register:

Festivus was created by character George Costanza's father, Frank, as a sort of protest against the commercialism of Christmas. The holiday’s slogan is "A Festivus for the Rest of Us." It's symbol is an aluminum pole with no decoration because Frank Costanza found tinsel distracting.

More...

"Although Festivus is traditionally celebrated December 23, the people of Illinois have had to begin a grievance hearing early this year," says a sign by the pole. "Hopefully we can conclude Festivus by February."

I admire the frugality of the project. The pole is an adapted pool skimmer.

Click on the YouTube video to learn more about Festivus.



Technorati tags: Blagojevich Illinois Politics corruption Christmas religion Seinfeld television entertainment Illinois

Bush withdraws embarrassing pardon

You would think after eight years of looking back at the Bill Clinton "Pardongate" fiasco, that President Bush would get it right as his time in office winds down.

Nope.

President George W. Bush on Wednesday revoked a pardon he had granted only a day before — a step unheard of in recent memory — after learning in news reports of political contributions to Republicans by the man's father and other information.

Bush pardoned 19 people on Tuesday, including Isaac Robert Toussie of Brooklyn, N.Y., who had been convicted of making false statements to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and of mail fraud. On Wednesday, the White House issued an extraordinary statement saying the president was reversing his decision in Toussie's case.

White House press secretary Dana Perino said the new decision was "based on information that has subsequently come to light," including on the extent and nature of Toussie's prior criminal offenses. She also said that neither the White House counsel's office nor the president had been aware of a political contribution by Toussie's father that "might create an appearance of impropriety."

"Given that, this was the prudent thing to do," she said.

The new information came to the White House's attention from news reports, Perino said.

What makes the pardon also look bad is that Toussie was convicted on charges revolving around shady deals with HUD mortgages. In other words, poor people got screwed over on housing by a richer guy.

Where have I heard this story before?

What's not clear is if Bush can actually withdraw a pardon. I'm sure Toussie's lawyer will aggressively pursue legal recourse, which might include suing Bush for ruining his Christmas.

Technorati tags: politics Republican Bush

Blagojevich-enabler Schakowsky voted "present" on 2007 House Christmas resolution

My congresscritter, Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston) says she is interested in running in a special election, if there is one, for the right to fill the remaining two years of Barack Obama's senate seat.

She's a denizen of the far-Left, and someone who voted "present" on this 2007 House resolution on Christmas:

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith.

Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world;

Whereas there are approximately 225,000,000 Christians in the United States, making Christianity the religion of over three-fourths of the American population;

Whereas there are approximately 2,000,000,000 Christians throughout the world, making Christianity the largest religion in the world and the religion of about one-third of the world population;

Whereas Christians identify themselves as those who believe in the salvation from sin offered to them through the sacrifice of their savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who, out of gratitude for the gift of salvation, commit themselves to living their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Bible;

Whereas Christians and Christianity have contributed greatly to the development of western civilization; Whereas the United States, being founded as a constitutional republic in the traditions of western civilization, finds much in its history that points observers back to its roots in Christianity;

Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ;

Whereas for Christians, Christmas is celebrated as a recognition of God's redemption, mercy, and Grace; and Whereas many Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States and the rest of the world, celebrate Christmas as a time to serve others:

Now, therefore be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world;

(2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide;

(3) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith;

(4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization;

(5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and (6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.

Is this a separation of church and state issue for Schakowsky? I doubt it, a month earlier, she voted "Yes" on a similar resolution on Ramadan.

Related posts:

Punishing the Blago enablers, part one: Jan Schakowksy

Liberals laud book by ex-con husband of Rep. Jan Schakowsky

Rep. Schakowsky: Let your moonbat flag fly

Leftist congresswoman wants to reinstate "Fairness Doctrine"

Ex-con and congresswoman's husband Creamer taught at Camp Obama

Cong. Schakowsky: Choosing her anti-semitism battles

Cong. Schakowsky's husband enters federal prison

Report from The Bench: Chicago scumbags gather at Obama rally

Technorati tags: Schakowsky Jan Schakowsky Congress politics Illinois Obama politics Barack Obama Democrats Blagojevich Illinois Politics corruption Christmas religion Islam

Your Tuesday night Blago scandals reader

With the release of President-elect Barack Obama's report on his staff contacts with the administration of Rod Blagojevich, America's least popular governor was a big news story today.

But there was other Blago news on yet another snowy day in Illinois.

Chicago Sun-Times: Seven questions taken at Obama team Blagojevich report briefing; none from Chicago reporters

The Southern Illinoisan: Blagojevich may take the stand before impeachment panel

NBC 5 Chicago: Biden: Blagojevich 'incapable' of governing

HCD Research: Blagojevich statement less believable than Michael Vick... More believable than Drew Peterson

Wall Street Journal: After Blago, McDonald's and George Ryan, Brad Lerman Heads to Pfizer

Bloomington Pantagraph: Rutherford asks DOC staff to report 'inappropriate activity' on prison closure

Crain's Chicago Business: Contractor Teng is engineering firm named in guv complaint

Wall Street Journal: Affidavit alleges Blagojevich sought racing official's contribution

AP: Quinn: Blago impeachment is imminent

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats crime Blagojevich Illinois Politics impeachment business Biden

Obama camp releases Blago report

The long-awaited internal report from the office of President-elect Barack Obama was released this afternoon. What was released isn't damaging at all to Obama, but the Rod Blagoejevich scandals could drag for a couple of years. Keep in mind that the governor hasn't even been indicted yet, and the alleged plot to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat is bound to have a lot of tentacles.

The Wall Street Journal has some good analysis of the report:

The memo released Tuesday said Mr. Obama's incoming White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, contacted Mr. Blagojevich and his staff at least five times after Election Day, and produced a slate of suggested replacements for Mr. Obama's vacated Senate seat. Mr. Emanuel spoke about four times to Blagojevich chief of staff John Harris to discuss the Senate seat.

Neither Mr. Emanuel nor other Obama aides and confidants heard of Mr. Blagojevich's alleged efforts to auction the Senate appointment to the highest bidder, the report said.

More...

Messrs. Obama and Emanuel, as well as top Obama aide Valerie Jarrett, were interviewed by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald on Dec. 18, 19 and 20 -- an extraordinary outreach from law enforcement during a presidential transition. The interviews lasted two hours, and their lawyers were present.

The Obama audit of contacts between aides and Mr. Blagojevich's staff revealed considerably more discussions between the two camps than previously divulged, and it described an apparently concerted effort by the governor to crack the Obama circle.

Read the full report here.

Technorati tags: illinois Rahm Emanuel democrats Election politics Obama Barack Obama Illinois Politics corruption Blagojevich

Not so fast on those impeachment probe limits...

Ed Genson and his legal team shouldn't pop the champagne cork of celebration just yet on Patrick Fitzgerald's request that the Illinois House impeachment panel not look at criminal charges against Rod Blagojevich that his office in investigating.

Has Genson looked at the Chicago Sun-Times this afternoon?

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald is not ruling out releasing copies of secretly recorded conversations of Gov. Blagojevich to the House panel investigating whether to impeach the governor.

In a letter to the House Special Investigative Committee released this morning, Fitzgerald said the request is "still under active consideration."

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Election Democrats Chicago crime Blagojevich Illinois Politics legal

Fitzmas limits Blago probe

Merry Christmas and Fitzmas!

It appears that soon-to-be ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich won a legal victory this morning when US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald advised the Illinois House impeachment panel not go dig into criminal charges against the Chicago Democrat, stating that it could "significantly compromise" the government's case against Blago.

First impressions can be illusory, and there is nothing stopping the House impeachment from slapping general charges of abuse of power against Blagojevich.

If he hasn't already, I'm certain the governor's attorney, Ed Genson, will make a big deal out of this. Keep in mind that Genson is trying to send messages to future jurors of a Blago trial, and keep his name in the public sphere for the next time a famous Chicagoan gets in trouble and needs legal help.

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Election Democrats Chicago crime Blagojevich Illinois Politics legal

Franken still leading in Minnesota

Al Franken is still clinging to his newly gained lead for that still-contested US Senate seat in Minnesota. He's leading by 48 votes.

Technorati tags: politics Democrats election Republicans Minnesota Norm Coleman Al Franken Minneapolis DFL

Pay-to-play-on steroids

In announcing the first indictment against Antoin "Tony" Rezko, US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald described the actions of the now-jailed businessman as a "pay-to-play-scheme on steroids."

That was in October, 2006, and the Illinois Democratic establishment, with a few exceptions, backed the man Rezko was scheming for, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was reelected one month later.

Yesterday the Illinois House impeachment panel reconvened. Cynthia Canary, the director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, testified about Blago's prowess at pay-to-play.

Her group disclosed that the governor's campaign took in 435 contributions of $25,000 or more during the past eight years. That constituted a third of the $58.3 million he raised during the period.

By comparison, now-imprisoned former Gov. George Ryan had 35 contributions of $25,000 or more over a six-year span, and former Gov. Jim Edgar took in only eight contributions in excess of $25,000 during his last six years in office.

Canary highlighted reporting by the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times to "connect the dots" about how much of that campaign money seemed to precede decisions by the Blagojevich administration to hand out plum appointments or contracts for those in the "$25,000 club."

She referred specifically to a 2005 Sun-Times report -- the first major newspaper investigation into pay-to-play allegations under Blagojevich. That analysis showed how 20 companies, which gave a combined $925,000 to Friends of Blagojevich, had been paid or were under contract for $365 million by state government.

Blago's plot to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat is only the most egregious example of his rampant abuse of power.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news Obama Barack Obama

Your Monday night Blago scandals reader

There is much joy in Illinois tonight--the Chicago Bears beat their archivals, the Green Bay Packers, in overtime. The final was 20-17.

However, millions of Bears fans will wake up tomorrow morning with the sad realization that Rod R. Blagojevich is still Illinois' governor.

In the meantime, now is a good time to catch up on the latest news on the Blagojevich scandals.

State Journal-Register: Impeachment panel takes weeklong break

CBS 2 Chicago: Pay to play? The governor's campaign war chest

New York Times: Impeachment panel hears of Blagojevich fund-raising

The Tennessean: Local Blagojevich hires defense lawyer

Washington Post: Secret tapes helped build graft cases in Illinois

AP: Impeachment panel awaiting word from prosecutor

Bloomberg: Blagojevich appointees decline to testify at panel

Bloomington Pantagraph: Blagojevich attorney trying to slow down impeachment

Peoria Journal-Star: Impeachment decision may be soon, committee says it could wrap up in early January

More tomorrow night.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics news Blagojevich Chicago Chicago Bears nfl Democrats

Ill. GOP video: "The Mighty Quinn" and his flip flops

Everybody's building ships and boats
Some are building monuments, others are jotting down notes
Everybody's in despair, every girl and boy
But when Quinn the Eskimo gets here
Everybody's gonna jump for joy
Come all without, come all within
You'll not see nothing like the Mighty Quinn
Bob Dylan, "The Mighty Quinn," 1970.

It's cold enough for "Quinn The Eskimo" in Illinois tonight, it's just 4 above zero in Morton Grove.

But there's another Quinn we're interested in now, Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, an Oak Park Democrat who will almost certainly be governor of Illinois very soon.

As you'll see in this Illinois Republican Party video, our Quinn has a problem with flip flops regarding our miserable failure of a governor, Rod Blagojevich.



Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics Blagojevich Patrick Quinn

Will Obama release all Blago records on Tuesday?

During the recently concluded presidential campaign, Barack Obama promised to have to run the most transparent administration in history. The mainstream media sychophants, with a few exceptions here and there, never challenged Obama and his pledge, despite Obama's foot-dragging in explaining his ties to convicted swindler Antoin "Tony" Rezko.

Obama performed some legal work, 13 hours, for Rezko, and his law firm did much more. To this day, those records have not been released to the public.

Tomorrow the president-elect' staff will release its report on its contact with disgraced Governor Rod Blagojevich's office in regards to who would be Obama's replacement in the US Senate.

Kenneth P. Vogel of Politico has some questions that probably won't be answered.

Barack Obama is promising that next week (actually tomorrow) he'll disclose contacts between his staff and disgraced Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s office, but he’s stopped short of pledging to release e-mails or other records that could be key to understanding those contacts.

Whatever such records exist may never see the light of day, thanks to a gap in government records disclosure laws that allows presidential transition teams to keep their documents — even those prepared using taxpayer dollars — out of the public record.

The exemption from disclosure rules surprised some records law experts, and may prompt legislation from a leading Republican transparency advocate to apply the laws to presidential transition teams, which could compel Team Obama to preserve Blagojevich-related records for inspection, if only in the distant future.

But for now, a spokeswoman for President-elect Barack Obama said the transition team was not covered by a public information law that Politico cited in requesting copies of Obama staffers’ emails and notes about Blagojevich’s efforts to fill the Senate seat Obama vacated after winning the presidency.

Technorati tags: Obama politics Barack Obama Democrats Illinois Politics Rezko Blagojevich

Obama's pick for labor good for bosses, bad for rank-and-file

The best friend union members have had of late is Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, who has forced union leaders to open up the books and enforce disclosure rules.

Barack Obama's pick for the Labor Department could reverse these gains. Oh, she favors that "card check," which would, if passed, eliminate workers right to a secret ballot when deciding whether to join a union.

In an editorial, the Wall Street Journal fleshes out the problems facing rank-and-file union members under the incoming Obama administration.

There is joy in Unionville this Christmas. Barack Obama ' s pick for Secretary of Labor -- Hilda Solis -- brings impeccable big labor credentials. The California Congresswoman first rode to power with labor backing against a fellow Democrat, has voted with the AFL-CIO 97% of the time, and got three-quarters of her campaign contributions from unions.

Ms. Solis says her goal is to expand the reach and power of unions in America , and she supports such union priorities as the Employee Free Choice Act, which would do the opposite of its name and end secret balloting to unionize a workplace. Look for a showdown on that legislation in 2009. Meanwhile, the other drama to watch is whether Ms. Solis will turn a blind eye to union corruption by weakening federal oversight.

From day one of the Obama era, union leaders want the lights dimmed on how they spend their mandatory member dues. The AFL-CIO ' s representative on the Obama transition team for Labor is Deborah Greenfield, and we ' re told her first inspection stop was the Office of Labor-Management Standards, or OLMS, which monitors union compliance with federal law.

Ms. Greenfield declined to comment, citing Obama transition rules, but her mission is clear enough. The AFL-CIO ' s formal "recommendations" to the Obama team call for the realignment of "the allocation of budgetary resources" from OLMS to other Labor agencies. The Secretary should "temporarily stay all financial reporting regulations that have not gone into effect," and "revise or rescind the onerous and unreasonable new requirements," such as the LM-2 and T-1 reporting forms. The explicit goal is to "restore the Department of Labor to its mission and role of advocating for, protecting and advancing the interests of workers." In other words, while transparency is fine for business, unions are demanding a pass for themselves.

The netroots, Barack Obama's far-Left supporters, have been upset with some of the president-elects centrist cabinet picks. But they like Solis.

Technorati tags: labor democrats politics unions business card check

Incoming congresswoman and Blago enabler Halvorson: "No idea" why there is an Ill. corruption problem

Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete) is the outgoing state Senate majority leader, she started her Springfield tenure in 1997. She's was a key Rod Blagojevich enabler who worked at the side of state Senate President Emil Jones, Jr.

Last month Halvorson was elected to Congress, she'll represent Illinois 11th district.

Yesterday the Southtown Star published an interview with Halvorson, and below is a troubling interchange:

Q : Why do you think the state has the corruption problem that it does?

A : I have absolutely no idea. Because nobody is above the law. ... Unfortunately, because campaigns are so expensive, so long and so nasty, you don't have good people wanting to run for those spots. We need to encourage more people to get into these races for the right reasons.

No idea? Halvorson was the top lieutenant to ethically-challenged Jones, who not only was Blagojevich's best friend in Springfield, he was the man who tried to block the override of Blago's veto of the state ethics bill, which only came to a vote because it threatened to become a campaign issue for Barack Obama.

Where was Halvorson when Jones' son was essentially anointed to replace the machine pol in the state Senate? Or when public business "coincidentally" ended up with the firm run by Jones' stepson?

Where was Halvorson when Jones' future wife was appointed the state mental health director?

Halvorson was pretty quiet about Jones, and Blago, while she was running for Congress.

And Congresswoman-elect Halvorson stalled Illinois ethics reform too.

"No idea" why there is a corruption problem in this state? Really?

There's another election in two years.

Related post:

Cleaning up Blago's trash: Air Force captain considering run for Congress

Technorati tags: Democrats Politics Halvorson Blagojevich Emil Jones Republican corruption Congress

Bringer Inn: Morton Grove's oldest building

Morton Grove, Illinois' oldest building is a tavern, Bringer Inn. It recently got a paint job, moving from a maroon color to an orange tint.

This afternoon it's offering warmth inside while it's very cold outside. Zero degrees. Not windchill, but zero actual degrees.

Technorati tags: Illinois photography photos Morton Grove weather snow

Obama's Blago report out tomorrow

Well, I pretty much already know what the big story tomorrow will be: Barack Obama's staff will release its report on the contacts they had with the office of disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday.

Conveniently, the president-elect is in Hawaii, far from nosy reporters.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news Obama Barack Obama

Chicago Trib: Blago fundraiser seeking immunity from feds

Following up on the last post, it's clear from an exclusive Chicago Tribune story that things will remain murky for Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL).

A key figure in Gov. Rod Blagojevich's alleged scheme to sell a U.S. Senate seat has sought immunity from federal authorities in return for his cooperation in their ongoing probe, the Tribune has learned.

Raghuveer P. Nayak, an Oak Brook businessman and political fundraiser, is the unnamed "Individual D" who prosecutors say was being squeezed by the governor for campaign cash in return for appointing U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama, sources said.

Investigators appeared at Nayak's Oak Brook home the morning the FBI arrested Blagojevich, the sources said. Nayak was among a number of people connected to the case who were contacted by federal agents that day.

Nayak has not been accused of wrongdoing and declined to comment. It is unclear what information he can provide to authorities, who said they had more work to do after moving quickly to interrupt the governor's alleged scheme.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news Jesse Jackson Jr. India भारत breaking

Junior "the Blago informer," explained

Jesse Jackson Jr.'s revelation that he was a government informant against disgraced governor Rod Blagojevich didn't pass the smell test with me.

This morning's Chicago Sun-Times story, What really happened with Jackson Jr., feds sifts through things and explains a lot--but not everything.

A snippet:

Here's a timeline of those events, according to sources and court records:

Since Jackson has been a congressman: Jackson has worked with the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago providing information about possible criminal activity within his South Side and south suburban district. But Jackson did not talk to the feds about Blagojevich until this year.

June 2008: Newspapers first report that Jackson and convicted Blagojevich fund-raiser Tony Rezko had a meeting in 2006 about one of Jackson's pet issues: a longtime proposal to build a third airport in Peotone. Jackson alleges that Rezko wanted to turn a board overseeing the airport plan "into one of those state panels controlled by unaccountable pay-to-play ringleaders like Rezko."

Late summer 2008: Federal authorities and Jackson have their first telephone conversation about his 2006 meeting with Rezko, a source close to Jackson said last week. During that conversation, Jackson volunteers that his wife, Sandi -- who became a Chicago alderman in 2007 -- was being considered for a job as Illinois Lottery director in 2002 after Blagojevich had won his first term as governor.

Related post:

Junior the informer--and some questions

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news Jesse Jackson Jr.

Internet journalism milestone passed: LA Times web revenue exceeds costs

Los Angeles Times' editor Russ Stanton gave a speech at the University of Southern California, and he made a startling revelation:

Stanton said his troops at the Times are scrambling to "reinvent our business on the fly," but need a break from the relentless cost-cutting of recent months. Saying he hopes the bankruptcy proceedings will buy a little time, Stanton said, "We have to call a timeout here ... or we're going to cut ourselves out of business." Sounding a more positive note, Stanton said the Times' web site revenue now exceeds its editorial payroll costs.

The Christian Science Monitor is now web only. Expect more publications to follow. What makes the Times development interesting is that the Monitor was always a national paper, and didn't (make that couldn't) depend on local retail advertising or auto dealerships to buy up page after page of ads.

H/T to Peoria Pundit.

Related post:

Obama and Khalidi and a videotape the LA Times refuses to release

Technorati tags: news LA Times media internet businessadvertising

Your Sunday night Blago scandals reader

What's lower than Governor Rod Blagojevich's level of decency? The temperature outside.

Actually, nothing is lower than Blago's decency level.

Welcome back to your daily Blago Scandals Reader, first night of Hanukkah edition.

AP: Obama set to release Blagojevich report this week

The Southern Illinoisan (EDITORIAL): Innocent unless proven guilty, but not fit to govern

AP: Illinois impeachment panel awaits word from prosecutor

The Australian: Shadow over Barack Obama's holidays

ABC News' George Stephanopoulos. Obama's Blago report: Only one Rahm call to governor (Dec. 21)

Chicago Sun-Times' Michael Sneed: Rahm's calls on tape (Dec. 16)

Chicago News Examiner: Blagojevich and the rat warning: the backstory

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics news Obama Barack Obama Rahm Emanuel Blagojevich Chicago

Chillin' by the river

It was -5 degrees, the windchill was -30, when I went for a short run this afternoon. The North Branch of the Chicago River, this time you see it in St. Paul Woods in Morton Grove, was just starting to freeze over when I took this picture.

After I got back from my run, Mrs. Marathon Pundit informed me that the National Weather Service issued a warning against people spending extended times outdoors.

I made it back home, without frostbite.

Technorati tags: Illinois photography photos Morton Grove weather snow Chicago River river

"Deep Throat" and the Weather Underground

Since I've mentioned Richard Nixon in my last two post, a first for me, now is a good time as any to mention the death of Mark Felt, the FBI official who was Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward's "Deep Throat" source for his Watergate scandal reports.

Felt ran into his own legal problems after Watergate faded into the background.

Scandal engulfed him and his family when, after Watergate, he was prosecuted for ordering "black-bag jobs," or secret, warrantless break-ins that in 1972 and 1973 targeted friends and relatives of members of the leftist group Weather Underground. His wife could not bear the trial. Even after Felt's 1980 conviction and his subsequent pardon by President Reagan, her health and stability continued to decline.

Felt's wife committed suicide in 1984.

The illegal surveillance of the terror group allowed Bill Ayers, a leader of the terror group who later befriended President-elect Barack Obama, to escape prosecution for his crimes. Evidence gathered against him was tossed out.

After receiving his legal clean bill of health, Ayers quipped, "Guilty as sin, free as a bird, what a country."

H/T to ThirdWaveDave for the reminder on Felt and the Weather Underground.

Technorati tags: Obama politics Barack Obama Democrats Bill Ayers Richard Nixon history Weather Underground terrorism

Ethics bill in Illinois explained

The Chicago Tribune explains the convulated path of the ethics bill the Illinois General Assembly passed this fall, overiding a Rod Blagojevich veto.

Click here.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news ethics

Grounds of Lincoln site Blago closed remain open

The series of blunders perpetuated by disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich touches all corners of public life in the state.

In two months the nation will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of its greatest president, Abraham Lincoln. Except for his four years as president, Lincoln lived his entire adult life in Illinois, which is why when you cross the state line into Illinois, you are greeted by green and white signs emblazoned with "The Land of Lincoln." Below that, unfortunately, reads, "Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor."

On the day Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president, the Blagojevich administration announced massive closures of state parks and historic sites. Among those was the Lincoln Log Cabin Site in Coles County, near Charleston. The site features a replica of the cabin the 16th president's father and stepmother lived in. It closed last month. After his father's death, Lincoln purchased the land where the original cabin stood.

But the Decatur Herald & Review reported Friday that the grounds remain open, thanks to a pond on the site which is stocked with federal funds. However, the cabin and the visitors center remain closed.

The first shoe dropped in July, when Blago moved a bunch of Lincoln related sites from a seven-day a week schedule to schedules of mostly five days a week. However, the Lincoln-Hernon Law Office in Springfield went to being open just Saturdays.

Other Lincoln sites hit were Lincoln's Tomb and the Old State Capitol in Springfield. Barack Obama kicked off his presidential run in front of that structure, pictured on the right, where Lincoln gave his "House Divided" speech. The recreated New Salem village near Springfield saw it hours slashed, as did the Ulysses S. Grant home in Galena. The tomb of Lincoln's nemesis, Stephen A. Douglas, was not spared.

Funds from the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission will restore the old hours to all of these sites in 2009, but not Lincoln Log Cabin, which will remain closed.

Lt. Governor Patrick Quinn is opposed to these cuts, and will seek to reopen the closed sites and keep the Lincoln locations open seven-days a week on the state's dime once he is governor. Which will be later, as opposed to sooner, due to Blago's selfishness.

What else can you expect from a man for whom Richard Nixon is an idol?

And do you want to know something? Of those 11 historic sites and 13 state parks Blago closed, how many do you think the disgraced governor visited?

None.

In the unlikely event Blagojevich is in Coles County--he rarely ventures out of Chicago--he can visit the Lincoln Log Cabin site. But just the grounds.

Related posts:

Thirty hours in Lincoln's Springfield, Illinois
Unpopular governor will skip Obama rally in Springfield
Bad choice: Obama reserves Old State Capitol to show off running mate
"Closed Today" signs coming to many Illinois Lincoln sites
Abraham Lincoln birthplace site
Abraham Lincoln birthplace site's log cabin
"My earliest recollection is of the Knob Creek place"
Andrew Ferguson video on his new book, Land of Lincoln
Book review: Andrew Ferguson's "Land of Lincoln: Adventures in Abe's America"
Stephen A. Douglas Tomb in Chicago
My Mississippi Manifest Destiny: Jonesboro, site of the third Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Technorati tags: Abraham Lincoln history Americana Lincoln bicentennial democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics news Blagojevich Chicago Springfield

Your Saturday night Blago scandals reader

The snow keeps falling in Illinois, and the Rod Blagojevich scandal updates keep coming.

AP: Senate-for-sale case threatens new chief of staff

ABC 7 Chicago: Daley advises gov. to look to his family

Belleville News-Democrat: Local lawmakers are unimpressed with Blagojevich speech

Washington Post: A dark cloud hangs over Blagojevich, or is it just his hair?

Fox News Channel: Rudy Giuliani breaks down Blagojevich case

AP: Inside the charges: Senate seat not only part of gov case

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Lawmakers not swayed by Blago's bold denial

Newsweek: If I had subpoena power: Five questions for Obama

Indian Express: The Chicago way

Time: In Blago's defiance, echoes of an idol, Richard Nixon

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics news Richard Daley Obama Barack Obama Rahm Emanuel Richard NixonBlagojevich Chicago

Ill. GOP: Blago statement unacceptable

Since the Blagojevich scandals broke wide open, the clear voice of reason has been the Illinois Republican Party. If anyone thinks I'm being partisan, remember, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and his fellow Democrat, Lt. Governor Patrick Quinn, called for the Illinois General Assembly to remove the power of the governor to appoint Barack Obama's replacement in the US Senate. Durbin has flip-flopped since then, and Quinn favors an appointment--made by him as governor--followed by an almost immediate special election.

But it looks like Blago is going to be around for a while.

AP has more:

Unimpressed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich's vow to fight, Illinois Republicans said Friday the scandal-plagued governor must resign or be impeached.

GOP leaders also renewed their call for Democratic legislative leaders to approve a special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat so Blagojevich can't make the appointment.

Illinois Republican Party chairman Andy McKenna said anything less than a resignation is "unacceptable."

"For the good of the people, Rod Blagojevich should resign from office immediately and spare voters any more heartache than he's already caused," McKenna said in a statement.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Obama Barack Obama Illinois Politics corruption Blagojevich Durbin Republican Patrick Quinn

Ex. Gov. Ryan's wife sent letter to Bush about commutation

Far away from the media glare--because he is in prison--is George Ryan, Rod Blagojevich's predecessor as governor.

Shortly after winning reelection, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), called for President Bush to commute the seven year prison sentence for the Kankakee Republican. Almost immediately Blagojevich chimed in that he favored a commuatation.

The Chicago Tribune reports this morning that Ryan's wife wrote a letter to the president, which was hand-delivered by incoming Barack Obama transportation secretary, Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL).

In the note, Lura Lynn Ryan said, she reminded the president of the long friendship between their two families and spoke of her husband's efforts to help both the president and his father win election to the White House. She also told the president that she is ill and could use her husband's support at home.

"I asked him to please let him come home because I needed him because of my health," Mrs. Ryan, 74, said Friday from her Kankakee home in a telephone interview. "He knows both of us. We worked very hard for him, as we did for his father."

Mrs. Ryan said she suffers dizzy spells caused by an aneurysm four years ago and wears a medical alert necklace in case of an emergency.

Mrs. Ryan said her husband is not optimistic about the chances of Bush commuting his 6 1/2-year sentence to time served. Ryan, who has spent more than 13 months in prison, is scheduled to be released in mid-2013.

The article goes on to explain that that Ryan and Bush families aren't really that close.

Technorati tags: politics Blagojevich illinois Democrats Illinois Politics Durbin George Ryan Republican Bush

Your Friday night Blago scandals reader

It's the last weekend before Christmas, and two nights before the first day of Hanukkah, but the Rod Blagojevich updates continue.

AP: Scandal sends Illinois from glory to ridicule

Chicago Tribune: Senate panel mulling rules if Blagojevich impeached

Daily Herald: Blagojevich aides offer shrugs to impeachment inquiry

Washington Post: About That Special Election (EDITORIAL)

Chicago Sun-Times: What's next for Patti, Gov.'s brother?

AP: People the impeachment committee wants to question

Chicago Tribune: Why is Obama dodging? (EDITORIAL)

Washington Post: Blagojevich's defiance complicates Democratic strategy

AP: Lt. Gov. urges Blagojevich to resign

Scroll down for more Blago stories.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news impeachment

Blago lawyer stayed in governor's mansion in Springfield

ABC 7 Chicago's Chuck Goudie did some fine reporting this evening about Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his money problems. Blago makes $177,000 a year. One of the benefits of being governor is free use of the Executive Mansion in Springfield. But he won't live there, claiming family concerns, although Patti Blagojevich's real estate business--much of it with convicted swindler Antoin "Tony" Rezko, may have kept Illinois' first couple living on Chicago's Northwest Side.

Goudie looks at Blago's income, and pairs it with the family's mortgages on their Chicago house, the condo they still own from Blagojevich's days as a congressman, as well as the governor's significant legal expenses, and it's pretty easy to see why the foul-mouthed couple is hurting for money.

Here's some more Illinois irony: As Bill Baar pointed out in his blog in October, the Blagojeviches could have lived for free in Springfield for the last six years.

It's open for tours three days a week, but since Blago became governor, the mansion, pictured above, sits empty. But not this week. Goudie reports that Ed Genson, the governor's attorney, stayed in the mansion while he was at the capitol defending Blagojevich.

I'm sure there were plenty of vacant hotel rooms in Springfield this week.

Related post:

Thirty hours in Lincoln's Springfield, Illinois

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics news Blagojevich Chicago Springfield real estate washington dc Tony Rezko

Ten days after his arrest, Blago pardons 22

I can't keep up with the ironies in Illinois. On December 9, Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested for participating in what federal authorities call "a corruption crime spree."

On December 19, the Chicago Democrat announced some pardons.

AP has more:

His office says he issued 22 pardons Friday, the same day Blagojevich vowed to fight the federal corruption charges he faces.

Aides wouldn't provide any information about why he granted the pardons or what crimes the people were accused of committing.

One person on the list shares the name of a man who was cleared by DNA evidence after serving three years for rape.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news law

Chicago bar with naked Palin painting will soon have Blago in the buff

Bruce Elliott attracted international attention to the Chicago bar his wife owns when his painting of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was put there.

To Elliot, Palin's greatest crime was Republicanism.

However, the artist is working on a new work, featuring Illinois' Democratic governor, Rod Blagojevich, as the Chicago Tribune reports:

I was stunned when I found out what that criminal complaint [outlined]," Elliott said as he examined the painting in his Old Town studio. "Hopefully, someone is going to find this irreverent."

Irreverent hardly begins to describe it. The scene imagines Blagojevich handcuffed and wearing an orange jumpsuit pulled down to his knees.

Among the onlookers is a guard, with a look of grim determination, pulling on a rubber glove.

The painting, which is taking Elliott a little over a week to finish, is titled: "The Cavity Search."

Eww!

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats Chicago Blagojevich Republican Alaska corruption Palin culture painting

Morton Grove's sledding hill

Every town in cold weather parts of the world, even in flat Illinois, seems to have a sledding hill.

That's the one near my home in Morton Grove. Last night's snowstorm closed all of the schools in this area, but the sledding hill, which is on Lincoln Avenue, is still open for business as of this writing.

Technorati tags: Illinois photography photos Morton Grove weather snow winter

Illinois' crisis will continue, Blago not backing down

I just got done watching Illinois' disgraceful governor, Rod Blagojevich, tell his imagined supporters (Are they living under the floorboards of the State of Illinois Center?) that he will be "vindicated" when the various investigations of him are over. "I am not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing," Blago said.

His hair looked nice, by the way.

The bi-partisan push to get Blago out of office isn't going to end. Meanwhile, the Democrat who the Chicago Tribune declared as the "governor who cannot govern" last year, that's right last year, will continue to not govern in his ubiquitous way. As governor.

If the above paragraph doesn't make sense, that means you don't live in Illinois.

One point the national media will miss is this: Blago actually went to his office Chicago's State of Illinois Center. That's a rarity. Fox News' Chris Wallace made a comment during his analysis of Chicago Democrat's mini-address about Blago governing in Springfield. Even though the central Illinois city has been the state capital since Abraham Lincoln worked to put it there, Blago refuses to live in governor's mansion, and is a stranger to Springfield even when the General Assembly is in session.

Because he is the "governor who cannot govern."

And the nation's fifth-most populous state will remain adrift.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics news Blagojevich Chicago Springfield

Franken takes lead in Minnesota Senate race

Hold off for now at least, in calling for a Norm Colemen re-election celebration.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune has more:

The intense scrutiny of "voter intent" resumed this morning by a five-member board charged with directing Minnesota's recount in the U.S. Senate race between incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and Democratic rival Al Franken, and the first 90 minutes of ballot rulings turned the challenger's slight deficit into a growing triple-digit lead.

On Thursday, the State Canvassing Board reviewed Coleman's challenges of hundreds of Election Day ballots, and the day's work saw the unofficial margin between the candidates dwindle to within a handful of votes.

As the board, headed by Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, took up and rejected more Coleman challenges today, Franken pulled ahead in the opening minutes and steadily built his advantage beyond 150 within the first two hours.

Moments after Franken took the lead, Coleman campaign spokesman Mark Drake said in a statement: "While varying headlines and a flurry of different numbers will continue, we encourage everyone to just hang on until the process is finished. When it is finished, Norm Coleman will still lead, and we believe, be re-elected to the United States Senate."

Franken, a mean-spirited, truth challenged former comedian would lower the standards of the US Senate. But as has been proven in Illinios, voters can make bad decisions at the polling place. See Blagojevich, Rod.

Technorati tags: politics Democrats election Republicans Minnesota Norm Coleman Al Franken Minneapolis DFL

Bush "kicks the can," loans Big Three $17 billion

Well, in my book, President George W. Bush is leaving office on a very sour note.
He's extending a bailout, or a partial one, to the Big Three automakers. The best way out of the mess Detroit created is a painful step, Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. That might still happen, in fact, I think it will. So Bush is "kicking the can" on this one.

From the Wall Street Journal:

The deal is contingent on the companies' showing that they are financially viable by March 31. If they aren't, the loans will be called and all funds must be returned, officials said.

Sometime in April, the federal government, I believe, will be in the car business. Good gawd...

More...

The deal generally tracks key provisions of the bailout legislation that nearly passed Congress earlier this month. But it is relatively lenient in allowing the companies to show their viability. It defines viability as having a positive net present value -- a way of gauging the companies' worth, taking into account all their future obligations.

Notably, it provides significant flexibility to the companies in showing their viability. It sets out targets for the companies to hit in determining their financial health, such as reducing debt and current cash payments for future health care obligations.

But according to a White House fact sheet, the targets "would be non-binding in the sense that negotiations can deviate from the quantitative targets...providing that the [company] reports the reasons for these deviations and makes the business case to achieve long-term viability in spite of the deviations."

Back to March 31, from the Detroit Free Press:

(Bush) left the door open for the automakers to file for bankruptcy after March 31 if they cannot prove they are on the road to sustained viability by then and called on all parties – workers, management, creditors, suppliers and dealers – to make the "meaningful concessions" needed to protect the industry’s future.

By that time Barack Obama will be president. In speech he gave in 2007 in Detroit, Obama scolded automakers for not making fuel-efficient cars, while he drove a gas-guzzler.

The following sentence works on several levels: We are in for a bumpy ride.

Related post:

Poll: Most Americans oppose auto bailout

Technorati tags: economy business politics detroit automobiles cars auto industry Bush

December 21, 1945: Gen. George S. Patton dies

ThirdWaveDave has a tribute to the life for General George S. Patton, who died from the injuries he received in a automobile accident in Germany on December 21, 1945.

Two months ago I visited the site of old Fort Sheridan, east of Highwood, Illinois.

Fort Sheridan was Patton's first posting after graduating from West Point.

Related posts:

Fort Sheridan, Illinois

My Kansas Kronikles: The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum

Technorati tags: history military Chicago North Shore Patton Fort Sheridan army World War II

Todd Stroger: More Chicago Democratic sleaze

In his best-selling book, The Case Against Barack Obama: The Unlikely Rise and Unexamined Agenda of the Media's Favorite Candidate, David Freddoso devotes several pages to the ineffective body (except for raising taxes) known as Cook County government, led by Todd "The Toddler" Stroger.

Here's an excerpt:

After inheriting his office, the younger Stroger kept the family tradition alive by loading the payroll with family members and cronies according to what is known as the Chicago "friends and family" plan. He gave his own cousin--at this point the county's chief financial officer--at sudden 12 percent payroll hike, to $160,000. He hired his best friend's wife for a $126,000 job. He hired his childhood friend as his spokesman. He hired an unqualified friend for a top health job apparently created just for him.

Stroger, like Blagojevich, is a Chicago Democrat. And like Blago, he needs to go. Stroger faces the voters in 2010.

As I've mentioned numeous times on this blog, President-elect Barack Obama endorsed Stroger after ward and committeeman bosses placed him on the ballot in 2006 after his father suffered a debilitating stroke. In a letter, Obama called him "a good progressive Democrat."

Today the Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Civic Federation, a watchdog group, calls the county's budget--remember Stroger's cousin is the CFO--"an extraordinarily bad deal for the citizens of Cook County at an extraordinarily difficult time."

In 2010, Republicans, independents, and reformed minded Democrats can make their voice heard by choosing a new governor, a new senator (hopefully we'll have a special election next year), and for people living in Cook County, a new county board president.

No more hacks in goverment.

Related posts:

Hey Obama! Speak out on proposal to impose nation's highest sales tax in your hometown: UDPATED
Another update on America's worst government--Cook County
Rita Rezko's contribution to America's worst government, Cook County
The latest from America's worst governmental body, Cook County
Bid to rescind Cook County corruption tax fails: UPDATED
Revolt at the polls against the Cook County corruption tax called by Democratic reformer
T-Day in Obama's hometown: Highest sales tax of any big city in America
Patronage hiring still thrives in Cook County
Another thing for Obama to be silent on: Cook County summer jobs going to pols' kids
Update on America's worst governmental body, Cook County
Palatine wants to secede from Cook County
Something else for Obama to be silent on: Chicago will have the nation's highest sales tax
Say no to higher Cook County taxes
No fat in Cook County budget?
Beavers leaves it to the race card as America's worst governmental body gets worse
Your Cook County tax dollars at work
Stop the proposed Cook County phone tax
"Is anyone watching out for Chicago taxpayers?"
Time for me to shop...outside Cook County?
Marathon Pundit Chicago River dumping follow up
Obama and Chicago's "We Don't Want Nobody Nobody Sent" culture
Cook County sues Cook County
My day as a Cook County juror
Cook County treasurer's office working against taxpayers

Technorati tags: Obama politics Barack Obama Election Democrats Illinois Politics Cook County Stroger cronyism

Your Thursday night Blago scandals reader

Depending on where you live in Illinois, your either being clobbered by either a snowstorm or an ice storm.

Meanwhile in Chicago, the scandals initiated by our cold-hearted governor, Rod Blagojevich, keep on rolling on.

Peoria Journal-Star: Impeachment committee heads home

Chicago Sun-Times: Until Blagojevich mess, Obama COS Emanuel mulling installing placeholder in his House seat so he could reclaim it later

New York Times: Blagojevich wants campaign funds to pay lawyer

The Southern Illinoisan: Blagojevich arrest sparks market for merchandise

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Rod Blagojevich's lawyer calls impeachment effort a "witchhunt"

Newsweek: The 'Governor-In-Law': How the power behind Blagojevich turned on him

Chicago Sun-Times: Flashback: Lynn Sweet 2002 column on Rod Blagojevich and father-in-law Ald. Dick Mell

WBEZ Radio: Blagojevich attorney considers 'walking out' of impeachment proceedings Note: I corrected the headline.

Des Plaines Times: Casino foes: Gov's arrest should delay license decision

Bloomberg: Blagojevich bypass of appointment spurs election call

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news

Blago lawyer: Fed wiretaps illegal

The Rod Blagojevich impeachment proceedings are rapidly becoming a farce.

A lawyer for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich told state lawmakers Thursday that the federal wiretaps at the heart of the pay-to-play allegations against his client were illegally obtained, and therefore should be kept out of any impeachment proceedings.

The wiretaps are crucial to the federal charges filed against Blagojevich last week. Prosecutors say they caught the Democratic governor discussing efforts to auction off Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat and pressure a hospital executive for campaign donations.

Ed Genson told the impeachment committee that it shouldn't consider any material from the wiretaps, saying the evidence was "illegally obtained."

The rules of a criminal case differ from impeachment case. Genson of course knows this, and he's cognizant that millions of potential Blagojevich jurors--should Blago be indicted and put on trial--are closely following this story.

Besides, counsellor, exactly how were these wiretaps "illegally obtained?"

In related news, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan denied a request that the 13 million residents of Illinois pay Genson's legal bills. This is a big deal, because federal authorities are maneuvering to freeze the governor's campaign fund, which had been used to pay Blago's old team of lawyers at Winston & Strawn.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news corruption legal

The man who takes pictures of a snowy river

A snowstorm is on its way to the Chicago area--the second one this week. It should be here in about an hour.

Pictured on the left is what the last storm left. Once again, that's the North Branch of the Chicago River, this time in Skokie's Harms Woods.

And I'm the man who takes pictures of a snowy river. If I don't do it, who will?

Technorati tags: Illinois photography photos Chicago River nature river Skokie

Union rival to SEIU upset about Blago sleaze

The alleged roll of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in the auctioning of Barack Obama's vacant US Senate seat has drawn the ire of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.

The two unions seek to organize the same workers--government employees. The president of AFSCME knows damage has been done to a sacred cause organized labor, "card check," as the Washington Times tells us.

Gerald W. McEntee, president of one of the nation's largest unions, said the labor movement was damaged when the FBI linked a competing union to Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich's effort to sell Illinois' U.S. Senate seat and it hurts labor's push to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, unions' big legislative priority.

"I don't think it's helped, let me say that on the record. I don't think it's helped," Mr. McEntee, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, told editors and reporters at The Washington Times, referring to allegations that the Service Employees International Union was linked to Mr. Blagojevich's moves in Illinois. "It sure ... is a shame it happened."

Mr. McEntee said labor must guard against overreaching and should avoid warring with other Democratic-leaning groups - "to turn the other cheek on this and be more interested in the bigger picture," he said - but he also said unions paid their dues by supporting Democrats and President-elect Barack Obama in this year's election.

Related posts:

Employee "free choice" may drive economic uncertainty

CBS refuses to air ad denouncing union "card check"

Stop the Employee FORCED Choice Act

Dems' secret ballot hypocrisy

Technorati tags: politics Unions SEIU AFSCME labor Democrats corruption Blagojevich Republican card check

New movement: NoMoreHacks in Illinois

Illinois has had its share of hacks. No, I'm not talking about Chicago Cubs Hall-of-Famer Hack Wilson, Major League Baseball's single season RBI leader.

It's political hacks--they've made Illinois rotten. Some of these hacks are still in office, some are in prison.

Now is the time to dispense of these hacks. And elect someone who is not a hack to the US Senate. Red State has more:

We are forming NoMoreHacks, a grass roots movement that demands a special election now in Illinois.

Our call to action:

1. Send any donation you can to the Illinois Republican Party, which has taken the lead against the hackery in Illinois with a great TV ad and a website, FriendsofBlago.com, that explains the connections of Illinois Democrats to the Blagojevich scandal. The state party has never had the funding to run such an ad before and needs cash to keep it going. Let’s keep the TV ads coming so we can pressure state lawmakers to do the right thing.

2. Spread the word far and wide about NoMoreHacks so we can demonstrate the power and reach of those who believe government should not be for sale in America.

3. We've started a Twitter hashtag #nmh. (Note: I haven't quite found this group myself.)

Here is the latest ad (Note: I've posted it before) that needs to be kept on the air so pressure is applied to Illinois Democrats and remind voters of how spineless the Democratic Party leaders are in Illinois……

Oh, if you want to follow me on Twitter, click here.

The Red State post was written by my friend Mark W. Johnson, click here to visit his site, the Illinois GOP Network.

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats corruption Blagojevich Republican

Report: Chicago's sole Wal-Mart has pumped $10 million into city coffers

One of the few major corporations doing well during the recession is Wal-Mart. But most Chicago aldermen--49 of the 50 are Democrats--led by anti-Wal-Mart zealot Joe Moore, oppose opening more Wal-Marts in the city, unless the retail-giant pays its workers what unions, including SEIU, deem a "living wage."

But Democrats love to punish success, while they see no problem with coddling failures, such as the automobile industry. Crain's Chicago Business has more:

Proponents who want to see more Wal-Marts in Chicago point to a report that says the chain’s first, and so far only, city store has generated $10.3 million in sales tax revenue in its first two years.

The report card, released Wednesday, showed that $5.3 million came in the second year, and half of that amount benefited the city, Regional Transportation Authority and Cook County.

"Wal-Mart has proven to be an incredible economic engine for the West Side of Chicago," Alderman Emma Mitts (37th) said about the store, which opened in her ward in the Austin neighborhood in 2006. Her office compiled the report.

The report revives an ongoing battle over whether the Bentonville, Ark.-based retail giant should be allowed to open more stores in the city. So far, that idea has been met with much resistance from unions and some aldermen. The retailer has faced a parade of setbacks since City Council allies in 2006 narrowly defeated a proposed measure, known as the "big-box" minimum wage law, that would have required Wal-Mart and other retailers to pay employees more than smaller shops.

Since I regularly write about Wal-Mart, I feel it is important that I comment on the tragic incident at the Long Island Wal-Mart in which a temporary employee was trampled to death at a "Black Friday" sale. I'd like to declare that I hate these limited-quantity panic sales. I hope Wal-Mart ends the practice, and the same goes for Best Buy and all the others.

Technorati tags: Joe Moore politics Chicago illinois Wal-Mart Business SEIU unions labor

Rahm Emanuel: Deep in replacement negotiations

While Barack Obama continues to drag his feet in putting forth event the most basic comments about the contacts between his staff and Rod Blagojevich over the president--elects replacement in the Senate, the media continues to show a deep role between Rahm Emanuel and the disgraced governor.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

President-elect Barack Obama's incoming chief of staff Rahm Emanuel had a deeper involvement in pressing for a U.S. Senate seat appointment than previously reported, the Sun-Times has learned. Emanuel had direct discussions about the seat with Gov. Blagojevich, who is is accused of trying to auction it to the highest bidder.

Emanuel talked with the governor in the days following the Nov. 4 election and pressed early on for the appointment of Valerie Jarrett to the post, sources with knowledge of the conversations told the Sun-Times. There was no indication from sources that Emanuel brokered a deal, however.

A source with the Obama camp strongly denied Emanuel spoke with the governor directly about the seat, saying Emanuel only spoke with Blagojevich once recently to say he was taking the chief of staff post.

But sources with knowledge of the investigation said Blagojevich told his aides about the calls with Emanuel and sometimes gave them directions afterward. Sources said that early on, Emanuel pushed for the appointment of Jarrett to the governor and his staff and asked that it be done by a certain date.

Worse for Emanuel--and Obama--some of the conversations between Blago and Emanuel were caught on tape. Emanuel, like Blagojevich, has a fondness creatively using cuss words, which could cause embarrassment for the incoming image-conscious administration.

Related posts:

Report: Rahm Emanuel (D-Tomczak) approached by Obama to be his chief of staff

Former Rahm Emanuel campaign treasurer linked to corrupt real estate deal

Emanuel was Freddie Mac director as scandal brewed

Obama picks partisan Emanuel to be his chief-of-staff

Technorati tags: illinois Rahm Emanuel democrats Election politics Obama Barack Obama Illinois Politics corruption Blagojevich

Your Wednesday night Blago scandals reader

Another day, another update of all things Blago:

Wall Street Journal: Blagojevich won't fill empty senate seat, lawyer says

New York Times: Blagojevich questions continue to overshadow transition

Springfield Journal-Register: State supreme court rejects request to strip Blagojevich of his powers

Daily Herald: New for your cell phone: Blagotones

AP: Obama: Answers coming soon on Illinois case

Decatur Herald & Review: Fitzgerald seeks assurances impeachment won't impede federal investigation

Daily Herald: Blagojevich attorney trying to get taxpayers to foot his tab

AP: Family pushes their dog as next Illinois governor

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news humor humour

Chicago Sun-Times: Feds to freeze Blago campaign fund

Governor Rod Blagojevich's attorney, Ed Genson, made a flamboyant appearance in front the House impeachment panel in Springfield.

I'm sure he responded well, flamboyantly, when he heard this news that the Chicago Sun-Times exclusively tonight.

Genson, like anyone else who works for a living, enjoys getting paid. It's believed that the Chicago Democrat parted ways with high-powered law firm Winston & Strawn, which represented his predecessor, George Ryan, over money. Or lack of it.

Federal authorities plan to freeze Gov. Blagojevich’s campaign fund, crippling the governor’s ability to use the money for his legal bills.

In a letter this week, they put the Blagojevich camp on notice they intend to freeze the money, sources told the Chicago Sun-Times.

That disclosure comes a week after the governor was hit with federal charges including scheming to sell the U.S. Senate seat given up by President-elect Barack Obama.

More...

The "Friends of Blagojevich" fund hasn't been frozen yet, but sources said the letter alone will have a crippling effect on the governor's ability to move money out of the fund because of the possibility that prosecutors would later seize the money.

While he was still governor, federal authorities froze Ryan's campaign fund. The Kankakee Republican, who is now imprisoned in Terre Haute, Indiana, was not indicted until after he left office.

Technorati tags: politics Blagojevich illinois Democrats Illinois Politics Durbin George Ryan Republican

Ethanol alert: Former Iowa Gov. Vilsack to be named ag secretary

Barack Obama has a been a big supporter of that Midwestern snake-oil solution to our energy problems--ethanol. And he's hiring a big ethanol backer to serve as his agriculture secretary, former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack.

Iowa has long been the giant of U.S. agriculture, not just in producing grain and livestock but also in collecting federal crop subsides.

Now with Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary, the state will have one of its own at the helm of the department that dispenses those subsidies, controls nearly 2 million acres of Iowa land through a single conservation program and regulates the state's many meatpackers.

The Obama administration, meanwhile, will get an agriculture secretary who is sympathetic to big agribusiness that dominates Iowa and a believer in biofuels and agricultural biotechnology.

Oh no.

Related posts:

Ethanol responsible for 15 percent of Iowa's greenhouse gases

Ethanol bailout next?

Ethanol backlash in the Midwest

Technorati tags: corn farming democrats Obama Barack Obama ethanol energy

FBI informant: Blago was a bookmaker

As the connected fellas in Chicago say, "Lemme tell you sometin'. I heard dis story before..."

And this is what I heard a few years ago... and it is exactly how ABC 7 Chicago is reporting this today.

All attornys specialize. Some work on tax issues, others personal injury cases, some lawyers prefer wills and probate.

Robert Cooley had a specialty too. Criminal defense work, with a sideline in fixing cases.

Cooley was a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago in the late 1980's who became one of the most potent witnesses against Chicago corruption, testifying for federal prosecutors in cases that resulted in dozens of convictions.

Cooley says that before Rod Blagojevich got into politics he was a bookmaker on the North Side who regularly paid the Chicago mob to operate.

"When I was working with government wearing wire, I reported, I observed Rod, the present governor, who was running a gambling operation out in the western suburbs. He was paying street tax to the mob out there," said Robert Cooley, federal informant.

On a web-based interview show last week, Cooley said he reported to federal authorities nearly two decades ago that Rod Blagojevich had been operating an illegal sports gambling business.

Cooley's most infamous fix was the murder trial of mob-hitman Harry Aleman. Cooley bribed the judge, Frank Wilson, who presided over the bench trial of Aleman. Despite two eyewitnesses to the crime, the Wilson found Aleman innocent. The day after federal authorities confronted Wilson about the Aleman fix, Wilson committed suicide.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news corruption legal

Malkin: The real wives of Crook County

Michelle Malkin digs into the dirt of Illinois' Cook County and finds the real wives in National Review Online this morning.

I'd like to add that I live in Cook County, and Mrs. Marathon Pundit is nothing like the wives Malkin writes about.

Potty-mouthed Patti (Blagojevich) is the daughter of famed Democratic Chicago Alderman Richard Mell. Hardball ward politics runs in her blood. "Pay to play" is the family way. As a high-powered realtor, the Chicago Tribune reported, Mrs. B. raked in more than $700,000 in commissions on business deals after Hot Rod began raising money in 2000 for his first gubernatorial campaign. The feds have been investigating for years.

Close political observers are waiting for the other shoe to drop on Mrs. B. — or be used as leverage to force her hubby, to whom she has been fiercely loyal (to the point of alienating Daddy), to 'fess up.

Corrupto-convict and Barack Obama fundraiser Tony Rezko was one of Mrs. B.'s biggest clients of the last decade. Behind him stood his housewife-in-hot-water, Rita, who whiled away some of her time as a patronage appointee to an obscure Cook County government board before getting entangled in the land swap couples' deal between her husband and the Obamas — the one the president-elect called "boneheaded." On Tuesday, Rezko’s sentencing was postponed, suggesting he’ll be singing even more to the feds.

Michelle Obama was apparently friendly with the sordid sorority, according to Chicago Magazine. Writer James Merriner reported on a fashion show/political back-scratching gala chaired by Mrs. Rezko and co-chaired by Mrs. Blago two days before the November 2006 elections:

Michelle Obama, wife of the Democratic U.S. senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama, was a special guest that day (even though the news had just broken about Rezko's participation in a funky real-estate transaction involving the Obamas' Hyde Park home). The fashion show attracted little if any media coverage, which may have been exactly as its organizers and sponsors had hoped. Just three weeks earlier, Tony Rezko had been indicted on charges of extorting kickbacks from businesses seeking contracts from the Blagojevich administration.

Related post:

Rita Rezko's contribution to America's worst government, Cook County

Technorati tags: Obama politics Barack Obama Democrats Illinois Politics Cook County Rezko Blagojevich

Junior the informer--and some questions

In 2002, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. approached Rod Blagojevich to have his wife, Sandi, who is now a Chicago alderman and ward committeeman, named head of the Illinois State Lottery.

Sandi didn't get the job, and Blago told the congressman, "You know I was considering your wife for the lottery job and the $25,000 you didn't give me? That's why she's not getting the job."

According to news reports, Jackson began his work as an informer on Blagojevich and other matters after that incident.

Here's the part I don't understand: If all of this is true, and I have no reason to believe it isn't, then why did Junior aggressively campaign--more than any other candidate--to have Blagojevich name him as Barack Obama's replacement in the US Senate.

And where does the Blagojevich fundraiser held on December 6, which the governor and Jackon's brother attended, fit in?

Something's missing here, folks. It's like ham bone soup without the ham bone.

But that $25,000 figure is dead on, according to the Daily Herald:

In April, the Chicago Tribune reported that an examination of campaign donations to Blagojevich showed that three in four donors who gave exactly $25,000 received administration favors such as state board appointments or contracts.

It's also the same amount of money that figured prominently in the testimony of a government witness in the political corruption trial this summer of political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko.

Ali Ata, the former executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority testified that Blagojevich spoke encouragingly about getting him a job in his administration after he personally brought him a $25,000 campaign contribution.

As for Jackson, his family, led of course by his famous father, has quietly built a small political machine on Chicago's South Side.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news Jesse Jackson Jr.

Eric Holder left off Blago link from questionnaire

Eric Holder is best known for his role in the controversial pardon of fugitve financier Marc Rich by Bill Clinton.

Now he has Blago problems.

Before Eric Holder was President-elect Barack Obama's choice to be attorney general, he was Gov. Blagojevich's pick to sort out a mess involving Illinois' long-dormant casino license.

Blagojevich and Holder appeared together at a March 24, 2004, news conference to announce Holder's role as "special investigator to the Illinois Gaming Board" -- a post that was to pay Holder and his Washington, D.C. law firm up to $300,000.

Holder, however, omitted that event from his 47-page response to a Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire made public this week -- an oversight he plans to correct after a Chicago Sun-Times inquiry, Obama's transition team indicated late Tuesday.

Related post:

Eric Holder and Pardongate

Technorati tags: Democrats Pardongate Marc Rich illinois democrats Election politics Obama Barack Obama corruption Blagojevich

Your Tuesday night Blago scandals reader

While sifting through the internet, and six inches (or more) of snow here in the Chicago area, I've come up with Tuesday night's Blagojevich scandals collection.

Chicago Tribune: Lake County sheriff's party switch offers opportunity to slam Democrats

Ex-Supreme Court justice doesn't believe court can remove governor

Crain's Chicago Business: Major local cement supplier talking with Feds in Blago case

AP: Source: Ill. gov nixed job for Jackson Jr.'s wife (I'll add my thoughts tomorrow.)

Chicago Sun-Times: Daley turns up heat on Blagojevich to 'do the right thing'

CBS 2 Chicago: State offices feel strain of gov's legal problems

Daily Herald: Obama Senate seat getting cold fast

St. Louis Businss Journal: Blagojevich's arrest cost Illinois $20 million

AP: Impeachment panel meets, then adjourns for the day

Chicago Sun-Times: Blagojevich story dominates national news, PEW study finds

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blagojevich's lawyer will speak to impeachment panel on Wednesday

More Blago-bits Wednesday night.

Technorati tags: democrats Politics illinois Illinois Politics rod blagojevich news Richard Daley Jesse Jackson Jr.