POLITICS

‘A Senate Seat on Ebay’

Inside the case against Illinois Gov. Blagojevich

By Dirk Johnson | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Dec 9, 2008 | Updated: 6:58  p.m. ET Dec 9, 2008

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  • Posted By: Discernment @ 01/03/2009 8:17:36 PM

    THE PLOT THICKENS . . .

    Recent report has it that U.S. Senate Chairman & Democrat Harry Reid was also caught on U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's wiretaps trying to pressure Gov. Rod Blagojevich 'NOT' to pick Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., Congressman Danny Davis, and Illinois State Legislative Senate President Emil Jones (whom are all Black) to fill President-Elect Obama's U.S. Senate seat.

    This is interesting for two reasons:

    [1.] - The only three Blagojevich picks Democratic Senator Harry Reid objected to were all Black, and keep in mind Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones happen to be Obama's political Godfather.

    [2.] - Senator Harry Reid was initially a Hillary Clinton supporter and endorsed her during the Dem. Primaries, , , (no problem) , , , but was reluctantly slow to rally around the eventual Democratic nominee President-Elect Obama.

    Break out the popcorn, stay tuned, this is getting juicer . . .

    • Posted By: archmsu @ 01/09/2009 4:28:33 PM

      This isn't about race.......only black folks are making this a race issue (typical). Roland Burris is a moron, who's only care in the world is.... Roland Burris

      • Posted By: 40YearR @ 01/09/2009 6:14:47 PM

        To suggest that only blacks make race an issue is a rather illuminating commentary on you.

  • Posted By: Benefete @ 01/08/2009 8:54:13 PM

    Its been a month and still nothing but rheteroric from the prosecutor who puts a lot out to the press but with all the politicians having already convicted Blagojevich it make one wonder what is really going on here.

    • Posted By: 40YearR @ 01/09/2009 6:12:55 PM

      You want a prosecutor who when he pulls the trigger the target is blown to smithereens. Be patient. Fitzgerald will mince him.

  • Posted By: archmsu @ 01/09/2009 4:55:39 PM

    Is Bobby Rush retarded?

  • Posted By: archmsu @ 01/09/2009 4:26:47 PM

    After living in downtwon Chicago for 5 years i've learned that the people of Chicago are good folks but they are very self-consumed and lazy when it comes to politics. Frankly, it's laughable how stupid they are. Why else would they reelect Daley all those times? He's a crook and a horrible business manager, his only solution to economic problems in the city is to raise taxes. The whole political system in that state is in shambles, everything is based on race and political kick-backs. If they let Roland Burris slide through...they deserve everthing they get! Nothing! How does Roland Burris sleep at night knowing he could be Senator without an election, what a scum bag. Then again, have any you heard about his tombstone? "Trail Blazer," what a sick joke. I guess you can flash anything shining in front of black people and they'll do what ever you want!

  • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 12/10/2008 7:03:29 AM

    Only one thing to say........

    I TOLD YA'LL SO...Godd buddy Tony has a new playmate....soon to be joined by The False One...hahahaha

    NOBAMA!!!

    anyone have a spare birth certificate??? Hussein can't seem to find his.....

    • Posted By: joe_mama @ 12/10/2008 7:41:32 AM

      you told us the governor of illinois was crooked?

      dang, you're good

      JM

      • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 12/10/2008 2:14:37 PM

        you are correct...I most certainly am. And yes I informed the obamamohammed Newsweak crew that Hussein's Gov was sunk....as is the False One...just a matter of time.

        At least good buddy Tony will have some familiar playmates....FYI...Feds HAVE subpoenaed Rezko/Obama mortgage records (100% TRUE)...wonder whats up with that? AND why doesn't MSM report it? Probably afraid of being blackballed from the inauguration parties...I hear Hussein is providing the primo dope...wouldn't want to miss that.....

        Allah Akbar ya'll

        NOBAMA!!!

        • Posted By: Kaelinda @ 12/26/2008 5:19:04 PM

          Do you think you're being "cute" by referring to Obama using only his middle name, trying to associate him with the Islamists (not the Muslims) who are trying to destroy America? Just because his father was a Muslim and gave Obama a Muslim name, and Barack went to 4th grade in a Muslim school DOESN'T mean he is indoctrinated in the extreme fanaticism of the Islamists. If you are an example of Christianity, then no wonder thinking people reject your religion. You give the entire religion a very bad name. Perhaps that's what makes you happy.

    • Posted By: Yuseff @ 12/10/2008 1:13:01 PM

      Sure I'll go to the Hawaii Department of Records and dig up an officially certified copy of Obama's to lend to you.

  • Posted By: Scrantonian @ 12/20/2008 10:07:02 AM

    As a high school English teacher about to begin teaching Shakespeare's Macbeth, I want to thank Gov. Blagojevich for making my job easier this year. We always look for connections between the literature that we read and the world around us, and the parallels between this husband and wife team and Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are just uncanny. I ouldn't have scripted it any better.

  • Posted By: Skypoint @ 12/09/2008 9:05:20 PM

    Resuck, the editor here isn't working, but in a word....

    Learn to read. I equated his level of common sense. Do you have a problem with understanding that, or are you just naturally illiterate?

    • Posted By: jimbo3800 @ 12/09/2008 10:01:37 PM

      Sky, are you and Pia still an item? Doesn't seem so lately...
      Or did she dump you?
      I'm just curious because I think she's got it goin' on in a big way.

      Inquiring minds want to know...

      • Posted By: Skypoint @ 12/09/2008 10:06:17 PM

        Why does your "inquiring mind" want to know?

        • Posted By: jimbo3800 @ 12/09/2008 10:10:34 PM

          Just trying to get the lay of the land and plot my strategy.
          You might say I have a taste for Italian...

          • Posted By: Skypoint @ 12/09/2008 10:15:42 PM

            No offense, Jimbo, but but you really should be doing stand up.

            • Posted By: jimbo3800 @ 12/09/2008 10:32:47 PM

              A dish of hot, steamy Italian...

              • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 12/19/2008 9:10:13 AM

                Jimbo, I will speak for myself here since your comments are about me. If you mean to compliment me, I don't see it as a compliment. I am no "dish." I'm a respectable person.

          • Posted By: Skypoint @ 12/09/2008 10:28:08 PM

            BTW, you go ahead and "plot' all you want. She could surprise me, but this one has way too much class for you....

            • Posted By: jimbo3800 @ 12/09/2008 10:33:45 PM

              You may just be in for some surprises, sport.

              • Posted By: Skypoint @ 12/09/2008 10:38:39 PM

                I wouldn't hold my breath... but you go ahead and give it your best shot. lol

    • Posted By: Repubssuck @ 12/10/2008 11:45:53 AM

      Nothing comes naturally with me.

      • Posted By: Horrible Bastard @ 12/10/2008 12:49:31 PM

        Oh, look. The ASCII troll is back.

        Hi, Rocky!

        • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 12/10/2008 2:45:13 PM

          No, Rocky is not the troll.

          • Posted By: Rocky2001 @ 12/10/2008 2:54:28 PM

            Back in the day...I woke up with some pretty wild Troll hair!!

        • Posted By: Rocky2001 @ 12/10/2008 12:59:06 PM

          Strictly Binary....and Howdy!!

  • Posted By: Jimors @ 12/11/2008 4:33:28 PM

    After reading the entire complaint it appears many more defendants are yet to be named. My first perusal indicates:The First Lady, toast. JJ Jr, toast. FoB fundraisers, toast. What I see as unfortunate is that most of the FBI's witnesses and information sources are other criminals that will get reduced sentences for doing the right thing now. DRASTIC reductions. In one case possible probation instead of 16 years in federal prison!

    • Posted By: 40YearR @ 12/16/2008 1:42:30 AM

      Thank you for reading it. I will now. Sad but true, the need for evidence sometimes means witnesses have leverage or their cooperation is suffiently valuabe for the larger issues and crimes in a case. Unfortunately, prosecutors have concluded that it is necessary in numerous cases but with good results. I was glad that other bad guys got deals to help OJ to get his. All and all, there is a tremdous amount of good news in that complaint. LIke that Fitzgerald's style. Exceptional.

  • Posted By: Opinionated1 @ 12/11/2008 12:07:23 PM

    Yes, the IIllinois Governor was caught red handed. Even though he had not taken money YET, he did something even more unscrupulous......he withheld money for a children's hospital in return for a $50K campaign donation from its CEO. The money was already allocated for them in the amount of $8M, but because the CEO had not given the Gov. a "contribution", the unsigned grant just sat on the Gov's desk in wait for money. So the Senate seat was not the only issue. His hands are dirty all the way around, all by himself......

  • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 12/12/2008 1:13:12 PM

    This guy had the nerve to ask if his arrest was a joke! Loser.

    • Posted By: Rocky2001 @ 12/12/2008 1:40:48 PM

      Damn Repigs!! Oh wait...My Bad!! LOL!!

      • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 12/12/2008 2:38:48 PM

         

        • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 12/12/2008 6:08:11 PM

          Are you an in-the-closet Rep??? Hmmm???

          • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 12/15/2008 2:57:33 PM

            And what about you Mr whatisreal? Hmmm?

        • Posted By: Rocky2001 @ 12/12/2008 3:19:00 PM

          Careful...Harry is going to be so mad at you!!

  • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 12/12/2008 6:20:06 PM

    Where did that guy get that hair, is it a wig?

    • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 12/15/2008 2:56:13 PM

      Now, now, whatis, you're a sweet guy, so let's be nice....the poor man is probably going bald...like my dad.

  • Posted By: Repubssuck @ 12/10/2008 11:12:14 AM

    Omaar, Spitzer is a Democrat but I think the prostitutes he was banging were Republicans. 9 out of 10 Republican women say they prefer Democrat lovers. 1 out of 10 prefer a lover from the independent party.

    • Posted By: Rocky2001 @ 12/10/2008 11:30:07 AM

      Speaking from personal Experience....No doubt....LOL!!!

      • Posted By: Repubssuck @ 12/10/2008 11:44:20 AM

        If you're speaking of women republicans, i must say yes. I draw the line though at Mary Matelin, Ann Coulter and Bay Buchanan. All three of them have red marks on their bodies from guys touching them with Ten foot poles.

        • Posted By: jimbo3800 @ 12/13/2008 5:55:03 PM

          Ann Coulter is hot. No 10 foot poles needed there.

        • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 12/10/2008 11:55:23 AM

          R-I forgot to ask..don't you think Bay is really Pat dressed in women's clothing?

          • Posted By: Repubssuck @ 12/10/2008 12:14:05 PM

            ouch!

            • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 12/10/2008 12:33:43 PM

              Ouch for who? Although he knows his stuff, Pat can be a dope and a wuss. I will never forget how he kept praising Sarah Palin's shallow performance at the debate with Joe Biden. He only did it because he was told to do that! It nauseated me.

              • Posted By: Repubssuck @ 12/10/2008 1:23:10 PM

                ouch for Bay.It can't be good for a woman to be mistaken for a man. I think Pat is a little taller.

            • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 12/10/2008 12:40:26 PM

              I'm joking about Bay. Her skin is looks too soft to be a man. As for Pat, he does know his politics but he can be wimp at times. I still can't get past the praises he gave Sarah Palin on MSNBC over her shallow debate performance against Joe Biden. Pat was drooling..he really looked ridiculous but we all know he only did this because he was ordered to do it to make Palin look good! Btw, replied to your going fishing post below.

        • Posted By: Rocky2001 @ 12/10/2008 11:56:37 AM

          I wasn;t judging....just asking!! LOL!!

        • Posted By: Pia1981 @ 12/10/2008 11:50:18 AM

          LOL!

    • Posted By: Omaar @ 12/10/2008 6:00:49 PM

      I meant Republican Senate chasing Jack Ryan...


      CHICAGO (AP) Republican Senate candidate Jack Ryan pressured his wife, actress Jeri Lynn Ryan, to have sex in clubs while others watched, she charged in custody documents related to their divorce that were released Monday.

      The ``Boston Public'' and ``Star Trek: Voyager'' actress said she angered Ryan by refusing. She did acknowledge infidelity on her part, which she said took place after their marriage was irretrievably broken.

      In the documents Ryan denied the allegations, saying he had been ``faithful and loyal'' to his wife.

      In a news conference held after the documents were released, Ryan repeatedly refused to comment on the allegations, saying his response in the court papers spoke for itself and that he would not discuss them again.

      ``It's not helpful for my son or for she or me to reopen this allegations,'' Ryan said. ``I am sticking by the exact things I said five years ago.''

      While Ryan has spent time in recent days attempting to shore up support among the party leadership, one Republican member of the Illinois congressional delegation called for Ryan to withdraw as a candidate.

      U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, said Ryan needs to quit the campaign for the good of himself, his family and his party.

      ``There's no way the people of Illinois are going to countenance this behavior from a Senate candidate from the Republican Party,'' LaHood said.

      Ryan said he had no plans to withdraw.

      ``My intention is to stay in the race,'' he said.

      Earlier Monday, former Gov. Jim Edgar said he had talked to Ryan about the documents and was satisfied that they contained nothing ``monumental'' and ``we ought to move on.''

      But after the documents were released, an aide said Edgar had not been given a full description of what was in the divorce files.

      Ryan told the governor nothing about the allegation of visiting sex clubs and pressuring Jeri Ryan to have sex in public, said spokesman Eric Robinson. The version Ryan presented to Edgar was limited to visiting one Paris nightclub that turned out to be so ``avante garde'' that the couple felt uncomfortable and left, he said.

      • Posted By: joe_mama @ 12/10/2008 7:27:16 PM

        Dude,

        Have you SEEN Jeri Ryan????

        If it were me, I'd be on stage performing WITH HER while others watched!

        Schwiiiing!

        :)
        JM

  • Posted By: whatisreal? @ 12/12/2008 6:05:20 PM

    What a freakshow!

  • Posted By: asplupa @ 12/12/2008 11:38:36 AM

    Hopefully, this new round of charges will stick and put Blagojevich behind bars. He will leave a legacy. Future politicans who commit disgusting acts of corruption will be likened to Blagojevich.

  • Posted By: nealinthailand @ 12/11/2008 11:15:07 AM

    if the political position is a congressman then there has to be a special election held but for senators they are allowed to be "appointed". most states laws give that power to the governor of that state. He can appoint anyone that he sees fit. in alaska the governor appointed his daughter a few years ago.

  • Posted By: jbz7879 @ 12/11/2008 10:28:39 AM

    i am sure barak is not just a wise man but also a fighter and he will overcome all these trials and tribulations just as he worked himself from a virtual unknown face to the status of president even when the media WAS OPENLY SUPPORTING MRS CLINTON AS THE FAVE ,

    theytry another dirty trick

    • Posted By: Rocky2001 @ 12/11/2008 10:43:40 AM

      Must all be racists!! LOL!!

  • Posted By: sundevilgirl @ 12/11/2008 10:29:35 AM

    Can someone please tell me, and the majority of the US population, what the standard procedures are for filling Senate/ other political spots once they are vacated as a result of a presidential election? I find it hard to believe that there aren't any procedures or written up rules for each state or even just nationally regarding how the spots are filled. I've read several articles on this topic, and every writer seems to be so caught up in the "he said, she said" of the scandal that no one is telling us how this process should happen if there were a moral, responsible Governor in charge instead of this idiot Blagojevich.

  • Posted By: sundevilgirl @ 12/11/2008 10:29:20 AM

    Can someone please tell me, and the majority of the US population, what the standard procedures are for filling Senate/ other political spots once they are vacated as a result of a presidential election? I find it hard to believe that there aren't any procedures or written up rules for each state or even just nationally regarding how the spots are filled. I've read several articles on this topic, and every writer seems to be so caught up in the "he said, she said" of the scandal that no one is telling us how this process should happen if there were a moral, responsible Governor in charge instead of this idiot Blagojevich.

  • Posted By: Rocky2001 @ 12/11/2008 10:25:38 AM

    Lets see if the press does it's job....

  • Posted By: jbz7879 @ 12/11/2008 10:17:26 AM

    IT IS BOTH PERPLEXING AND AMAZING
    how they st up trials and tribulations for barack even before his inauguration

    does that not say a lot for them

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