Illinois Governor Arrested for trying to sell Obamas senate seat!

[PhoenixIreland]

Illinois governor taken into custody - CNN.com

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/1..._n_149546.html

No this isn't a p i s s take.

Clearly these Americans don't know how to deal with corruption, arrested?? Don't they know your meant to have a 10 year toothless tribunal with lots of inconclusive interm reports where he gets to say "I don't recall" a lot?

Jeezus, the guy probly even has has a bank account...

Would Obama calling for his resignation/impeachment prejudice the case against him?

The best part? the guy was elected to "clean up politics" after his republican predicessor went to prison!

[mccafferty cat]

Incredible!
Hilarious!

"Change We Can Believe In"

Leno, Jon Stewart etc. are going to get a full month of material out of this one

[mccafferty cat]

I've just done some reading. Two slightly hilarious facts:

1) Obama endorsed this guy for Governor in GLOWING terms.

2) Blagojevich has links to Tony Rezko…………..yes…..the same one.

UPI

Prosecutors also mentioned Blagojevich in an indictment as the intended beneficiary of at least one extortion attempt by Blagojevich fundraiser and businessmen Antoin “Tony” Rezko.

Could this be the opening of another can of worms for our dear President-Elect?

[PhoenixIreland]

Incredible!
Hilarious!

"Change We Can Believe In"

Leno, Jon Stewart etc. are going to get a full month of material out of this one

[PhoenixIreland]

From the FBI wiretaps:

[SIZE="4"]""I WANT TO MAKE MONEY"... "IF I DON'T GET WHAT I WANT... I'LL JUST TAKE THE SENATE SEAT MYSELF""[/SIZE]

We need to send Bertie and Burke over to give him some lessons in subitly, this rookie clearly does not know how it's done.

"I'm going to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and therefore I can drive a hard bargain," Blagojevich allegedly said later that day, according to the affidavit, which also quoted him as saying in a remark punctuated by profanity that the seat was "a valuable thing _ you just don't give it away for nothing."

Blagojevich also talked about getting his wife placed on corporate boards where she might get $150,000 a year in director's fees.

He also allegedly discussed getting campaign funds for himself or possibly a post in the president's cabinet or an ambassadorship once he left the governor's office. He noted becoming a U.S. senator might remake his image for a possible presidential run in 2016, according to the affidavit. And he allegedly said a Senate seat would also provide him with corporate contacts if he needed a job and present an opportunity for his wife to work as a lobbyist.

Wow....just ...wow! This guy is not holding anything back is he?? He's saying outloud and doing visably what every politician does, he's giving the whole game up!

Corruption in the Blagojevich administration has been the focus of a federal investigation involving an alleged $7 million scheme aimed at squeezing kickbacks out of companies seeking business from the state. Federal prosecutors have acknowledged they're also investigating "serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud" under Blagojevich.

Political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko who raised money for the campaigns of both Blagojevich and Obama is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of fraud and other charges. Blagojevich's chief fundraiser, Christopher G. Kelly, is due to stand trial early next year on charges of obstructing the Internal Revenue Service.

[borntorum]

Clearly these Americans don't know how to deal with corruption, arrested?? Don't they know your meant to have a 10 year toothless tribunal with lots of inconclusive interm reports where he gets to say "I don't recall" a lot?

Jeezus, the guy probly even has has a bank account...

So an American governor is arrested for trying to sell a Senate seat, and you think that this makes Ireland look bad?

Our corruption isn't next or near that sort of carry on. Try and find a new carcase to flog

[PhoenixIreland]

So an American governor is arrested for trying to sell a Senate seat, and you think that this makes Ireland look bad?

Our corruption isn't next or near that sort of carry on. Try and find a new carcase to flog

Yes, it sooo is, in so many ways, ways if I say out loud my account will proibably be deleted.

No I don't think anyone gives a rats ass about Ireland, I'm saying the Americans seem to use a police invetigation where we use 10 year tribunals that go nowhere, a topic for another thread don't do the usual policis.ie thing of taking a throwaway comment and making the whole thread about it.

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This guy would apparently be the 4th Gov of the state in 40 years to go to prison.

I have a little fear here, I think the Clinton stench coming from Obamas cabinet is not the only Clintonesque problem were going to have to put up with in the next 4-8 years, I can see the republicans going 90s again demanding special invetigations etc and just plain making stuff up as they did then, distracting nicely from policy issues

[youngdan]

Chicago pols are getting stupid. To get caught this easy is a slur to the memory of crooks who have gone before.

This believe it or not could get worse. The as of yet unidentified almost senator is referred to as Number 5. We eagerly await
the unmasking of Mr Disappointment

As Hitler said at the olympics, Run Jesse Run.

[PhoenixIreland]

Chicago pols are getting stupid. To get caught this easy is a slur to the memory of crooks who have gone before.

This believe it or not could get worse. The as of yet unidentified almost senator is referred to as Number 5. We eagerly await
the unmasking of Mr Disappointment

As Hitler said at the olympics, Run Jesse Run.

I want Jessie to get the seat so we'll have some decent eye candy to look at

but the dodge thing is...Jackson met with the Gov a few days ago,
I doubt anyone will want that appointment now that its so tainted.

Can they not call a special election instead?

[youngdan]

Who knows what tomorrow brings nowadays. If Jessie is Number 5 it will not be election he will be running for.

A selection will be made until the term ends in 2 years by the Lieutenant Governor. Unless of couse someone plea bargains the whole lot of them down the Swanee.