CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) - Key Illinois Democratic legislators are circulating a letter urging support for the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested this week on federal corruption charges relating in part to the selection of President-elect Barack Obama's successor as a U.S. senator.
State Rep. John Fritchey, head of the House Civil Judiciary Committee, sent out the letter Thursday asking Democratic colleagues to say by Friday whether they support a move for impeachment and would like to be added as a co-sponsor of legislation.
"Faced with a significant budget shortfall, a national recession, and a vacant United States Senate seat, we cannot afford to allow Illinois to operate without effective leadership in the (Illinois) executive branch," said the
letter, also signed by Reps. Thomas Holbrook, David Miller and James Brosnahan.
"Simply put, it is imperative to replace Governor Blagojevich as soon as is practicable."
The letter said the impeachment filing was being prepared, and the lawmakers said they expected the process - the state House would bring charges against Blagojevich and he would be tried by the state Senate - would take "a matter of weeks rather than months."
The lawmakers' move coincided with increasing calls for Blagojevich's resignation.
President-elect Barack Obama called again Thursday for Blagojevich to step down, saying the embattled governor can no longer effectively serve the people of Illinois.
"I hope that the governor himself comes to the conclusion that he can no longer effectively serve and that he does resign," Obama said, speaking ahead of announcing his pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.
Obama said he was as "appalled and disappointed as anyone" by the allegations against the Democratic governor, and said he was confident none of his staff members were involved in the alleged scandal.
Federal officials said Blagojevich was looking to sell or trade Obama's now open seat in the U.S. Senate.
Obama said he had never spoken to the governor on the subject, adding he was confident that "no representatives of mine would have any part of any deals related to this seat."
He had asked his staff to gather the facts of any contacts with the governor's office about the vacancy, he said.
"This Senate seat does not belong to any politician to trade. It belongs to the people of Illinois, and they deserve the best possible representation," he said. "They also deserve to know that any vacancy will be filled in an appropriate way so that whoever is sent to Washington is going to be fighting for the people of Illinois."
Earlier Thursday, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said she is prepared to go to the Illinois Supreme Court to have Blagojevich declared unfit to serve if he does not resign.
"Obviously the easiest way for us to move on in the state of Illinois is for Gov. Blagojevich to do the right thing for the people and to resign," she told CNN's "American Morning."
She added, "If he fails to, the two other options are obviously the legislature moving forward on impeachment, or I have the opportunity to actually go to our Illinois Supreme Court and ask them to declare, basically, that our governor is unable to serve," she said.
In that case, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn would become acting governor, she said.
Madigan said she won't wait "terribly long" to take action.
"We would like a signal from the legislature if they're going to move forward on impeachment proceedings. ... I think there are obviously numerous members of the legislature calling for impeachment proceedings," she said, noting that the legislature, which is currently adjourned, will meet Monday to discuss the possibility of holding special election for Obama's successor.
Fritchey, in the letter to Democratic lawmakers, commended Madigan's willingness to initiate that procedure, but said "both the duration as well as the outcome of such a proceeding are inherently uncertain and speculative."
"We would also note the comments of the Attorney General indicating her support of impeachment proceedings as an appropriate course of action at this time," the letter said.
From CNN Politics
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The guy's a scumbag and so is his wife.
IF Obama is lying about any involvement, watch for the "Governor" to suddenly hang himself (Clinton style) in jail!
Wouldn't it be better FIRST to call a special election for that Senate seat, THEN to deal with impeachment? The Senate seat is very time-sensitive.
Anyone that does NOT favor immediate impeachment should be sent packing also. Blago is the worst of the bad.
Get rid of the bum. And replace him with a person of integrity, if such an individual exists in politics up there.
I was hoping you were talking about Impeaching the far bigger criminals – Bush and Cheney!
Good job President-Elect for asking him to step down. Blagojevich needs to step down and go some where maybe Alaska take it easy for a little. We do not need people like this as public servants. I like how Blagojevich said he would get nothing in return from Obama on the wire tapes and thats exactly right.
Blago needs to go, NOW!!! He is a disgrace to his country, to his state, and to his family. He should not be in a position of public trust.
Someone should take some of the kickback money and buy his wife a broomstick. Seems she'd be more comfortable using that mode of travel.
Do it quickly and get this hair-ball out of power!
Pop that guy and then we can start working on Obama and the rest of that sorry crew.
Impeach Blago, replace him with effective leadership, and let's move on! Every economic indicator we have is pointing south with no end in sight. We have a country to run and should spend as little time as possible pointing fingers as to who should have closed the barn door long after the horse has hightailed it down the road.
Inauguration Day Can't Come Quickly Enough!
Surely, even Blagojevich can read the handwriting on the wall. I've heard he's using the governorship as a bargaining chit, but he should do what's right for the people of Illinois and resign. I guess that has never motivated him before, though.
I have a question about technicalities.... what is the legal reason being cited in the articles of impeachment? Since he is presumed innocent until found guilty, they cannot yet cite a proven crime. Can they just impeach on the basis of lost confidence in his leadership? On the view that he is "unfit to serve"?
This question is not being asked out of any support for Blagojevich, I think he needs to go ASAP. I was just wondering about the legal aspects of this.
I am so glad to read that the Democratic leadership in Illinois is stepping up to the plate. The governor needs to either step down or be forced out. Our country is in such a terrible situation now that wasting time on someone who is so self absorbed is not where we need the attention to be on at this time.
God Bless the United States of America!
Gov. Blagojevich's approval rating is at 8%.
This governor has shown on all levels just how stupid he is. Choice of wives, corruption, and now not stepping down. Get rid of him.
Sad thing is, there's a lot of this corruption. He's so stupid he got caught. It's time to really crack down on this crap–swiftly and brutally.
Sarah Palin and her husband are another example. Their time will come too.
Where are candidates 1, 2, 3, and 4? Just thought I'd ask.
Watch out Mr. Obama. Your name just might come up.
It's not that he needs to be impeached because Illinois needs effective leadership in a time of crisis. He needs to be impeached because what he did was wrong and illegal. The fact that this is even a question is proof that Bush should have been impeached. If accountability only occurs when it is politically expedient for other reasons, then there is no accountability.
blago should be out on his behind, like yesterday. the lieutenant governor can take blago's place right away. the legislature should not hesitate to toss him out and quickly before they themselves look like they are part of blago's scam.
Here's my problem, the media (controlled by right wing nuts), was so busy trying to make another non-existent tie between Obama and Blagojevich, until it was reported in Illinois that his lawyer may have found a loop hole to exonorate him of criminal wrong doing. We need to stop letting our hate of Obama blind us to the real wrong that is going on. Now, here it is, Blagojevich could walk free because the focus shifted from the proven criminal to speculation.
He should be impeached for that hair dye job alone. This guy is a crook and a disgrace. But a typical politician it seems.
Aw, I thought this would be about Bush. Impeach Blagojevich's toupee – it's the real villain!
Gov. Rod Blagojevich should be immediately impeached and if found guilty should go straight to jail!!!
I am an Illinois democrat and I am all for impeaching the governor. What he and his wife did is very un-American. Our politicians need to realize that civil service is an honor and they need to be humble enough to realize that they don't rule us, but instead, they ANSWER to us.
I say, impeach Blago, and hold special elections for a new governor.
Okay, I'm sure NO fan of this guy and based on the indictment, he does sound guilty as sin. BUT, there seems to be such a rush to judgment here. What happened to the old "innocent until proven guilty" thing? Nobody rushed to impeach Ted Stevens from Alaska or Jefferson from Louisiana.
It would be nice if Blagojevich would just step down & resign. But either 1) he thinks he's innocent and the case against him won't hold water, or 2) he really does have a case of terminal ego & thinks his ** don't stink.
No matter what the case or the outcome, a Senate seat should never be an item to be sold or bartered. Hopefully this instance will send a cold clear message to the powers that be in the other 49 states.
Lets get this guy and then Cheney and Bush.
Obama as a senator, representing Illinois, and he is not aware of anything going on with the governor of the state, or the corrupt state of the state. He is very much part of the politics and wellfare of the people and government of the state of Illinois. So, how can he lead the nation, and control all those who will work for him, and the world?
Funny to see all these Chicago politicians who are part of the same crooked system are so "outraged". Emmys anyone?
@Mike. There is some precedent for impeaching someone based on lost confidence in their leadership. Remember that Nixon hadn't been convicted of any crime when they were preparing to impeach him. Andrew Johnson also hadn't been charged with any crime when he was impeached.
As a Republican I am dismayed that the legislator is going for impeachment proceeding without hearing the govoners version. this country was found ,that you do not believe the goverment unless he brings proof.
This trail of corruption will begin in Chicago and end whereever Obama happens to be sitting.
Using public office for private enrichment is absolutely unacceptable. It deserves impeachment and removal from the governor's office, followed by criminal prosecution and the longest prison sentence and largest fine allowed by law.
I propose a policy of zero tolerance for any governmental hanky-panky. Take a bribe, offer a bribe, fix an election, sell an office, or other subversion of our sacred democratic principles and go to jail. For a long time. This man has done more harm to our democracy than Osama bin Ladens chauffeur, that's for sure.
Watch out, Ernie. YOUR name might just come up.
Phoenix: Media controlled by "RIGHT WING" nuts??!! What planet are you on? Right now the LIBERAL MEDIA is circleing the wagons defending Obama as they ALWAYS have!!
Ohhh... I can't wait until he makes a deal... brings down the whole Chicago Machine... that and now that Rezko doesn't have a governor in his pocket he could spill the truth too... I don't care how much Obama man love there is out there... I would like to know why Rezko gave him a half million dollar piece of land... cause if you think it was out of the goodness of his heart.... well... no help for you. Rezko's name is mentioned over 100 times in the FBI brief... him and Blago are wrapped up together all over the place... and that's going to be the Obama connection... that and Axelrod stating Obama had in-depth discussion with Blago on the Senate seat... then changing his mind after the arrest... either they are stupid, lying, or both.
This is gonna be great... and it isn't close to over... great way to start a term.
No words to describe this man; get him out. White trash.
Seriously Phoenix? The media is controlled by the right? I don't know what rock you've been living under, but with the exception of Fox News, the media is definitely NOT controlled by the Right.
I completely agree that Blagojevich absolutely cannot continue to serve office as Governor. That said, I find it interesting that nobody says anything about the fact that Caroline Kennedy may take Hillary Clinton's seat simply by virtue of her last name (as if that, in and of itself, is a qualification). Is that really any worse logic then paying for the seat? Let's go MEDIA – at least raise the discussion!
Impeach him for what? Being true to himself and his country?
Gov B is one of the best things to happen to Illinois. God bless him!
It is so funny seeing people try to tie Obama to this when investigative news can't even do it. The only thing that there is anything connected to is it is Obama's old senate seat in IL that Blago was trying to sell. You right wingers just want something to stew over at the water cooler.
Yep! It's long past time for this clown to be shown the door.
Hit the road, Rod......and don't go away mad, just go away!
After having been a life long resident and long time business owner in Illinois I hope that the culture of corruption on both sides of the political isle will finally be broken.
People outside of the State don't know exactly how corrupt this place is. As a former golden glvoes boxer I think Blago got punched in the head too many times. I hope he gets thrown out immediately!
He should go for sure. I wonder if he goes if he will start talking about other politicians involved – you know when one gets caught they all of a sudden become very mouthy about other peoples rolls. We shall see.
How dumb are Democrats ? Look at a few of the above posts that equate Bozo's actions to reasons Bush and Palin should have been or soon should be impeached ... LOL
Kudos to those who just think Bozo Blago needs to go from Statehouse to the Jailhouse in the express paddywagon. Neither party has exclusive ownership of corrupt politicians, so get over it Dems.
Hey All Repubs
The election is OVER.. get over it! Trying to tie Mr Obama with everything that went wrong isn't working. Direct your energy to 2016 and quit crying;;; please
Are the people of Ill calling and emailing his office demanding his resignamtion? If not they should be! He's a disgrace and needs to know what the taxpayers think of him! Sometimes these guys are so dillusional they think they are actually invincable and this will all blow over if they hold out long enough. Make him leave- today!
In China, they execute corrupt politicians and CEO's.
Here, they go to resort jail for a few years and write a book.
I think we need something in between.
Bryan, this bears no relation to that. The "impeachment" movement against Bush, which was solely driven by the extreme left of the Democratic Party for political reasons. So extreme, in fact, and so blatantly political, that even Nancy Pelosi was unwilling to consider the idea when she became Speaker.
The impeachment movement against the Governor is based on actual crimes, for which he was arrested, and is supported by members of both parties in the Illinois Legislature, and most of the legislative leadership.
Impeachment at the federal level may not be done for political reasons; it may only be done for "high crimes and misdemeanors", which you have to prove before a trial in the Senate. Remember that whole thing with Clinton? This is how justice works in America. You don't get to remove people from office or put people in jail just because you disagree with their stupid policies.
Valerie Jarret was one of the Senators 1 2 3 or 4
Mike December 12th, 2008 9:18 am ET
I have a question about technicalities…. what is the legal reason being cited in the articles of impeachment? Since he is presumed innocent until found guilty, they cannot yet cite a proven crime. Can they just impeach on the basis of lost confidence in his leadership? On the view that he is "unfit to serve"?
----------------------
Impeachment isn't based on crimes that he was convicted of. It is based on crimes he was accused of. What he's accused of is solicitation of bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors.
There is nothing anyone can do until criminal proceedings have finished with him. No proceedings, no crime. More than likely, his lawyer and he have discussed this. The shame of it is that because this just happens to be Illinois and Obama's Senate seat, this stain is on Obama's character. It doesn't belong there and comes at a very inopportune time when inaugeration is just weeks away.
Blagojevitch needs to see this for what it is and do the honorable thing even though honor may not be part of his vocabulary, and step down on his own.
Hey Blogdonavich or whatever...
Curious George called. He wants his haircut back!
What's with the hair helmet?
Yes he should be impeached, but then so should Bush and his henchmen.
Im tired of the right wing haters. So so tired. Palin was often seen with convicted Senator Stevens. While I can not tolerate the woman that doesnt make think she was in cahoots with him. Same thing with Obama, I am sure one of his aides would have spoken to Blagojvech. Why not it was his replacement in the senate. Dont you think in New York there are behind the scenes talks about Caroline Kennedy becoming senator?
By the way our last conviced Govenor George Ryan is a Republican. We are an equal opportunity corrupt politician state here in Illinois
Look, I live in Chicago and corruption is rampant. If Obama really wants change then he should start by sending the justice department in to investigate Richard Daley and the drug dealing and murderous Chicago police dept. There is no such thing as an honest politician in Illinois. They are all dirty.
That's right impeach the clown, OFF WITH HIS BANGS...(thought I was going to say head didn't you)...lol
Weeks rather than months?
When they want to get stuff done, they can really get it done. It's like a car salesman. If they have to meet a quota to get a prize or a bonus or something, they'll give you the world to make sure you drive off the lot in a new car that very day.
Why can't politicians work fast all the time? Think of the work that would get done if they did.
I thought we were presumed innocent until proven guilty in this country. So far, Blagojevich is only guilty of being caught on tape using the f-word. This trial by media has got to stop.
String him up by those eyebrows and flog him with a frozen trout.
Blago is getting just what he deserves. My question...why hasn't George W. Bush gotten what he deserves too- IMPEACHMENT?!
There's little doubt that impeachment is the name of the game in this scenario; it's necessary to set him as an example to other corrupt politicians out there. Just because you're on top doesn't mean we won't getcha. Now thanks to the glorious effect of the internet, the process of weeding out these weasels is even easier with a well-informed public.
This idiot must be removed, if he will not go voluntarily.
And I don't care which party he belongs to – he is unfit to serve, period.
Fools like this make everyone look bad.
Too bad the US Congress doesn't have the same determination and resolve when it comes to the current administration,
Mike, my understanding is that impeachment is at the sole discretion of the legislative branch. In other words, a crime does not have to actually be proven to have been committed in order for an elected official to be impeached. A crime is usually alleged, but there does not need to be a conviction, although it's usually pretty difficult to get enough lawmakers to vote for it unless there is a strong case for criminal wrongdoing.
Sad but true. Daley has been in power for years and we all know that he is paid kickbacks. If you want to do business in the city of Chicagom you are going to pay Richard Daley, the alderman whose district you want to do business in and you also have to pay the Chicago police for protection from other chicago police. Bottom line, if you have enough money you can buy any chicago official
That this laughable moron should spend the next decade or two in prison goes without saying. But why aren't they prosecuting his wife? Clearly a lot of these kickbacks were geared to her benefit, and judging by the tapes that were released she was not only aware of her husband's crimes, but encouraged them in equally brazen and vulgar terms. So why isn't she being charged with some sort of extortion conspiracy against the Chicago Tribune? She wasn't some political Stepford Wife- clearly she has the political and financial background to understand the implications of what they were doing. Kind of a double standard at work. She needs to be charged as well.
GOOD.
Blago, you are the lowest level of politician. Good to know that obama is a product of the most corrupt political system in the united states. goes to show you what a democratic controlled government is capable of.
people always says republicans are the corrupt ones but look at the list of scumbag dems recently. the list will get loner
jefferson
rangel
spitzer
blago
edwards
Sometimes it pays to follow other country's lead
While we're talking about impeachment, let's go after the biggest outlaws of them all; Bush & Chaney.
WE have hired the fox to guard the hen house,every time a chicken disappears the fox doesn't know anything about it.
More power to the IL legislature. Toss this tool, STAT.
Just more Chicago politics as usual. Just wait until you ladies and gentlemen who voted for Sen. Obama get a real good look at the level of corruption that the new President Elect is involved in. Then we can see if it was change for the better, or a more corrupt candidate than we as a country have ever elected.
The next 2 years will be fun to watch the Democratic Party destroy itself. It will be so entertaining, it should have its own ticket sales and popcorn.
THIS GUY IS A PHONEY – AND HIS HAIR IS "HAIR"RIBLE
As always Obama will say ...oh I did not know or I did not hear that guy like he did to Rev Wright, Tony Rezko, and Bill Ayer …..LOL!
How about impeaching bush and cheney for outing cia agent Valerie P and taking the country to bankruptcy by needless idiotic wars?
How about abolishing the fed which only causes inflation and destroys the dollar by printing money like crazy and bailing out their buddies in the banking industry?
Anyone thinking about addressing the root causes instead of just the visible effects of what's going on?
The sooner Blogo is out of office the better it is for Obama and the country. A honest election should be held to pick a Senator for his old seat and then he can start his new administration without any taints on it, even though he did nothing wrong. We really have to get on to the real problems of this country.
I'm afraid that Blago has something on Obama and that's why he's so defiant.
Sorry, the love affair is going to end before it even starts.
If you comb his hair back – I think you will find an off-shore account number tattooed backwards there so he wouldn't forget it when looking in the mirror. Considering his actions – it was the only way he could face himself in the morning. A reminder that probably brought a smile to his face. I don’t mean to be mean, but his knowing he was being looked at –let’s face it – we all know rocks that are smarter than him.
Enough with corrupt elected officials! This country needs a benevolent dictator appointed by the pope.
He needs to go. Whatever it takes. As for the hate Obama crew it will not change that he is going to be the President so you can spin and connect the dots however you like. It is what it is. Deal with it
Typical liberals...this has nothing to do with Sarah Palin or Bush, this is just "normal" Chicago democrats in action, been going on for decades...and where is OHB from?
And could I please get some of what Phoenix is smoking?
What a mess! He'll be in my prayer. I dont know him but he's done a lot of good things to defend the poor, the blind and the helpless. He inherited a NEGATIVE budget from previous predecessors and had to cut a lot of the budget, thus, I think, angering a lot of people, plus, I think he doesnt know how to make friends.
This and the corrupt politicians who also have New Jersey in similar corrupt death grip goes to show that that they may all flock to the land of milk and honey, yet they simply cannot get over their rotten central European corrupt heritage. In this case Serbia.
I'm sure Obama had nothing to do with selecting his replacement just as sure as he didn't listen to 20 years of Rev Wrong's abominating of the United States. You hang around crooks long enough, you begin to smell like them, act like them and behold you are them!
He needs to go. Just another crooked politician. Why do so many of these "powerful" people think they are entitled to do anything they want? They always think they are above the law and are so brazen and arrogant and actually think they'll get away with it! And, for those who insist on making Obama a part of this...get over it! Why would Obama get involved in something like this?? There would be no benefit, not to mention, I think and hope I'm right, that Obama has more integrity than this idiot.
Not to sound like an Obama pleap, but the facts of the matter are that this guy is a user, and user's use whatever they have to get ahead. The only tie this has to Obama is that Obama's senate seat provided him an oppourtunity to prosper, in his mind. any other allegation of ties between the two is foolish at this point. I beleive that he cooked up angles in which to garner money from all the people on his radar which were gunning for his "golden prize". and he was going to get something out of it.
Simple case of corruption.
Throw the greedy, arrogant bum out on his behind, and pronto!
the root cause of all evils in america is that we follow "Innocent until proven guilty". We should start following "Guilty unless proven innocent" if america needs some sanity.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
CHANGE HAS COME TO AMERICA – FINALLY!!! (Hair'rible). That's funny....
Maybe he knew as he stated he was being listen to ans a lot of this is just junk because of that, but if he cares for his state it would seem to me he should step aside until this is all cleared up and he find himself in jail for what he done.
Is Gov. Rod Blagojevich the offspring of Tattoo from Fantasy Island?
Jackson must go as well he is in the mix . the chip never fly too far the block. what Jesse said about Obama was bad as a so called minister and a so called civil rights leader he should have known better he is a backbiter didn't he read it in the holy bible . what he wishes for others may very well come to his family .amen i hope this is lesson to others whoever they maybe .
Innocent until proven guilty............
Go get him guys! Let him know what it's like to be unemployed! I don't think there will be too many employers wanting to hire either him or his wife.
Is Blagojevich Serbian for "whack job"? Sounds like it.
If this guy had any clue about reality, he'd get out before someone blames an outbreak of "cooties" on the North Side on his hair. Looks like an illicit beaver pelt.
Oh and don't forege "Pottie Mouth Patti". She's going into the "Guiness Book of World Records" for the most use of the "f-word" in one paragraph.
Tina/Ernie,
You two have so much hate in your hearts. What has Mr. Obama done to you to cause you too continue spewing your hate comments? The American people have spoken; please move on with your lives and stop the hating. Please!!
Hey "Phoenix", What planet are you on? The media is controlled by the RIGHT??? Are you nuts?
If you actually looked into this you know that Blago and Obama did not like each other at all. The GOP is just grasping at straws to get something on Obama, so far no luck.
For me, the larger question is why Blagojevich has remained in office for so long. It appears from what I've read that he has been suspect for years. . .yet he got away with this. If all he is being accused of is true, this will be a sad commentary about Illinois voters and those who surrounded the governor.
Blaggy, Stevens, Jefferson, Simpson, Kilpatrick. These men must have all attended the school of me,me, me, me, me,me. They are selfish, arrogant, conceited and self centered. So much for doing what is right for your constituents or family.
This scum ought to be out of office by TODAY, not tomorrow or in a few weeks. He could be placed on "paid leave" until the situation is "resolved", and should not be allowed access to his office. Keep track of documents being shredded even as I speak!
Buh, bye Blagojevich you are a slime ball and a disgrace to my wonderful country how dare you..... yes you too must go, perhaps straight to jail with no bail.
I just love how Sarah Palin keeps in the news by the hate mongers. This woman really scares some folks to continue the unwarranted attacks. Alaska is a long way from Chicago style politics.
I think that we as a people of the United Sates are getting real sick of how this country is begining run. If it not one thing it is something else. Are county is going down the drain real fast. The only good new is that oil and gas is dropping. The hard working people of this country want to know that they can trust the goverment. Well from what I have seen this year, when are we going to see a goverment that works for the people?
Tina... just go home... Repug.
@ Tina
You and the rest of the wishful thinking conspiracy theorists need to grow up. There's ZERO evidence of anything untoward on Obama's part with respect to this crook. Moreover, there is ample evidence that Blagojevich was borderline psychotic precisely because Obama was refusing to play his crooked game. Your nonsense is like an American car...nobody's buying.
Well one thing we know for sure he is just like Larry Craig in one way – he doesn't seem to understand when the jig is up. His career is over and he has to step down or be put down; there are no more options.
Send him to Alaska where he'll find great company with Sarah Palin and her husband.
Just another crook from O's hometown...ah the company we keep!
You know, since we are talking about bailouts and who deserves to go bankrupt and so forth, that's what we should do to our Gov. If there's anyone who should explain himself is him and if there's anyone who deserves crap is this guy and let him start from the bottom...
Just like the automakers, I want our Gov to give some accountability. But this time, he's the one who's gonna bankrupt and start from the bottom.
And no, I don't want no spokepersons to speak on behalf of my Gov. What, what are they, huh? Spokepersons for corruption?? Sooner or later, the Gov is gonna have to say something but this time, he ain't going nowhere...
@ Matt-
What kind of Novice are you????-You'll soon change your tune when you realize that Mr. Pres-elect knew something-the question you should be asking of your pres. is....."Why do we keep hearing your name involved with dirty people?"
Matt-you're probably new to the world of politics-in fact you can tell you are-BO stinks!-the sooner you realize this the better you'll understand American politics
Go back to your ipod and video game!
Chicagogate is only the beginning. Only time can tell, as human nature is imperfect and sinful. Glad the president-elect is a devout Christian, a regular churchgoer, with absolute moral standards, absolute honesty, absolute purity, absolute unselfishness and absolute love.
@Tina
Let me paraphrase a quote recorded from Blago referring to Obama, as read by US Special Prosecutor Fitzgerald–
"That motherf**ker won't give me anything but apprecaition, F**K him!"
Oh yeah, they sound like their totally in cahoots. Good call.
I'm shocked!!! Impeachment of the Govenor of Illinois???
He was just practicing NORMAL Chicago politics.
It took way too long for this to happen.
He's still trying to cut deals: always a quid pro quo to shake out of life's reversals. Once he starts singing the FBI will have to slap him to shut him up.
Get this guy as far away from public office as possible. What a disgaceful public figure. Unfortunately he's taking down innocent victims with him.
The Justice Department should refuse to negotiate any plea deals with this scumbag. Put him on trial just as soon as possible, and if he's convicted, sentence him for a long term and place him in a regular prison (not one of those so-called "white collar" prisons). I really believe that what these crooked politicians and crooked financiers are doing to this country is treasoness. Perhaps they shouid be incarcerated in Gitmo along with the rest of the "terrorists".
I want Patrick Fitzgerald to be our next governor. We pay some of the highest taxes in the country (between property tax, income tax, and an oppressive sales tax which is over 10% in Cook County), and yet, we have horrible roads and all of our TOLLWAYS are in a constant state of gridlock.
With the money we pay to the state of Illinois, and have been for decades, through Republican and Democrat governors and congressmen, we should have one of the best-run states in the union.
Someone needs to root out the corruption for real. Clearly define what "corruption" is in government, then make it a mandatory 50 year sentence for each count. There needs to be some serious deterrence. Corrupt officials should be treated much, much worse than crack addicts.
Blago said, from his own mouth, that the only thing OBAMA would give is APPRECIATION. It was recorded by the FEDS, they have no indication that Obama is involved....
Looks like Blagojevich and his old buddy George Ryan might be sharing the same jail cell.
At CNN Home page when I saw Impeachment Efforts I was hoping it was Bush & Cheney. Dang!
Impeachment, the sooner the better!
SEN. TED STEVENS SENT BLAGO A THANK YOU CARD YESTERDAY.
Logically, If Obama and Blago are connected because they are from Chicago, shouldn't Palin and Stevens be connected because they are from Alaska?
i say, put him on a bus with senate republicans, and ship their unamerican arses to alaska.
Impeach the guy already and get him out of the news. He is repugnant.
time to rid off such terrible folks in our govt. no wonder we are in such shape as a nation.usa deserves better. with Obama and good folks around him things will get better.God bless the usa.
In response to Mike's question:
Impeachment is essentially a trial conducted by a legislative body for the purpose of removing someone form office. It's independent of any criminal trial in a court. It's also a little vague about when someone can be impeached, but it usually follows a criminal indictment of some sort (but not always – take Bill Clinton's case!).
The scary thing is, even if Blagojevich gets sent to jail, he can still technically be the governor – and thus would be eligible to appoint a new Senator (or do anything else within his power) from his cell! Unless he resigns (which he hopefully will), the only way to strip him of his power outside of a court of law is to impeach him.
Blago is not the only corrupt politician in Chicago. Richard learned the game from his old man and he is just as dirty as Blago. Everyone in this city knows that you don't get anything done withouth paying off the mayor or an alderman or the CPD.... Blago's mistake is he got caught. Obama and his group will talk about change until Blago is removed from office, but what steps will he take to clean up the rest of the crooked politicians in Chicago?
Circulating a letter?? Good grief! All they have to do is put forth the motion. Who in the Illinois legislature would be stupid enough to stand up and oppose it?
Tina or what do you call your name,what can obama do or say to you for you to stop hating on him? you need to get over it this is your pres. either you like it or not,if you have nothing good to say shut up your f mouth and computer too fooooool
Its called the Chicago machine. Rahm, Obama, Rezko, Rod etc. Of course Obama will say he was no part of it and didn't know about it, just like he didn't know about Ayres, Wright, etc. And of course the demmys will believe him because they want to.
To Tina, the Republican or PUMA-ite:
Stop the low-end drama of name-calling!
Don't mean to rain on your parade of bitter self-righteousness, but remember the swiftboating, lying, cheating, despicable campaign that resulted in a huge loss for you-know-who? Living in a city where crime is committed doesn’t make everyone there a criminal. Lest you forget, let me remind you:
The Bush Era: A Legacy of Crime and Corruption
1. Karl Rove (swiftboat king and then some)
2. ‘Scooter' Libbey (perjury)
3. Tom Delay (money laundering)
4. Mark Foley (House Pages)
5. Alberto Gonzales (inappropriate conduct)
6. Dusty Foggo Executive Director/CIA/3rd in power (money
laundering, conspiracy-plea bargained to serve nmt 3 years)
7. Claude Allen (WH Advisor-caught shoplifting)
8. Armstrong Williams (paid propagandist)
9. Rep. Bob Fries (conspiracy and false statements)
10. Larry Craig (restroom/toe-tapping)
11. Ted Stevens (Alaska)
12. President Bush/VP Cheney (waged a fraudulent war)
And on and on and on…..
What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Why impeach someone before he has been tried and proven guilty? This country is going to the dogs.
Glad to hear it, move on that impeachment ASAP.........
I'm dying to find out what Pres-elect Obama will present regarding who on his team has dealings with Blago and what transpired.
Rham Emanuel's name is being thrown around. MSNBC said this morning Rham's name was mentioned several times in the document.
There's ZERO evidence of anything untoward on Obama's part with respect to this crook.<<<
There is LOTS of evidence that Obama was in bed with Tony Rezko and the rest of the dirty Chicago machine all of these years....since you are ignoring that, why should anyone believe you that Obama has nothing to do with this?
I am a Chicagoan and quite frankly, had this thing not gone national, Blago's behavior would be considered acceptable by most Illinoians. Our politicians are corrupt and we accept that. We accept that things get done because people get paid. 25 years from now, Chicago politicians will be doing the same thing that they are doing today. Corruption is a part of our culture.
Answering Mike's comments on December 12th . The legal aspects of this election as a whole is questionable. To begin with the issue of Obama's native born status, by the constitution he is not a native-born citizen. The legality of hiring Hillary as the secretary state. And now the Governor of chicago.
TINA,
YOU MUST BE IN YOUR 60'S OR 70S' FULL OF the old time stuff
the sooner the BETTER!
@ Tina – what part of the sludge bucket do you occupy?? LOL!
Go Blago and take Barry, Harry, Nancy and Barney with you!
If accountability only occurs when it is politically expedient for other reasons, then there is no accountability.<<<
That's nonsense. Committing to a politically unpopular policy is not grounds for impeachment....if that were the case, every single President could have been impeached. Bush committed no crime, that's the main reason nothing happened to him. If you don't like the job a politician is doing, don't vote for him, but don't try to use impeachment to overturn the will of the majority. Bush won the 2004 election and served, just like Barry won this election and will get his chance.
The whole "Bush impeachment" thing was a total fantasy from the beginning. It was never going to happen, obviously.
I just wonder: what POSSIBLE resistence could there be to voting for impeachment? I would think that would be political suicide. I'd expect a 100% vote in favor, with no significant debate.
The American people get exactly what they deserve. Chicago political corruption has been an open secret for about 100 years now. The voters in that city constantly elect the corrupt Democratic machine, KNOWING it's corrupt. They know, but some still whine when the crooks they put into power get caught. Tough. If you are a voter, and don't like the person who is your governor....look in the mirror.
Republicans are just mad as corruption is their forte.
I think that the state house should leave well enough along,If gov blagojevich is impeached,he will bring a lots of people down with him, obama ,,jessie, david axslrod and obama"s chief staff ,emanueal!!!! Houston Tex.
Mike @ 9:18 am
The Illinois Consitution (Article 14.) does not define what acts may be found impeachable offenses, so presumably the legislature can set its own standards without a criminal conviction, and the Illinois Senate can remove a sitting Governor who has not yet been convicted, or even indicted, just as one can be fired from a job without the employer meeting a courtroom standard of proof of wrongdoing.
Hey Tina– You're ignorance is astounding.
Mike: Impeachment just means they are charging him with the crime(s). It's up the Senate to hold a trial and see if he is guilty.
Blago is an arrogant SOB he will do nicely in a cell next to Bush and prison wife Cheyney
@ Matt
You are right, there is no evidence of Obama in the current, but that doesn't mean that anyone can't be named later on. It is an ongoing investigation. I think, knowing that the govenor is looking out for himself, he will try to bring as many people down with him as possible, by naming names. We will see where all this leads. The question is: what did Obama and his team know about it and for how long. I think those answers will come out. Obama is about change alright. He's the first Pres-Elect being surrounded with controversy BEFORE he gets into office. Amazing.
Unless something absolutely unbelievable, like strong evidences that the transcripts in the charge are fake or 'conviniently' edited, arises, Blago is toast.
True, let's follow the law and give him all the rights to defend himself in a court that he, as everybody else in the world, has.
It's not something that can be done in a week, in two or in amonth, it takes a while for the things be properly done.
But HE IS PAST HIS TIME.
PS: According to the mentioned above transcripts, BHO DID NOT WANTED TO TAKE PART ON THE OBSCENE SCHEM REVEALED BY THE FBI. Show me ONE president that never ever repayed a favor (like hipotetically nominate one of his allies to a vacant seat in the Senate) with another favor (like a seat in a branch of the Executive)?
Hey THIS is politics...
What Blago wanted to do, and BHO refused to the point of having obscenities bashed at him by Blago, IS ILLEGAL.
Stop trying to 'find' the connections that doesn't exist, please...
why is that Gov, Blagoevich only had to pay $4,500 to post bond after the prosecutor got on TV, and stated all the information and what they got on wiretaps, but an NFL football player who accidentally shot himself had to pay a $50,000 bond? should'nt it be the opposite? can anyone on her explain this to me?
Apparently they have enough evidence for impeachment. The governor should step down or further prove he is only out for how much money he can milk out of this. Another day and time, he might have gotten away with all this...but citizens are very involved in government watching right now...Blag will never be able to govern...period.
Tina December 12th, 2008 10:29 am ET
As always Obama will say …oh I did not know or I did not hear that guy like he did to Rev Wright, Tony Rezko, and Bill Ayer …..LOL!
-------------–
I think he's telling the truth. The FBI has been bugging this guy's phones and offices for months, and can't connect Obama's people, or Jesse Jackson Jr. to this.
To blindly implicate Barak Obama into this scandal just because he represented the same state and belongs to the same party as Rod Blagojevich is as ridiculous as blindly implicating Sarah Palin with Ted Stevens ...
If Rod Blagojevich did in fact commit these crimes (I believe he did, but he hasn't been convicted yet) I do not believe he did it because of his political or regional affiliation. He did it because he is a corrupt politician with an over-inflated ego.
Tina..BTW every Tina I have ever known have been bimbos thanks for keeping the streak alive.
Corruption in politics has been around forever. Obama was forced to maneuver through this environment and racism to achieve everything he has today. PE Obama is not the cause of all the wrong that goes on in the country he has succeeded in spite of it.
He used to be in great company with great politicians like Barack Obama. Bad influence.
Where the is smoke there is fire.... The USA is going up in a full blaze.
LIES, PROAGANDA, CORRUPTION, ETC.
TIME FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO KNOW WHO THEY ARE VOTING, BY CHECKING WHO IS BEHIND THE SCEN PULLING THE STRINGS...
SHAME WE DIDN'T DO THAT WITH BO..
its downright ridiculous to link all chicago politicians with this crook
Bc they are from chicago it only stands to reason they will cross paths
and brush arms and speak but that doesnt mean the media or anyone else has the right to say bc some are crooks they all are!!
what about Dick durrban and others
Sorry but you have to have the brains to realize you cant make a blanket statement that they are all crooks
FUNNY THING IS THAT MANY AMERICANS ARE QUICK TO TRY AND TIE OBAMA TO THIS SLIMBALL , WHY?.MOST OF YOU JUST STOOD THEIR WITH YOUR HANDS IN YOUR POCKETS WHILE BUSH AND CHANEY RAN THIS COUNTRY INTO THE GROUND , BUT PEOPLE LIKE CAMPBELL BROWN ARE ALL WAYS PUSHING FOR OBAMA TO EXPLAIN MORE OF HIMSELF , BUT WAIT , DID SHE DO THE SAME TO BUSH AND CHANEY , JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU THAT IF YOUR BLACK NO MATTER WHAT POSITION YOU HOLD YOU HAVE PEOPLE WITH THE UNCONCIOUS RACIST AGENDA JUST BECAUSE HE'S BLACK, HAS ANYONE ASKED BUSH WHY HE LIED TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ABOUT WMD'S ........NO! I DO THINK THE DID .
I feel SO much more secure now that those underhanded Republican crooks are history.
Please ,Let people know .He is a Serb and they are THIEFS
Just a tip of the iceberg.
Las Vegas is another system that needs help.
Obama has disliked Blago from the beginning and has distanced himself for the entire time he worked for Illinois. Obama did not even give Blago a speaking part at the Dem Convention. Obama NEVER liked Blago's kind of politics. Remember, Obama was not brought up in Chicago. He was brought up in Hawaii with dreams and visions of trueth and honesty.
The guy should be out but Mike asks a great question....what do you impeach him on? There were some attorneys on last night who were saying the charges may not stick since no money changed hands!
So, he may be in office two more years as he obviously does not care what evidence there may be. For those of you old enough to remember, this was what is was like in 1974 waiting on Nixon to resign.
The bright spot is that the Senate can turn down who he appoints. But, I would think that no self-respecting person would accept a nomination from this clown. But, then again, they are politicians....
The governor could have sold the chair. It probably could be worth some money some day.
It's disgusting how both you Republican and Democrat Kool-aid drinkers try and divert the scandals on one another. When are you all going to wise up that the Democrats and Republicans are virtually the same? It is almost hilarious how similar both are. For example, just look at the recent bail outs. The stumbling Bush and the Democratic controlled congress could not wait to throw away 700 billion dollars of money that the USA does not have. Stop voting and supporting these corrupt yahoos.
let morality begin in America and people actually held accountable to their actions!!
Once Blago is impeached he might be P.Oed enough to really talk.
Which could be very interesting.
Obama worked very hard to get him elected .
They share the same campaign manager.
Chicago politics are about as low as you can go in the political hemisphere.
You can't play in the mud and not get DIRTY!
Don't you think that after 5 years of investigating and wiretaps by the FBI, if Obama was involved in any way, it would have shown up? Instead, Blagojevich is heard cussing him and his team out because they want to be honest, and not "play ball." You do the math.
The people of Illinois must feel strange now: from great joy and pride to some of the deepest shame!
Mike:
Wikipedia's definition of impeachment:
"Impeachment does not necessarily result in removal from office, but rather is only a legal statement of charges, parallel to an indictment in criminal law. An official who is impeached faces a second legislative vote (whether by the same body or another), which determines conviction, or failure to convict, on the charges embodied by the impeachment. Most constitutions require a supermajority to convict. Although the subject of the charge is criminal action, it does not constitute a criminal trial; the only question under consideration is the removal of the individual from office."
In other words, impeachment parallels the criminal process where charges are filed, an indictment is made (the initial vote on impeachment), a trial occurs (the testamony before the second legislative vote), and a vote occurs (the jury deliberations) that removes the official from office.
The important thing to remember is that it doesn't affect the criminal case or whether the official is found innocent or guilty of the CRIMINAL charges, and therefore does not constitute double jeapardy.
This is just an observation but why doesn’t anyone in the media talk to or about the good Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr? It is fairly public that he likes to play in the gutter. He knows all about extortion. He lies. He exploits every opportunity for gain. He knows the governor. He has access to big money through his non-profit (Ha! Ha!). He has shown a willingness to use extorted money for personal use (girls, apartments, kids, God knows what else.). He’s rich and last but not least, he loves little Jesse Jr.
Every blog you read mentions Jesse Jackson but not a peep from the media. Why are you avoiding the obvious?
Mike Ryan
Karen-boy oh boy are you missing the boat-it has NOTHING to do with where BO was born or grew up-idiot. IT HAS EVERYTHING to do with where he cut his baby teeth in politics...and that my dear is CHICAGO!!!!! and for some of us who have followed politics a little longer than 1 year(when your "Messiah" came on the scene)-can see and KNOW that "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark"
By the way-where is BO's cheif of staff-Rham????-visibly absent at yesterday's newsconference.
Tina, grow up and get a life. Better yet, go to Faux News and spread your hate there.
I believe that he should tell ALL and work out some deal to spill the beans on the rest of the corrupt politicians. I am tired of seeing our politicians working for themselves instead of for us the American people. It is way past the time to put ALL of the CORRUPT politicians in jail and throw the key away.
I am sure that the Governor is only one piece of the pie.
Karen – If Obama never liked Blago and his politics why didn't Obama set his sights on cleaning up Chicago and Ill politics??? I would have applauded him for this. The way I see it, Obama didn't bother because in a way he agreed with the current policies. Going along with the status quo is just as bad as committing the deed himself. Period!
Obama and Blago met on November 5th in Chicago to discuss the Senate vacancy. How else would Blago know who Obama's prefered choice was?
Suspiciously enough, all of the articles related to that fact have disappeared from the internet in the last 48 hours.
Why was JJJr the only candidate named by the media? Can it be that there is some sort of discredit conspiracy to keep him from getting the appointment? The people who offered the governor the million to appointment JJJr, all raised money for Blago in his campaigns. hmmmmmm.
Obama backed Blago in the 2002 governor's campaign. Obama actually did some 'fundraising' and they are pretty close.
Mike siad: "I have a question about technicalities…. what is the legal reason being cited in the articles of impeachment? Since he is presumed innocent until found guilty, they cannot yet cite a proven crime. Can they just impeach on the basis of lost confidence in his leadership? On the view that he is "unfit to serve"?
This question is not being asked out of any support for Blagojevich, I think he needs to go ASAP. I was just wondering about the legal aspects of this"
Good questions Mike. Maybe someone will answer...
I think more important than the apparent overt corruption is that which lies behind. e.g. Why would someone pay $1M to have Jesse Jackson appointed, unless there were material benefit to be thereby gained after he were in office? The greater potential coruption (and probable past actions) are with Mr Jackson.
This entire issue should not be seen as an isolated case of one politician who happened to have been caught, but what it signifies about the American political system. Candidate #5 (Jackson), no matter his protestations, was/is not just a buyer, but also a down-market seller of influence.
Why is no one mentioning that the governor is a Democrat? All we hear is how the moral/upstanding Democrats are ousting this corrupt politician. Oh, yay for those good 'ol democrats! What is in fact happening is that another corrupt democrat was discovered. Hmmm. I thought only Republicans were corrupt...? Print the whole truth people.
what is wrong with this nation all politics in chicago are courpt just like obama another chicago thug. guess they all need 2 b in jail. i can't wait we need obama an all dems throwin in jail. rember obama said we need 2 b more like china. well if we where more like china the media an the libs would all b shot or in work camps dam wish obama was in one . impeach obama he is a black hitler
As always Obama will say …oh I did not know or I did not hear that guy like he did to Rev Wright, Tony Rezko, and Bill Ayer …..LOL!
Tina, How come it took 3 years of wire tapping to get something on Blagojevich? How much money did he get? Who did he have killed? Why was his phone tapped any way?
This man belongs in jail.
BTW – is Ted Stevens in jail yet?????? OR, will he be pardoned by Bush?
Bush and Cheney committed far worse crimes against this nation and against the people of Iraq. They should have been impeached as soon as the 9/11 Commission Report came out and proved them to be liars and how they corrupted and deceived with the fake information they told to the the UN and to Congress and to the American people. Hundreds of thousands of people have died and our own soliders were sent to their deaths for a lie and for greed by Cheney and Rumsfeld and by total stupidity by Bush.
Yes, all criminals in all positions of power should be removed and prosecuted. No one is above the law – not even the moron Bush and the evil Cheney who have totally destroyed this nation economically to enrich their friends and have totally destroyed the reputation of the US on the world stage. They need to be held accountable.
Thank goodness we finally will have a intelligent President in the White House who despite the overwhelming mess he has been handed remains positive they our nation can be restored to greatness and prosperity. Reoublicans need to lay down their mantra of hatred and division and work with Democrats to save this nation. This is not a political issue – this is about saving the basic needs of the American people.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - If anyone knows how Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich feels right now, I do.
On Tuesday, the governor was arrested in a glare of publicity and charged with going on "a corruption crime spree," as U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald described it - including alleged attempts to sell President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat.
Some 35 years ago that ugly glare of publicity was focused on me as I was charged with a Watergate-related crime, subsequently convicted and sent to prison. The governor hasn't been convicted and is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
In the wake of Blagojevich's arrest, many Americans are left wondering once again how intelligent people can do such stupid things - especially when they've achieved the pinnacle of power.
The answer comes down to pride.
At the height of Watergate, a dear friend of mine, Tom Phillips, then CEO of Raytheon, invited me to his home. As we sat in his kitchen, Tom read to me a chapter on pride from a little book by C.S. Lewis titled "Mere Christianity."
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Lewis wrote, "There is one vice of which no man in the world is free. ... The vice I am talking about is Pride or Self-conceit. .... Pride leads to every other vice. ... A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you. ... Pride is a spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense."
Tom - who told me about Jesus Christ that night - didn't know I was in utter despair over Watergate, watching the president I'd worked for flounder in office. I'd learned I might become a target of the investigation. In short, my world was collapsing.
That night I sat in a darkened driveway and in a flood of tears called out to God. I didn't know what to say; I just knew I needed Christ. At that moment God took the White House "hatchet man" and turned me into a new creation.
I went on to serve seven months in prison. As lonely and demeaning as that experience was, I have never regretted it. I can honestly agree with Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who wrote from the gulag, "Bless you, prison, bless you for being in my life, for there, lying on the rotting prison straw, I came to realize that the object of life is not prosperity, as we are made to believe, but the maturing of the human soul."
Which brings me to a second reason for Blagojevich's fall: the culture of self.
Like me, Blagojevich grew up in a culture that taught the great goal of life was material success, power and influence. I grew up during the Great Depression; I thought if a smart guy like me earned a law degree and accumulated academic honors, they would enable me to find power, fulfillment and meaning in life.
I made a lot of money in my law practice and accepted a White House job. But by then, I had became very self-righteous; I was absolutely certain that no one could corrupt me. All my investments went into a blind trust. Whenever someone gave me a gift, I immediately turned it over to my chauffeur. And yet I ended up going to prison.
I now realize that every human being has an infinite capacity for self-rationalization and self-delusion. Those who serve in public life are faced with enormous peer pressure and don't always take time to stop and think carefully about what they're doing.
Sometimes - absorbed in accumulating political power - they're not interested in stopping to think. But as I learned firsthand, self-obsession destroys character. It has to.
Tragically, America is continuing to rear its young to become not only self-obsessed, but obsessed with personal power. Quaint-sounding virtues such as courage, honesty and prudence - historically considered the elements of character - are no match for a society in which the exaltation and gratification of self becomes the overriding goal of life.
If Blagojevich is guilty, the best thing that could happen to him is to be tried and convicted. He's going to have to reach rock bottom - just as I did - before he will be able to escape his own prison of pride, self-delusion and self-righteousness. But that's a transformation we can never accomplish on our own. I can vouch for the fact that human pride is simply too strong.
Lewis was right: Pride is a spiritual cancer. And the only cure, for any of us, is to stop looking down and to look up. The cure can only be brought about in someone who has come to realize that the will and power to do good and not evil comes from God alone.
To all who complains about Obama, dont forget, the ELEPHANTS are not that innocent:
This is just a partial list of Bush scandals. Halliburton's Corruption; Iraq's Decline; Abu Ghraib Prison Torture; CIA Pre-9/11 Intelligence; Failures; HHS Deceptive Ad Campaign; HHS Scully Scandal; Government-wide Accounting; Problems; Sex Education Misinformation; CAPPS II Failures; Real Costs of the Iraq War; US Attorney Firings; Walter Reed Army Hospital Neglect; Mishandling North Korea nuclear issue; Outing a CIA Agent; Lying to the American People; Hurrican Katrina; Warrantless wiretapping; Selling government to K Street lobbyists; Duke Cunningham, a corrupt politician steered money towards office supplies for Cheney; And there's much, much more.
I'm sure to all of this you lying scandalous repugs would just say (in the words of your hero) "So"?
The attorney general will use an obscure law to oust him, there will be no impeachment, no trial and Obama and Rezni and Emmanuel and the whole sordid bunch will skate.
I wish Cook county would split into it's own state. The rest of Illinois would be a lot better off. Get the Chicago thugs out of Springfield now!
Matt...
So if Obama "refused to play his crooked game"... he had to know about it... which is what Axlerod said... before he was told to change his mind. I'm not saying... just saying... does beg the question... that and the Governors cronie Tony Rezko giving him a half million dollars in prime property for free... makes me wonder.
its downright ridiculous to link all chicago politicians with this crook
Bc they are from chicago it only stands to reason they will cross paths
and brush arms and speak but that doesnt mean the media or anyone else has the right to say bc some are crooks they all are!!
that kind of thinking is like the network *F*X who are never fair
what about Dick Durban and others like vice-president elect Obama
Sorry but you have to have the brains and morality to realize you cant make a blanket statement that they are all crooks
Get rid of all lib politicians!
Christopher Johnson> Off your meds again? Comparing Obama to Hitler? Really? Y'all are just a bunch of sore losers and will jump at *any*thing, regardless of its validity.
OT> Impeach this doofus!
This guy is going to do alot singing and I wonder who will get snitched -out.
If Springfield is the capital of Illinois, why does Blagojevich live in and work out of CHICAGO???
No, he is a Democrat, and no one can touch him. Remember Bill Clinton?
Bleeping bleep bleep bleepity bleep "Golden" bleepers bleeping bleepily
"My hunch is that this is just the tip of the Iceberg,........from the Clintons, to the Bushs down through every hall in every state, its a climate accepted over the past 20 years by these "Boomer's"..........whats happened on Wall St., the corruption, the greed?.......Heck our governments... Federal and State , along with Justice have the SAME trend.....its just as bad.....but instead of financial bankruptcies.....its leadership bankruptcies.....
And WE the People are always the ones penalized for that type of corruption.
All you dems talking about Obama not taking part in any wrongdoing are right. But he still broke the law. He is legally bound to report this and it is clear he had knowledge of this before Blago was arrested. This is a bad thing for the country and you can't hide behind your worship of him for long. Sooner or later we all will have the facts and it is not going to be nice. Get over it and move on. Trust me any republican that voted for bush was put through the same thing by you for the last 8 years. You even blamed the housing crises on him. Clinton was in office when we started to make banks make loans to people with no credit.
libbssuck1 December 12th, 2008 1:20 pm ET
Get rid of all lib politicians!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
...On the same day that George Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and co. are indicted in The Hague.
It's about time he gets impeached. He should become a Republican as he would fit in perfectly.
Alysandra December 12th, 2008 12:50 pm ET
Oh, yay for those good 'ol democrats! ...thought only Republicans were corrupt…? Print the whole truth people.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Members of both parties have been found to be corrupt. It is just Republicans who are War Criminals.
Hopefully we can get rid of all the corrupt governors, next stop needs to be Alaska!! You Betcha!!
It's funny how all the conservatives are trying to tie Obama with this guy, when it is obvious to anyone with an IQ in the double digits that there is not one. Maybe this guy can join the Republican party, as he would fit in perfectly!!
Time to take out the trash. Start with this guy, then move onto Bush and Cheney and finally head to Alaska!! You Betcha!!
Well, all the ugly things are coming out . I for one am glad that before president-elect-Obama gets into office these people will all be gone either to jail or not holding any form of office. Pray for the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Well I guess he could always join the Republicans and move to Alaska. He would fit in great there!!
The Mayor of Chicago and Democratic leader of the "Chicago Machine" has spoken,he has said to the Gov. and everybody involved,"DO THE RIGHT THING"or...................................
We have the fox guarding the hen house
Colin Powell should listen to the Rush Lindbaugh show before making comments, because he clearly hasn't listened to the show, and he doesn't have a clue about what Rush talks about. The common sense of what Rush says is so apparent, I'm amazed that General Powell would make such foolish statements.
I hope he was more careful in his various leadership roles when judging information or opinions that he used for as a basis to make his command decisions.
Beau Wiseman
Mr. Johnson – you sir, are ignorant!
I live next to someone who is ignorant just like you – I have been astricized for voting for Obama – so much for a free country!
@ christopher Johnson, 12:51 –
You need to be thrown in jail. Why? I have no valid reason. Just because I think you're a complete moron and also a crook. Now see, that argument makes about as much sense as yours, because I don't have proof you should be in jail ... just like you have no proof obama should be in jail. Get a life you neocon freak!
Why doesn't any major news outlet show Blagojevich's party affiliation. I am sure that if he were a Republican instead of a Democrat, CNN would have that big (R) right there after his name. Who said CNN is not biased?
Alysandra - Why is no one mentioning that the governor is a Democrat? All we hear is how the moral/upstanding Democrats are ousting this corrupt politician. Oh, yay for those good 'ol democrats! What is in fact happening is that another corrupt democrat was discovered. Hmmm. I thought only Republicans were corrupt…? Print the whole truth people.
-------------------------------–
If nobody's pointing out that he's a democrat, then why are you moaning about how corrupt democrats are? I'll tell you why ... because you know he's a democrat. If it weren't posted anywhere, all the neocon idiots wouldn't be coming out of the woodwork trying to lamely connect the dots that don't exist between Blagojevich and Obama.
The Country should hold up the swearing in of President elect Obama
until these tapes and the Rezko tapes are released. Notice that
Jesse JacksonJr. and Mr. Obama are "absolutely certain" no contacts
were made on the Gov. deal. Well Jesse Jackson Jr. story is falling
apart and Obama's will too. More importantly we need to hear
the Rezko tapes and find out what is going on with his lack of
sentencing. His case would have been resolved long ago if he did
not have some big fish on the line.
While your at it add Obama to the list !
I'd like to meet those 8% of people who approve of Blag's job as Governor. They are probably ones who were bidding on the senate seat in the first place.
Also...it doesn't have anything to do with him being democrat or rebpublican... he is neither, he is simply a self serving crook of a politician who never should have been re-elected. A lot of politicians have been found to be corrupt, look at Illinois History, both our current and previous governor have either been charged or accused of corruption. The current governor is democrat, the previous republican.
We need to get out of this continuous cycle of bad politics in this country. If we do not we're no better than the countries we attempt to FORCE our beliefs on.
Ah shucks the Bush presidency is just as bad
no one calling for any investigations.
Hahahaha Christopher you are soooo funny. Obama a thug? Dems thrown in jail??? Yeah that would mean the majority of the country would be thrown in jail at the tax payers expense!! Maybe you are the one who should just go away because your remarks are foolish