Former Democrat Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich Sentenced To 14 Years In prison

HuffPo.com:

Rod Blagojevich, the ousted Illinois governor whose three-year battle against criminal charges became a national spectacle, was sentenced to 14 years in prison Wednesday, one of the stiffest penalties imposed for corruption in a state with a history of crooked politics.


Among his 18 convictions is the explosive charge that he tried to leverage his power to appoint someone to President Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat in exchange for campaign cash or land a high-paying job.


Judge James Zagel gave Blagojevich some credit for taking responsibility for his actions – which the former governor did in an address to the court earlier in the day – but said that didn't mitigate his crimes. Zagel also said Blagojevich did good things for people as governor, but was more concerned about using his powers for himself.


"When it is the governor who goes bad, the fabric of Illinois is torn and disfigured and not easily repaired," Zagel said.


As the judge announced the sentence, which includes a $20,000 fine, Blagojevich hunched forward and his face appeared frozen. Minutes later, his wife, Patti Blagojevich, stood up and fell into her husband's arms. He pulled back to brush tears off her cheek and then rubbed her shoulders.


On his way out of the courthouse, Blagojevich cited author Rudyard Kipling and said it was a time to be strong, to fight through adversity and be strong for his children. He said he and wife were heading home to speak to their daughters, and then left without answering any questions.


The twice-elected Democrat received by far the harshest sentence among the four Illinois governors sent to prison in the last four decades. He is the second in a row to go to prison; his Republican predecessor, George Ryan, currently is serving 6 1/2 years. The other two got three years or less.


Blagojevich, in a last plea for mercy, tried something he never had before: an apology. After years of insisting he was innocent, he told the judge he'd made "terrible mistakes" and acknowledged that he broke the law.


"I caused it all, I'm not blaming anybody," Blagojevich said. "I was the governor and I should have known better and I am just so incredibly sorry."

Rod Blagojevich Found Guilty Of Selling Barack Obama’s Senate Seat

Somehow you knew this clown was going to go down hard:

It’s been nearly three years since former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich stole the national spotlight after being arrested for dozens of counts of corruption, including attempting to sell then-Sen. Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Today, after two reality shows, a mistrial, and an extended, confusing second trial for the former governor, Blagojevich was found guilty of 17 counts of corruption, including selling the President’s former Senate seat.


The verdict was announced today a little after 3 PM, after the first trial ended with Blagojevich not being convicted in 23 of his 24 corruption charges (he was found guilty of one minor charge of lying to the FBI). In this one, he escaped three of the 20 charges– one “not guilty” and two “no verdicts”– but was convicted of several counts of wire fraud and bribery, in particular the primary charge of selling the President’s seat. No word yet on how much jail time, if any, the charges will translate into. In the meantime, several Illinois media outlets have compiled “best of” retrospectives on Blagojevich’s rise to national ignominy; this one by Central Illinois radio station WJBC is particularly comprehensive.


The second Blagojevich trial, while receiving significantly less media attention, played out somewhat differently from the first trial. While keeping most of the comical shenanigans– threats for contempt of court, arbitrary deployment of the race card, etc.– that made the first trial a must-cover news story, the second trial also featured Blagojevich keeping his promise to testify in his own defense. The latter is a choice now many are considering a risk that brought down the governor, though the new sets of tapes produced on trial also did little to exonerate him. While he had several times noted that, after being found innocent of most crimes in the first trial, he was eyeing a return to politics soon, this now seems an impossibility– as well as his other side careers on reality television, giving ethics lectures, and singing the best of Elvis Prestley aside Fabio impersonators. Fare thee well, Blago, you gave the media as much joy as you gave your constituents grief.

Rod Blagojevich Gets Grilled On Fox News Sunday: Not Ruling A ‘Political Comeback’ Out

Mediaite.com:

Disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevitch made his Sunday morning debut today following this week’s mistrial in Chicago…and boy he did not disappoint. An irritated-sounding Chris Wallace started the interview by revealing that at the last minute Blago had skipped a scheduled trip to D.C., presumably to appear on the show in person, so he could attend the Comic-Con convention and “pose with superheroes.” Priceless.


Actually, Blago apparently did put a price on himself: $50 for a photograph and $80 for a photo. Said Wallace: “Is there anything you won’t do for a buck these days?”



Said Blago in response: “Well I didn’t really get any money for any of the photos I took because I probably took hundreds of them an couldn’t be bothered to ask everyone for money.” Also, he wanted to get out among the people.
The interview was a longish one and not lacking for Blago soundbites, nor do I think it was necessarily a bad decision for Blago to remain in Illinois since there were a few moments when Chris Wallace looked like his might like to throttle him. The main takeaway, however, appears to be that politics has not seen the last of Blago! Something he reiterated this morning:

“[I]f you’re asking me, do I believe there is a potential political comeback in the future? When I’m vindicated in this case, absolutely I do. Because people will see that I was willing all by myself almost … to fight the power of the federal government and correct this imbalance. There is something very dangerous in America today where you can have prosecutors with that power…I’m not ruling myself out as coming back, because I will be vindicated in this case. I’m significantly closer to vindication than I ever was.”

He seems to have no problem with being the butt of the joke, but he can do some real damage to democrats come the Fall.

Rod Blagojevich Near-Acquittal Sparks Media Backlash Against US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald

Mediaite.com:

It’s been a big week for Rod Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois who made a name for himself after committing acts that US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald declared would “make Abe Lincoln roll in his grave.” Except the jury couldn’t convict him on 23 of those 24 charges, and now the tables have turned on Fitzgerald, with the media rallying against a retrial and the Wall Street Journal calling for Fitzgerald’s resignation.


Judge James Zagel has already said he intends to call a retrial, especially in light of the news that Blagojevich was one juror away from a complete conviction. Many, however, seem to question the reasoning behind going through the entire process all over again. Reporters at Reuters and the Chicago Tribune have speculated that having yet another trial, especially so close to the midterm elections. In Illinois, questions are being raised over whether the money it will cost to host the retrial and defend Blagojevich will be worth it. And then there’s the positive press; Roger Simon at Politico is literally “cheering” for Blagojevich after his legal success. But perhaps the most unexpected reaction to the possibility of a retrial has been the backlash on Fitzgerald, who is now facing criticism for his failure to get Blagojevich convicted of most of the charges that extends as far as calling for his resignation.


In an editorial today, the Washington Post warned that a retrial could “cross another fine line” into “persecution” of the governor, rather than mere investigation. It wasn’t exactly a glowing piece for Team Blago– “the Blagojevich brand of politics is repugnant, beyond any doubt. It perverts democracy and puts moneyed interests over the common good,” it argues– but nonetheless the editorial calls for Fitzgerald to “stand down”– he “took his shot and lost.”

RELATED:  A Blagojevich Juror Speaks Out: Cynthia Parker Discusses The Trial

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Argentine Senator Compares Gay Marriage To Women's Suffrage, DC Referendum Barred

Obesity Rating For Every American To Be Recorded By HHS

How To Solve The Immigration Mess

Maryland Becomes 2nd State To Offer Federally Funded Abortions Under ObamaCare

Ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich Likely To Testify This Week

Tea Party Expels Mark Williams Over 'Offensive' Response To NAACP

Whoopi Goldberg And The Limits Of Friendship

Rod Blagojevich Says Obama ‘Hen-pecked’ By Michelle

ChicagoTribune.com:

Rod Blagojevich is not exactly emerging as a shining example of enlightened feminist-friendly rhetoric in the undercover recordings being played at his trial this afternoon.

An example is a conversation he held with chief of staff John Harris on Nov. 7, 2008, in which the two were still discussing Blagojevich’s plans to swap a Senate appointment for a post in the Obama administration or some high-paying job in the private sector.

The two were reviewing talks with union officials they perceived to be emissaries of Obama. Blagojevich said the emissaries didn’t seem to know exactly what to make of his swap request.

"Barack really wants to get away from Illinois politics," said Blagojevich, laughing.

Eventually the talk got around to a suggestion that they try a different route to convey the swap idea to the president: through soon-to-be first lady Michelle Obama.

“He’s a lot more hen-pecked than me,” Blagojevich said. “He listens to Michelle.”

Rod Blagojevich Trial Could Land Obama In More Hot Water

YahooNews.com:

Another possible wild card in Blagojevich's long-awaited trial that begins on Thursday is whether it will entangle Obama and his aides in Illinois' hurly-burly political theater.

The trial, which is expected to last up to four months, may expose discrepancies in how members of Obama's future administration characterized its contacts with Blagojevich after the November 2008 election.

Blagojevich is accused of trying to trade official acts for kickbacks to his campaign fund, to his friends, to his wife, Patti, and to himself. He is accused of trying to extract favors from, among others, a movie producer, the chief of a local children's hospital, and the Chicago Tribune.

Judge James Zagel of the U.S. District Court ruled out a defense request to have Obama testify. But among those who may take the stand are senior White House staffers Rahm Emanuel and Valerie Jarrett, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, U.S. Senator Richard Durbin, and U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

You think Barry's starting to have regrets about filling out that POTUS job application?

Did Barack Obama Conspire To Find His Own Senate Replacement?

FOXNews.com:

The blacked-out portions of a subpoena request filed by lawyers for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich -- which were revealed through a simple computer trick -- suggest President Obama may have played a role in finding his own Senate replacement.

On Thursday, Blagojevich's lawyers asked a federal judge to subpoena the president to testify about questions surrounding the government's allegation that Blagojevich was selling or trading Obama's Senate seat after his election to the White House in November 2008.

"President Barack Obama has direct knowledge of the Senate seat allegation," reads Blagojevich's 11-page motion, filed with U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel.

The court erred when it posted the motion in a pdf file with redactions that could be revealed simply by copying and pasting the blacked-out portions to a plain text file.

Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky brushed off the error, telling Fox News that he didn't know how the redacted file became viewable, and blaming it on a "low tech guy."

Looks like Barry might have some explaining to do. But then I always felt that Rod Blagojevich was being railroaded in the first place, yunno, Chicago politics being what they are and all.

Ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich Says Sorry After Saying He's 'Blacker Than Barack Obama'

I defended this guy when the Left was going after him with guns a blazing awhile back, but too often he's just his own worse enemy.

Obama May Be Called To Rod Blagojevich Trial

Ha! Barry's corrupt Chicago past could be coming back to bite him in the ass! Wouldn't that be special.

CNN has more coverage HERE.

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Law Protecting Children From Online Porn Dies As Supreme Court Refuses To Review Case

15-Year-Old Villified For Standing Up Against Profanity

NBC Bans Cheaters Dating-Site Ad From Super Bowl

Rod Blagojevich Now Preparing His Criminal Defense

Sarah Palin Stiffs House Republicans

Military Judge Refuses To Obey Obama's Request To Delay Suspected Bomber's Trial

Debunking The Myth That Government Spending Stimulates The Economy

Democrats Launch Petition Against Rush Limbaugh

Santonio Holmes Goes From Criminal To Super Bowl MVP

The Rod Blagojevich Witchhunt Ends With His Ouster

Even before he went on his idiot TV blitz proclaiming his innocence to anyone who's listen, Rod Blagojevich didn't have a chance to stay governor, not with this kind of blatant vindictiveness:

The Illinois Senate removed Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich from office Thursday, convicting him on an article of impeachment that alleged a pattern of abuse of power.

The vote, 59 to 0, ended nearly two months of political spectacle in which Mr. Blagojevich, a second-term Democrat who rose from the ranks of Chicago ward politics on the strength of his charisma and the connections of his wife’s family, sought to salvage his career and reputation.

The conviction followed a four-day trial, Mr. Blagojevich’s dramatic address of some 45 minutes to the senators Thursday in which he declared his innocence, and then about two hours of deliberation.

After the first vote, the Senate held a second, deciding again by 59 to 0 to bar Mr. Blagojevich from ever holding public office again in Illinois.

Under state law, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, a 60-year-old Democrat, assumed the power of chief executive immediately upon Mr. Blagojevich’s conviction. To a boisterous ovation, Mr. Quinn took the oath of office about an hour afterward in the House chamber across the hall, where he gave a short speech.

"Abuse of power"?!? For Illinois Democrats "abuse of power" has long been par the course (even Blago's replacement, Pat Quinn, has a history of scandal). Indeed, the Rod Blagojevich Witchhunt was nothing more than wiping away a stain from Barack Obama's home state--even Chris Matthews had the guts to say the other day that what Blago's been accused of doing, per the tapes heard by the Illinois Senate, has been going on every day by other pols. Here's hoping that Blago continues to fight to clear his name and of he does go down, takes some other Illinois pols down with him.

Rod Blagojevich Actually Said He Considered Oprah Winfrey For Senate Seat

CNN.com:

As Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial proceedings got under way Monday, the embattled Illinois governor hit the media circuit, answering questions about Oprah, foul language and why he isn't resigning.

Blagojevich appeared Monday on ABC's "Good Morning America" and "The View," and gave his first live prime-time interview on CNN's "Larry King Live."

"I'm not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing," Blagojevich, who is accused of trying to sell President Obama's former Senate seat, told King. "I'm entitled to a presumption of innocence."

Blagojevich also further explained comments that he channeled major political figures who overcame adversity as he was being arrested.

"I've been criticized for this, but I'm not comparing myself to Dr. King or Nelson Mandela or Mahatma Gandhi, but I tried to reach in to history and imagine some inspiring figures that would have gone through something like I was going through for sustenance and inspiration."

Blagojevich also said that he looks forward to the day when he can tell his story in full, rather than people judging him by snippets of conversation released to the media. ...............................................................................

Blagojevich did say he looked forward to calling witnesses -- including White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel; Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois; and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid -- who had conversations with him about who should replace Barack Obama as the junior senator from Illinois. Blagojevich maintained the goal of the conversations was to get the best senator for the people of Illinois.

"There was a lot of exchanging of ideas, asking questions, exploring options -- including Oprah Winfrey -- but never, not ever did I have any intention of violating any criminal law," Blagojevich said. "Never was this about selling any Senate seat for any kind of personal gain."

On both of his ABC appearances and on CNN, Blagojevich explained why talk-show host Oprah Winfrey was a contender to fill Barack Obama's former Senate seat.

"I was trying to think outside of the box. The idea came to me from a friend who suggested Oprah -- it wasn't my idea," Blagojevich told CNN. "I threw it around in conversation with senior staff and political advisers, who were all involved in this whole adventure we're on.

"And among the things we talked about was the, you know, the unlikelihood she would be interested in it, because she has a bully pulpit that's worldwide and more influence that U.S. senators combined -- all 100 of them."

Winfrey said that she had no idea she was under consideration. She said she found out from best friend Gayle King, who called to tell her on Monday morning.

Ok, comparing your arrest to the attack on Pearl Harbor was one thing, but considering Oprah Winfrey for the Senate seat goes beyond stupid. I mean, a left-wing, holier-than-thou, celebrity loon like Oprah for a seat on the Senate--Blago must've been kidding, right?. I've supported Rod Blagojevich from the get-go because it's my feeling that he's being railroaded by a gang of arrogant, Illinois Democrat pols with a long, sordid history of corruption and protecting their own--in this case Barack Obama. And while Blagojevich did a magnificent job recently outwitting Harry Reid to get Roland Burris a deserved spot on the Senate, it's starting to become clear that the pressure of possibly losing his job is getting to Blago and maybe even his spitfire wife (who was recently fired from her job). Granted, he's innocent till proven guilty and I hope he somehow gets to stay governor despite the current impeachment trial, but Blagojevich isn't doing himself any favors by opening his idiot mouth and talking to the press. Instead, he should just shut up, hire (and keep) some good, competent lawyers and a couple of prayers probably wouldn't hurt either.

Roland Burris Sworn In As Senator

Boston.com:

Roland Burris was just sworn into the US Senate by Vice President Dick Cheney, a moment greeted by sustained applause rather than the brickbats during a long-running controversy.

Fellow Democrats initially balked at Burris, because he was appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, who faces federal corruption charges that include trying to sell the seat -- once occupied by President-elect Barack Obama -- that Burris now holds.

Burris, the only African American in the Senate, says that the economic recovery is his top priority. Within hours, he'll get a vote on a key measure to release the second half of the $700 financial bailout. Obama is asking Congress for the money, but the rescue package is deeply unpopular with the public.

This is a victory for Rod Blagojevich who stood up to the incompetent Harry Reid and his cronies in the Senate and made them look even dumber than usual. Congratulations to Senator Roland Burris.

Illinois Supreme Court Rules Roland Burris Doesn't Need Sec. of State Signature

It's a done deal, Roland Burris is in as Senator:

Roland Burris moved a significant step closer to replacing President-elect Barack Obama in the US Senate when the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the state secretary of state's signature isn't required on his appointment document after all.

It is one of the legal hurdles that leaders of the Senate set before they would seat Burris. The other appeared to be met on Thursday when Burris testified before a special committee that later recommended the impeachment of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich that there was no hanky-panky in his appointment by the governor.

After initially flatly refusing to seat Burris, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other Democratic leaders opened the door this week to Burris taking the spot.

Deal With It, Roland Burris Is A Senator

Roland S. Martin is so on point here, it makes the Roland Burris naysayers look dumber by the minute:

It is total hypocrisy for the naysayers of embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to assert that he didn't have the legal right to appoint Roland Burris to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

According to the Illinois Constitution, the governor of the state has the sole responsibility for appointing the replacement. Did Blagojevich resign, or has he been impeached? Nope. If you call Springfield, Illinois, and ask for the governor's office, they'll tell you that Blagojevich's name is still on the door.

It seems a lot of folks are excited and happy that Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White took a stand by refusing to sign the paperwork certifying Burris as the Senate appointee.

Yet what these same folks somehow refuse to recognize is that Blagojevich isn't some guy sitting around in his office, twiddling his fingers, flipping through the cable channels with a remote and waiting to get impeached. He is still carrying out his duties as governor.

Did you know that since his arrest in December, Blagojevich has pardoned 22 people? I haven't heard a huge outcry over this tainted governor setting folks free.

Did you know that Blagojevich continues to sign bills that were passed by the General Assembly? U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald cited a pending bill on the governor's desk related to horse racing as a reason for arresting him, but Blagojevich can still sign any bill he so chooses.

Did you know that two days ago, Blagojevich, as determined by state law, set March 3 as the primary and April 7 as the general election to fill the congressional seat of Rahm Emanuel, who resigned after agreeing to become Obama's chief of staff? By the way, guess who signed the certification of that election? Jesse White.

The law says the governor can set a special election to fill a congressional seat, so doesn't the same law state that he can fill a Senate seat?

Yes, Blagojevich's appointment of a U.S. Senate seat is easily seen as being tainted because of what has been described by federal law enforcement officials in their criminal complaint against him. But the reality is that Blagojevich hasn't been indicted, convicted or impeached. And whether we like it or not, no matter how smelly it looks, he still maintains the absolute right to do the job he was elected to do.

Rod Blagojevich has exposed the Democrat leadership for its sheer and utter incompetency. Roland Burris will rightfully gets seated in the Senate as Blago's shrewdness has exposed Harry Reid for the clown that he is because as Sen. Dianne Feinstein pointed out, he has no legal leg to stand on here. Ha!

Racist Harry Reid Doesn't Want Any Black Senators

Chicago Sun-Times.com:

Days before Gov. Blagojevich was charged with trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder, top Senate Democrat Harry Reid made it clear who he didn’t want in the post: Jesse Jackson, Jr., Danny Davis or Emil Jones.

Rather, Reid called Blagojevich to argue he appoint either state Veterans Affairs chief Tammy Duckworth or Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, sources told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Sources say the Senate majority leader pushed against Jackson and Davis — both democratic congressmen from Illinois — and against Jones — the Illinois Senate president who is the political godfather of President-elect Barack Obama — because he did not believe the three men were electable. He feared losing the seat to a Republican in a future election.

Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero confirmed that Reid (D-Nev.) and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) — the new chief of the Senate Democratic political operation — each called Blagojevich’s campaign office separately Dec. 3. Sources believe that at least portions of the phone conversations are on tape.

Before their contacts, Obama’s chief of staff Rahm Emanuel called Blagojevich to tell him to expect to hear from Senate leadership because they were pushing against Jackson and others, according to statements the governor made to others.

Besides U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush courageously putting himself out there on behalf of Roland Burris in his bid to be seated tomorrow in the Senate, the restrained, almost muted response from the liberal, black community on this story has been startling to say the least. Roland Burris has every right to be seated tomorrow in the Senate. Burris has the credentials and the allegations against Gov. Rod Blagojevich should not be in play here if like 99.9% of most Americans you presume that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

Harry Reid, who not too long ago made an ignorant comment on the unruly stench of D.C. tourists, presides over a Congress with zero members who are Black and has now made it publicly clear that he's very comfortable keeping it that way. Where's the outrage? Where's the support for Roland Burris, a Black man being railroaded because of the charges against a white Governor? Where's Sharpton? Jackson? The Congressional Black Caucus? Hell, even crazy Cynthia McKinney? Oh yeah, since this is a Democrat scandal, they're all silent on this one. The hypocrisy of Black libs never ceases to amaze me.

Politiks As Usual: In The News 1/5/09

Obama Taps Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine As The New Chairman Of DNC

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Soldier Alleges Military Pattern Of Christian Bias

Voted For Prop 8? You're Fired

Al Franken To Be Declared Senate Victor In Minnesota

Roland Burris Lawyer Prods Senate Dems Leaders

Bush 41: Jeb Should Run For President

Liberal, HuffPo Writer Debunks Al Gore's Global Warming Hysteria

Indiana Court Sides With Internet Pedophiles, Limits Child Sex Stings

Rod Blagojevich Has Every Right To Pick Senate Seat

CNN.com:

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday will name former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate, sources familiar with the decision say.

Burris' appointment would fill President-elect Barack Obama's former Senate seat. Blagojevich is to announce his choice at a news conference at 3 p.m. ET.

Burris, 71, is African-American. Earlier this month, he said that despite the scandal associated with the seat, he wanted the job.

Burris does not have to be formally approved by the Senate to be appointed by Blagojevich. But the Senate could refuse to seat Burris, or it could seat him and investigate the manner in which he was appointed, and unseat him if senators discover any wrongdoing.

Two Democratic officials tell CNN that Senate Democratic leaders are planning to block Blagojevich's appointment of Roland Burris to the Senate seat.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, has recently threatened not to seat anyone the governor appoints and has called for Blagojevich, a Democrat, to step down.

The governor was arrested this month on federal corruption charges and has since ignored calls to resign.

Where's Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson when you need 'em? Rod Blagojevich is NOT GUILTY of anything, he's being investigated for alleged wrongdoing with the opinion here being that he's also being scapegoated for the longstanding political corruption that exists in Illinois. As Governor, Blago has sole authority to fill Obama's old seat with anyone if his choosing. No matter how they try to spin it Harry Reid and his cronies have no right to try and block Roland Burris from a Senate chair. Right now the U.S. Senate has ZERO Black members, that's an embarrassment in of itself. Let's see how the leadership of the party in which 90% of Blacks vote looks if and when they attempt to block a Black man from serving on the Senate.

Rahm Emanuel Facing Possible Subpoena From Blagojevich Attorney

CNN.com:

The Illinois House panel considering impeachment charges against Gov. Rod Blagojevich has received a letter from the governor's attorney urging the panel to issue subpoenas to more than a dozen potential witnesses, including incoming White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Steve Brown, spokesman for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, confirms to CNN that the impeachment panel received the letter from Blagojevich attorney Ed Genson.

"The committee has taken that letter under advisement," said Brown, noting the panel's next meeting is Monday morning.

Even if the panel moved ahead with such subpoenas, however, they could still be blocked by prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald, who has previously expressed concern about the impeachment panel interfering with his ongoing criminal probe.

Nevertheless, the maneuvering by Blagojevich's camp could provide a distraction for President-elect Barack Obama and top aides just days after they tried to turn the page on the matter by issing an internal investigation claiming no wrongdoing by the transition team.

Genson, Blagojevich's attorney, did not immediately return a call seeking comment on his letter.

Barack tried to throw a blanket on this mess by conducting his own investigation that pretty much concluded that Emanuel did no wrong here. Good thing Gov. Blagojevich isn't having it. Democratic corruption in Illinois has been going on for too long now, it's about time the feds get involved and do something about it because Rod Blagojevich is being scapegoated.