Rod Blagojevich

[TuNnL]

A chorus of calls to step down, or else
Politicians threaten impeachment if governor stays on

By Ray Long | Chicago Tribune reporter
December 9, 2008

SPRINGFIELD—Leading Republicans and Democrats today unleashed a hailstorm of calls for Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign after his arrest on political corruption charges involving the U.S. Senate seat once held by President-elect Barack Obama.

The demands for the governor to step aside unfolded as other politicians suggested that legislation should be passed to allow for a special election to let voters choose Obama's replacement. It remained unclear, however, whether such a move would pass legal muster: state law holds that the governor has the sole power to fill vacancies in the U.S. Senate.

Click here for a summary of televised news coverage.

[Frankie's Market]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

It remained unclear, however, whether such a move would pass legal muster: state law holds that the governor has the sole power to fill vacancies in the U.S. Senate.

That is precisely the reason why the Illinois state legislature is now in the process of passing a new law calling for a special election to fill Obama's seat, seeing as how Gov. Blagojevich no longer has the public trust to carry out the appointment.

I heard some political commentators express concern that the disgraced governor might try to rush appoint someone before he is impeached and/or a new law is passed. I don't think that will happen. Even if Blagojevich is able to sneak an appointment through, he clearly won't be able to derive any personal favors/money at this point. And besides, it would only make the feds ask for a harsher sentence come trial time. Blagojevich has been caught with the smoking gun of corruption with all those damaging statements on tape. If you ask me, he's better off being cooperative from this moment forward until he's eventually forced to step down from office.

[anapuni808]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

According to ABC news tonite - the Illinois Secy. of State has to certify any appointment (not gonna happen) and the Senate has the privilege of refusing to seat any appointment. So, even if he does try to push something through - others have the final say.

[Frankie's Market]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

It is now coming to light that one of the five candidates who Gov. Blagojevich was considering for appointment to the US Senate as part of this "pay to play" scandal is none other than Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Conduc...6431739&page=1

Even if Jackson is able to escape prosecution, the damage is already done to his reputation. At the very least, it is an embarrassment to him and puts a damper on his rising-star status in politics.

[1stwahine]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

Stupid Crook need Whack Whacks!!

[TuNnL]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Conduc...6431739&page=1

Even if Jackson is able to escape prosecution, the damage is already done to his reputation. At the very least, it is an embarrassment to him and puts a damper on his rising-star status in politics.

I agree. This could be a major turning point in Rep. Jackson’s career. His father’s comment regarding “cutting Barack Obama’s nuts off” clearly shocked the nation, but Jesse Jackson Jr. managed to save face by quickly condemning the elder Jackson’s candid remarks.

Now, less then a few months later, one of his own associates has been allegedly caught with his or hand in the cookie jar to the tune of $1 million. IMHO, this individual will not escape criminal prosecution in this politically charged environment.

Let the denials begin...

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is “Senate Candidate 5,” whom Gov. Blagojevich was considering appointing as Barack Obama’s replacement in the U.S. Senate under the belief the governor would get at least $1 million in campaign contributions, his attorney said Wednesday.

But Jackson never offered, nor authorized anyone to offer, money or favors in exchange for the seat, said his attorney James Montgomery. Jackson doesn’t know the identity of “Individual D,” the person purported to make the pay-to-play deal on Jackson’s behalf, he said.

[Kalihiboy]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

I was born and raised in Illinois and am embarrassed by reading all of the chicanery going down in my home state, it is bad enough the former Illinois Governor, George Ryan, who preceded Blagojevich is in prison, he might be joining old George in the same prison cell. And it's not like switching parties helps the situation Ryan was Republican and Blagojevich is Democrat. Blagojevich claimed he was a reformer and was going to clean up Illinois politics yeah right!! I can't wait for his resignation to arrive!! I cannot see how he can survive staying in office, he will be booted out against his will if necessary.

I left Illinois in 1984 for Arizona only to have two governors there impeached, kicked out of office while I lived there as well. I have grown up watching crooked politicans my whole life I guess.

Aj

[lavagal]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

I was born and raised in Illinois and am embarrassed by reading all of the chicanery going down in my home state, it is bad enough the former Illinois Governor, George Ryan, who preceded Blagojevich is in prison, he might be joining old George in the same prison cell. And it's not like switching parties helps the situation Ryan was Republican and Blagojevich is Democrat. Blagojevich claimed he was a reformer and was going to clean up Illinois politics yeah right!! I can't wait for his resignation to arrive!! I cannot see how he can survive staying in office, he will be booted out against his will if necessary.

I left Illinois in 1984 for Arizona only to have two governors there impeached, kicked out of office while I lived there as well. I have grown up watching crooked politicans my whole life I guess.

Aj

Gee, Aj, and here you are in Hawaii. What fine mess will you affect here? LOL! Some people don't have their live's missions so well laid (layed?) out!

[Kalihiboy]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

Fortunately since leaving Arizona over a decade ago, local politics in Oregon and Hawaii have been better!

Aj

[Lei Liko]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

Check out the Craigslist ad for the vacant US Senate seat. Apparently there a ton of em posted.

[AlohaKine]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

Oh Happy, happy day!!! Blagojevich is a known hater of personnal choice, freedoms, and private property rights. I can't wait for HIS rights to get taken away in prison. How fitting. I going drink and toast to this just like he probably once did before then tables were turned.

[Walkoff Balk]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

Deal or No Deal.

[tutusue]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

I think it's time for Blagojevich to phone a friend!

[TuNnL]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

Blagojevich claimed he was a reformer and was going to clean up Illinois politics yeah right!! I can't wait for his resignation to arrive!! I cannot see how he can survive staying in office, he will be booted out against his will if necessary.

At this point, that’s a pretty fair assessment, Aj. Today, President-elect Barack Obama called for Gov. Blagojevich to resign. Prosecutor Fitzgerald purports to have wiretap recordings, the likes of which appear quite damaging, so I can’t imagine what defense Blagojevich hopes to put forth, aside from the government taking his statements out of context.

[Leo Lakio]

Re: Feds Indict Illinois Governor

I think it's time for Blagojevich to phone a friend!

He tried --- but O.J. didn't answer. He's with a different "cell" company now.