Showing posts with label blagojevich. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blagojevich. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Statements by Sen Mark Kirk and Rep Robert Dold, on Blagojevich Beginning Prison Term
Washington, DC - As former Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich begins serving his sentence in a federal prison in Littleton, Colorado today, Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Representative Robert Dold (R-IL) encourage implementation of bipartisan, bicameral ethics legislation that would curb public corruption.
"Let the sentencing for Governor Blagojevich be a clear warning to all elected officials that public corruption of any form will not be tolerated. Illinois families have long suffered from an estimated $500 million hidden corruption tax," a Kirk spokesperson said. "We need to make sure our laws help federal prosecutors crack down on public corruption and restore integrity to Illinois."
Congressman Robert Dold, from Illinois' 10th District, released the following statement: “Today we are seeing justice served for Governor Blagojevich and the people of Illinois. I am pleased that the final version of the STOCK Act included a provision that Senator Kirk, Congressman Quigley and I worked on in the Senate and House to ensure that taxpayer-funded Congressional pensions do not go to convicted felons in the future like the former Governor. Now we need to continue to focus on the important issues of the day and work together to spur the economy and stop wasting hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”
"Let the sentencing for Governor Blagojevich be a clear warning to all elected officials that public corruption of any form will not be tolerated. Illinois families have long suffered from an estimated $500 million hidden corruption tax," a Kirk spokesperson said. "We need to make sure our laws help federal prosecutors crack down on public corruption and restore integrity to Illinois."
Congressman Robert Dold, from Illinois' 10th District, released the following statement: “Today we are seeing justice served for Governor Blagojevich and the people of Illinois. I am pleased that the final version of the STOCK Act included a provision that Senator Kirk, Congressman Quigley and I worked on in the Senate and House to ensure that taxpayer-funded Congressional pensions do not go to convicted felons in the future like the former Governor. Now we need to continue to focus on the important issues of the day and work together to spur the economy and stop wasting hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Lt Gov Shelia Simon (D) Statement on Blagojevich Sentencing
CHICAGO – December 7, 2011. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today said the sentencing of former Governor Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges will not kill the state’s pay-to-play culture unless it prompts serious ethics reform.
"We cannot rely on a prison sentence to deter corruption,” Simon said. “Illinois needs stronger ethics laws to kill pay-to-play politics. It's time we expose conflicts of interest before they cost taxpayers, and clear the way for true public servants to rebuild trust with the public. Increased transparency, coupled with the threat of serious prison time, can end these shameful courtroom battles. Together we can put this chapter behind us, restore integrity to government and live up to our legacy as the Land of Lincoln.”
Simon is a former Jackson County prosecutor and served on the Illinois Reform Commission, which was created in 2009 in the wake of Blagojevich's arrest and helped pass the state's first campaign finance limits law. She will work with the General Assembly to pass legislation in 2012 to strengthen the state’s financial disclosure law.
"We cannot rely on a prison sentence to deter corruption,” Simon said. “Illinois needs stronger ethics laws to kill pay-to-play politics. It's time we expose conflicts of interest before they cost taxpayers, and clear the way for true public servants to rebuild trust with the public. Increased transparency, coupled with the threat of serious prison time, can end these shameful courtroom battles. Together we can put this chapter behind us, restore integrity to government and live up to our legacy as the Land of Lincoln.”
Simon is a former Jackson County prosecutor and served on the Illinois Reform Commission, which was created in 2009 in the wake of Blagojevich's arrest and helped pass the state's first campaign finance limits law. She will work with the General Assembly to pass legislation in 2012 to strengthen the state’s financial disclosure law.
Atty-Gen Lisa Madigan (D) Statement on Sentencing of Rod Blagojevich
Chicago – Based on his convictions - for numerous crimes he was caught on tape committing during just one six-week period - Blagojevich deserves a lengthy prison sentence. Unfortunately, though, it cannot fix the damage he inflicted on our state over his six years as governor. Blagojevich became governor by promising ethical reform, but from the start, he relentlessly used his position to pursue illegal and morally bankrupt schemes motivated by power and greed. His conduct was disgraceful, and the cost to the state has been devastating. Blagojevich refused to govern responsibly and, instead, put Illinois up for sale. He tarnished the state’s reputation nationally and internationally, and he destroyed the public’s trust in government. May today’s sentence put an end to corruption in the Illinois’ governor’s office.
Statement by Treasurer Dan Rutherford (R) on the Sentencing of Rod Blagojevich
“Rod Blagojevich brought the 14 year sentence on himself. He deceived the people of Illinois far too long for what the jury substantiated as his own personal gain. Today’s sentencing is proof that such corrupt, embarrassing behavior will no longer be tolerated in Illinois.”..
Blagojevich Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison, Fined $20,000.
Judge Zagel sentenced former Gov Rod Blagojevich to 14 years in federal prison. In his sentencing remarks, Zagel told the courtroom that many good fathers are bad citizens. But Zagel appeared to take into account Blagojevich's apology and acceptance of guilt, as he sentenced him. Giving him 14 years in Federal prison, which means Blago will have to serve at least 11.9 years in jail, but the thinking was Blago would have had more time, but for his apology before the court prior to his being sentenced.
Reporters in the courtroom say Blago was red-eyed as he sat with his wife Patti, awaiting his sentencing. In addressing the court, Blago said he was sorry for his actions, including trying the case in the media. Blago also apologized to his brother Rob, who was a defendent in the first trial, but was found innocent.
Judge Zagel in his remarks prior to sentencing noted that the position of Governor is more important than any other position, aside from the President, and said Blago's actions undermined the confidence of citizens in their government.
In a statement just prior to the announcement of sentencing, Sen Mark Kirk (R) said that this is a big victory for US Attorney Pat Fitzgerald, who now has sent a second IL governor to jail.
Just prior to being sentenced, Blagojevich told the court, "My life is ruined. My primary reason for living now is my daughters."
The Blagojevich's have two daughters, a 8 year old and a 15 year old. This sentencing today will mean that Blago will miss his daughters' teenage years, and possibly miss a wedding.
Judge Zagel allowed Blagojevich to remain free until mid-February, which means he can have the holidays with his family and get his affairs in order.
Jim Ryan Ad from 2002 Campaign Shows Concerns About Blago's Ethics When He First Ran for Gov
Thanks to Dan Curry for bringing this to our attention. Here's an ad that then IL Atty-Gen Jim Ryan ran against Rod Blagojevich back in 2002, when Blago first ran for Governor and won. Ryan was then the GOP nominee for governor.
As we can see in the ad, there were ethical concerns about Rod even before he was first elected. If only we would have known then, what we know now !
As we can see in the ad, there were ethical concerns about Rod even before he was first elected. If only we would have known then, what we know now !
Monday, June 27, 2011
A brief history of Illinois’ Chief Executives' Legal Troubles
SPRINGFIELD – The second trial of Illinois’ 40th Governor Rod Blagojevich has cast the spotlight on legal troubles that have plagued the state’s chief executives in the past. A summary of the more notable examples follows, as compiled by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and relying for reference on The Illinois Governors: Mostly Good and Competent by the late Robert P. Howard, and revised and updated by Taylor Pensoneau and Peggy Boyer Long.
Joel Matteson, 10th Governor
Democrat, 1853 - 1857
The first legally embattled governor was Joel Aldrich Matteson, after whom the Village of Matteson in southern Cook County is named. During his term in 1856, he began redeeming outdated and/or previously redeemed canal scrip for state bonds. Matteson was discovered three years later, after his term as Governor was over. The subsequent court proceedings, including accusations of bribery and jury tampering, went on until 1863, when the Sangamon County Circuit Court declared Matteson owed the state more than $253,000. Matteson’s property was sold at auction to satisfy the judgment.
Len Small, 26th Governor
Republican, 1921 - 1929
Governor Len Small was indicted in 1921 on charges that he ran a money laundering scheme during his tenure as State Treasurer. He was acquitted amid rumors of jury tampering; in fact, after the trial, four jurors received state jobs. Later, in 1927, a civil suit was brought against Small for the same money laundering scheme. He lost that case, and the judgment was more than $1 million, an amount that was reduced to $650,000 by Attorney General Oscar Carlstrom, whom Small had helped to elect in 1924.
William G. Stratton, 32nd Governor
Republican, 1953 - 1961
William G. Stratton was indicted in 1964 on charges of violating income tax laws relating to political contributions during his term as Governor. He was acquitted during an expensive trial after defense witness Senator Everett M. Dirksen testified that governors have official ceremonial duties for which the unrestricted use of campaign fund contributions is justified. The U.S. Tax Court later agreed with the verdict, ruling that the Internal Revenue Service should not assess a tax on outright unrestricted gifts.
Otto Kerner, 33rd Governor
Democrat, 1961 – 1968
Otto Kerner was convicted in 1973 on 17 counts of bribery, conspiracy, perjury and other charges relating to Illinois race track stock deals that occurred after his term in office. He was sentenced to three years in prison. The federal prosecutor in the case was James R. Thompson, who would later be elected Governor, and whose law firm would later defend another Illinois Governor, George H. Ryan.
Dan Walker, 36th Governor
Democrat, 1973 – 1977
Dan Walker was convicted and sent to prison in 1987, ten years after leaving office, for misusing funds from his failed First American Savings and Loan Association of Oak Brook. The conviction was unrelated to his service as Governor.
George Ryan, 39th Governor
Republican, 1999 - 2003
George Ryan is currently serving 6 ½ years in federal prison after he was convicted in 2006 by a federal jury of 18 counts of criminal misconduct, including a racketeering conspiracy, mostly related to his service as Illinois Secretary of State from 1990 to 1998.
Joel Matteson, 10th Governor
Democrat, 1853 - 1857
The first legally embattled governor was Joel Aldrich Matteson, after whom the Village of Matteson in southern Cook County is named. During his term in 1856, he began redeeming outdated and/or previously redeemed canal scrip for state bonds. Matteson was discovered three years later, after his term as Governor was over. The subsequent court proceedings, including accusations of bribery and jury tampering, went on until 1863, when the Sangamon County Circuit Court declared Matteson owed the state more than $253,000. Matteson’s property was sold at auction to satisfy the judgment.
Len Small, 26th Governor
Republican, 1921 - 1929
Governor Len Small was indicted in 1921 on charges that he ran a money laundering scheme during his tenure as State Treasurer. He was acquitted amid rumors of jury tampering; in fact, after the trial, four jurors received state jobs. Later, in 1927, a civil suit was brought against Small for the same money laundering scheme. He lost that case, and the judgment was more than $1 million, an amount that was reduced to $650,000 by Attorney General Oscar Carlstrom, whom Small had helped to elect in 1924.
William G. Stratton, 32nd Governor
Republican, 1953 - 1961
William G. Stratton was indicted in 1964 on charges of violating income tax laws relating to political contributions during his term as Governor. He was acquitted during an expensive trial after defense witness Senator Everett M. Dirksen testified that governors have official ceremonial duties for which the unrestricted use of campaign fund contributions is justified. The U.S. Tax Court later agreed with the verdict, ruling that the Internal Revenue Service should not assess a tax on outright unrestricted gifts.
Otto Kerner, 33rd Governor
Democrat, 1961 – 1968
Otto Kerner was convicted in 1973 on 17 counts of bribery, conspiracy, perjury and other charges relating to Illinois race track stock deals that occurred after his term in office. He was sentenced to three years in prison. The federal prosecutor in the case was James R. Thompson, who would later be elected Governor, and whose law firm would later defend another Illinois Governor, George H. Ryan.
Dan Walker, 36th Governor
Democrat, 1973 – 1977
Dan Walker was convicted and sent to prison in 1987, ten years after leaving office, for misusing funds from his failed First American Savings and Loan Association of Oak Brook. The conviction was unrelated to his service as Governor.
George Ryan, 39th Governor
Republican, 1999 - 2003
George Ryan is currently serving 6 ½ years in federal prison after he was convicted in 2006 by a federal jury of 18 counts of criminal misconduct, including a racketeering conspiracy, mostly related to his service as Illinois Secretary of State from 1990 to 1998.
Blago Trial Scorecard
Blago Found GUILTY of 17 Counts. He was found Not Guilty on Count 17. The jury was hung on Counts 11 and 16.
Count 1 Wire Fraud -- Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital [this involves Blago's alleged holding a grant to the hospital until its CEO made a contribution to the Gov's campaign]
Count 2 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 3 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 4 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 5 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 6 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 7 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 8 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 9 Wire Fraud – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 10 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 11 Attempted Extortion -- Solicitation of U.S. congressman
Count 12 Attempted Extortion – Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital
Count 13 Bribery – Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital
Count 14 Conspiracy to Commit Extortion – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 15 Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 16 Attempted Extortion – Solicitation of construction executive
Count 17 Bribery – Solicitation of construction executive
Count 18 Extortion Conspiracy – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 19 Attempted Extortion – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 20 Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 1 Wire Fraud -- Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital [this involves Blago's alleged holding a grant to the hospital until its CEO made a contribution to the Gov's campaign]
Count 2 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 3 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 4 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 5 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 6 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 7 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 8 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 9 Wire Fraud – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 10 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 11 Attempted Extortion -- Solicitation of U.S. congressman
Count 12 Attempted Extortion – Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital
Count 13 Bribery – Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital
Count 14 Conspiracy to Commit Extortion – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 15 Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 16 Attempted Extortion – Solicitation of construction executive
Count 17 Bribery – Solicitation of construction executive
Count 18 Extortion Conspiracy – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 19 Attempted Extortion – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 20 Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Tres Dan Rutherford (R) on Blago's Conviction
CHICAGO – June 27, 2011 – “The guilty verdict against former Governor Rod Blagojevich closes a long, embarrassing chapter for the citizens of Illinois. He deserves everything he’s going to get.”
Blago GUILTY
Former IL Gov Rod Blagojevich is found Guilty on 17 of 20 counts. The jury found him not guilty on one count, and were hung on two other counts -- Count 11 & 16. But the jury was unanimous in finding the former IL governor guilty on 17 of 20 counts.
The sentencing of the former governor is not set at this time, but he could spend the rest of his life in jail, though some observers think that unlikely. It is fair to say Rod Blagojevich may, at a minimum, spend the next decade of his life in jail.
List of Counts Against Rod Blagojevich
Count 1 Wire Fraud -- Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital [this involves Blago's alleged holding a grant to the hospital until its CEO made a contribution to the Gov's campaign]
Count 2 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 3 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 4 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 5 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 6 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 7 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 8 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 9 Wire Fraud – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 10 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 11 Attempted Extortion -- Solicitation of U.S. congressman
Count 12 Attempted Extortion – Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital
Count 13 Bribery – Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital
Count 14 Conspiracy to Commit Extortion – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 15 Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 16 Attempted Extortion – Solicitation of construction executive
Count 17 Bribery – Solicitation of construction executive
Count 18 Extortion Conspiracy – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 19 Attempted Extortion – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 20 Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 2 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 3 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 4 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 5 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 6 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 7 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 8 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 9 Wire Fraud – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 10 Wire Fraud – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 11 Attempted Extortion -- Solicitation of U.S. congressman
Count 12 Attempted Extortion – Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital
Count 13 Bribery – Solicitation of Children’s Memorial Hospital
Count 14 Conspiracy to Commit Extortion – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 15 Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – Solicitation of racetrack executive
Count 16 Attempted Extortion – Solicitation of construction executive
Count 17 Bribery – Solicitation of construction executive
Count 18 Extortion Conspiracy – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 19 Attempted Extortion – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Count 20 Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – Sale of U.S. Senate seat
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Gov Quinn Speaks on Gov Blagojevich's Conviction
Gov Quinn responds to conviction of Blagojevich by Urging Passage of Recall Amendment on Fall ballot for IL Constitution. Says Honesty is the ONLY policy that counts in the Governor's office.
Quinn says it was shocking at some of what Gov Blagojevich said on tape. Quinn says he thinks the people know he fights for honesty everyday, and that he continues to fight for those principles. He wants stronger ethics laws in Illinois, giving the people reforms that are needed.
Quinn says it was shocking at some of what Gov Blagojevich said on tape. Quinn says he thinks the people know he fights for honesty everyday, and that he continues to fight for those principles. He wants stronger ethics laws in Illinois, giving the people reforms that are needed.
Statement of IL GOP Chair Pat Brady, on Blago's Conviction
CHICAGO - Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady issued the following statement today regarding the decision of the jury in the trial of Rod Blagojevich:
“We extend our gratitude to the men and women of the jury for their sacrifice and hard work. They had a difficult job, as demonstrated by their many days of deliberations. The fact that Rod Blagojevich was convicted on only one of the counts against him does not take away from his serious breach of the Public’s trust.
“From his infamous “bleeping golden” remark to his attempt to shake down Children’s Memorial Hospital, Blagojevich was all about pay-to-play. The lack of any real defense and Blago’s refusal to testify spoke volumes.
“The entire case was a black eye for Illinois, but made even worse by the fact that Pat Quinn, Mike Madigan and the Democrats stood by this man, supported his re-election and later denied the public the right to a special election for the U.S. Senate seat Blagojevich had tried to sell. The trial also showed that Blago’s scheming was going on in the earliest days of his administration, and yet Quinn, Madigan and the Democrats were silent.”
# # #
“We extend our gratitude to the men and women of the jury for their sacrifice and hard work. They had a difficult job, as demonstrated by their many days of deliberations. The fact that Rod Blagojevich was convicted on only one of the counts against him does not take away from his serious breach of the Public’s trust.
“From his infamous “bleeping golden” remark to his attempt to shake down Children’s Memorial Hospital, Blagojevich was all about pay-to-play. The lack of any real defense and Blago’s refusal to testify spoke volumes.
“The entire case was a black eye for Illinois, but made even worse by the fact that Pat Quinn, Mike Madigan and the Democrats stood by this man, supported his re-election and later denied the public the right to a special election for the U.S. Senate seat Blagojevich had tried to sell. The trial also showed that Blago’s scheming was going on in the earliest days of his administration, and yet Quinn, Madigan and the Democrats were silent.”
# # #
Sen Brad Burzynski (R) Statement on Blago's Conviction
SYCAMORE, Ill. – State Senator Brad Burzynski (R-Rochelle) gave this statement in response to the outcome of the Rod Blagojevich corruption trial on Tuesday, August 17:
“While the outcome of the trial is disappointing, I am glad to hear the prosecution plans to pursue a retrial and it is important to remember that Blagojevich is now a convicted felon. However, most importantly, we as legislators and public officials must now make an even greater effort to bring true and effective ethics reforms to state government and hold ourselves to a higher standard than ever before. We must send the signal to the people of Illinois that accepting actions like those of Blagojevich and his enablers as ‘business as usual’ is unacceptable. This isn’t a time to succumb to apathy or disenfranchisement, but rather an opportunity to realize how greatly we need to set a new standard for those who represent the people’s interests.”
“While the outcome of the trial is disappointing, I am glad to hear the prosecution plans to pursue a retrial and it is important to remember that Blagojevich is now a convicted felon. However, most importantly, we as legislators and public officials must now make an even greater effort to bring true and effective ethics reforms to state government and hold ourselves to a higher standard than ever before. We must send the signal to the people of Illinois that accepting actions like those of Blagojevich and his enablers as ‘business as usual’ is unacceptable. This isn’t a time to succumb to apathy or disenfranchisement, but rather an opportunity to realize how greatly we need to set a new standard for those who represent the people’s interests.”
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
GOP Gov Candidate Bill Brady's Statement on Start of Blagojevich Trial
from the Bill Brady campaign
June 8, 2010
Statement from Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Brady on today's start of the Blagojevich corruption trial:
"The beginning of disgraced Governor Rod Blagojevich's criminal trial is a stark reminder to voters that too many Illinois politicians have long placed their own interests before the people's interests. Enough is enough.
This election marks one of the best opportunities in a generation to finally put an end to the back room deals, and the go along, get along culture of politics as usual in Springfield. But we can't change Illinois by electing politicians like Governor Pat Quinn, who publicly stated that Rod Blagojevich -- whom he served alongside -- is an "honest" politician with "integrity." We need a clean break.
These criminal proceedings are just another example of the choice voters will face this November -- more insider politics as usual under Governor Quinn, or a fresh start for Illinois taxpayers."
June 8, 2010
Statement from Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Brady on today's start of the Blagojevich corruption trial:
"The beginning of disgraced Governor Rod Blagojevich's criminal trial is a stark reminder to voters that too many Illinois politicians have long placed their own interests before the people's interests. Enough is enough.
This election marks one of the best opportunities in a generation to finally put an end to the back room deals, and the go along, get along culture of politics as usual in Springfield. But we can't change Illinois by electing politicians like Governor Pat Quinn, who publicly stated that Rod Blagojevich -- whom he served alongside -- is an "honest" politician with "integrity." We need a clean break.
These criminal proceedings are just another example of the choice voters will face this November -- more insider politics as usual under Governor Quinn, or a fresh start for Illinois taxpayers."
Thursday, March 18, 2010
PANTAGRAPH: Federal Judge Refuses to Delay Blagojevich Trial
FROM THE PANTAGRAPH
CHICAGO -- A federal judge refused Wednesday to postpone the June start of ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich's corruption trial, brushing aside defense attorneys' claims that they won't have enough time to prepare.
U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel also dismissed defense attorneys' concerns that U.S. Supreme Court decisions expected by the end of June could unfairly complicate the trial.
Zagel said he saw no reason to delay the trial's June 3 start date.
If the date holds, voters will likely hear months of testimony about the former Democratic governor's alleged misdeeds as the party tries to retain his former seat and the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.
Prosecutors say Blagojevich schemed to sell or trade that Senate seat and used his power to illegally pressure political campaign donors.
Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and other charges.
Prosecutors estimate the trial will last three to four months.
FULL STORY: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/article_10b71ac0-31ff-11df-924c-001cc4c002e0.html
CHICAGO -- A federal judge refused Wednesday to postpone the June start of ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich's corruption trial, brushing aside defense attorneys' claims that they won't have enough time to prepare.
U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel also dismissed defense attorneys' concerns that U.S. Supreme Court decisions expected by the end of June could unfairly complicate the trial.
Zagel said he saw no reason to delay the trial's June 3 start date.
If the date holds, voters will likely hear months of testimony about the former Democratic governor's alleged misdeeds as the party tries to retain his former seat and the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.
Prosecutors say Blagojevich schemed to sell or trade that Senate seat and used his power to illegally pressure political campaign donors.
Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and other charges.
Prosecutors estimate the trial will last three to four months.
FULL STORY: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/article_10b71ac0-31ff-11df-924c-001cc4c002e0.html
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Blagojevich book Blames Madigan, Durbin, Lobbyists, Lawmakers, etc, for His Problems
from the Capitol Hill newspaper, THE HILL
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) claims Democratic leaders in Washington did not want him to choose among the African-American candidates who were interested in filling the first black president’s Senate seat.
In his new book, The Governor, Blagojevich discusses his ties to President Barack Obama’s administration — although he spells one of the president’s senior adviser’s names wrong — and describes the behind-the-scenes battles that led him to appoint Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) to Obama’s Senate seat.
Full Story http://thehill.com/homenews/news/57541-blagojevich-fires-back-at-critics-misspellings-and-all
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) claims Democratic leaders in Washington did not want him to choose among the African-American candidates who were interested in filling the first black president’s Senate seat.
In his new book, The Governor, Blagojevich discusses his ties to President Barack Obama’s administration — although he spells one of the president’s senior adviser’s names wrong — and describes the behind-the-scenes battles that led him to appoint Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) to Obama’s Senate seat.
Full Story http://thehill.com/homenews/news/57541-blagojevich-fires-back-at-critics-misspellings-and-all
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Governor to Testify Before Impeachment Trial
On Thursday, Governor Blagojevich will testify before the Illinois State Senate, holding a trial on whether to remove the governor from office.
Gov. Blagojevich, who has said in public interviews he feels the Senate Trial is a Sham, and that "the fix is in" to remove him -- will not be cross-examined by senators.
A vote on whether to remove Blagojevich as Illinois governor could come as early as Thursday evening, depending upon how long senators wish to deliberate on the matter.
Should the senate vote to remove Blagojevich, it is expected that Lt. Gov Quinn, would be sworn-in as Illinois' Governor shortly after Blagojevich is removed from office.
Gov. Blagojevich, who has said in public interviews he feels the Senate Trial is a Sham, and that "the fix is in" to remove him -- will not be cross-examined by senators.
A vote on whether to remove Blagojevich as Illinois governor could come as early as Thursday evening, depending upon how long senators wish to deliberate on the matter.
Should the senate vote to remove Blagojevich, it is expected that Lt. Gov Quinn, would be sworn-in as Illinois' Governor shortly after Blagojevich is removed from office.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Gov. Blagojevich Claims Impeachment Trial is "Unfair"
From Crain's Chicago Business
(AP) — Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich said he's not being defiant in boycotting his Senate impeachment trial next week, but that it's because the process is unfair.
At a news conference Friday, Blagojevich said under the Senate rules his constitutional rights were being trampled because he cannot call all the witnesses that he wants.
The two-term governor faces a Senate impeachment trial starting Monday that will determine if he will keep his job. The Senate rules bar testimony from anyone federal prosecutors say would jeopardize the criminal corruption trial against Blagojevich.
Blagojevich is accused of, among other things, scheming to benefit from his power to name President Barack Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
Blagojevich also said at the press conference that fellow Democrats want him out of office so they can raise income taxes.
He also called upon the state's newspaper editorial boards to urge the state Senate to change the rules of his impeachment trial.
Blagojevich said he's "mostly" done the right thing for the people of Illinois and he called on newspapers to "get involved."
Blagojevich wants the trial's rules changed so that he can call any witness he'd like. Senators, however, have said they won't allow any testimony that might interfere with the criminal investigation against the governor.
Blagojevich specifically mentioned Chicago's two largest newspapers, the Tribune and the Sun-Times.
Federal authorities have accused Blagojevich of pressuring the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers who had been critical of him.
(AP) — Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich said he's not being defiant in boycotting his Senate impeachment trial next week, but that it's because the process is unfair.
At a news conference Friday, Blagojevich said under the Senate rules his constitutional rights were being trampled because he cannot call all the witnesses that he wants.
The two-term governor faces a Senate impeachment trial starting Monday that will determine if he will keep his job. The Senate rules bar testimony from anyone federal prosecutors say would jeopardize the criminal corruption trial against Blagojevich.
Blagojevich is accused of, among other things, scheming to benefit from his power to name President Barack Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
Blagojevich also said at the press conference that fellow Democrats want him out of office so they can raise income taxes.
He also called upon the state's newspaper editorial boards to urge the state Senate to change the rules of his impeachment trial.
Blagojevich said he's "mostly" done the right thing for the people of Illinois and he called on newspapers to "get involved."
Blagojevich wants the trial's rules changed so that he can call any witness he'd like. Senators, however, have said they won't allow any testimony that might interfere with the criminal investigation against the governor.
Blagojevich specifically mentioned Chicago's two largest newspapers, the Tribune and the Sun-Times.
Federal authorities have accused Blagojevich of pressuring the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers who had been critical of him.
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