Illinois Gov. Removed

[screamingman12 30]

Originally posted by: manticorefan I didn't quite know where to put this, because it's germain to other threads like the political one and, in a roundabout way, to the high speed rail thread as well. But it is here.

The pick of Rep Roy LaHood (R, IL) for Trans Sec'y was a surprise. LaHood is the chairman of an asphalt trade association, meaning a lot more freeways will likely be built at the expense of rail projects. It's also a very good way to communicate with Mob contractors on state projects, contractors who paid Blago for their jobs. There are quite a few 'R's here who act just like 'D's.

LaHood is also practically joined at the hip to Bill Cellini, who was recently indicted for attempting to extort money from the producer of Million Dollar Baby.quote>

Ouch, that doesn't sound to good. Hopefully LaHood won't have that much leverage, but pretty much anyone will be better than Mary Peters. Hopefully Biden and Obama can outflank him and do most of the transit stuff. People will have to be vigilant about this.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

Oh, we're vigilant... we watch this stuff go on, but put the same corrupt people in charge. Bobby Rush (y'know, former Black Panther) was quick to defend the Gov's choice for the seat, because Burris is black. That was the only thing that mattered to Rush.

Burris is a longtime lobbyist, and that only means one thing in this state. You don't get anywhere as a lobbyist here without playing in the same sewer as the powerbrokers.

As for the LaHood appointment, what do you call 'The Machine' when in rural Illinois? The Combine. (My thanks to columnist John Kass). An excerpt from Kass' column that may help an outsider understand:

What makes Illinois politics so tasty are all the connections between Republicans and Democrats in the Combine. It's like a big bowl of linguine with the strands tangled. So the indicted Cellini has LaHood's back, and LaHood is supported by Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, and (Jimmy) DeLeo calls Rahm when he needs to, and everyone gets reform the Chicago Way. Funny, but I don't see this mentioned in the media. Nor the Cellini-DeLeo symbiosis, though Jimmy lived at Cellini's sister's house in Springfield for 15 years.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: manticorefan 

What makes Illinois politics so tasty are all the connections between Republicans and Democrats in the Combine. It's like a big bowl of linguine with the strands tangled. So the indicted Cellini has LaHood's back, and LaHood is supported by Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, and (Jimmy) DeLeo calls Rahm when he needs to, and everyone gets reform the Chicago Way. Funny, but I don't see this mentioned in the media. Nor the Cellini-DeLeo symbiosis, though Jimmy lived at Cellini's sister's house in Springfield for 15 years.

quote>

 

That just shows you what little difference  their realy is  between the partys.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

Burris is suing the IL Sec'y of State to be certified, and the US Senate may not have legal standing to refuse to seat him. A Tribune writer calls Burris "ethically challenged", and he is widely seen as a mediocre politician at best.

WGN news is reporting that more witnesses against  Blago have come forward and are being interviewed by the FBI, so Federal prosecutor Peter Fitzgerald is seeking more time before the indictment clock runs out Jan 7th. It is expected that more charges may be filed.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

A Federal judge has granted prosecutors 3 more months to indict Bouffant-evich, and some of the previously-unreleased tapes are going to be made available to the impeachment panel of the IL legislature.

Sgt.-at-arms for the US Senate Terry Gainer (former head of the IL State Police)  has said that he will use force if necessary to keep Roland Burris off the Senate floor. He also said that he has known Burris for years and expects him to 'play by the rules'.

Blago's flunky Clayton Harris III will present Burris to the Senate without the required certification by IL Sec'y of State Jesse White. It should be quite a show. The appointment isn't legal until White signs off on it.

Waiting in the wings (and no doubt breathless with anticipation) is Lt Gov Pat Quinn, who has indicated he may re-affirm the appointment of Burris once BigHairevich is tossed. This took many by surprise, as Quinn isn't usually known as the pandering type. His fellow Dems are upset, because Burris is seen as the weakest candidate for the next election cycle in 2010. They've made no secret that they believe it's tantamount to turning the seat Repub, as Burris has lost for Gov twice, and for mayor once. They feel he's unelectable, and would prove so again.

[Ntq€310 1]

It's just another Illinois Drama, really give Chicago a hand as they can really throwe a good show

[Ntq€310 1]

Ohh well a update. Burris was blocked from the senate. Though they senate used the fact that the Illinois Secretary of State didnt sign off on him. But what's more intresting is Bobby Rush Comments.

" I Believe, that if he was a non-african american then he would have gotton accepted" He said that, and some other things which basiclly accused everyone in the Senate of being Racist for not accepting burris. Which this just makes me sick, and laugh at the sametime, but this isnt the thread to go into that.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

Update...

Obama has weighed in and told the Senate to back down, as he doesn't want any clouds hanging over 'his' moment. Reid, Durbin, and the others did an about-face on their statements that Burris would never be accepted, and how no one was going to impugn the integrity of the that fine institution, blah blah blah.

The IL Legislature may vote to impeach Blago as soon as tomorrow, with the trial starting next week. The whole thing may be over very soon from the Gov's standpoint.

[Barbarossa 51]

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  Edited September 7, 2012 by Barbarossa  

[Ntq€310 1]

I believe i just heard Ried making a comment that " He works for the Senate, not obama "

But this is certianly getting intresting, as Obama is doing everything he can not to be connected, and to appear not involved, while wanting the situation overwith before his special moment. While the Senate in a defining move is refusing to, even though they have no right, to not seat burris. This is all happening while Rush is saying it's racist not to seat him lol.

Isnt this just a drama, i should get popcorn. Also everyone in Illinois wants him gone too, with a approve rating of less then 10% before then, and now nearly less then 5% afterwards........

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

Originally posted by: Barbarossa Ugh... the more I read up on this story the more I wonder how this guy has survived so long.quote>

Lots of help from lots of corrupt cronies, at every level within state gov't. Mayor Shortshanks (Daley) and Big Jimmy DeLeo were his prime backers, and their clout exceeds even Obama's in this state.

As for the Burris appointment... I don't know much about the guy. I do know that Blagojevich does technically have then right to appoint him, but the appointment is somewhat tainted. I think that the Senate should perform their duties to determine whether he should actually serve (for the record, I so far do not like Burris, namely due to his conceited, "entitled" attitude).

Barbarossaquote>

The #1 complaint I hear about Burris is that he's entitled-ish/conceited/smug, or some similar variation. I really appreciate hearing it from someone unfamiliar with him, it means we're not just imagining it.

[Barbarossa 51]

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  Edited September 7, 2012 by Barbarossa  

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: Barbarossa

Originally posted by: manticorefan

Originally posted by: Barbarossa As for the Burris appointment... I don't know much about the guy. I do know that Blagojevich does technically have then right to appoint him, but the appointment is somewhat tainted. I think that the Senate should perform their duties to determine whether he should actually serve (for the record, I so far do not like Burris, namely due to his conceited, "entitled" attitude).

Barbarossaquote>

The #1 complaint I hear about Burris is that he's entitled-ish/conceited/smug, or some similar variation. I really appreciate hearing it from someone unfamiliar with him, it means we're not just imagining it.quote>

No, you guys aren't crazy, at all.  I have been following this now, and I am increasingly disappointed in the selection of Burris.  He is a mediocre politician, at best.  He has lost many key elections and the likelihood of his being re-elected is slim.  I also think that Obama and the Senate Dems are making a mistake in favor of unjustified political expediency.  They said they would not appoint a Blagojevich nominee, but now they are.  I hear the the same thing on AM radio... "Ooh, Blagojevich sucks, he can't appoint anyone" and then "Ooh, well, he can appoint him, so we should rubber-stamp it".  Give me a break, that is such a load of BS that it is stinking up the room.  Deny his appointment, impeach Blagojevich (approved in the news, BTW, now the IL Sentate needs to act), instate the Lt Gov (don't recall the name offhand) and let the new governor appoint a replacement for Obama.  for the record, I DO NOT support a vote.  That is not the constitutional setup.

Anyhow, I want to point out that just because I supported Obama for the Presidency does not mean I think he is God's gift to America.  He was just milliard better than the alternative.

No offense, manticorefan, but I think this thread should be merged into the American Politics thread.

Barbarossaquote>

 

Did they seat him or not? Thought he didnt have a required signature from the Illinois Sec of State.

Either way the way is clear for the LT gov should appoint someone next.

Looks like they expidiated the process and Impeached him today

Blagojevich had been out jogging in his Chicago neighborhood when the House vote came down. Impeachment required just 60 votes. The final tally was 114-1. quote>

I wonder who the one was.

[Ntq€310 1]

the one was someone from chicago, forget the name. But he said he wasent picking sides, just read the report and didnt feel confortable with impeaching him....... dont know exactly why though.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

It was a South Sider, Rep. Milt Patterson (D-Chicago, 37th District). He said there wasn't enough evidence! I'd bet he has a guilty conscience and was mindful of 4 fingers pointing back at him. Just speculating based on the local political reality.

The Senate will commence setting up for the trial next week. Bouffant-evich held a press conference painting himself as a martyr, complete with disabled people to show his compassion. It was positively Clinton-esque in its shame, or lack thereof.

Burris is vowing to take his fight to the Supreme Court, the state SC gave him the go-ahead but the Senate says it's still not legal. IL Sec'y of State Jesse White is trying to stay out of it, refusing to certify Burris, but signed a letter affirming the Blago's appointment letter 'is on file'. What that means is basically nothing except that this is getting curiouser and curiouser.

My supposition is that someone of great power told White off the record that he better not certify Burris or else. That would explain why he isn't certifying Burris, even though he's black and undoubtedly under great pressure from other black politicians. It may be that White has his own gubernatorial ambitions for 2010.

Barbarossa: It wouldn't bother me too much if the mods moved it, but I figured the story might get lost in the Obamamania in the larger thread... even though this leads back to His Royal Holiness through Rahm Emanuel in particular, and some others through a web of backroom dealing.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

Well, word came down today that Burris would indeed be seated. Reid and Durbin eat their words, Obama can pretend to put this all behind him, Burris gets to put another inscription on that now-famous crypt he had built for himself, Blago gets to laugh at poking his critics in the eye with another quid pro quo (Burris did his hatchet research work on Blago's opponent in the last election among other services to the Gov), and the people of Illinois get screwed again by the machine that all these politicians feed off of.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: manticorefan Well, word came down today that Burris would indeed be seated. Reid and Durbin eat their words, Obama can pretend to put this all behind him, Burris gets to put another inscription on that now-famous crypt he had built for himself, Blago gets to laugh at poking his critics in the eye with another quid pro quo (Burris did his hatchet research work on Blago's opponent in the last election among other services to the Gov), and the people of Illinois get screwed again by the machine that all these politicians feed off of.quote>

wow. with at the media attention this has they still do the wrong thing.

 

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

BigHairevich's lawyers have decided to boycott the impeachment, (calling it a lynching), leaving him without legal representation for the proceedings. The panel has stated that it will go forth, and it was up to Blago if he wanted a lawyer there or not.

Noted mob attorney Ed Genson will still represent the Gov at his criminal trial. Genson has made several motions to have the prosecutors removed from the criminal case, based on his comments that Blago was on 'a corruption crime spree' while announcing the charges. It's considered a long shot at best, prosecutors are allowed to say such things when announcing the filing of criminal charges to the media.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

The Senate trial starts Monday, with predictions by legislators that it will be over by Thursday. Ed Genson has quit as Blago's lawyer, due to the soon-to-be ex Gov's media blitz. You may have heard, Bouffant-evich will appear on Good Morning America and The View in coming days. He hired a PR firm to handle his public front as a martyr for lower taxes.

Prosecutors revealed Friday that 34 members of Obama's staff and related organizations have been subpoenaed as part of the investigation. They will need several more months to question all those subjects and take depositions.

[Zelgadis 638]

NYTimes and Washington Post are reporting that Blago has been convicted and Pat Quinn is the new governor.

So, when's the start date for the impeachment of his hair? Or do we have to wait until it's finished hibernating?

ISF

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

Yup, I took a nap and woke up with a new Gov. His hair was impeached separately, also by a unanimous vote.

It's not over, there is still a Federal criminal trial some months away. Looks like jailed former gov George Ryan is going to have a cellmate.

This thread may go dormant now, there isn't likely to be much more to this story until late spring.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

Some surprises today as the Feds issued subpoenas for records for dozens of low-income housing developments in the Chicago area.

Someone is singing like a bird, and the FBI is listening. These include at least 2 for which some of the legal work was done by Our Fearless Leader, Obama. His strategist David Axelrod and adviser Valerie Jarrett were also previously subpoenaed, along with Daley's top lawyer and Jarrett relative Kelly King Dibble.

Tony Rezko is known to be cooperating, and his sentencing keeps getting delayed as he feeds more information to prosecutors in an effort to reduce his sentence. The web stretches from Springfield, through the Mayor's Office in Chicago, all the way to Washington.

The investigation keeps expanding into new territory, which is a good indication that someone with a lot of inside information is talking. It's my opinion that Rezko is not the only set of loose lips.

[link]     [link]    [link]

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: manticorefan Some surprises today as the Feds issued subpoenas for records for dozens of low-income housing developments in the Chicago area.

Someone is singing like a bird, and the FBI is listening. These include at least 2 for which some of the legal work was done by Our Fearless Leader, Obama. His strategist David Axelrod and adviser Valerie Jarrett were also previously subpoenaed, along with Daley's top lawyer and Jarrett relative Kelly King Dibble.

Tony Rezko is known to be cooperating, and his sentencing keeps getting delayed as he feeds more information to prosecutors in an effort to reduce his sentence. The web stretches from Springfield, through the Mayor's Office in Chicago, all the way to Washington.

The investigation keeps expanding into new territory, which is a good indication that someone with a lot of inside information is talking. It's my opinion that Rezko is not the only set of loose lips.

[link]     [link]    [link]quote>

 

Looks like the machine needs some oil.

[Ntq€310 1]

Well they've let this happend, the Chicago Machine started getting interwined, and now that one web has fallen apart it could well bring down the others.

[jon7985 3]

I told all those who voted for that jerk this would happen. Chicago mafia connections = corruption. (I mean... wow that an obvious statement. heh)Everyone shoulda voted for Jim Ryan 

I guess.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

[link]

The Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times are both reporting that Senator Roland Burris has changed his story again, and admitting that he was 'asked' for 'donations' in exchange for the seat appointment. This after he told the Senate that he wasn't! 

He also told the Gov's impeachment panel the same thing, constituting perjury. He will now probably be investigated by the state for perjury, and if the Senate leaders have the guts to admit they were flimflammed, they will start their own investigation. 

Trust me people, there are no honest politicians in this state, and especially not from Chicago. Not one. Sending them to Washington just further corrupts Washington, if that's possible.

[Ntq€310 1]

The only thing im worried about is that it seems chicago is expanding on the national political scene....

[Barbarossa 51]

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  Edited September 7, 2012 by Barbarossa  

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

As has been thoroughly pointed out here in Chicago, Obama pressured the Senate to accept Burris. Some Dems are privately worried that it could come back to bite him when the whole truth is told, if it ever is.

Several Dems knew about Burris' perjury weeks ago, but sat on it to get his vote for the porkulus package. Once it passed, the affidavit in question was suddenly discovered in a desk drawer, or some such story. That wasn't a local idea.

Originally posted by: Ntq$310 The only thing im worried about is that it seems chicago is expanding on the national political scene....quote>

Nationally? The incredibly falsified figures in the bid for the 2016 Olympics submitted by Daley make Chicago corruption an international problem. He didn't even include the payoff amounts from Outfit-run concessions and contractors in the numbers; but that's his money, not the Olympic Committee's. The last poll I saw 2 days ago ran 4-1 against the games. Daley and his cronies are the only ones who want the games here, and are the only ones who will profit off of them.