The Capitol Fax Blog » Rezko Verdict *** GUILTY ON 16 OF 24 COUNTS *** SURRENDERS TO AUTHORITIES ***

Rezko Verdict *** GUILTY ON 16 OF 24 COUNTS *** SURRENDERS TO AUTHORITIES ***

Wednesday, Jun 4, 2008

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* 2:48 pm - From the US Attorney’s office…

Forwarded from the Court:

Everyone:

The Rezko jury has reached a verdict. The judge will read the verdict at 3:45 pm. Thank you.

* 3:01 pm - WBBM Radio should be carrying it live. Click here to listen.

* 3:05 pm - Watch it live at around 3:45 or so right here, courtesy of CBS 2. Just click on the CBS 2 image to watch it live…

* 3:20 pm - To better follow along at home or office, here is the jury’s verdict form, and here is a brief explanation of each count.

Also, the US Attorney’s Rezko page is here, and their press room page is here.

* 3:44 pm - We’re maxed out on two servers. Hopefully, the problem will be fixed soon, but there’s not much we can do at the moment.

We’re gonna go down for a few minutes while we reboot and add memory.

Goodness gracious. Sun-Times and Trib both crashed during this event.

* 4:19 pm - * From the Tribune…

Count 1: Mail fraud. Scheme to extort $375,000 from Glencoe Capital of Chicago in exchange for $50 million investment from the state Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). Guilty

Count 2: Mail fraud. Scheme to extort $375,000 from Glencoe Capital. Guilty

Count 3: Wire fraud. Scheme to extort $250,000 from LLR Partners of Pennsylvania in exchange for $25 million TRS investment. Not Guilty

Count 4: Wire fraud. Scheme to extort $850,000 from JER Partners of Virginia in exchange for $85 million TRS investment. Guilty

Count 5: Wire fraud. Scheme to extort $850,000 from JER Partners. Guilty

Count 6: Wire fraud. Scheme to extort $850,000 from JER Partners. Guilty

Count 7: Mail fraud. Scheme to extort $250,000 from Sterling Financial of Northbrook in exchange for $25 million TRS investment. Guilty

Count 8: Mail fraud. Scheme to extort $250,000 from Sterling Financial. Guilty

Count 9: Wire fraud. Scheme to extort $4 million from Investors Mortgage Holding of Arizona in exchange for $200 million TRS investment. Not Guilty

Count 10: Wire fraud. Scheme to extort $4 million from Investors Mortgage Holding. Not Guilty

Count 11: Mail fraud. Scheme to extort $1.5 million bribe in exchange for approval by the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board of a new Mercy Hospital in Crystal Lake. Guilty

Count 12: Mail fraud. Scheme to extort $1.5 million in exchange for approval of Mercy Hospital. Guilty

Count 13: Wire fraud. Schemes to extort $1 million from Stockwell Capital of Chicago, $4 million from Investors Mortgage Holding and $1.5 million to $2.2 million from Capri Capital of Chicago. Guilty

Count 14: Wire fraud. Schemes to extort $4 million from Investors Mortgage Holding and $1.5 million for the Mercy Hospital approval. Guilty

Count 15: Wire fraud. Schemes to extort $850,000 from JER, $4 million from Investors Mortgage Holding, $1.5 million to $2.2 million from Capri Capital and $1.5 million for the Mercy Hospital approval. Guilty

Count 16: Attempted extortion. Scheme to extort $1.5 million to $2.2 million from Capri Capital. Not Guilty

Count 17: Aiding and abetting bribery. Scheme to extort $375,000 from Glencoe Capital. Guilty

Count 18: Aiding and abetting bribery. Scheme to extort $250,000 from LLR Partners Not Guilty

Count 19: Aiding and abetting bribery. Scheme to extort $1 million from Stockwell Capital. Not Guilty

Count 20: Aiding and abetting bribery. Scheme to extort $850,000 from JER Partners Guilty

Count 21: Aiding and abetting bribery. Scheme to extort $4 million from Investors Mortgage Holding. Not Guilty

Count 22: Aiding and abetting bribery. Scheme to extort $1.5 million to $2.2 million from Capri Capital. Not Guilty

Count 23: Money laundering. Scheme to extort $375,000 from Glencoe Capital. Guilty

Count 24: Money laundering. Scheme to extort $375,000 from Glencoe Capital. Guilty

* 5:13 pm - Rezko surrendered to authorities and was taken to jail, even though his sentencing wasn’t scheduled until September…

Rezko, who is scheduled for sentencing in September, surprised even his attorney by opting to begin serving his time immediately.

“I didn’t choose that. Mr. Rezko chose if he was convicted to immediately start serving,” said Joe Duffy, Rezko Defense Attorney. “That was just the desire he expressed to us, and it was his decision.”

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- posted by Rich Miller

97 Comments

- Rob_N - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 2:51 pm:
They’re done with their vacation?

- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 2:52 pm:
someone tell me if there is an audio link!!!!!

- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 2:54 pm:
This could make the leadership meeting very interesting tomorrow!!!

- Downstate GOP Faithless - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 2:57 pm:
the make or break moment for the governors press staff…

- Ravenswood Right Winger - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 2:57 pm:
How soon until someone asks Obama for his comment?

- BandCamp - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 2:59 pm:
My mouth is wet with anticipation…

- The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 2:59 pm:
Jurors want to leave early to watch the Cubs game.

- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 2:59 pm:
Everybody just hold your breath and your fire. We’ll all know soon enough.

- Anon - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 2:59 pm:
WBBM has a live feed on the Internet but I don’t know that they will have a live feed in the court room.

- scoot - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:01 pm:
pins & needles….this verdict actually worries me about the future of IL politics.

- Learning the Ropes - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:02 pm:
WBBM Live Feed

- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:03 pm:
No link in the courtroom, guys. Sorry to let you down.

- The Elderly Republican Tomato Farmer - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:05 pm:
If Rezko skates, we’re back in session on Monday.

- Levois - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:08 pm:
Wow! I haven’t really been following the trial but I understand the rammifications from it. Now I’m anticipating the end, whatever the results maybe!

- The Elderly Republican Tomato Farmer - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:15 pm:
While we’re waiting on Mike Flannery, perhaps we might discuss the extent to which a Rezko acquittal would pour hot coffee on the idea of an impeachment resolution.

- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:16 pm:
TERTF, I said hold your breath and your fire. We’ll know the verdicts soon. No sense in debating what the verdicts might do until we know what the verdicts are.

Thanks.

- Mrs. McGillicuddy - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:25 pm:
C’mon, BHRP - - the Cubs aren’t on until 9:05 - they’re on the west coast, remember? I used to visit Rogers Park as a kid, BTW. . .my granny lived there for many years. . .I digress, but there’s plenty of time for Rezko Verdict Overload to kick in. . . have a nice day.

- Staurt L - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:29 pm:
Listening to WLS the are going to cover it live

- A Citizen - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:41 pm:
-AA- and -VM-
What is the appropriate wine to sip during the reading of the verdict? Cabernet Sauvignon seems perfect with some warm chips and dip.

- Wumpus - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:57 pm:
WGN says guilty on at least 1 charge

- Wumpus - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:00 pm:
WGN says guilty on at least 4/5 charge

- S. Illinois - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:00 pm:
Guilty on 16 of 24 counts.

Don’t feel bad Rich…the Trib and Sun Times sites are down too.

- Wumpus - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:02 pm:
Rich, yours is still the best

- Reddbyrd - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:05 pm:
Capt Fax we love it when you reboot in public!

- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:11 pm:
A, AA would have loved an adult beverage, particularly a nice mature Cab. Instead I got a handful of snack mix from the office snack day and Diet Coke with which to savor the verdict.

Talk about rebooting in public-Redd, did you catch poor Mike Parker about to vaporlock on the live Web feed because his walkie-talkie to the 12th floor blew up? Best line-”should I just open a vein right now?”

Rich-another great job.

- OneMan - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:13 pm:
Rich,
You were up longer than the trib…..

Ok, so if you are the governor what do you do now?

- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:15 pm:
I don’t think the governor’s going to be calling any special sessions this summer. That reduction veto is probably looking pretty good right now.

But he’s been know to surprise…

- K to the 3 - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:17 pm:
I’m guessing this will fuel those impeachment talks…as if they needed any fuel.

- Yellow Dog Democrat - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:18 pm:
What’s going on with Count 21:

“The agreement that a large finder’s fee from Investors Mortgage Holdings would be split three ways.”

- A Citizen - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:19 pm:
Hmmm, wonder if Rezko wirefrauded some money into guv’s campaign fund? RICO or Friends(?) of Blago a criminal enterprise?

- Anon - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:21 pm:
What are the 8 Not Guilty? The live video feed was entertaining as he was very disgusted by the lack of information he was receiving. He only indicated that 16, 18 & 19 were Not Guilty. What are the other 5?

- Greg - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:21 pm:
Rich, you should be congratulated on the crash. That’s a good sign.

- Yellow Dog Democrat - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:22 pm:
Breakdown of guilty/not guilty on each of the counts here:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rezko-verdicts-counts,0,2534488.story

- Anon - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:23 pm:
link to verdicts by count: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rezko-verdicts-counts,0,2534488.story

- Middel - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:24 pm:
Is this why Hillary has not conceded?

How does this affect Obama’s real estate dealings with Rezko?

- Happy - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:25 pm:
Was he foung guilty of the lesser charges or the more serious charges. Anyone know????

- OneMan - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:26 pm:
Clad in a light olive suit and red tie, Rezko showed little emotion as the verdicts were read. He could face $4 million in fines and 300 years in prison.

Or he can talk to the feds…

- Champaign Mike - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:26 pm:
Bye Bye Rod

- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:27 pm:
Happy, the charges with verdicts are all listed above.

- Macbeth - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:27 pm:
Teflon Rod.

I’m sure we’ll all be re-electing him again. Just as we did twice before.

- nino - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:28 pm:
i let out a woo like rick freaking flair.

- pro - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:29 pm:
Interesting -

Not Guilty on charges related to gov.

What does that mean?

- Free James Brown! - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:29 pm:
Say Goodnight, Blago.

- Greg - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:30 pm:
Isn’t the coming indictment of a major state’s governor enough of a story for the national press? I’m no Obama guy, but it’s frustrating to hear the story told in an Obama-centric way, as if he’s next. Stay focused!

- No Way - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:30 pm:
“All in all, this was an Up Day”

- Brian McDaniel - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:31 pm:
Rich, would you consider telling everyone how many unique visitors were lining up before the crash? It would be an interesting fact to know in light of how the MSM derides bloggers as amateurs.

- Reform & Renewal - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:32 pm:
Doesn’t matter which particular counts, Rezko facing years behind bars and will sing (the truth) to anybody to reduce that.

- But what do I know?. . . - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:32 pm:
A quick perusal seems like the various wire/mail fraud charges for extortion stuck, but the associated aiding/abetting bribery charges didn’t. . .like he’s guilty of getting the money out of the marks, but not guilty of a scheme to use the money for bribes. . .if that’s accurate - and that’s a big if - could be good for Blago, if that’s possible. . but what do I know?

- Garp - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:32 pm:
PQ’s upcoming funder may have some new faces.

- GofGlenview - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:34 pm:
Wow.

Next up…Blago, Cellini, Kjellander, Hurtgen. I wonder if Hurtgen will flip now. He’s been the only other hold out other than Rezko. In his indictment Glennon, Kiferbaum and Levine all pled guilty. With Rezko going down on the Levine testimony, despite Duffy’s “fantastic” dismantling of the Fed’s star witness it makes one wonder. If they trace the $800,000 from Hurtgen-to-Kjellander-to-Rezko That is the end of Blago.

Will this stain Obama(?)- the house deal is certainly suspect. Also, perhaps it shows that Obama must have had quite a few dealings with Rezko to be that intimate with him to trust him on this house deal. The question is: what were those dealings?

Was/is/will it become the October surprise the Clintons kept talking about?

Bye-Bye Combine.

- Napoleon has left the building - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:34 pm:
What are you smoking pro? Can I have some?

Every one of those counts is related to the Governor. If you don’t know how, then you need to go back and read the trial transcripts and coverage.

The only silver lining for Rezko is that he didn’t get convicted on the extortion charges. I’m not sure that matters one bit to Blago though.

- Belle - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:36 pm:
1240 radio has already had a commentary pointing out Obama is a product of the most corrupt machine in the US - Mayor Daleys. This was when they talked about the 16 of 24 guiltys. Not something for the ol’ Illinois tourism brochure!

- thurber - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:38 pm:
I never thought I would be a Mike Madigan fan but our lunatic gov has made me one. I’d guess Mr. Madigan is not in an accomodating mood right now where blago is concerned. Can’t wait to see the next press conference……not appropriate to comment while it is undergoing appeal?

- Old Elephant - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:38 pm:
That sound you hear is Super Delegates across the country going: “Oh Crap!”

- Napoleon has left the building - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:38 pm:
Garp: can you please post the details for that funder? I’d like to be one of those new faces.

N

- scoot - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:39 pm:
Next up Chris Kelly…then possibly the campaign fund?: “Friends of Blagojevich”

- Name Withheld - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:42 pm:
For us underachievers - what exactly does this mean? I know Rezko didn’t get convicted on some of the higher-ticket items, but there’s still a substantial amount here that he *was* convicted on. Is there enough here that should worry our governor?

- GofGlenview - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:42 pm:
Rod can’t duck it anymore- That trip he took to NYC with Rezko, Levine, Hurtgen, Kelly and the rest was like one big flying indictment. It seems everyone on that plane has either pled guilty, been convicted guilty or is under indictment with the exception of Blago and his bodyguard.

I don’t think the bodyguard is next that just leaves Blago…

- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:43 pm:
NOW if I was MJM, I would change my mind and GO to the Leadership meeting, he could have a lot of fun with this outcome!

- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:43 pm:
— A Citizen - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 3:41 pm:

-AA- and -VM-
What is the appropriate wine to sip during the reading of the verdict? Cabernet Sauvignon seems perfect with some warm chips and dip. –

Mr. Rezko’s verdict should be read sipping Arak, the Syrian louche-beverage. If you are having warm chips and dip, choose a nice garlicy barbeque dip which compliments the anise in the Arak nicely.

Since Mr. Rezko is Syrian, I thought immediately of his homeland’s preferred sipping brew.

- Skeeter - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:44 pm:
This won’t hurt Obama a bit.

If McCain tries to play it, it will bring up McCain’s connections to Keating and the reports that McCain’s wife stole pills from a relief organization she founded.

“Close to bad guys” is not a good topic for McCain. He should stay clear.

- Middel - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:44 pm:
Yes the Super Delegates must be sweating this verdict. This will open up the Can of Worms for the swift Boat Bloggers on Obama.

- Wacker Drive - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:44 pm:
Outstanding! Justice has prevailed!

- From the Sidelines - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:45 pm:
Rich,
As always, thank you for the timely report and the breakdown of the verdict.

- Champaign Mike - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:45 pm:
jj, where are you, please tell us about this great victory for Rod!!!

- What's in a name? - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:45 pm:
Blago is having another “up” day.

- OneMan - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:46 pm:
Skeeter,

It sure isn’t going to help Obama, if nothing else if plays to the whole ‘look from what sort of system he came from’….

Then again I never thought the Son-In-Law of a Chicago ward boss would end up governor either.

- Unspun - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:48 pm:
The notion that it doesn’t matter which charges were “guilty” and that ANY guilty charge may be valid. However, like Levine before him, if Rezko sings to the Feds his testimony will be highly discredited on its face. It would would be interesting to see (of the ‘not guilty’ counts) which ones correlate to Levine’s testimony. What do you think, Rich?

- Macbeth - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:49 pm:
—-
Then again I never thought the Son-In-Law of a Chicago ward boss would end up governor either.
—–

Why *wouldn’t* a son-in-law of a Chicago ward boss end up as governor? This is Illinois, after all.

- Garp - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:50 pm:
PQ’s funder is the 17th at Fulton’s on the River-I do believe

- GofGlenview - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:51 pm:
Well done Rich. This is kind fo helpful too:

Breakdown of Counts
Guilty on 6 of 6 counts wire fraud
Guilty on 6 of 9 counts mail/wire fraud
Not Guilty on 1 count attempted extortion
Guilty on 2 of 6 counts corrupt solicitation
Guilty on 2 counts money laundering

- Skeeter - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:51 pm:
OneMan,
It only hurts in that it makes it difficult for Obama to attack McCain on the Keating issues and the Cindy issues.
It puts the issue out of play.
Both (through surrogates) will try to jab with it, but the issue will end up being a non-factor.
It will, of course, be all over FoxNews, but let’s be honest — that network was going to run negative stuff on him anyway, so it won’t mattter.

- problem - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:51 pm:
Champaign Mike -

I am sure you aren’t that slow, but I am sure you realize that jj’s comments would be how this is great news for Tom Cross…

- OneMan - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:51 pm:
Unspun….

I don’t think Tony has nearly the issues that Levine did.

- Fed Up State Employee - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:51 pm:
Saint,
Too funny! If MJM doesn’t attend this meeting he’s missing the chance of a lifetime. He probably won’t be able to sleep waiting for this one.

- GofGlenview - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:52 pm:
Namewithheld- the max sentence here would be approx 300 years…out in 5

- Skeeter - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:54 pm:
Middel,

That’s an easy one.

1. Obama’s wife is not racist. If you believe that her comments were racist, you were not going to vote for him anyway; and

2. If you look at Cindy, she’s pretty dirty. She sure seemed to like Percocet and Vicodin.

- Unspun - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:55 pm:
For those contemplating the appropriate varietal of wine to uncork to relish this news, please remember that this is not a good day for Illinois. This news (right or wrong) will further perpetuate the image of corruption in our state, and further disenfranchise the electorate. It will also embolden Fitz, who seems hell-bent on convicting everyone of mail fraud (a count that half of us committed, if accidentally). Perhaps you wine drinkers should substitute blood, although my guess is that blood thirst is insatiable.

- GofGlenview - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:58 pm:
Skeeter- Rezko was dirty, his leads to both Blago’s door and Obama’s- No Pun I-ntended(as well as many republicans- Cellini, Kjellander et al). It’s just the way it is don’t kill the mail man because you don’t like the mail.

- Skeeter - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 4:58 pm:
I disagree, Unspun.
Any day that justice is done is a good day.
I’m thinking of tuna with an Asian sauce, paired with an Oregon Pinot.
Of course, I was probably going to do that anyway, since it is healthy (other than the soy, which has a bit too much salt) and quick to prepare.

- Skeeter - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:00 pm:
Gofglenview,
You are missing the point.
What will be the response if McCain raises the issue?
“Really, Senator? How is your good friend Mr. Keating doing these days? And by the way, do you have a lock on your medicine cabinet? Have your wife’s charities installed locks?”
From a tactical standpoint, McCain should find other issues since the Keating stuff makes him look a lot worse than this.

- JonShibleyFan - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:01 pm:
The notion that Obama is a product of the Daley machine is; a) off topic, and b) laughably absurd.

Daley -ever the Chicagophile, if nothing else, got on the Obama bandwagon, not the other way around.

- JonShibleyFan - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:03 pm:
I thought we were here to talk about the Rezko verdict, not create an obnoxious bloggy ode to Sideways.

- 312 - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:04 pm:
irony — Just received my “Women for Blagojevich” fundraising invite in the mail today.

- OneMan - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:04 pm:
Skeeter,
One was 20 years ago, one was at lot more recent. People are going to go Keating who?

As for the “Have your wife’s charities installed locks?” comment.

I hope Obama brings that up, it will show how much honesty there is with his ‘this will be a different campaign’ stuff.

- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:06 pm:
Enough presidential campaign stuff, please. We have a thread for that. Stop cluttering up this thread. Last warning before deletions begin in earnest.

- Reasonable - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:07 pm:
The Rezko verdict destroys any chances for the democrats in the IL10 and IL6. Seals and Morgenthal are close to Blago

- Unspun - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:07 pm:
Skeeter:

Your point with repsect to justice is well-taken. Your taste ain’t bad, either!! I just hate to see the state maintain its focus on ethics/corruption etc., particularly in a presidential election year. These “media sexy” issues tend to drown out the most important issues like the economy, education, health care, etc. I liken it (somewhat loosely)to the polarizing issue of abortion, which in the minds of many voters is the barometer of a candidate, even though most candidates have NO say on the abortion issue.

- prairiestatedem - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:16 pm:
I think we should send Lon Monk a “Thinking of You” card with the verdict form inside.

- OneMan - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:17 pm:
Ok,
So back to the subject at hand. If you are the governor how do you blunt this, do you veto the budget? Do you just lay low?

- He makes Ryan look like a Saint - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:31 pm:
If I am the Gov, I go out tonight and say, that Rezko was a friend, and that I am sorry that he took advantage of being a friend of mine, and that nothing pointed to me, then I run out like the room was on fire.

I do everything I can to keep the GA out of Springfield in order to prevent any Impeachment talk.

I get on a bus and try to drum up support for the capitol bill (and invite Rich Miller for another interview).

Heck, I may even throw another fundraiser.

Basically he needs to act like it does not affect him, that he is not guilty of anything.

- Cecil - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:31 pm:
You lay low but it is too late. This snowball is too far down the hill. He may be able to hold off impeachment to survive his term but there will be too many indictments for him to ever be a candidate again. Real issue is if Madigan can keep him from playing the spoiled brat and really destroying the State’s future in efforts to create his “legacy” before he is shown the door.

- JonShibleyFan - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:36 pm:
Reasonable, what tie does Seals have to Blagojevich?

A lot have speculated that this will bring about meekness from the Gov’s office. I doubt it. I think “He makes Ryan…” could be the scheduler, because his/her analysis seems spot on to me.

- bluedog demo - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:53 pm:
to: 312 Those ” Friends of Blagojevich ” and

- bluedog demo - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 5:56 pm:
To: 312 Those ” Friends of Blago ” and ” Women for Blago ” must have some real ” testostorone “. I and others have repeatedly called them to denounce Blago but and asked to be removed from their mailing list but the continue to mail us their crap. The sooner we are rid of Blago, Jones and Madigan plus a boatload of Dem and GOPer underlings the better off we all will be !

- Fed Up State Employee - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 6:04 pm:
TV news just reported that Rezko was taken into federal custody and sentencing would take place September 3rd. Why does it take 3 months, anyone know?

- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jun 4, 08 @ 6:29 pm:
Let’s move everything to this post please. Thanks. This was getting kinda long.

[Added later] Also, VM, the best Arak is made in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. I don’t know of any good Syrian Arak. Lebanon is where the top-notch stuff comes from. Trust me on this one. I think I’ll go have me some now. :)

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