63 Comments - he gone - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 12:55 pm: Could the court even have stopped a constitutionally created process? Seems like it would have been a waste of time. I think the gov. and his team need to realize although this is a type of trial, it is unlike any criminal or civil trial they have ever participated in and thus new rules apply. Also, just because Blago & Rahm never had inappropriate conversations doesn’t mean he didn’t have them with someone else. After throwing Rahm’s name into that bizarre press conference a few weeks ago and now this, do you think he is trying to imply he will bring him down too? - enrico depressario - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 12:55 pm: “A bit odd?” What would Rahm Emmanuel’s testimony prove? For that matter, may as well call me to the stand. He didn’t offer to sell it to me, either. - steve schnorf - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 12:57 pm: He is effectively charged with trying to sell it. For that to be the case, he had to try to sell it to someone. Who is that someone? - Concerned Observer - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 12:58 pm: Hmmm…so basically he’s “negotiating” the impeachment just like he “negotiated” the last few budgets, and the way he “negotiated” mass transit money, and the way he “negotiated” ethics reform? By waiting until after deadlines, then whining to try and get his way? How is this odd? Par for the course, unfortunately. - Tao of Rod - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 12:58 pm: Next stop: Shapiro Developmental Center - fisher - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:01 pm: Isn’t this the gov’s style? Grandstand to the media but not actually do the work? - South Side Mike - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:04 pm: I think he’s just building the case for his insanity plea for Fitz. As soon as the indictment came down he knew he was toast legally and politically, so the best possible outcome is a short stint in a padded room next to a guy who also thinks he’s Elvis. - Bill - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:04 pm: C’Mon Rod, This is me talking. Look, it is all over, man. They got you. You’re gone,dude. It is time to step back, rearrange your priorities. It was a nice last gasp with what you did with Roland, I laughed my bleepin bleep off. But now you gotta get outta Dodge, Marshall. Take the radio gig. Its better than nothing. Try to pull a Rosty and sign up with some TV station or network as an “expert” analyst, whatever. You gotta go for your own good, Buddy. I’m worried about you. Stay in Lake Geneva until you can pull something together. You are just making a bad situation worse by being in town. Good Luck! Your Friend, Bill - Elliot Ness - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:04 pm: “Gov. Blagojevich’s legal team has no plans to file a lawsuit to block his Illinois Senate impeachment trial” The Governor also had no plans to appoint a senator. Why should we believe this? - liberty and justice - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:06 pm: I am shocked that the following phrase in the impeachment article has not even been mentioned by the Governor or his defense team: When sitting for that purpose, Senators shall be upon oath, or affirmation, “to do justice according to law” What does justice according to law mean? What laws must they abide by? Why did the framers put that phrase in if they didn’t intend for some laws to be followed? They could have just as easily said “to do justice according to the constitution…” But they didnt. Why isnt this phrase being mentioned more? If the above article is accurate then this seems to fall into the “gov cant use campaign funds for impeachment trial” logic. They dont have time and he doesnt have money so it seems logical. - GA Watcher - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:12 pm: It sounds to me as though the Governor and his attorneys view his impeachment as a fait accompli. They would rather focus his relatively limited financial resources on his criminal defense. Given the potential consequences (i.e. the embarrassment of being impeached vs. jail time), it’s probably a wise thing. - tc - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:12 pm: I am 100 percent confidant he will resign before he is convicted. Make that 90 percent. I am with bill on this. - Macbeth - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:24 pm: Does this mean the resignation is a 4pm press conference tomorrow? - Speaking At Will - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:28 pm: == this governor is a bit odd == Can I get this on a T shirt signed by Rich Miller? - kimsch - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:29 pm: I think he’s just trying to make the whole impeachment thing seem illegitimate. He’ll be impeached and will try to say he can’t be impeached, the Senate wasn’t fair, the Senate went into the process with their decision already made, it was a show trial… Then he’ll expect an uprising of the people saying it was unfair, he should still be the governor… He can but dream. - the Patriot - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:31 pm: Perhaps reality has set in that his job is gone, and there is no way to keep it. Perhaps he realizes that he should resign and keep face with some possible jurors. Taking the impeachment the distance will only provide more opportunities for his potential jury pool to see what a slime he is. If he bows out with class now, he can at least play that card of sympathy that in the end, he did what was best for the people. Is he truly a sociopath and will he sacrifice everything to protect himself. At some point he has to take the plea and do the time or risk his whole family, his life, and even the freedom of the mother of his children. Is he that crazy? Surely he was smart enought to keep some of those bribes as cash. Kiss the kids guv, get out the emergency briefcase and get to a country of non extradition. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:33 pm: ===Can I get this on a T shirt signed by Rich Miller?=== You pay for the shirt, I’ll sign it. - been there - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:35 pm: I’m with Speaking at Will. Rich, Please get those t-shirts printed up! You can give one as a prize for the dryest understatement on some cool topic that you choose. - Willie Stark - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:37 pm: The emergency lawsuit is going to come immediately after the Senate has voted to convict him. Then, he will be able to claim a harm and base it on the alleged denial of his due process rights. So, we have more spectacle to look forward to: an impeached, convicted governor who refuses to vacate his office, trying to tie everything up in the courts. - Don't Worry, Be Happy - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:40 pm: In a weird way this makes sense. If he were to sue in court to stop the Senate trial and, as expected by everyone, be ruled against, then the court’s actions would legitimize the impeachment process (from Blago’s perspective - I already think they’re legitimate!). Better to stand on the side on shout “Sham!” I am convinced that he will hang on through the trial and the conviction. He will then barricade himself in his office, forcing the state police to go in and drag him out, while he yells about the General Assembly thwarting the will of the people. - Cheswick - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:42 pm: They’re definitely conserving legal and financial resources, possibly for a lawsuit after the fact asking that an impeachment be overturned. That would probably also include asking for a temporary restraining order allowing the gov to stay in office during the pendency of the lawsuit. Hey, I’m not saying he’ll prevail, just that he may try it. In any event, I bet his lawyers have discussed it. - SherryBear - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:43 pm: I was amused to hear the Governor state “What the Senate and the House and Legislature is trying to do is to thwart the will of the people and remove a governor elected twice by the people without a fair hearing, without due process,” while standing outside his Chicago home. Wake up Governor, the citizens of Illinois have voiced their opinions regarding their overwhelming desire for you to resign as Governor of Illinois for weeks and weeks….what more do you need! If anyone is a skilled webmaster, please design a simple webpage and send that address to all Illinois media forms asking people to sign an online petition asking for the Governor to resign…maybe, then the Governor of Illinois would give the citizens of Illinois the respect that is due to us by resigning once the Governor sees the overwhelming number of citizens that say as this citizen does, “Governor, your 15 minutes of fame are over, it’s time to step down”. - Macbeth - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:45 pm: Well, I’d like to meet some of the people that are willing him to stay in office. Thus far, I’ve come across no one in my personal circle who thinks he’s anything other than a dimwit or, as my 87-year grandfather says, a “little twerp.” That’s not kind — personal insults like that — but I’m amazed that any politician who has lost so much political capital is attempting to hang on until the bitter end. It’s kind of transcendent sickness. Odd, yes — but mostly pathetic. - Been There - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:50 pm: ===I am convinced that he will hang on through the trial and the conviction. He will then barricade himself in his office, forcing the state police to go in and drag him out, while he yells about the General Assembly thwarting the will of the people. === That would bolster South Side Mike’s insanity argument. Which I agree is the route he is going. And I think he has a full slate of insane ideas just waiting to promulgate upon us. - Macbeth - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:51 pm: The other issue — and one I’ve brought up before here — is the weirdness of standing in a track suit outside of his home begging for fairness. He couldn’t look more guilty — and more pathetic — if he’d try. They took down the rat sign, yeah — but if you want to be taken seriously, Blagojevich, then get in your suit, get the bleep out of your house, and get into your office. Look powerful — like a governor — instead of some wanna-be two-bit punk in a raggedy jogging suit. Is it just me or does anyone else immediately channel Will Ferrell in a moptop when Blagojevich gives his aerobic press conferences? - Rich Miller - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:53 pm: ===Which I agree is the route he is going.=== He rejected that route weeks ago. - Ernest T. Bass - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:53 pm: This is really sad to see someone totally melt down in front of your eyes. Watching Blago is like watching a train hit a school bus. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:55 pm: You don’t know the half of it, ETB. Wait until you see what happens next. - BandCamp - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:00 pm: I know we can never predict Rod’s next move, but this one seemed pretty obvious to me after Genson quit: He will resign and blame everybody. There’s NO WAY he will let his name be associated with being REMOVED from office. He will hold a grand press conference and continue with the whole “the people elected me and YOU (legislature) are going against the will of the people.” He’s a hoot. - Phineas J. Whoopee - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:01 pm: I was thinking about this while at lunch and concluded that his lawyers wouldn’t go to federal court because they knew they wouldn’t be heard and it would legitimize the impeachment trial. I was going to mention this and then I run into this post. As a previous poster said, better to just yell sham. It would be fun to watch him dragged out of his barricaded office. If you have the facts, yell at the facts-if you have the law, pound the law-if you got nothin’-just yell. Sham!!!!! - BandCamp - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:01 pm: Or maybe after Rich’s last post… I have no {bleeping} idea. Carry on… - he gone - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:10 pm: Aren’t the Senator’s elected at the will of the people? They wouldn’t be taking this action if they didn’t feel a majority of their constituents would not agree with it. Also, many of them have been through an election more recently then our governor. - South Side Mike - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:15 pm: —===Which I agree is the route he is going.===— —He rejected that route weeks ago. — And you believe him? He also wasn’t going to appoint a Senator, and was going to fight the impeachment “every step of the way.” Instead, he’s meekly shuffling along. I know the governor would never agree to a insanity plea, but can a defense lawyer lobby to have his client declared unfit to stand trial without the client’s consent? I’m really not joking. Rod’s version of reality is bordering on physical endangerment. Pingback Capitol Fax Blog: Blago Won’t Sue - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:17 pm: […] know, I know…Abezilla has a two-track mind at present. It’s either Blago or Obama. But when has Springfield had such a high profile in the press for any reason besides exploding electrical utilities? The most interesting stuff I’ve read thus far on Blago breaking news comes by way of Springfield’s own Capitol Fax Blog, which reports on the Sun-Times story quoting Springfield’s most famous hair atrocity and fashion victim as saying he won’t sue to derail the impeachment trial. […] - Shelbyville - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:18 pm: The governor hasn’t hit bottom, yet. But, he will. It is unfortunate to have to watch, though. - Been There - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:18 pm: ===- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 1:53 pm: ===Which I agree is the route he is going.=== He rejected that route weeks ago. === Who is he to say he’s not insane. Insane people don’t necessarily run around saying they are insane. They just are. I can see him right in the middle of Fitz’s final arguement, two years from now, having a melt down right in the court room. - Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:21 pm: ==having a melt down== you mean jogging in place and assuming the fetal position? done that… - True Observer - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:23 pm: Blago is so yesterday. So is Obama. 1. Couldn’t get Valerie Jarrett appointed to U.S. Senate. 2. Couldn’t get Caroline Kennedy appointed to the U.S. Senate. 3. The House voted 270-155 against his TARP request. Seals already knows. - Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:38 pm: Speaking of odd governor moves: Will Granbergs appointment at DNR still be valid, or did Rod wait too long? An AP story says his pension will go up $40K/year for short work. Ahh, I can just smell the reform and renewal! - Ghost - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:45 pm: === Better to stand on the side on shout “Sham!” === Actually this is a bad idea. legally speaking he needs to go before the Senate and have them deny his motions to dismiss, requests for witnesses, object to documents etc. In theory he could win all of his motions and have all of his requests granted. Lots of case law that saysy its not enough to say it was unfair if you never put forth the effort. Gotta participate first. Chose not to participate yah can come back and complain. - R Rotunda - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 2:59 pm: The guv does have a point-the process is not even close to even the fairness you would get before the civil service commission. I saw the witnesses that Ellis are calling and the point even becomes more clear. Calling Gary Hannig to talk about the Gov’s plan to extort the tribune! What information does Gary Hannig have about this allegation that is not contained in either the criminal complaint or the house report? When is the last time Gary Hannig read the chicago tribune? What first hand knowledge of this allegation does he have? If the answer is no(and if it is not, I am sure the Feds would like to talk to him), what purpose does calling him serve and how could anyone cross examine him? It is a stunt! Like him or hate him, the guv(like the other consitutional officers) was elected for a four year term and Ellis is turning the trial into a circus by calling legislators-who only want to say they were involved in the trial for their own political reasons- to read a criminal complaint or state their opinion. I am not saying we shouldn’t impeach the guv, but we should make sure the process is somehow crediable. We should not be drawn in to forgo the process because of the Gov’s low approval ratings. This attitude is no different that G. Bush desire to get the terrosits at any cost including due process of law. As bho said we should not forgo our ideals because of fervor or fear ( national security) I know the easy answer is to just get the impeachment over with, but we are setting dangerous precedent that offends the concept of a representative democracy in which are leaders are answerable to the people at the end of their term and only removed for the proof of something so henious that we take the decision away from the people. Maybe that is why Madigan chose Ellis to prosecute this matter. A well-known lawyer would not risk his reputation with the bar to be part of such a one sided process. I am sure Madigan tried to get some big names and my guess is that they declined. - Been There - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 3:02 pm: ===Gotta participate first.=== This sums up what Roland was doing in DC the first day of session even though he knew he wouldn’t be admitted. If that had turned out different and ended up in court the judge could have thrown it out because he wouldn’t have been turned away. In this case I go with the therory that there is not enough money to defend both in the Senate and in court. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 3:02 pm: ===what purpose does calling him serve and how could anyone cross examine him? It is a stunt!=== No, it’s not. Hannig will simply testify as to what happened at the House impeachment committee hearing regarding the Trib. Take a breath. ===A well-known lawyer would not risk his reputation with the bar to be part of such a one sided process.=== A well-known lawyer wouldn’t have been present during the House impeachment. Plus, Ellis is pretty well-known now. lol ===This attitude is no different that G. Bush desire to get the terrosits at any cost including due process of law. === An impeachment trial is not a criminal trial. Drop the histrionics, please. - VanillaMan - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 3:04 pm: Newly Bald Blago Makes Tragically Unfashionable Cry For Help In The Loop Recently impeached window-shopper Rod Blagojevich did two of the following three things upon his return to Chicago: 1. Visited a salon in Robbins [Ed.note—Really, Blago? Robbins?] and asked that they shave his head. When the request was refused, Blagojevich grabbed the clippers and began to liberate his skull from the oppression of his flowing, chemically damaged locks. 2. Went to a tattoo parlor in Oak Park, where he had a cross etched on his hip and a pair of lips inked on his wrist, demonstrating that even a meltdown cannot override the part of his brain responsible for always maintaining his white-trash aesthetic. 3. Drove back over the river to Stroger Hospital, where he demanded to be immediately taken to the “angel department.” When a nurse politely informed him there was no such place at their facility, Blagojevich calmly corrected her, stating that he had an appointment to have a pair of beautiful cherub’s wings implanted on his shoulder blades, which he would then use to fly up to Heaven to make sure that someone remembered to feed the baby Jesus. 4. Called a press conference where he claimed the impeachment process a “sham” and against the will of the hard working people of Illinois. “I’d like to call, for example, Rahm Emanuel, President Obama’s chief of staff, who . . . made it very clear nothing inappropriate happened in his conversations with me, about who the next Senate pick is. I want the Senate to agree to let me call witnesses like that, and we want them to work with us to have a fair hearing, a fair process.” “I would also like to call my hair to testify. As you can see, like the Illinois Democratic Party, it has left me without warning. I have no idea where it went. I demand that my hair be called as a witness during the trial so that it can testify that it witnessed no Senate seat sale, no demands for pay-to-play, and no hanky-panky of any kind.” Blagojevich then flashed his new tats, and disappeared with a hysterical giggle. In related news, WLS has withdrawn it’s offer to the governor as host of a new radio show, but it appears that PBS has offered Blagojevich an opportunity to replace Bill Moyers. - Captain America - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 3:07 pm: I expect a big-time post-guberatorial personal meltdown, and it is not going to be pretty. - Lurker - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 3:35 pm: == this governor is a bit odd == == Can I get this on a T shirt signed by Rich Miller? == LOL Me, too, pls. - HoBoSkillet - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 3:40 pm: == this governor is a bit odd == Funny thing is that statement on a t-shirt will still be relevant when Quinn becomes governor… - Blago Sphere - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 3:45 pm: Despite the self inflicted nature of the wounds, this is becoming extraordinarily sad to watch, especially due to the impact on the Governor’s daughters. Given the Governor’s financial condition; and the impact this is already having on his family, I am beginning to become concerned that during the next press conference we could be subject to a “Bud Dwyer” rerun. Nobody wants to be “live blogging” if that were to happen. - Lurker - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 4:09 pm: lol hobo - Quinn is an odd bird, too. - Loop Lady - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 4:36 pm: Isn’t being a bit odd a requirement for running for elective office? “Oh, oh, I’d make a good leader!” Anyone who thinks that has to be a bit egotistical. The really sad part is we the people help fulfill their “destiny” by electing them. It is said that you get the government you deserve… - Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 4:44 pm: PBS withdrew it’s offer, but Comedy Central has now offered the Gov. a recurring role on the Daily Show as a replacement for Rob Riggle. - A Citizen - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:05 pm: Genson et al received a retainer of $500,000 to defend guv in the Impeachment and then Criminal proceedings. I suggest in his panic to secure funds he will resign rather than be found guilty on the Impeachment piece and then plead out with the Feds on the Criminal. Then have Genson refund back to him/Patti the balance of the %500,000. No legal services - No bill. Time to cut his losses and “run” so to speak. - Rich Miller - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:07 pm: Wrong on pretty much all counts. lol - "low level paper pusher" - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:15 pm: In fact, given Blago’s past strategies, it makes perfect sense. Miss the deadlines to ask for subpoenas, then complain the process is not “fair”. Should we be surprised by that? That is the exact same behavior that has led us to record overtime sessions, two years in a row, and 29 special sessions which accomplished nothing, all in an effort to show the people he was hard at work, when he reality he was at home or at Blackhawks games!!! __________________________________________________ True Observer: I believe you are reading the vote wrong. Please tell me the vote you are refering to. I believe you are looking at the motion to recomit, which was a Republican motion designed to kill the bill. It failed. - id - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:17 pm: anyone made the christopher moltisanti (soprano’s) anology rgerading the sweat suit yet ? - "low level paper pusher" - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:21 pm: I stand corrected. Partly. Yes, True Observer, the resolution did pass the House. However, what you fail to mention is that it already failed in the Senate, meaning the funds will be released as previously enacted into law. See the link below for the Senate Vote with links. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:SJ00005: - Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:21 pm: WNIJ just reported that Gov. Attys say he may file suit… - Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:21 pm: …to stop the impeachment. - Toast Man - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:22 pm: SherryBear said, “I was amused to hear the Governor state “What the Senate and the House and Legislature is trying to do is to thwart the will of the people and remove a governor elected twice by the people without a fair hearing, without due process,” while standing outside his Chicago home.” Too bad Blago’s minions didn’t give due process to all the state employees they “ran off” in the still ongoing purges. - "low level paper pusher" - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:24 pm: (sorry Rich–one more line forgot) so, it was a free vote for the House with no real consequencces. Hence the large majority, with many Democrats voting in favor. They get to write a press release saying they voted to “protect the taxpayer” or some other such baloney when in fact the TARP funds will be released. A better vote you should have looked at was the House vote on TARP accountability and reform, an Obama backed measure which passed comfortably. - Princess - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:28 pm: from the Springifeld paper : Genson says he isn’t involved in decisions on impeachment. He said: “I should be, but I’m not.”— Does this mean he does not agree with what the Adam lawyers are doing/advising? - wordslinger - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 5:36 pm: I’m guessing the next move will be: – Rod will claim to be a double-ought spy for Control, and all his actions were related to a plot to take down Siegried and Kaos (missed it by that much; should have used the Cone of Silence). – A medical condition, like Tourette’s, that causes him to involuntarily say things. – Or that old standby when all else fails, the Mel Gibson: Rehab, then a guest shot on Oprah or with Diane Sawyer. - Bookworm - Thursday, Jan 22, 09 @ 6:49 pm: Re what Blago Sphere said: there are a lot more security measures (metal detectors, etc.) in place in government buildings today than there were 20+ years ago. If I were on Blago’s state police detail or was a guard at the Thompson Center (I doubt very much we’ll ever see him at the Capitol again at this point), I would insist that he go through a metal detector before any press conference or public appearance. Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.