Gov. Blagojevich trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff were arrested by Federal authorities this morning on corruption charges. A 76-page complaint spells out numerous allegations against the Governor including trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat.
The evidence seems clear: conversations caught on tape thanks to wiretaps of the Governor's home and campaign office.
The depth of the corruption alleged in the complaint is breathtaking - even for Illinois. It includes Blagojevich allegedly instructing his chief of staff to tell the Tribune Company to fire members of the Chicago Tribune editorial board in exchange for assitance from the Illinois Finance Authority to sell the Cubs and the financing or sale of Wrigley Field.
Illinois political corruption is not new... Governor George Ryan is serving a six-year sentence for fraud and racketeering.
And former Governor Dan Walker was convicted, after leaving office, for bank fraud.
But this could be a new low. Under Illinois law it is up to the governor to name a replacement to fill Barack Obama's senate seat, but whether Blagojevich will still get to do that remains to be seen. The prosecutor in the case, Patrick Fitzgerald, says the governor retains that right despite today's arrest.
Here’s my question to you: Do you believe that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was trying to sell Barack Obama's senate seat?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Michael writes:
It is simply time to say enough. This guy, if convicted, should spend the next 25 years in prison and forfeit all his assets for his betrayal of the public trust. We sorely need a huge dose of transparency, accountability and consequence in both the public and private sectors. Relying on people in power to behave well solely based on their good character and reasonable moral values clearly does not work.
Matt writes:
Blagojevich was absolutely trying to sell President-elect Obama's seat. Coming from Chicago myself, I can tell you that this man is hated in this state, and everyone knows how shady he is. I'm actually shocked (and of course pleasantly surprised) that he got caught. Throw the bum out.
Gus from California writes:
Sure I believe it, but is that so much different from Marc Rich's pardon? Ambassadorships have been for sale for years. Business as usual, I would say.
Janice from Illinois writes:
Jack, I’m from Illinois. We are broke, no money for anything that matters to the citizens. This governor refused to live in our capitol and flew everyday to his office at a huge cost to us. He is junk and must be thrown out.
Will writes:
Aren't we innocent until proven guilty and/or we confess to the alleged crime(s)?
Donna from Arcola, Illinois writes:
Oh you bet, he was trying to sell the senate seat, he would sell anything that isn't nailed down. I am ashamed to say I voted for that jerk. His language just shows what he thinks of the people of this state.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
I wish everyone would slow down, Obama's not even in the office yet and i'm sure one day we will talk about what drapes were in the children's bedrooms. Let Obama in, let him get settled, let's see what he can do before they start pulling at him from all sides...that's not change that's more of the same.
Rove would have to say "guilty as charged" then led in cuffs to prison.
Jack Karl Rove would not have to do anything to get me to by his book like Former president Clinton he influenced the world it good to know how it was done.
Howard E Snow IV
Joshua Tree
1.) The men charged in the 9/11 attacks should be put to death, not because it is their wish, but because it is the just sentence.
2.) Liberals have no right to be upset with anything Obama does. They elected him.
3.) The only way Karl Rove could get me to buy his book is if he promised to hang himself after I did.
The men charged in the 9/11 attacks should be buried alive for their acts. What they did to America was HORRIBLE. No country should tollerate these criminals or keep them.
4:00
Dear Jack,
The terrorists should be allowed to confess and then get life sentences. They will then be put to death, ie have the opportunity to get to their virgins, only if they supply the authorities with useful information on their organization. Once they give the who's, the where's, the when's and the how's of that group, they will be swiftly dispatched their rewards.
Liberals should wait until dinner is served.
Liberals cannot have it both way President Elect Obama was elected but his cabinet must be appointed which means make it through the Senate moderates will always make, his pick are strong smart people who will only mess up a little. Taxes are as constant as death best we can hope for is reliving the pressures.
Howard E Snow IV
Joshua Tree Ca
The five men involved with the Black Water debacle should be prosecuted to the extent of the law. The trouble is that it will probably stop there as opposed to looking at the full process that would involve Eric Prince, the CEO and government contracts. Looks like the England, Abu Ghraib debacle again. Liberals should take a wait-and-see attitude with Obama's cabinet. The man has to act fast and gain confidence and he is doing so with those so named thus far. And Rove may as well said he WAS involved and CONFESS to get me to read AND buy his book. What esle is new with this guy!
Off with their heads.
Give them what they want a martyr dies to save people not to inspire them to kill; they will save no one with their deaths just fill a hole in the ground.
Howard E Snow IV
Joshua Tree Ca
there is no sense in making martyrs out of people. that would only spur the anti-u.s. sentiments around the world.
the word liberal is really a silly word. it's an epithet used by conservatives to sort of mock the anti big government democrats who believe in less government, less spending. But thus far, Obama has retracted on a lot of what he campaigned on and is proving to be a real disappointment– this before he has even taken the oath of office. So as a conservative i find him to be disappointing as should the leftists.
A book of fiction would be more stimulating. Karl Roves examination on how to exploit the masses using fear, lies, and constant misdirection would be terrifying. Not to mention, humiliating– in that we are never clever enough to ever figure out what's going on despite these age old tactics used by our government.
I have always been against allowing any criminals to make a profit from either writing a book or making a movie about the crimes they committed.
Therefore to get me to buy Karl's book he would have to plead guilty to all the crimes his gang committed over the past 8 years and donate all monies from the book to a recognized charity.
It would be nice if he informed everyone of all the crimes they committed in addition to all the ones we are currently aware of and that would likely take two follow up editions.
We liberals are upset with Obamas choices? hmmm news to me...they look good far
Everyone should be upset over the retention of Gates as Secretary of Defense. The vast majority of the electorate expect the immediate drawdown of troops in Iraq. Presently, although crowing that the surge "worked", not a single troop has even been withdrawn from the surge increase. This guy isn't capable of building a bonfire, much less able to defend our country.
Karl Rove would have to confess to being the "real killer" of Nicole Simpson & Ron Goldman, and also tell us how he set up OJ in Vegas if he wanted me to buy his book.
M Dixon
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Hi Jack:
4PM
NO! The US needs to make an example out of them. The US should put them in a high security prison. At: "HARD LABOR". These are terrorists that believe that they will go to heaven for committing a Satanic act against the US. They along with those who yet still are free need to understand that what they did and possibly are planning is nothing short of evil. And they will be held accountable for those acts.
Ron San Diego
They should have to go through our court system according to law and at the end of it, they should be allowed to plead guilty and be put to death if that is what they desire.
I do not know, not having heard any actual evidence just press reports, whether he has tried to sell Obama's Senate seat. If he has it just reinforces my already incredibly low opinion of politicians and business people.
Why should "liberals" be upset with President Elect Obamas choices, I believe all of the cabinet choices have been excelent and perhaps we should let the man actually get into the white house before we pass judgement on him. Stop trying to stir up controversy before any exists.
4:00
Am very disappointed in our IL governor. Although it appears the majority of IL residents do not like him, cannot believe he would be
so stupid as to not realize his lines would not be tapped with a three year ongoing investigation and continue his corruption.
Since he was recorded trying to make deals for this appointment it is apparent he did. This seems to be another case where power and ego outweighed common sense and decency. This seems to be happening with so many of our politicians, from the top down.
Do you believe that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was trying to sell Barack Obama’s senate seat?
Yes. If you stop and think about it, America has the biggest "FOR SALE" sign.
Jack: Yes. America is for sale....let's see; the government owns most of the banking industry; most of the insurance industry; most of the credit card industry; and we will soon be in the car industry. What is there left to sell or buy?
Blagojevich is just another maggot devowering what`s left of the rotting carcus we call our government.
Yes. If Governor Rod Blagojevich had been a little bit smarter, he could have placed Obama's Senate seat on E-Bay.
From what I have heard on the news, I feel sure that Gov. Blagojevich is guilty of trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat to the highest bidder. It is good that our justice system presumes he's innocent until proven guilty so what I think or what the news media thinks is not important. What his jury thinks is the important factor. It also makes me want to know more about Obama's rise to power and raises questions about every election he was involved in on his way to the presidency. Obama's big corporate contributors, as well as John McCain's, need to be put under a microscope too.
Brownwood, Texas
Yes, I believe the Governor was trying to sell O's senate seat. Anyone who listened to the prosecutor's press conference would have to believe he's been on a three-year crime spree.
The fact the I am from Illinois and the Gov. Blagojevich may be guilty of these crimes, is not surprising. He's done nothing but make Illinois look bad since taking office. He refused to live in Springfield (the state capital – only to stay with his cronies in Chicago) forcing taxpayers to pay for him to fly back and forth in his plane while we struggle to drive back and forth to work. ( I think he owes us a refund for that). Second he's closed prisons and state parks down state due to budget issues, (I'm not sure that he's ever been down state, so I'm not surprised – One state park is in my home town I'm only slightly bitter.) None in the Chicago or the Chicago suburbs. He's made a mess of the budget in the state, and now he's made a joke out of who gets the the Senate seat that is vacated by the next President of United States. The man is a moron!
Beats me, but how is it that Obama's Senate seat is for sale, and he knows nothing about it?
Well, Jack its finally happened, green apples and politicians do the same thing to me, I'd like to expound further but I have to go to the washroom Again>
Basically these people are crazy. First, the Illinois Gov. should have had better sense to even get caught up like this given that his predecessor Ryan went to jail for the same thing.
One could argue that since the current Presidential administration is corrupt one must question the validity of the indictment.
It shows that corruption has no bounds when it comes to political parties. I stress to all Illinois residents to just vote Independent in the next election. Maybe they'll get lucky and this won't happen again.
Do you really think Illinois is the only place this is happening? There is a reason that Wall Street got a blank check, and the Big Three got a blank stare, greed begets corruption! Big money counts, and the little people don't! It's been that way since the beginning of time! They're only sorry when they get caught!
Chicago politicians are sophisticated Louisiana politicians.
Jack, it's not just Illinois, it's everywhere in our society. Local levels award contracts to friends or brothers for major road construction when the brothers don't even have any experience, states use money from cigarette taxes for pet projects not to try and help kids to not smoke, federal govt steals our tax dollars and give it to foreign countries, the list is endless, and we are slowly self-destructing from within. Why did it take them 5 years to arrest this crook?
Yes Jack, I really do, because we will always have people, not all, who belong to such professions as politicians, celebrities, and athletes continue to think they are above the law. It really amazes me that a person who has just signed a $35 million contract walks in with a un-holstered gun into a nightclub and ends up shooting himself or the governor who tries to sells off a vacant senate seat to the highest bidder, looks around in amazement when arrested. We even had a president who had to resign from office and could have been arrested if not for a presidential pardon think he was above the law and did nothing wrong. I would love to know what their thought process was before taking the wrong road. These are educated worldly people who really does know better. Why do they do it? They have fame and money and are looked up to, what more could they want?
Chicago and that particular State of Illinois is known as the most corrupt State in the USA, and if not the worst via Pat Fitzgerald, the Prosecutor of the Governor of Illinois "in competetion indeed for the most corrupt State in the USA".
Where was America on NOv 4th?
Jack CArlson
Seattle
What an idiot.Nice hair though.
Jack
Selling a senate seat is OK as long as the money goes into the state's education fund or walfare fund in the State of Illionis. Any other use would be political coruption and the Senate sould refuse to seat the appointed canidate.
Maybe political corruption in the state of Illinois is taught in community colleges there. Once one decides to major in it, his tutition is paid by the State of Illinois provided they agree to remain in the state and go into politics after graduation......... BINGO.
Jack
I fear that the corruption is far worse than the govenors office and not isolated to illinois. The cavalier careless enviorment in which the govenor acted indicates a deeper problem
Jack, the people in the world are driven by greed and power, and that won't change anytime soon, and Rod Blagojevich is the perfect example. Selling Obama's seat is criminal, dispicable, deceitful and is unacceptable. It's upsetting to see criminal politicians treated differently than other criminals. He should be tossed in jail without bail, and tried and sentenced just like everyone else, no exceptions.
We in Illionis have had to send six governors to jail in my lifetime. It's not like the cost of living is high in Springfield. I guess we prefer to vote for people that will lie to us and steal from us. You know....... politicians.
Apparently Illinois' roots go back to a 3rd world dictatorship. I'm sorry I didn't see the listing on Craig's List or eBay? I'm curious what such a seat sells for?
Organized Crime still over shadows our government's version of it.
Silly Jack, didn't anyone ever tell you that all politicians, everywhere, are corrupt? The problem with Illinois politicians is that they just get caught more frequently.
One, after Spitzer's inglorious fall, who doesn't feel that telephones aren't being tapped for information gathering by the Feds and two, who wouldn't abide with using some other method to communicate! Word has it that the governor was outed by e Democrat as he has a psychological problem or so the report goes. Immanuel may be behind this outing!
Must be the water in the governor's mansion! This is the 4th governor, in 35 years, that has been found to be corrupt. Sure is amazing how power leads to corruption, and, how out of touch they seem to be in thinking that they are above the law! How ironic that this governor seemed to have forgotten that he replaced Governor Ryan for fraud and corruption–and who is now serving time in prison. Maybe now, they can compare notes!
Jack,
I believe all the corruption in Illinois is about political favors to put money in politicians pockets. This is something as old as dirt in Illinois politics. I am just waiting for democrats in congress try to get a bail out package for Governor Blagojevich to pay his
legal fees.
Being from Illinois, I find the amount of political corruption in this state sad. Of our last nine governors, three have been sent to prison (one is currently there) and one was just indicted. I have no idea if our politicians are stupid, arrogant or both. Clearly, from what I have read, the current governor is both.
Jack, if this guy is guilty he should be marched to federal prison and put in with the worst criminal offenders because he violated the public trust trying to sell P.E. Obama’s Senate seat to the highest bidder. There is nothing worse than people of his ilk using his sphere of influence for private gain and the people of Illinois are probably madder than a nest of hornets over this, and rightfully so.
Put him in the dungeon
Throw away the key
A governor like this
we don't need to see.
Well, you changed the question. But thats ok.
Why don't you ask POLITICIANS that represent Illinois that
question. Friends and associates that "come from" Illinois?
Jack, Every day that goes by without a corruption headline in Illinois, just means you're one day closer to the day when ther'll be a headline about corruption in Illinois.
Being born and raised in Illinois, I'm so embarrassed. With Obama, I felt we could move past our sterotype of currupt politicians, but this Gov. dragged the sterotype right back out of the closet. I hope he rots in jail.
Now, I live in New York. I was embarrassed for the last Gov when he had to step down. But selling a senate seat is way worse than being involved with a prostitute!
It's not just Illinois – it seems to be a trend around the country.
Jake and Ellwood Blues had a lot more to offer the people of Illinois than either of their last two governors. The Blues brothers worked a bit outside the law, but at least they did it with flair and a lot of great music. And they weren't stupid enough to try to sell a senate seat to the highest bidder. Even a Hollywood comedy couldn't get that ridiculous.
I believe the corruption is not just in Illinois. Money and power both breed irresponsibility.
M. Scott Peck stated four criteria to be met in order to be self disciplined.
1) Delaying gratification
2) Accepting responsibility for self.
3) Telling the truth and being dedicated to reality.
4) Bracketing ego needs for the sake of spiritual growth.
Corruption in politics is the same as corruption in business, and we're just beginning to see the tip of the iceberg through our lack of self-discipline as a culture.
Better question: What is it about corruption and the state of our nation. Halliburton, Wall St. welfare, give-aways for the wealthy while the economy collapses.
We in Illinois are just tired of looking the other way.
If the charges against Gov. Blagojevich are true, this represents a horrendous abuse of power and corruption, almost on par with the outing of a top CIA operative and firing federal attorneys for political gain, or manipulating markets (Enron, Wall Street), or the books (Tyco, Lucent etc.) for personal gain. It just demonstrates that greed and corruption know no political boundaries, and anyone in a position to abuse their power for personal or political gain is subject to doing so unless effectively regulated and overseen.
However, the accusations come from the same justice department that dismissed prosecutors for political reasons, so I will defer judgment until the purported facts are presented, cross-examined and countered in an IMPARTIAL court of law. I am also curious about what evidence was used to sustain probable cause necessary to obtain legal wiretap permits for the purportedly recorded conversations. After all this is the administration that has repeatedly violated the Bill of Rights, particularly the right to privacy.
Apparently some politicans see public service as a benefit – theirs, and sadly not just in IL. It's amazing how wealthy some of these folks are AFTER leaving office. Who's responsible for these perks, and where can the rest of us sign up?
The Governor of Illinois is innocent until proven guilty although from the scant evidence reported so far, it seems he has taken a page from one of my former West Virginia governors (Moore). Jail doesn't seem to mean much to politicians. Could it be they see their time in office as a prison of sorts? Or do they all assume they'll be pardoned? I dunno, but I suspect the GOP is working hard to taint Obama regardless of what Fitzgerald has said. Republicans should clean their own house first. Next thing we know the GOP will blame Bill Clinton. Same ole, same ole.
Jack, as a longtime former resident of Illinois I think we need to pay attention to the fact that the Governor stands accused of a pattern of unconscionable and arrogant behavior, not the state of Illinois nor its many honorable and selfless public office holders.
Jack,
As a citizen of Illinois I am shocked and apalled by the Governor's behavior! Ok, not really.
I will dare to generalize this but most citizens in Illinois aren't shocked by his behavior, here it is something I think we come to expect, like French citizens expect ther leaders to have mistress's. We in Illinois expect our leaders to be corrupt. What I don't get is the stupidity of this man to think no one was listening. I think his lack of finese is more embarassing than his criminal behavior.. I would venture to guess that the pressure for the president elect is really on now.
I was born in, educated in and have lived most of my life in Illinois. There is nothing unusual about what is happening to Blagojevich. We're used to this and not even embarrassed by it any more.
That being said, I vote for downstate Illinois to secede from Chicago and be absorbed by Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky. Springfield should go to the Simpsons. "Doh!"
I guess it's about a history of corruption so deep that I doubt anyone,regardless of party affiliation,.will clean it up.
Governor Rod Blagojevich, his chief of staff, John Harris and former Gov George Ryan are bad apples. I would dare to say that corruption is not confined to Illinois. I know of no politician who entered government who was not tempted to use their power for self-enrichment. That is just human nature. If you look close enough, we are all guilty of something we should be ashamed of.
Jack, If Ill Gov Blagojevich was trying to sell Obama's senate seat, then he should go straight to jail. I grew up in Chicago and pay as you play was a way of life. The saying on election day was vote early and often. President -Elect Obama is wise enought to know this has to change. In some circles he's like a naive boy scout who probably believes things don't have to be that way to get things done. I applaud Obama for having the courage and the self confidence to go for it all in believing he can make a difference. I expect great things from him.
It makes me think that Barack Obama should have run for governor of Illinois to bring change there. Illinois's loss is America's gain.
Jack, What is it about political corruption in Illinois and every other State in the Union? Power and greed mixed with a little stupidity is the perfect stew for corruption.
Jack
I am ashamed to admit I live in Illinois where the the palms of many politicians are always "greener". It is no longer acceptable to say "well it is Illinois after all" when political corruption is announced. Hopefully Illinois voters will send a message the next election that this is no longer acceptable.
Matt
Rockford, IL
Jack,I've got news. It's not just Illinois politicians. Corruption exists throughout the fifty states,only, some get caught and others don't. This in particular was a stupid move on the govenor's part. Selling the seat of the President-Elect. How blatant can stupidity get?
Hi Jack, It shows the mafia is still alive. Except these new bimbos are not as smart as their ancestors.
Gov. Blagojevich. was caught selling Obamas senate seat. This is the first time i have ever heard of anyone doing this. I cannot believe what the political world is turning into. Seems like the whole bunch of them from top to bottom are all thieves and crooks. They are in office to make money for themselves and not work for the tax payers there supposed to represent. When hes out of jail he can sell cars for GM if their still a viable company if he likes sales so much.
Terry , Piscataway, NJ
Yes. Governor Blagojevich was trying to sell Barack Obama's senate seat and everything he could get his hands on. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, then it must be a duck.
They're trying to beat New Jersey and be #1 in something.
Alice
Parsippany, NJ
It isn't just Illinois that has political corruption. I've lived in Massachusetts, and they can claim some pretty corrupt politions. Dito California and Rode Island. And even here in New Mexico we have a few that are on the way to the slammer....But, I must admit that Gov. Blagojevich has a strong lead for the Grand Prize in the "Arrogant Stupidity" catagory.
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. No different out here in Arizona–several AZ governors have gone to jail also!!! A few bad apples everywhere!!!
Political corruption in the State of Illinois? It is just a past time. Kind of like Alaska, Washington DC, the Bush 43 administration, Congress, etc.
What is it about the blatant political corruption in all the US?
Sarah Palin's probably thinking, "You can sell a Senate Seat? Gosh-darn-it...now I really wish Ted Stevens had won."
The way people are wording everything so wrong its giving everyone a bad idea about Obama. What Blagojevich doesn't really involve Obama that much, just because Obama is from Illinois doesn't mean he is corrupt. Blagojevich is a disgrace to democrats all over the country. The irony to this is hilarious, I happen to be writing a report on corruption.
Philip
Mandeville, Louisiana
It's just plain sad that folks in Illinois did not see his true colors when he first ran for office. He always rubbed me the wrong way. Good riddance to him and hopefully his cronies too. Maybe George Ryan will be his cellmate. Now that would be poetic justice.
The way people are wording everything so wrong its giving everyone a bad idea about Obama. What Blagojevich doesn’t really involve Obama that much, just because Obama is affiliated with Illinois doesn’t mean he is corrupt. Blagojevich is a disgrace to democrats all over the country. The irony to this is hilarious, I happen to be writing a report on corruption.
Philip
Mandeville, Louisiana
Jack,
The issue is corrupt, greedy, politicians on all levels of society. Not just Illinois. Unfortunately, politicians feel they are untouchable. They forget they are servants of the people not the people serving them.
Jack, Im from Illinois, We are broke, no money for anything that matters to the citizens . This governor refused to live in our capitol and flew everyday to his office at a huge cost to us. He is junk and must be thrown out. Now the question how high will he sling the names of those that are involved with him and Resco. Will be shocking to some and enlightening to others.
Governor who???
I think I saw it listed on E-bay.
This is america, we buy and sell anything, why not a senate seat?
Believe it? Of course. This guy was just dumber than most, but I might suggest this goes on almost every time an important office comes available. How else could it be that Federal and State offices have become family heirlooms, passed from one rich person to another? Nothing democratic about it. It's just money.
Do I believe Blago was trying to sell O's Senate seat? Kinda looks that way. Yup, yup.
The proof was in the press conference. There's no doubt he's been shady on the sly, but luckily he got caught before it was too late.
Of course he was trying to profit from the senate seat! Everyone in Illinois knows he's up to no good.
Of course he was trying to 'sell' the Senate seat.
Even my dog Emma understands that.
Annie
Yes.
Unbelievable, for a guy thats been under investigation for as long as "Hot Rod" has, its amazing the voters of this fine state re-elected him to a second term in the first place. The worst part about it is the fact that this gives Illinois a black-eye in the minds of the rest of the nation.
I guess it is business as usual in the politics, i am sure this isnt first seat sold, and it probably wont be the last,
Of course he's guilty...is there a more corrupt state than Illinois???
Of course he was!!! As a FORMER resident of Illinois, myself and most of the state's population knew that everything in Illinois had a price tag on it where Roddy boy was concerned. The public has known about his corruption for as long as the Feds have been investigating him. This is NO surprise. Roddy boy will look good in orange.
Yes, I belive he is a full fledged crook. I believe he would say, "Don't be so formal with me as others just refer to be as the bleeping governor". He is a winner. Maybe we need to empty some prisons for the political crooks.
I wouldn't put anything past that scumbag. He's quite a piece of work.
Rob
East Peoria, IL
Say hi to O.J. for me Rod.
Yes, he was trying to sell the Senate seat - all of us in IL know/knew he is nothing but a crook. He insisted on Tollway signs that cost $15K each with his name on them, when the state sign department could have made them for $300 each. He has not spent one night in the state capitol, and abuses/misuses the State airplanes for him and his cronies.
Either Blagojevich is crazy or this is an overzealous public prosecutor. I would be interested in hearing the basis for tapping the phones of a US governor. I also want to know if the evesdroppers know the difference between "B.S." which politicians are known for, or actual law breaking intent. This charge smells Republican.
As a former Chicago resident, I believe that he was trying to sell the seat as much as I believe that the temerature here in Phoenix will be over 105 degrees every day in August. He's always tried to play with the big dogs.
I believe its apparent that he was trying to sell the seat. The only question now is, does he still have the power to elect himself to the senate?
Nah, he wasn't trying to sell it..he was trying to rent it.
Jack,
#1 problem facing the Planet .....HUMAN GREED
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely ........
I'd normally be skeptical of any indictments of Democrats coming from a Bush-appointed US attorney, but Patrick Fitzgerald has proven several times over he has integrity. Blago has to go.
Jack,
Absolutely Yes! What a loser! What a disgrace! What an idiot! It's best for him to prepare himself for the big house, cause that is where he is headed!
Daniel Ambrose,
Atlanta, GA
he was pimping it!!
Absolutely! No question in my mind! and his wife appears to have been on the call supporting this too. Why can't she be charged with something?
It doesn't surprise me none anyone with power usually abuse it!
Yes, I do believe Blagojevich tried to sell Obama's senate seat. As a resident of illinois, all i have heard are nasty things about this man. One thing he has been trying to do is close numerous state parks around where I live, due to insufficient state funds. With light of this new corruption charge, I hardly believe that is the case....he probably has it in his pocket!!! What a slime. God help us if he is allowed to choose the next senator from illinois.
leslie
peru, Iillinois
What a joke! this is a complete discrase I am ashamed to be employeed by this state yet this guys has the ball's to start a ethics comisiions when he took control after winning his first term and said publicly he was going to clean up corruption make all employees take a ethics test on tax payer time and to report employees doing wrong and yet he is shaking down everyone and there brother! cutting funds to needed project's holding up money for schools yet for him and his wife it all about them my only question is why did it take you people so long to notice hats off to fitzgerald
Gov. Blagojevich was caught selling Obama's Senate seat but why hasn't anyone bothered to investigate Bush selling out our government to his high and mighty rich friends?
Yes! I'm 80 years old and I can't remember Illinois government ever being anything different.
Sure He was Jack but the bigger question is, Whats new about that? The only difference is that the Illinois Governor did openly what the rest do under the guise of Political contributions. How someone as stupid as Banevich got elected to the Governorship is the real question. Most of Our other Thieves in Public Office use third Parties to do Their dirty work.
What are you kidding? Of course i believe it. Politics in Chicago is a full contact sport.
Heck, this is not even embarrassing, Blago got caught doing something underhanded and stupid. We get that all the time. At least he wasn't flying hookers in or tapping people feet in public bathrooms
Blago would sell his own family for his own gain. If you were from IL you would know that's no exaggeration. His father-in-law put him in office, and then he sold him down the river. This guy knows no shame. He is arrogance personified. Nobody in IL is surprised. School kids know our governor is corrupt.
If only the tables could be turned and Obama could name a new governor rather than Blago being able to name a new senator! Maybe the IL legislators will follow Durbin's suggestion and call an election for Obama's vacant senate seat to get this back into the public arena where it belongs.
In response to Steve – those of us in Central and Southern Illinois were all too aware of the antics of this Governor and the majority did NOT vote for a second term. It was the city of Chicago that voted him back into office because he has always been pro-Chicago and has ignored the rest of the State. He has never lived in the Governor's mansion in Springfield and flies back and forth when necessary at a huge cost to taxpayers.
Absolutely, he's been caught on tape and should just admit his guilt and not drag this out.
What happened to the words "abuse of power" or does that only apply to Sarah Palin. If you try to sell something you put it on ebay or craigs list and I couldn't find it on either.
Of course he was. As you can see from his quote just yesterday, the man is a pathologic liar. I realize this now, but wish I'd seen it back when he first ran for governor. Then he lied to us, the Illinois voters, when he disassociated himself from the charges that his father-in-law had been involved in some political bribery. Blagojevich should be impeached as quickly as possible.
Home: Champaign, Illinois
Absolutely because he knows that anything with Obama's name will sale like crazy.
Dear Jack, I will take him at his word! And I mean the ones that are on tape! I'm not as surprised by his corruption as his stupidity! There are many corrupt officials, but most are not so blatant about it! They are sure yo give themselves plausible deniability!! We are still finding out things about Nixon!! The problem is, the media can't keep up with the corruption!!
I don't know, but the evidence sure seems to point to that conclusion. Ask me again after the trial.
Guilty as charged As Martin Luther King said" FREE AT LAST THANK GOD ALMIGHTY WE ARE FREE AT LAST" Now get the rest of the crooks associated with him
I don’t believe one word from FBI about political charged matter. They present nothing about 9/11, Karl Rowe, tortures, Bush and Iraq war crimes. They are just part of waste right wing conspiracy. Twisting colorful words of Governor Blagojevich these aren’t even address to public is obvious break of First Amendment and Privacy. How they suppose to discriminate joke, devil’s advocate argument from soliciting bribe if nothing really happens? Rhetoric question… They do not care about justice.
I think it is very clear from reading direct quotes from Gov. Blagojevich, that he is guilty. A lifelong resident of Illinois, for years I have described this Governor as a slimy used car salesman, who would sell his own grandmother a jalopy with three wheels if there was a buck in it for him. I am saddened that this individual, has once again tarnished the image of this state.
Governor Rod Blagojevich, his chief of staff, John Harris and former Gov George Ryan are bad apples. I would dare to say that corruption is not confined to Illinois. I know of no politician who entered government who was not tempted to use their power for self-enrichment. That is just human nature.
It would seem so, based on what we are hearing from the investigators. Certainly this is an incredible example of political corruption. But worse examples have gone unchecked. Let's not forget that certain "gentlemen" in Washington, DC created a war in the Middle East, and companies in wihch they hold significant investments have profited at great human cost. Where's the outrage?
AR
Exeter, NH
Yes. What amazes me, is that this is a man who had a highly questionable record in this first term, and yet, he was re-elected. What were voters in Illinois thinking to give this sleezy guy 4 more years?
We all know about political corruption in Illinois, but this....this is beyond the pale. Rod, has perfected the "Pay to Play" idea, now and finally, it's time for Rod to pay.
One can only hope voters in Illinois will learn something from this.
No jack. i dont think he tried to sell the senate seat however i do believe now that anything is possible. how far will "they" go to Dirty Obama? to the thinking person this makes you scared it made me cringe!
I do believe he was looking to line his pockets – What a scumbag! No wonder there's a distrust of government & poiticians! I would hope he has enough of a soul deep down to resign in shame – but I doubt he does.