Hillary’s Voice

Obama’s old Senate seat for sale on eBay (Seattle Tech Report, Post-Intelligencer)

He’s the clown, but joke’s on us (by John Kass, Chicago Tribune)The people of Illinois needed some good news and they got it. Former Republican Gov. George Ryan is in prison, and the arrest of his successor, Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich, surely means that the Illinois Combine that runs this state can stop with the rumors that U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald will be leaving town. And, as Blagojevich most likely prepares to be Ryan’s bunkmate, let’s not forget the scores of other politicos, of all parties, who’ve gone down on corruption charges—including some of Mayor Richard Daley’s guys who helped rebuild that Democratic machine the mayor says doesn’t exist…So though Illinois isn’t surprised—this is after all the home of the Chicago Way—the national media must be shocked. They’ve been clinging to the ridiculous notion that Chicago is Camelot for months now, cleaving to the idea with the willfulness of stubborn children. It must help them see Obama as some pristine creature, perhaps a gentle faun of a magic forest, unstained by our grubby politics, a bedtime story for grown-ups who insist upon fairy tales. But now the national media may finally be forced to confront reality.The Chicago Tribune has the text of the complaint, and Real Clear Politics has the video of Fitzgerald’s press conference.—CaroIllinois Has Long Been For Sale (by Dennis Byrne, Chicago Tribune)So, do the rest of you now have some idea of the depth of corruption in Chicago and Illinois, and why some of us were so concerned about electing a president who emerges from this cesspool?… Blagojevich, if convicted, would be the second Illinois governor in a row to go to federal prison. And he would be the fourth of the last eight Illinois governors to be convicted felons. Is there another state that can match such a proud record? From former Rep. Dan Rostenkowski to Chicago aldermen to city inspectors, the miscreants and malefactors have worn a steady path to prison, in numbers too many to accurately count. Graft and corruption are the city and state’s orthodoxy…Obama was both a part of it, but not a part of it. He got his start without the critical support of the Chicago Machine, but most recently has endorsed even the most dubious of the state and local Democratic candidates. Obama ran his campaign as the guy who don’t know nobody and managed to rise above the city and state’s unseemly political reputation. His reaction to the Blagojevich arrest was right in character. Asked about it at a press conference, Obama replied that he is “saddened and sobered” by the arrest, but because it is an “an ongoing investigation” his comment now would be inappropriate.Perhaps so, but those of us in Illinois recognize the statement as a standard dodge. Obama could have done himself and the state a big favor by condemning corruption in all its forms, including in Illinois and Chicago. If he’s done it before, I haven’t noticed. But he did go to Kenya to denounced corruption in Africa, which struck some commentators here as hypocrisy.That was yesterday. See below for what he says today.—CaroObama Calls for Blagojevich to Resign (by Jake Tapper at Political Punch, ABC News)In response to questions from the AP, Obama Transition Team aide and incoming White House press secretary Robert Gibbs today said that the President-elect believes Gov. Rod Blagojevich should resign, and that the Illinois legislature should consider holding a special election for Mr. Obama’s replacement in the Senate. “The President-elect agrees with Lt. Governor Quinn and many others that under the current circumstances it is difficult for the Governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois.”See? Only when others lead the way does Obama do the right thing.—CaroFrom Blago to O: Watch it happen!… (by Joseph Cannon at Cannonfire)Why were investigators allowed to wiretap a sitting governor? Obviously, because Blago was named by Tony Rezko, who ran afoul of the “Board Games” inquiry. The indictment, by FBI agent Daniel Cain, makes clear in paragraph 2 (of the complaint against Blagojevich) that the Rezko investigation led to the wiretaps. And why was Blago arrested now, on other (more recent) corruption charges, before a complete case could be brought against him on the Board Games matter? Why did the arrest occur before the choice of senator-elect, before the pay-off money for that appointment actually exchanged hands?Two possible (linked) reasons spring to mind:1. Fitz wants to pressure Blago into testifying against an even bigger fish. Right now, the only bigger fish is Obama.2. Fitz wanted to haul in Blago before the transition of power. After this arrest, if Obama quickly replaces Fitzgerald, the stench of rat will become so overpowering as to penetrate even a Kossack’s nostrils. If Obama shuts down the investigation, he’ll be as villified as Nixon was after the Saturday Night Massacre.So what would Fitzgerald want Blago to talk about? Oh, gosh — any number of things. You can read about them in Evelyn Pringle’s work. Here’s one very important, very basic matter that I’ve mentioned in this column before — a fine bit-o-sleaze that all of the pro-O “progressive” bloggers have, so far, refused to acknowledge: (Illinois) SENATE BILL 1332.Click through for more.—CaroMichelle Obama Is The “Specifically Named Individual” On Page 64 of The Affidavit Submitted by FBI (by Truthteller at No Quarter)Please read the Criminal Complaint filed by David W. Cain, Special Agent of the FBI. Details of the conversations Blagojevich had with his operatives about Barack Obama and the possibility Barack Obama would strike several deals with Blagojevich regarding the open Senate seat are discussed, and yes, quotations are provided. I enjoy this gem from pages 63-64… “ROD BLAGOJEVICH stated that he needs to find a way to take the ‘financial stress’ off of his family and that his wife is as qualified or more qualified than another specifically named individual to sit on corporate boards…”Michelle Obama is the “specifically named individual” who was able to sit on corporate boards, although she lacks the experience of Blagojevich’s wife… Michelle Obama’s position with the WAL-MART vendor (TreeHouse) helped alleviate the “financial stress” of the Obama family at a time when they were purchasing a mansion from Rezko they could not afford… Michelle, after all, was appointed to sit on the Board of TreeHouse foods AFTER Obama was elected to the US Senate. Moreover, Michelle Obama’s salary at The University of Chicago nearly TRIPLED after her husband gained the power to submit earmark requests on her employer’s behalf. Just appoint the spouse to a Board and increase his or her salary if you need a political favor from an Illinois politician. That is how the “play to pay” game is played.Rahm and Blago and a bribe (by Joseph Cannon at Cannonfire)It turns out that Blagojevich may have discussed a bribe with Rahm Emmanuel, Obama’s pick for Chief of Staff. You have to read the (complaint) past paragraph 100 or so. Keep two things in mind:1. Rahm currently represents the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois. It appears that Blago can appoint a replacement until a special election is held.2. Blago became fixated on a wacky scheme in which he would take charge of a well-funded 501(c)4 lobbying organization. This was to be backed by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, acting at Obama’s request. The org was to be Blago’s nest egg after leaving office.Blago thought he could make a quid-pro-quo arrangement with Obama: He (Blago) would appoint Obama’s preferred candidate, Valerie Jarrett, to the Senate — and in return, Blago would get that comfy sinecure, a place where he could live well and regain his political muscles. Does that sound like a bribe to you? Sounds like a bribe to me.Click here for more politics and media news headlines.Carolyn KayMakeThemAccountable.com