Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

New Indi — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:25:29 GMT

The Department of Justice alleges that in exchange for the Senate appointment, Blagojevich discussed obtaining:

a substantial salary for himself at either a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions;
placing his wife on paid corporate boards where he speculated she might garner as much as $150,000 a year;
promises of campaign funds — including cash up front;
a cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself.

AND.....

As reported in First Read: Blagojavich likes Jackson......

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Colleen, Ithaca, NY — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:25:57 GMT

What in the sam hell is the matter with these people? Obama needs to make a very strong statement against this kind of corruption and pledge a zer-tolerance policy towards those who would abuse the public trust. What a freakin' nightmare!

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Denise, Lansing — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:27:59 GMT

Illinois politicians...right out of one massive cesspool of corruption.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:28:52 GMT

Justice must be served at all costs, and no one is above the law. Governor Blagojevich appears to have made a bad choice, and his "greed" issues seem severe. The Governor is innocent until proven guilty however, his arrest may end his future in politics. Justice must be equal for everyone, or it means nothing. That is fact!

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

the Pajama Pundit — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:30:41 GMT

No doubt that the charges don't help the image of Chicago politics.
*****************************************************

Nothing can make Chicago politics look worse. Granted this doesn't HELP, but things have always looked bad there.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Jeff D Evanston IL. — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:30:51 GMT

this is Jeff from Evanston IL. and i knew this would happen. when barack won the election i asked my wife, now can we trust the governer to do the right thing and pick some on with out getting any thing for it, well america the answer is NO!! tanny duckworth, jesse jr. danny davis or jan S. Blagojevich your are just stupid!!! they have been looking at you for 3 or 4 years, why would you try something like this, when you know the feds are LOOKING at you. i just don't know whats up with being governer of Illinois, it seem like they serve for a while and then go to jail, this time the governer was still in office. in the past the had the decency to be out of office before the went to prison.
what a shame!!!!
please post

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Jesse, Champaign — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:31:13 GMT

it's about time

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

CSJ Colorado — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:31:50 GMT

Blago has always been a shady person. Democrats or republicans if they break the law, they need to go to prison. We have the biggest crook in the White House and all of his rich buddies, I just hope that he gets pay backs. Bush will go down as the worst president in history.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:31:58 GMT

Man what is with Illinois Governors? Can't the good people of Illinois find any honest ones to vote for? What a total jerk Blagojevich is if he really did try to sell Obama's Senate seat. If he's guilty then he should pay for it with prison time.

The one thing missing from this article was who would replace him if he resigns or is forced out by impeachment. I hope anotyher Demcorat is in line to replace him rather than allowing the repugnant ones to pick up a governorship for cheap without ever earning it the way they did in Arizona as Napolitano gets promoted up to help Obama.

Hopefully FR will answer this question by adding an update as to who is the likey successor.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Jail Time — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:32:01 GMT

Of course, the elephant in the room here was that Blagojevich was talking with 'people' and maneuvering to get a cabinet position or an ambassadorship. Now, who makes those appointments?

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Nj — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:32:31 GMT

We knew The Economy was bad but WOW.
I guess he needed the money???

What an IDIOT

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Mike in Illinois — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:34:26 GMT

As a life long Illinois resident, I say Blago has nothing to worry about. Even if he is convicted and sentenced to prison, our illustrious Senator Durbin will go to bat for him. Durbin is currently making every effort to spring George Ryan from the pen. Seems Durbin is somewhat offended that a politician would actually be punished for his crimes. The gall of those 12 people on that jury, to actually sit in judgment of the honorable George Ryan! I can't help wondering what Durbin stands to gain, if Ryan is released. Maybe Ryan promised Durbin some blood money. More likely, Durbin wants to make a stand so someone will help him out, should the Feds catch up to him.

It's interesting that Durbin cannot find one private citizen in an Illinois prison, who is also worthy of mercy. Apparently, George "Get your red hot drivers licenses for sale" Ryan is the only Illinois inmate worthy of compassion.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Nj — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:34:31 GMT

Who is Second in command in Ill???
Have The Senate make the choice or Obama Himself

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Dirtrich Towns, Morris IL — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:36:40 GMT

This is how blatant corruption is in Illinois. A sitting governor being nearly public about pay-to-play politics. Illinois politics is nothing but a cess-pool of grime from top to bottom. That includes Obama. You do not get anywhere in Illinois politics without "paying your dues".

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Richie Daley, Chicago — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:38:46 GMT

Eric - Salinas Ca -- Can't the good people of Illinois find any honest ones to vote for?

We tried, but then we just ended up voting for Obama.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

OBAMA BECOMING A FREAKIN' DISGRACE ALREADY ... — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:39:10 GMT

HEADLINES FROM DRUDGE REPORT - 12/9 AM

Illinois Gov. taken into custody......

Senate selection process investigated...

Federal probe widens to Obama's vacant seat...

'A fu**ing valuable thing, you just don't give it away for nothing'...

Wiretaps: 'I Want To Make Money'...

FITZMAS: Plame Leak Prosecutor Turns Attention on Obama's Home State, Rezko...
-----------------------------------------------------

CROOK COUNTY: GOVERNOR, YOU'RE UNDER ARREST !

WHAT A FREAKIN' DISGRACE OBAMA IS BECOMING --- ALREADY!

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Michael Furlong, Long Island, NY — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:40:36 GMT

Obama became senator and now president because of this guy, we should have new election for president!

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:41:26 GMT

Clearly IL has some really bad luck in choosing governors. Do they just get the leftovers from the rest of the country?

42 Days Until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Lenore — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:43:15 GMT

It's amazing that he already knew he was under investigation, he already knew he was likely about to be indicted, and yet that didn't stop him from trying to sell the Senate seat.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Reggie — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:43:21 GMT

Who would appoint the replacement if he's impeached or forced to resign without appointing anyone?

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Jeff, IL — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:45:30 GMT

Why post a comment about Bush being a bad president for an article about the IL democratic governor getting arrested for corruption and bribery rather than acting in the best interest of his state or country? Where do you think the next president is coming from? Do you really think it's going to be any different in IL or the US anytime soon?

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Reality Bites — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:47:25 GMT

hope anotyher Demcorat is in line to replace him rather than allowing the repugnant ones to pick up a governorship for cheap without ever earning it the way they did in Arizona as Napolitano gets promoted up to help Obama.
----------------------------------------------------
Yeah! Whoever picks up the seat needs to EARN it-like Caroline Kennedy might EARN her seat.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Bob Smith, Mypostsnevermakeit, here — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:47:29 GMT

I am sure Obama is the one and only Illinois politician that has ever escaped the coruption that utterly permeates all of Illinois politics. I am pretty sure.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Denise — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:48:30 GMT

Obama needs to make a very strong statement against this kind of corruption and pledge a zer-tolerance policy towards those who would abuse the public trust
------------------------------------------------------
He can't. Without this system, he never would have come to power himself. Can't very well criticize the very machine that served him.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

kbill, Kensington MD — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:49:58 GMT

This is a bombshell, but if you read the 12 page summary of the complaint it is clear that none of Blagojevich's discussions or schemes involved Obama or his transition team. On page 8, the summary states that:

"In a conversation with Harris (his chief of staff), the charges state, Blagojevich said he knew that the President elect wanted Senate Candidate 1 for the open seat but 'they're not willing to give me anything but appreciation. [Expletive] them.'

The summary goes on to state that Blago later turned to Senate candidate 5 in an effort to raise campaign funds from a prominent fundraiser.

Blago is obviously crooked and, given that he must have known he was under investigation, not the sharpest stick in the bunch. But it seems to me that much of the complaint against him draws a very fine line between politics as usual, e.g. expecting political favors for a political favor, and criminal behavior in the sense of asking for personal cash. There is some of the latter, but most of the complaint is focused on the former.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Dookie — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:50:02 GMT

But I thought it was only Republicans who were corrupt…you know the whole "Culture of Corruption" tagline that the Dems ran on. Hmmm…must be a mistake or some vast right wing conspiracy.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

eagle1776 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:51:51 GMT

No matter the party if they break the law they need to be punished. The people of Illinois should vet their governors a bit better, so it seems.

This will probably make it much more difficult to name a replacement for Illinois' junior Senator.

Some how they will work it out.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:52:25 GMT

The good news is he got arrested. Here's to no more looking the other way ever again with these politicians, regardless of party.

See ya.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Indie Woman in Denver — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:52:57 GMT

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Jane, former Illinoisian — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:53:24 GMT

The sad thing is, he was elected for a 2nd time. Stupid human tricks!!! Throw the bum out!!!

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:53:42 GMT

It is almost unbelievable that anyone could be this stupid. He knew he was under federal investigation, so why would it not occur to you that you are being tapped. Obviously this guy is so screwed up, he doesn't even think what he was doing is wrong. I think this is why Obama is so determined to fight back against lobbyists and special interests. Obviously normal business practices of politicians in Chicago is full of corruption. But I still have no doubts that Obama has been the exception to this rule.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

john doe, seattle, wash — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:55:32 GMT

stop the hate

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Nashville_fan — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:57:12 GMT

Someone would have to be a pretty big idiot to brazenly attempt to sell a Senate seat when they know they are already under investigation for corruption.

If these charges are true, then this dummy deserves whatever he gets.

Just regretable that the good people of Illinois would have to waste money on a trial.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:03:27 GMT

There is no difference between Illinois politics and Washington. Crooks just seem to show up,why ?follow the money trail. There is one difference,the crooks in Washington just take our money and hand it out to there friends.No masks,no teller note,no guns,no over site.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Karl, Michigan City, IN — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:04:45 GMT

Special comment for KO:

Hang that Mission Accomplished banner back up at the FBI. Obama finally got some pigeon crap on his suit.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Anomaly — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:07:39 GMT

If he did it, then throw him out, or in jail, or whatever. But before republicans start gloating, let's also turn our attention to all the criminals on the other side of the aisle. Oh, like no one ever paid or took a dime for a favor among republicans. Paging Ted Stevens, just to name one.

It's time to clean it up. All of it.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Chase Sumners, Rockford IL — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:11:49 GMT

But I still have no doubts that Obama has been the exception to this rule.

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 10:53 AM)

How very naive you are. In Illinois, they call it The Combine. The pay-to-play club that you need to belong to else you don't get anything, and you don't go anywhere. The corruption in Illinois the swirls around Obama will make the Arkansas corruption that dogged Bill and Hillary look like an afternoon tea.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Reno Will — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:13:41 GMT

It's not just in Illinois or NY or Louisiana. It's everywhere, every state has had its' share of corrupt sleeze-bag politicians...democrat and republican. The way to deal with it is with severe punishment. Violating the public trust should be regarded as being as low as a pedophile.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Michele Oehlerking, Hawthorn Woods, Il. — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:13:42 GMT

The people of Illinois get exactly what they asked for TWICE. We knew about these allegations and voted this man into the most important job in our state.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Ben Begonia — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:16:58 GMT

Blago should have been in jail a long time ago...

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Jails Are for Democrats — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:17:50 GMT

I agree that the Lt Gov (or whoever's second in command in IL) should make the appt, and it needs to be made SOON because Barack has already resigned. I'd like to see Jackson get it, but it's up to IL.

However, I'm NOT with a few of the others who seem to think IL is the only state in the union with corruption. Life simply isn't as simple as y'all like to portray it.

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 10:52 AM)

Jesse Jackson Jr. is more then likey one of the ones that was attempting to buy the Senate seat. That is illegal. Just as illegal as the Governor trying to sell the seat. Several other very prominent Democrats and very liberal polititians were also bidding on the seat. That is illegal. They too will be charged at some point and they too will also go to jail. A lot of Illinois US House members that were up for the job are talking to their lawyers today, more then likey on how to cut a deal.

Illinois is by no means the only corrupt state in the union. NJ, NY and Louisiana come to mind. But Illinois is by far the most corrupt state in the union, maybe the most corrupt ever.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:19:05 GMT

Obama became senator and now president because of this guy, we should have new election for president!
Michael Furlong, Long Island, NY
******************************************************
What an assinine statement (once again). He has (had) NOTHING to do with Obama winning the presidency; AMERICA chose Obama (much to you dismay). Thee is something about the governorship here in Illinois that breds corruption.....from BOTH parties. Obama distanced himself from Blagojevich during the campaign because Blagojevich has been under investigation for several years now. This juts shows what kind of ego Blagojevich has; he KNEW the Feds were watching him and he does something this stupid! Stupid, corrupt politicians SHOULD go to jail. The top two that should be warming a cell are Bush and Cheney, but we won't see that happen. Leave Obama out of this; just because he's from Illinois doesn't make him in the sack with Blagojevich. Obama is much smarter than Blagojevich. I hope they put Blagojevich in the cell right beside George Ryan.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

john mccain — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:19:09 GMT

You can't blame the republicans for this "dirty trick". Expect much of the same in Washington for the next four years with the Clintons unable to remove themselves from the public spigot.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Jo Midwest, IL — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:20:00 GMT

Just another IL politician getting caught with his hands in the cookie jar ! Get use to it america just elected one for four years !

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

samtherealamerican — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:20:04 GMT

Obama became senator and now president because of this guy, we should have new election for president!
Michael Furlong, Long Island, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 09, 2008 10:40 AM)

Yeah he's the reason Obama won Va., NC., In, and Fl.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

marty,columbia,s.c. — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:21:24 GMT

No problem here. Try him and throw him in jail. We have all had enough of this corruption. Enough. Looks like its in Black and White. I love to see these folks go down, Republican or Democratic. I was happy to see Jefferson go down also. now he need to be tried and go to jail. Send them all to Jail.
marty

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Marcus D., Chicago — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:22:17 GMT

I'm in Chicago today and everyone is making the connection with Obama, on the street and on the radio, and on TV. They are saying more things are to come out of this that will reflect badly. The governor is going to spill the beans.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Paula Holliday Beaumont, TX — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:26:11 GMT

Innocent until proven guilty aside, with the buzz about Frost/Nixon in the air, and reawakenings about Watergate, following Alaska almost re-electing a convicted felon, and now a second Illinois governor in jail, we shudder hearing the word 'wiretapping' back in the news, under the watch of our 'urban cowboy' president's FBI. All we look forward to is the frat boy coming back to Texas. All so depressing. And the politicians blame the media for the national erosion of ethics?

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Jim, Tampa, FL — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:27:41 GMT

If anyone is naive enough to think that this newest example of political corruption in Illinois does not at a minimum tarnish Obama's election, then I have the proverbial bridge to sell that person. Hasn't anyone ever heard the old adage from the elder Mayor Daley days about voting "early and often"? Do you think that's a random joke or urban legend? Ironically, it was elder Mayor Daley who helped "rehabilitate" his friend Thomas Ayers' [CEO of Con Ed Illinois] son Bill after he emerged from hiding. And there's nothing fishy about Ayers hosting a campaign party for Obama's state senatorial bid? Listen, I hope I'm wrong in such an insinuation, I really do, because our country cannot have a political scandal at this critical moment. But will you open your eyes?? By the way, how does a Democratic state governor's attempt to sell a U.S. Senate appointment have anything to do with President Bush, you haters?

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Rick, NC — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:29:28 GMT

I see the republican do gooders are out in farce this morning...they were silent during abramoff, larry craig and mark foley but let a crooked democrat show up and it gets their rightwingnut blood boiling...of course they still don't serve in their wars

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Pete — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:31:03 GMT

Immeaurably Ridiculous.

And OF COURSE, everyone will try to pin this on Obama despite Blago being recorded complaining otherwise.

Pure arrogance.

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

KYJurisDoctor — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:31:24 GMT

I guess you can say that the Blagojevich's "chicken" has "come home to roost".

Just like in a lot of states, voters in Illinois are getting EXACTLY what they deserve or want.

Maybe, now they can be serious about who they vote into office, and rather than coveting corruption, voters can pay attention to seekers of elective office who SHUN corruption! OsiSpeaks.com

Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested

Michael, Midland, Tx — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:33:38 GMT

Keith on Countdown made a statement some time ago, I think it goes like this, "Mom why did daddy go to jail". Look toward the future, there probably be more indictments from the current economic downturn relating to men/women in power. But like leaders of the past they will just cover for each other or pardon them.