The Capitol Fax Blog » This just in…

Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008

* 2:44 PM - That blue ribbon commission the governor was supposedly going to use to pick Obama’s replacement? Turns out it’s a bunch of people in his administration. From a press release…

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that he will take his time and use a diverse senior staff made up of key members of his administration who will assist him in selecting a suitable replacement for Obama.”

So much for consulting a group of “wise” men and women. These are the same people who have helped build that rock solid 13 percent approval rating.

Sheesh.

We’ll have more soon, i’m sure.

* 3:13 PM - More from the presser…

Gov. Rod Blagojevich said today he’s “not interested” in appointing himself to replace Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate, but did not expressly rule out the option.

- posted by Rich Miller

73 Comments

- How Ironic - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:50 pm:
Well with that brain trust working overtime…survey says “Alan Keyes”

- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:51 pm:
A Blue Ribbon commission of people who work for me? I’m not sure what that’s supposed to accomplish. It’s certainly not political cover and it obviously doesn’t provide independent thought.

- anon again - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:52 pm:
when will this group run out of good ideas

- 2ConfusedCrew - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:52 pm:
Clearly Blagoof ought to be told the President elect should create the panel, make the choice and tell the governor to do it.
If he fails then he should be told the Senate will not seat the choice — which is an option.
Anything less condems the choice to a yoke of weight that will strangle any chances to win in 2010.

- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:52 pm:
Pick me! Pick me!

Pleeeeze!!!

- Just Observing - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:54 pm:
Since Blago’s poll ratings are in the toilet… I have the only idea to help resurrect his image as a populist.

He announces that he is not going to select a career politician or the like… but rather open up the process to all citizens of the state. “Joe the Plumbers” from all over the state can and will apply. Rod picks one. Rod reshapes his image.

- Downstate weed chewing hick - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:54 pm:
Anything that causes him to pick himself, I am in favor of.

- Pat Collins - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:55 pm:
These are the same people who have helped build that rock solid 13 percent approval rating.

And he cares why? Did he not get elected last time? And if his buddy Sen. Jones can pull through with his community, he can win a primary.

Which, these days, is the election in this state.

And since ALL Fed Atty’s resign in mid Jan, he just needs to hope one resignation gets accepted ASAP.

People have hoped for far less likely things than that.

- Anon - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:56 pm:
Aren’t they already busy with their work on the Pontiac prison closing Blue Ribbon Committee? Where do they find the time for their families?

- Pat Collins - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:56 pm:
Rod picks one. Rod reshapes his image.

I’ll be happy to help re-shape that image. A job I can only get whacked from once every 6 years? Job security til Nov. 2010? Boy, would I power dive for that.

- A Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 2:58 pm:
Well, there it is! Bill’s got it nailed down.

- Jerry Seinfeld - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:01 pm:
A brown ribbon committee….

- South of I-80 - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:05 pm:
Like we don’t have enough trouble in Washington. Plus now he’s going to, how should I say, endear himself to the new guy!!

By the way, isn’t that the same “diverse senior staff” that was smoking on the balcony of the state capital last year, that caused the building to be evacuated?

- Deep South - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:05 pm:
I’m waiting patiently by the phone!

- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:07 pm:
===And if his buddy Sen. Jones can pull through with his community===

ComEd lobbyists?

Serious, what the heck was that?

- The Doc - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:08 pm:
How full of jealous rage must the guv be feeling today? HE was supposed to be standing on the dais in Grant Park last night!

Here’s a golden opportunity to get some good press clippings and possibly stop his downward slide (temporarily, but whatever) and he mucks it up before making a selection.

It’s so Blago.

And every day he wastes means less prep time and seniority for the new senator. Why is he only forming this “panel” right now? The Obama victory ain’t exactly a surprise. Of course, it could be a red herring, since he never really tells the entire truth about anything.

Rich, I now completely agree with you - everything the guv touches turns to fecal matter, including his impending senate choice. Be afraid.

- Deep South - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:09 pm:
Actually, I sorta thought Obama would resign his seat immediately, allowing a new person to be quickly chosen and sworn in giving him, or her, a bit of seniority.. But the gov’s sez he’s gonna take his time. Great!!!

- Macbeth - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:12 pm:
That would make for an interesting QOTD: what thoughts were running through Rod’s head as he watched Obama’s Grant Park speech.

I hope in some direct — although most likely indirect way — Obama’s victory will bring the merciful (and permanent) end of Rod’s public service career.

- culatr - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:15 pm:
Maybe Brad Tusk can help with selection process?

- Devil - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:15 pm:
Which staffers?

- Cassandra - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:23 pm:
Of course he won’t appoint himself. He wants to be governor again. With Stevens and Young winning in Alaska, and William Jefferson in Mississippi, he probably thinks his chances are excellent regardless
of the feds’ plans. Never underestimate the powers of incumbency.

- 618er - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:30 pm:
Oh dear!! I can just see the man setting around his kitchen table with his daughters’ Hannah Montona dolls arguing with them about his own disinterest in the senate seat.

I wonder who is winning the arguement.

Oh look a kitty!!!!

- A Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:31 pm:
What is the timeline, if any, by which guv Must appoint a replacement? Or, can he simply hold the vacancy open as long as he wants?

- Madame Defarge - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:33 pm:
He will not appoint himself because he would then be subject to the Federal fund raising limits. In addition, Senators don’t have many “goodies” to give out to potential donors and he may be needing a lot of cash for the defense fund.

- A Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:34 pm:
Perhaps he will put it on ebay, guv style, and “award” to the highest bidder.

- South of I-80 - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:35 pm:
I just heard that he will not make the appointment until Christmas!

- The Mad Hatter - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:38 pm:
If he even a modicum of sense (LOL), he appoint U.S. Attorney Pat Fitzgerald to the seat.

- Healthcare Worker - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:39 pm:
Let’s see, no recall, no impeachment,……Let’s hope he elects himself. We can then get someone in here that can WORK with the Legislature!!!

- The Mad Hatter - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:39 pm:
Rich, is there something wrong with your site? I can’t believe the syntax errors in my last post.

- oneman - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:45 pm:
Well since staffers do read this I have just one word

BILL

- Anon - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 3:49 pm:
The real question is: will his new power of appointment hasten his indictment? It seems to me that the sitting Grand Jury, having been well-oiled with all kinds of stories of his hi-jinks, is likely to do what it can to “save” us. (Obviously, an indictment alone won’t actually do that — which raises the prospect of an indicted Governor appointing himself Senator)

- Fan of the Game - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:02 pm:
The best gift an Obama presidency can offer to Illinois is that Gov. Blagojevich takes his place in the Senate where he can do this great state no real harm.

- Kevin Fanning - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:09 pm:
I’d prefer an indictment from the Fitz

- Levois - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:10 pm:
GOOD!

- anon again - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:11 pm:
we could come up with a list of 20 leading good qualified candidates an and this group will come up with somebody from left field and two months from now we will be amazed with the selection and how they missed our list totally and then the question will be who never heard of em

- Six Degrees of Separation - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:16 pm:
I hope he doesn’t get his Blue Ribbon commissions mixed up. Otherwise, he may wind up sending his Senate appointee to Harrisburg or Pontiac. Or appointing Sister Claudette Marie Muhammad (remember her?) to the Senate seat.

- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:19 pm:
First of all, if they were “wise” they wouldn’t still be working for the man.

Second, on the bright side, he did leave Rezko, Levine, Kelly, Vrdolyak and Cellini off the list. He did leave them off the list, right?

- DzNts - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:26 pm:
This “news” release is not about replacing Obama, it’s about getting his name in the papers and on the TV news. He couldn’t wait 24 hours for the celebration to subside. Heck, he could barely wait 12 hours. Aside from the recent pardons of the wrongly convicted, this appointment by Rod could be viewed as one of the few gubernatorial things he has done in the past six years. I think we should be applauding him for at least acknowledging his constitutional duty for what would appear to be the first time in quite awhile.

- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:28 pm:
The way he operates, I think he takes guidance from a Pabst Blue Ribbon Commission.

- The Rookie - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:30 pm:
I don’t think a staff is needed for the decision he is going to make.

Duckworth… On Veteran’s Day/Week…

Such a great PR move to help that 13%, no?

She’ll give Durbin another outlet in Congress and she’ll hold the seat for a challenge in the next cycle in the event that she is not well received.

Who’s going to argue with the selection of an injured vet?

- Macbeth - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:33 pm:
Wait — a “sitting grand jury”? There’s a grand jury in place? Am I missing something?

A grand jury for what?

- DzNts - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:36 pm:
Fundamentally, I don’t think it’s smart to appoint someone to a U.S. Senate seat who was rejected by voters only 24 months ago. The appointment to Director of Veteran’s Affairs was a nice gesture, but Rod should appoint someone who has not already been rejected by a majority of voters of a congressional district.

- Justice - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:38 pm:
Those “staffers” might just insist he accept the self appointment to replace Obama. A good way for them to get out from under all the pressure of their day to day defense…I mean work. .

- Harvey Mushman - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:39 pm:
Blago will trade his pick for a pardon. All he is doing now is waiting for Obama to tell him who to select.

- What Planet is he From Again? - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:42 pm:
Can I snark? “The Blue Ribbon commission can quickly shorten its list…just look at campaign donations > $25,000!”

- Cogito - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:48 pm:
Can anybody say, “U.S. Senator Emil Jones”?

- The Doc - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:58 pm:
===The way he operates, I think he takes guidance from a Pabst Blue Ribbon Commission===

Nicely played, but why you be hatin’ on canucks?

- Anon - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 5:04 pm:
– Wait — a “sitting grand jury”? There’s a grand jury in place? Am I missing something? –

As reported right here on these boards, the “February 2008 Special Grand Jury” (I think that’s right) that issued the indictment against Bill Cellini is the same grand jury that has issued subpoenas relative to the Governor’s house remodeling project.

Supposition abounds that they are ready to issue another one. Evidently, they meet on Thursdays (or that was the day the last indictment was handed down, anyway).

Tomorrow is a Thursday. So is a week from tomorrow.

- A Citizen - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 5:30 pm:
Maybe the speculation should be about who Governor Quinn will appoint to BHO’s vacancy.

- Chambananon - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 5:43 pm:
- The Doc - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 4:58 pm:

===The way he operates, I think he takes guidance from a Pabst Blue Ribbon Commission===

Nicely played, but why you be hatin’ on canucks?

—

Um…. Pabst Brewing Company is from Milwaukee…. did Wisconsin get annexed by Canada without me noticing it?……

Then again, maybe it happened a while ago in retaliation for John Candy’s invasion of Canada in “Canadian Bacon” — it would at least explain the accent…

- 312 - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 6:19 pm:
If I write Rod check for $25,000 can it be me?

I can write it, but he sure as hell won’t be able to cash it…

- Plutocrat03 - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 6:29 pm:
I am willing to kick back 1/3 of the Senatorial annual salary for the duration of the appointment to a defense fund of the governor’s choosing.

- 'Ol Waylon - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 6:29 pm:
Blago and Sarah Palin in the Senate! A match made in …

- Gregor - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 6:37 pm:
Yes, this press conference about nothing was just governor gyro gearloose’s way of hogging some of the momentary spotlight, having been shut out of most other aspects of the Obama story due to his radioactivity and cloying reek of imminent indictment.

par for the Rod course, putting out press releases about anything and everything, as if he was still important or relevant. He’s so pitiful in the way he makes the most PR of so very little, I fully expect to see a press release any day now titled:

“Governor spots something shiny”.

- Excessively rabid - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 6:39 pm:
Alan Keyes works for me. If we had elected him, we wouldn’t have this problem.

- Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 6:53 pm:
Wgat’s the over / under on wether or not Blagoof gets the appointment made before Fitz indicts him?

- Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 6:55 pm:
Sorry, rented fingers. What’s the over / under on wether or not Blagoof gets the appointment made before Fitz gets an indictment?

- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 6:56 pm:
whether

lol

- Master of the Oblivious - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 7:02 pm:
Blago better make the pick and quick, cause I think he’s gonna be the Thanksgiving turkey this year for the Feds and will be indicted by Thanksgiving 2008.

- Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 7:03 pm:
Rich, were is the spell check button on here? Oh, look a kitty!!

- wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 7:12 pm:
Chambananon, it’s funny, I’d never noticed the accent before. But I was just having beers with a couple of carpenters who brought it up. They insist it’s an attempt at a JFK accent and say the hair is JFK influenced as well.

Ich Bein Ein Delusional.

- Speaking At Will - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 7:25 pm:
I would have to believe that Rod will use this as some sort of petty power play to get something out of the soon to be President Obama. Obama may not care who is put into his old office, but that wont stop Rod from calling Barack, assuming BHO would take Rod’s call ; ) and trying to extort something for the appointment.

- Blutarski - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 7:31 pm:
If a seat on a board costs $25k, I wonder what a Senate seat will cost? I think, he should hold a PPV auction. He gets the $ from the bidder and the PPV take. win-win. For the record, I think it is still 50-50 that Blago gets another term.

- Anon - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 9:00 pm:
Rich,

Will you be posting the full video of the Guv’s press conference? KSDK in St. Louis has portions of the press conference posted.

- soccer mom - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 9:21 pm:
Is it possible that the Governor couldn’t get any blue ribboners to serve on his committee?

- Little Egypt - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 9:41 pm:
What a difference a day makes. He just can’t stand being left out of the limelight. This is a committee of one because no one in their right mind would serve on any committee called by Governor Toxic. I just pray the indictment comes down before Blago has a chance to make the appointment.

It’s really anyone’s guess who Governor Quinn will appoint.

- Change we need - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 9:55 pm:
I think Rod should appoint the person who replaced President-elect Obama in the State Senate Kwame Raoul he has done an outstanding voice and has reach out to rural and urban communities in Illinois.

- Lynn S - Wednesday, Nov 5, 08 @ 11:05 pm:
Okay, Plutocrat3, I’ll raise ya.

If Gov. Blagoof appoints me, I promise to donate 35% of the post-tax Senate salary to his defense fund (oops, I meant campaign fund), and I promise that after I get done washing every one of my waist-length hairs I will appear before the grand jury and testify as to the stand-up job Blagoof’s been doing screwing up (oops, I meant governing) our great state.

With all fingers and toes crossed behind my back, I even promise Mayor Daley that I will support the appointment of an amenable U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois (but, again, I may have to wash all my hairs before I finish the paperwork on this).

Sorry, Bill! I promise I’ll campaign for you to fill my seat in 2010, and that’s a straight-up promise!! I won’t even wash my hair first!

- Andy Quinn - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 12:39 am:
Kirk should run against Schakowsky/Jackson/Duckworth in 2010.

Personally, I bet Blago appoints Madigan to get her of the Dem. Governors primary.

- anon2 - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 6:12 am:
One person we know Rod will never appoint is Jesse Jackson Jr., after Jr has continually slammed the Governor. A leason learned is don’t bite the hand that can feed you!

- Speaking At Will - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 7:27 am:
I second the Kwame Raoul appointment suggestion.

- Secret Square - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 8:34 am:
Word, Blago may really think he IS “ein berliner,” that is, a jelly donut, particularly since his other hero, Elvis, loved them so much.

- VanillaMan - Thursday, Nov 6, 08 @ 9:03 am:
His Blue Ribbon Committee will recommend the best person for the task - Blagojevich.

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