Corruptocrat alert: Blagojevich taken into custody by FBI; conspired to sell/trade Senate seat, HHS position, stifle newspaper; Team Obama contradicts itself
Scroll down for updates…
All that grandstanding yesterday by Illinois Dem. Gov. Rod Blagojevich over the Republic Windows and Doors plant closure was smoke and mirrors to distract from his corruption scandal.
The FBI was keeping its eye on the ball.
Blagojevich was taken into custody today by federal agents, the Chicago Tribune reports. The dirtbag details, which prosecutors call “staggering:”
Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption charges.
Blagojevich and Harris were accused of a wide-ranging criminal conspiracy that included Blagojevich conspiring to sell or trade the Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama in exchange for financial benefits for the governor and his wife. The governor was also accused of obtaining campaign contributions in exchange for other official actions.
Blagojevich was taken into federal custody at his North Side home this morning.
On the issue of the U.S. Senate selection, federal prosecutors alleged Blagojevich sought appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the new Obama administration, or a lucrative job with a union in exchange for appointing a union-preferred candidate.
Blagojevich and Harris conspired to demand the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members responsible for editorials critical of Blagojevich in exchange for state help with the sale of Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs baseball stadium owned by Tribune Co.
Blagojevich and Harris, along with others, obtained and sought to gain financial benefits for the governor, members of his family and his campaign fund in exchange for appointments to state boards and commissions, state jobs and state contracts.
“The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering,” U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said in a statement.
“They allege that Blagojevich put a ‘for sale’ sign on the naming of a United States senator; involved himself personally in pay-to-play schemes with the urgency of a salesman meeting his annual sales target; and corruptly used his office in an effort to trample editorial voices of criticism.”
***
Time to play: Name that party!
***
The 12-page USDOJ release is here. The intro:
A 76-page FBI affidavit alleges that Blagojevich was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps during the last month conspiring to sell or trade Illinois’ U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama for financial and other personal benefits for himself and his wife. At various times, in exchange for the Senate appointment, Blagojevich discussed obtaining: a substantial salary for himself at a either a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions; placing his wife on paid corporate boards where he speculated she might garner as much as $150,000 a year; promises of campaign funds – including cash up front; and a cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself.
Just last week, on December 4, Blagojevich allegedly told an advisor that he might “get some (money) up front, maybe” from Senate Candidate 5, if he named Senate Candidate 5 to the Senate seat, to insure that Senate Candidate 5 kept a promise about raising money for Blagojevich if he ran for re-election. In a recorded conversation on October 31, Blagojevich claimed he was approached by an associate of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’ That, you know, he’d raise 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a Senator.”
On November 7, while talking on the phone about the Senate seat with Harris and an advisor, Blagojevich said he needed to consider his family and that he is “financially” hurting, the affidavit states. Harris allegedly said that they were considering what would help the “financial security” of the Blagojevich family and what will keep Blagojevich “politically viable.” Blagojevich stated, “I want to make money,” adding later that he is interested in making $250,000 to $300,000 a year, the complaint alleges.
On November 10, in a lengthy telephone call with numerous advisors that included discussion about Blagojevich obtaining a lucrative job with a union-affiliated organization in exchange for appointing a particular Senate Candidate whom he believed was favored by the President-elect and which is described in more detail below, Blagojevich and others discussed various ways Blagojevich could “monetize” the relationships he has made as governor to make money after leaving that office.
Some details of Blago’s pay-to-play schemes:
The charges include historical allegations that Blagojevich and Harris schemed with others – including previously convicted defendants Antoin Rezko, Stuart Levine, Ali Ata and others – since becoming governor in 2002 to obtain and attempt to obtain financial benefits for himself, his family and third parties, including his campaign committee, Friends of Blagojevich, in exchange for appointments to state boards and commissions, state employment, state contracts and access to state funds. A portion of the affidavit recounts the testimony of various witnesses at Rezko’s trial earlier this year.
The charges focus, however, on events since October when the Government obtained information that Blagojevich and Fundraiser A, who is chairman of Friends of Blagojevich, were accelerating Blagojevich’s allegedly corrupt fund-raising activities to accumulate as much money as possible this year before a new state ethics law would severely curtail Blagojevich’s ability to raise money from individuals and entities that have existing contracts worth more than $50,000 with the State of Illinois. Agents learned that Blagojevich was seeking approximately $2.5 million in campaign contributions by the end of the year, principally from or through individuals or entities – many of which have received state contacts or appointments – identified on a list maintained by Friends of Blagojevich, which the FBI has obtained.
The affidavit details multiple incidents involving efforts by Blagojevich to obtain campaign contributions in connection with his official actions as governor, including these three in early October:
After an October 6 meeting with Harris and Individuals A and B, during which Individual B sought state help with a business venture, Blagojevich told Individual A to approach Individual B about raising $100,000 for Friends of Blagojevich this year.
Individual A said he later learned that Blagojevich reached out directly to Individual B to ask about holding a fund-raiser;
Also on October 6, Blagojevich told Individual A that he expected Highway Contractor 1 to raise $500,000 in contributions and that he was willing to commit additional state money to a Tollway project – beyond $1.8 billion that Blagojevich announced on October15 – but was waiting to see how much money the contractor raised for Friends of Blagojevich; and
On October 8, Blagojevich told Individual A that he wanted to obtain a $50,000 contribution from Hospital Executive 1, the chief executive officer of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which had recently received a commitment of $8 million in state funds.
When the contribution was not forthcoming, Blagojevich discussed with Deputy Governor A the feasibility of rescinding the funding.
The Smoking Gun has an excerpt of the criminal complaint. The entire brief is here.
***
More: Meet Patty “F’ing” Blagojevich.
Fun fact from Tom Elia: “This makes for the fourth out of the last seven elected Illinois governors to be indicted since 1960 (Otto Kerner, Dan Walker, George Ryan, and Rod Blagojevich) … since 1972, 28 Chicago alderman have been convicted of crimes. If this number was extrapolated to the US House, it would be as if over 240 congressman had been indicted in the same period.”
Update 3:41pm Eastern. Blago is free on his own recognizance.
Update 4:25pm Eastern. Obama and his team contradict each other on who knew what when.
See what others have said
Note from Michelle: This section is for comments from michellemalkin.com's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that I agree with or endorse any particular comment just because I let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with my terms of use may lose his or her posting privilege.
Trackbacks
- BREAKING NEWS: Illinois Gov. Blagojevich Arrested on Corruption Charges! « Jane Q. Republican
- Breaking: Illinois Gov. Blagojevich taken into custody | Right Voices
- The Jawa Report
- http://michellemalkin.com/2008/12/09/corruptocrat-alert-blagojevich-taken-into-custody-by-fbi-conspired-to-selltrade-hhs-position-stifle-newspaper/ « Goodtimepolitics
- Gov. Rod Blagojevich Arrested by FBI Agents « Goodtimepolitics
- SHOCKER: Chicago Politician Is Corrupt « The Forum
- Another Obama Pal does the Perp Walk « The Liberty Boys
- Stuck On Stupid
- Obama Suppporter Democrat Illinois Governor Blagojevich Arrested By FBI | Stuck On Stupid
- Bloodthirsty Liberal » Just Another Person in His Neighborhood
- Democrat=Socialist
- Does The Blagojevich Bust Count As A Ricochet Near Obama? | Democrat=Socialist
- The Other McCain: FBI arrests Obama ally
- Another Wrench Thrown Into the Chicago Political Machine « Trust, But Verify
- I Believe In Patrick Fitzgerald : Political Capital
- This ain’t Hell, but you can see it from here » Blog Archive » This is what corruption looks like
- Governor Blagojevich (D-IL) Arrested | Axis of Right
- And Obama’s first pardon goes to… UPDATED « musings from the disloyal opposition…
- Musing Minds » Blog Archive » Blagojevich Arrested!
- Political Party Poop
- A Sweet Story - and other news « Being Fed
- Elephant Owners » Blog Archive » Corruption in Illinois. Surprised?
- The Irascible Chef » Chicago Politics—Change We can Count on!
- Balgojevich & Obama - Links? | RightSidePolitics.com
- MishMashZone » Illinois Govenor Busted: Old Style Chicago Politics Still Alive
- Kerfuffles :: Obama’s Senate Seat on Ebay :: December :: 2008
- Governor accused of “selling” Obama’s seat (updated) | skewred.com
- Rod Blagojevich, Illinois Gov Arrested… Barack Obama’s Arrest Is Probably Not Far Off… : P.U.M.A
- As Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevic is arrested, is Barack Obama next? : P.U.M.A
- DEMOCRAT Gov. Rod Blagojevich Arrested « Decidedly Right
- Welcome to Chicago America | Dabubbler.com
- The Wide Awake Cafe » Ye Gods and Little Fishes! There’s Corruption in Chicago!
- Contracts Crisis Solved! « No 634
- "Mother F****er" | Hennessy's View
- Blagopalooza! Summary of Illinois Governor’s Senate-for-Sale Scandal « Jane Q. Republican
- This is bleeping golden! Blagojevich tries to sell Obama Hussein’s senate seat! | Fire Andrea Mitchell!
- Hope and Change: Questions Come Up on Obama Blagojevich Relationship : Stop The ACLU
- ‘Okie’ on the Lam » Blog Archive » Illinois Governor Arrested By Federal Agents — My, My, My . . .
- Obama, I know nothing, nothing… « Riggword Weblog
- Speaking Of Corrupt Democrats… « The Forum
- Opps! Illinois Dem. Gov. Rod Blagojevich In HOT Water « Dianej’s Weblog
- THE YELLING BOX › Blagogone
- SOS Poll: Change You Can Believe In? Is Obama Just Another Corrupt Politician From Chicago? | Stuck On Stupid
- Illinois: Business as usual? « Mark Epstein
- Tel-Chai Nation
- Steynian 295 « Free Canuckistan!
- Seat for sale « Right Minded Online
- Jackson “5″ And Obama’s Moonwalking « Blog Entry « Dr. Melissa Clouthier
- Right Wing News
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Categories: Corruption
Mudville Gazette
» Yon Cuffed
Pundit & Pundette
» Brooks on the ignorant massesBabalu Blog
» RPOF Chair Jim Greer to resignLegal Insurrection
» An Open Letter to Jane HamsherSister Toldjah
» Breaking: Dem Senator Byron Dorgan (ND) set to retire at the end of his term this yearStop The ACLU
» Most transparent administration ever to hold secret closed door meetings on health care
Nevermind facts. Liberals don’t want to hear them. They only want to hear praise for their big O. The One. Of course I find it also interesting that Rezko is named in the cirlce of trust in this issue as well. How ironic that Obama has connections to Rezko. And didn’t we all find out that Obama lied about Ayers all along as well? I mean come one this is completely Chicago Gangland politics and Obama is right in the middle of it all. The scandals are starting and he hasn’t even taken office yet. What a complete scumbag.
I get the feeling that the next 4 years are going to be full of stuff like this.
Sad day when the scandals start before he even takes office.
Sheesh!
And just who didn’t see this coming?
Until the great BHO names his corrupt attorney general and shuts down the FBI from going after these felons.
He may wish he had stayed in jail. It is safer in there. He might get really depressed and do something drastic, doncha know?
Don’t laugh. People have been “suicided” before.
A couple good links to Obama
- B Hussein’s Chicago history with Blago and others from 2002
The lights will be burning late tonight at Obama’s house, and the MSM, as they make sure Dear Leader is not involved in this corruption scandal, or, at least, have it covered up. Illinois is certainly one of the most corrupt states around, especially with Cook County. Reminds me of the old Tammady Hall.
Barry must be Hoping that the Change will be that he doesn’t get caught.
He’s as much of a dirtbag as the rest of them.
I am so sick of all of these politicians.
On December 9th, 2008 at 5:56 pm, TooMuchTime said:
If he knows something it could mean impeachment of the Obamamessiah.
I don’t think Blagojevich is going to rot in jail without holding up the Obamamessiah for a pardon. Rezko maybe.
Osama Obama doesn’t have to say anything, any more than he has to produce his birth certificate.
After all, he’s The One and we should all take him on faith, right?
Forget that “Constitution” thing….
/tinfoil hat off
I don’t know if Blago has a “safe” place to be. Outside may seem safer than inside but Vince Foster proved there is NO PLACE SAFE WHEN A LEFTIST CONTROLS THE WHITE HOUSE…
I predict the Big Blago flees to Cuba or Venezuela for safety.
Merry Christmas!
Yeah so ….
Sup Fool…..
To Misscheryl’s astute observation “Obama-Liar”, I would add “Obama-Usurper”.
What Do Barack Obama and Kwame Raoul Have in Common?
Democ-rat corruption = good
Republican anything = bad
I understand.
Donald Young was unavailable for comment.
Last Christmas… Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Choir Director at Barack Obama’s Church Found Slain
I heard they are already selling slots at Rikers Island so they will be ready to welcome, and welcome, and welcome, and welcome, and welcome. . . . Blabbojebich to the pokey.
Nah, Blago will get the country club prison so he can practice his tennis and golf.
That is, until the inevitable pardon.
I wonder how long it’ll be until someone investigates the “pay to play” deal Obama had with the hospital that employed his perpetually-angry wife. As soon as he was elected to the Senate, somehow, for SOME unknown reason, Michelle Obama got a three hundred percent raise “due to her abilities”. Right. It also just happened that the hospital got a HUGE chunk of taxpayer money funneled its way by Obama.
This is pay-to-play in the classic Chicago Way, something Obama knows all about. NO ONE in Chicago politics is without corruption. It’s the way things are done due to the Democrat Machine.
I noted Obama said today: “Governor who? I never met the man, however you pronounce it. I’ve been too busy working on hopenchange.”
bradley,
Obama actually said,
“I want you to listen to me. I’m going to say this again; I did not have conversations with that Governor, Mr. Blagojevich, . . . I never told anybody to discuss my Senate seat, not a single time. These allegations are false and I need to go back to work for hopenchange.”
He’s a breath of fresh air… kind of like when you are standing down wind from the sewage treatment plant.
I wonder if Gov. Blagojevich has heard this on before?
Two prisoners are in the chow line. One turns to the other and says, “The food was a lot better when you were governor.”
It’s nice to know that taking a 1 1/2 week break (due to a cold that I’m still fighting and Turkey Day) hasn’t interrupted the beauty that is political corruption.
Good riddance to this bad actor. Could Fitzgerald possibly work some magic with that putz Patterson in NY and Patrick in MA?
Yet another pig trying to get fat and happy by abusing the public trust. I hope this scumbag goes to jail for 50 years. Ironically, he aspired to earn $250K-$300K yearly. Except instead of doing it by working for it, he wanted to attain it through corruption, treachery and bribery. Now he’ll earn $1.00 a month working in the prison laundry. Watch those showers Blagojevich. ROFLMFAO at this fool!!!!
From Governor Clown’s website:
“As Illinois’ chief executive officer, Gov. Blagojevich is working aggressively to…restore the people’s confidence in state government.
Oooooppps…
Looks like it’s the politics of corruption, not change, that seem to be on the horizon. Since our President-elect rose through the noxious Illinois Democratic machine, it’s no surprise.
Blingojevich?
Typical surrendercrat. Corrupt as the day is long.
Interesting story though and suggests how corrupt the party and their union enablers are. Blingo seemed pretty confident of getting whatever deal he wanted.
The high level of corruption cannot be underestimated here. This is a sitting Governor attempting to manipulate for personal gain the selection of the “people’s” representative to the upper House of the national legislative body. Again, the absolutely noxious Illinois Democratic machine is in full display here.
Are President-elects allowed to grant President-electial pardons?
Obamas docket may already be full.
Heck, the guy has already materialized himself an “Office”…
I am really worried about America.
Obama campaigned for Blago in 2002 and 2006.
He sat in the church of racist Wright for 20 years and still didn’t know who Wright is?
He had associations with shady characters like Ayer, Rezko, Phleger,…
This bafoon does not know his friends well enough after years of associations.
And we have chosen him to sit down with rogue nations like Iran & Russia and discuss some serious issues facing the world!
You and me both. It seems a day doesn’t go by without some sort of shady activity by him, or his “friends”. I suspect we’ll have one heckava corrupt government coming this January. Based on the election recently, many politicians feel that they now have a free hand to do whatever they want, regardless of law or the Constitution. The sad part is that the MSM will try to cover up anything that comes out.
Isn’t Diane Wilkerson looking for a new roommate? Patty B. and Diane could compare notes, like what’s the best bra for stuffing full of payoffs….
My personal choice is Bali….my checkbook fits nicely….
Yes! Finally there is a state that is more corrupt than Louisiana!
Laissez les bons temps roulez!
That would be delicious! But Governor Coupe Deval is small potatoes compared to Blago. Besides, I don’t believe the Cadillac Man has the t-fortitude to even attempt something of this magnitude….
My sympathies!!
Us Nanny-chusetts conservatives have to stick together!!
What’s the big deal here? This sort of thing is the normal way of conducing ‘business’ all over the third world and Eastern Europe to which we have become very much alike.
In economics, if you have something of value (a senate seat perhaps) to give away, it always has a price. In this case, it was just done more crudely than usual.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer….
Don’t forget New Jersey.
No person should ever be elected to high office who is a product of the Chicago machine (i.e. Obama), or NJ Democrats.
To say Obama has had no contact and is in no way involved with Blago making a decision to fill his senate seat requires a willful suspension of disbelief.
A month ago an Obama adviser says he did have contact with Bago. Now they say the adviser misspoke. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Anytime someone from Obama’s team tells the truth they are misspoken. Sad.
Words. Just Words.
Come on, don’t get excited he is a democrat, he is allowed to make these little mistakes. No crime here, time to move on….NOW if he intertained selling the seat to a Rebublican….BIG CRIME…maybe this is what this is all about..a REBUBLICAN was on the list of potential buyers….egadds….
Gee..that’s funny. The Cult of Obama Hierarchy is claiming that Obama has absolutely NOTHING to do with this trog, has no idea of his carryings on and is completely ignorant of the entire thing. Well now…how exactly can that be if the Trog is now on record as claiming that Obama refused to bribe him? Does that not admit that Obama knew he was wishing to be bribed and then refused?
Does this not implicate Obama in being someone who knew that the Governor of Illinois was attempting to receive and demand bribes simply by having refused to take the bait?
My my my…I wonder if anyone else of any importance will pick up on that?
Once again, lgm steps in it and is completely ignorant of that fact.