Marathon Pundit: Romanoff and now Giannoulias...when will it end?

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Romanoff and now Giannoulias...when will it end?

Illinois has foisted upon the national poltical scene such individuals as Barack Obama, Rahm Emanuel, and Rod Blagojevich. Next up is Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who is attempting to keep the Roland Burris seat in the hands of the Democrats.

From an Illinois GOP press release:

On the day Rod Blagojevich goes on trial for pay-to-play corruption, will Alexi Giannoulias cancel his planned Messina fundraiser?

Deputy White House Chief of Staff allegedly offered Andrew Romanoff a job to get out of Colorado Senate race;

Messina due in Chicago for Giannoulias fundraiser on June 19th

Illinois Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias recently announced that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina would be coming to Illinois on June 19 to help him raise money for his Senate bid.

Last night, Politico reported that Democratic Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff publicly confirmed long-standing reports (and provided emails as proof) that Messina attempted to dissuade him from challenging incumbent Senator Michael Bennett in the Colorado Democratic Senate Primary by offering him a paid government position.

Romanoff stated:

Mr. Messina informed me that the White House would support Sen. Bennet. I informed Mr. Messina that I had made my decision to run…Mr. Messina also suggested three positions that might be available to me were I not pursuing the Senate race.
Messina's actions appear, on their face, to be a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 600

Whoever, directly or indirectly, promises any employment, position, compensation, contract, appointment, or other benefit, provided for or made possible in whole or in part by any Act of Congress, or any special consideration in obtaining any such benefit, to any person as consideration, favor, or reward for any political activity or for the support of or opposition to any candidate or any political party in connection with any general or special election to any political office, or in connection with any primary election or political convention or caucus held to select candidates for any political office, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.