Blago Impeachment Theater: Update: State court rules that Burris doesn’t need SecofState sig

By Michelle Malkin  •  January 9, 2009 01:33 PM

Scroll for updates…Burris left hanging by Ill. supreme court…

I was at the gym while Blago was jogging while the Illinois Senate was busy impeaching him:

In a dramatic display of anger and solidarity over a political scandal that has made Illinois a national laughingstock, lawmakers on Friday voted 114-1 to impeach disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

It’s the first time in the state’s history that the Illinois House has voted to impeach its governor. The impeachment proceedings will now move to the Illinois Senate for trial. That trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 26.

Blagojevich was out jogging in Chicago while lawmakers in Springfield voted to impeach him. Upon returning from his run, he compared his situation to long-distance running.

Blagojevich refused to answer any specific questions about the 114-1 vote by which the House impeached him Friday.

But he said: “Let me simply say I feel like the old Alan Sillitoe short story ‘The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner.’ … And that’s what this is by the way, a long-distance run.”

Indeed, we’re nowhere near the finish line.

But I prefer arts analogies to sports ones. The curtain opens on the next act of Blago Impeachment Theater at 3pm Eastern today, when Blago holds a press conference.

Get yer popcorn ready. I expect this one will be more entertaining that Burris’s last media appearance.

***

Update: Breaking 2pm Eastern…Illinois State Supreme Court rules on Burris request…no SecofState signature needed…

Court says SecofState doesn’t have to sign Burris certification:

The Illinois Supreme Court just ruled that the secretary of state doesn’t have to sign the certificate appointing Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate, AP reports.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich named Burris, a former state attorney general, to replace Barack Obama after federal prosecutors charged the governor with trying to sell the seat.

Secretary of State Jesse White has refused to sign the certification, leaving Burris in limbo.

From the ruling:

“Because the secretary of state had no duty … to sign and affix the state seal to the document issued by the governor appointing Roland Burris to the United States Senate, petitioners are not entitled to an order from this court requiring the secretary to perform those acts,” the high court wrote in its opinion. “Under the secretary of state act, the secretary’s sole responsibility was to register the appointment, which he did.”

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Comments


  1. #1
    On January 9th, 2009 at 1:40 pm, rightisright said:

    Illinois a dimocrapic held legislature no doubt, this is good, 114-1…the dims eating them selves, go dimocraps.

  2. #2
    On January 9th, 2009 at 1:41 pm, Room 237 said:

    Here is video from the Blago newsconference

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7fylAW6IKY

  3. #3
    On January 9th, 2009 at 1:50 pm, Jbgood said:

    Having been made an offer I simply could not refuse, I left Illinois in 1967. Not much has changed since then including some of the names of the people running things. I think the gov did some pretty bad things but, I only have knowledge of what is being reported in the paper and other outlets. I would presume the Illinois legislature may be a little premature here. Are they just jumping on the best “poll” bandwagon or are they actually privy to real information as in proven facts and such? If not, even reports of what the AG said wouldn’t hold well with me unless I actually had something in writing, that would stand up in court, before I made this move. Better to be sure than to jump the gun. I don’t even think he will actually be convicted of anything. I don’t like what he did but talking isn’t a crime as far as I know.

  4. #4
    On January 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

    I was at the gym while Blago was jogging while the Illinois Senate was busy impeaching him:

    Now, the House impeaches, the Senate convicts.

    And if the Ill Senate works like the US Senate, they need a super-majority to remove from office.

    I hope everyone has plenty of popcorn.

  5. #5
    On January 9th, 2009 at 1:57 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

    The confirmed bachelor Patrick Fitzgerald hauled in Blago before the actual crime of selling the Senate seat was committed. Perhaps because the Trib was running a story on the wiretaps. But that might have been because Fitz or his boys leaked it. Maybe, on purpose.

    Remember, Fitz spent years on the Valerie Plame case looking to catch someone with a faulty memory to indict when he knew almost immediately that Armitage was the leaker. He stinks of being a corrupt Dem hack, and may share the Andrew Sullivan animus against anti-gay marriage Republicans.

    Convicting Blags in the Senate is possible, a criminal conviction seems less likely, and he has the looks and hair style for a long career in 1970s themed TV shows and movies if his political career is ruined.

  6. #6
    On January 9th, 2009 at 1:57 pm, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    114-1? I am disappointed-I was hoping the Republicans would sit this out and let the Democrats work it out amongst themselves. Blagojevich’s gift to Illinois.

    But I just bet Bobby Rush is enjoying himself. I am sure he is just one more Chicago street thug–but he played Harry Reid perfectly. Titles are titles, power is knowing how to play the game.

    Pass the popcorn.

  7. #7
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:20 pm, RobM1981 said:

    I love it when the press quotes Illinois politicians as being “up in arms over the state becoming a national laughing stock…”

    It’s a demoncrat-run state. That makes it, de facto, a laughing stock.

    Does anyone take MA, NY, NJ, LA, MN, MI,or any of the other “deep blue” states seriously? They’re jokes.

    Just like the USA with Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Pelosi at the helm… A fiasco.

  8. #8
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:27 pm, Durangodarlin said:

    And the Illinois state legislature voted to impeach because…?

  9. #9
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:30 pm, bansharia said:

    So now the Sect of State has more power
    than the Gov? Need some legal eagle to splain that to me, perhaps the boys at Powerline will pick up the ball.
    That is a heckuva lot of power to hand over, if can refuse to sign this can refuse to sign anything?

  10. #10
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:33 pm, chapoutier said:

    Does anyone take MA, NY, NJ, LA, MN, MI,or any of the other “deep blue” states seriously? They’re jokes.

    L’il Rhody screams at the top of it’s tiny little lungs:

    “What about me! Don’t forget about me! I’m the third most liberal state in the nation! I’m important! HEY! Listen to me! I AM IMPORTANT!”

  11. #11
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:34 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    I guess they voted to impeach because Blago was indicted and arrested around 8 December.

    Interestingly enough I can’t find a copy of the indictment. I wonder if it is sealed? But, I thought at least some portion of it would be public.

    Of course, the Feds have done nothing since they arrested the clown early last month. But, then again, the investigation is led by Pat “Scooter” Fitzgerald.

    But, I thought laws only applied to conservatives or Republicans…

    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:27 pm, Durangodarlin said:
    And the Illinois state legislature voted to impeach because…?

  12. #12
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:35 pm, twofoot said:

    I wonder, he seems to have been holding his tongue when it comes to other names that could be brought down with him. So, at this point, does he start naming names loud and proud?

  13. #13
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:38 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    Ban, put your glasses on. The ILL Supreme Court ruled the SoS’s approval was NOT required. He only had to register the appointment, which he did.

  14. #14
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    posting test pleas ignore

  15. #15
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    I guess they voted to impeach because Blago was indicted and arrested around 8 December.

    There has been no indictment as of yet. That’s one of the points that has been made wrt the Burris appointment. Blago was arrested, but not yet indicted.

  16. #16
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:52 pm, LarryD said:

    The Chicago Tribune printed a story about the wiretaps on Blago, this forced Fitz’s hand (and he was right ticked off about it, too).

    Do not confuse impeachment with civil or criminal proceedings, they’re entirely different. Impeachment is a purely political process, if the Illinois constitution is like the Federal Constitution in this, the Illinois Legislature can impeach and “convict” Blago for any reason that gets enough of them riled up, and for which they are willing to face their constituents later. Including having a ridiculous hair piece.

  17. #17
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:56 pm, StandardDeviation said:

    I imagine the articles of impeachment read, “look at that HAIR!”

    That alone should get him removed from office.

  18. #18
    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:59 pm, Hangfire said:

    Does anyone take MA, NY, NJ, LA, MN, MI,or any of the other “deep blue” states seriously? They’re jokes.

    You forgot the People’s Republic of Hawai’i.

  19. #19
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:01 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

    The Chicago Tribune printed a story about the wiretaps on Blago, this forced Fitz’s hand (and he was right ticked off about it, too).

    Someone with knowledge of the taps leaked it. May well be the confirmed bachelor Gerald Fitzpatrick, er, Patrick Fitzgerald himself.

    He sure acted like a partisan hack dragging on an investigation of an already solved mystery over the Plame case.

  20. #20
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:03 pm, bansharia said:

    if memory serves me this was what was released over at smoking gun:
    http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/1209081rod1.html
    hope that helps and yes little since.

  21. #21
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:07 pm, bansharia said:

    Ed,
    Agree with you paddy showed his colors when he and armitage and powell shut their pieholes and went on a hunt.
    Powell wants to lecture GOP now?
    lawdyyyy must be some magic mirrors in DC they seem to have no selfreflection!

  22. #22
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pm, walterc said:

    ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    114-1? I am disappointed-I was hoping the Republicans would sit this out and let the Democrats work it out amongst themselves. Blagojevich’s gift to Illinois.

    I figured the one “no” vote was the Republican vote.

  23. #23
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:31 pm, ChicagoRobb said:

    Ed,

    Fitzgerald is recently married. As for his political leanings, I have never read anything whether or not he is conservative or liberal. He was appointed by Peter Fitzgerald (no relation) who did not run for re-election to the Senate, as he would not “play ball” with the IL GOP.
    There was an article in the Chicago papers saying Patrick Fitzgerald may not be re-appointed as US Atty in Northern IL. Go ahead, Obama, do that. Then meet the next Republican IL Governor or Senator.

  24. #24
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:38 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    You know, it is funny, but if you search on “blagojevich indictment” lots of sources from Dec 8 use the word “indictment.” But, later sources almost always refer to “pending indictment.”

    Have they REALLY NOT INDICTED THIS GUY BY THIS POINT? That makes me wonder why not! Is Fitzgerald really as incompetent as he seems?

    On January 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm, Dexter Alarius said:
    I guess they voted to impeach because Blago was indicted and arrested around 8 December.
    There has been no indictment as of yet. That’s one of the points that has been made wrt the Burris appointment. Blago was arrested, but not yet indicted.

  25. #25
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:43 pm, bansharia said:

    War,
    NO

  26. #26
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:44 pm, bansharia said:

    War,
    press con lots of huffing and puffing nada since…capiche?

  27. #27
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:50 pm, shooter said:

    Have they REALLY NOT INDICTED THIS GUY BY THIS POINT? That makes me wonder why not! Is Fitzgerald really as incompetent as he seems?

    They’re waiting for BHO to take office so the dirt can’t hurt obama and his new admin as much.
    There is NO WAY Fitz asks for a continuance unless it deeply involves Zerobama. NO WAY!!!!!!

    Blago was theatrical in this 15 minute threat to Obama and all who might throw him under the bus but make no mistake, that is what that was.
    “Do Unto Others….” was his opening salvo, and he meant it.

    There is so much dirt on EVERYONE within miles of Blago including Obama, the SEIU, Rezko, the “Wives Club”, Rhambo, etc.

    Blago owns them right now, they all just don’t believe he’ll do it and Fitz is working with Rhambo and Obama how to cover it all up.

  28. #28
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:52 pm, Mister P said:

    Now lets start with more impeachments. Lets start with Reid, then Pelosi, then Franks, then …

  29. #29
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:54 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Dean Wormer: Greg, what is the worst fraternity on this campus?
    Greg: Well that would be hard to say, sir. They’re each outstanding in their own way.
    Dean Wormer: Cut the horses**t, son. I’ve got their disciplinary files right here. Who dropped a whole truckload of fizzies into the swim meet? Who delivered the medical school cadavers to the alumni dinner? Every Halloween, the trees are filled with underwear. Every spring, the toilets explode.
    Greg: You’re talking about Blago, sir.
    Dean Wormer: Of course I’m talking about Blago, you TWERP! This year is going to be different. This year we are going to grab the bull by the BALLS and kick those punks off campus.
    Greg: What do you intend to do sir? Blago’s already on probation.
    Dean Wormer: They are?
    Greg: Yes, sir.
    Dean Wormer: Oh. Then as of this moment, they’re on DOUBLE SECRET PROBATION!
    Greg: Double Secret Probation, Sir?
    Dean Wormer: There is a little-known codicil in the Faber College constitution which gives the dean unlimited power to preserve order in time of campus emergency. Find me a way to revoke Blago’s charter. You live next door. Put Neidermeyer on it. He’s a sneaky little s**t, just like you, right? [Greg nods] The time has come for someone to put their foot down. And that foot is me.

  30. #30
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:56 pm, DanGrantTx said:

    Now Blago is using the “don’t hate me because I help families” defense in his press conference. Of course, George Ryan’s future cellmate did not take any questions, but he did exploit and cheapen patients with serious medical disorders to defend his own incompetence.

    And you people from Illinois voted for this plague WHY?

  31. #31
    On January 9th, 2009 at 3:57 pm, shooter said:

    at 3:52 pm, Mister P said:

    Uh YEAH!!!
    Hello!
    How can they run around blaming all else and screaming for accountability?
    How?
    The most culpable and most guilty of causing this economic disaster go free?

  32. #32
    On January 9th, 2009 at 4:00 pm, shooter said:

    3:54 pm, Rogue Cheddar

    hehehehe.
    I don’t know whether to cry or laugh.

    OK, I’ll laugh.

  33. #33
    On January 9th, 2009 at 4:13 pm, seamusmeboy said:

    The one vote against impeachment was a Chicago Democrat. As for me, I am proud to say I neither voted for Blowgo or his predecessor! Thank God, I seem to be able to have “smelled” them coming! It’s the same smell I sensed emitting from Obama, but hey I didn’t vote for him either. I may pick losers (then again maybe I don’t), but I still have my integrity.

  34. #34
    On January 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pm, schmanz said:

    Blago took a page from Saddam; he used human shields at his press conference.

    Blago has been impeached for numerous reasons; including expanding or implementing programs by fiat — taking funds from one program and assigning it to another. The legislature creates laws and funds programs — not the governor. Also, he rigged the boards — denying any changes to hospitals that didn’t pay bribes and use his construction company connections. Many folks have already been convicted and are in jail for this.

    Blago is dirty to the core and highly ‘connected’ to a certain Outfit. He and Daley are important conduits between the dems and the mob. The story should continue to get interesting…

  35. #35
    On January 9th, 2009 at 4:30 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

    Blago is dirty to the core and highly ‘connected’ to a certain Outfit. He and Daley are important conduits between the dems and the mob. The story should continue to get interesting…

    If Blags is mobbed up (and I wouldn’t be surprised, there is a nexis between the mafia and Dems through organized labor), if there is any chance he’ll talk, he’ll disappear or suffer an unfortunate accident.

  36. #36
    On January 9th, 2009 at 4:46 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    I wonder if we aren’t about to see a new term to replaced “Arkancide?”

    I wonder if it will be called “Illi-cide” or “Chicago-cide” or “Obama-cide?”

    On January 9th, 2009 at 4:30 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:
    Blago is dirty to the core and highly ‘connected’ to a certain Outfit. He and Daley are important conduits between the dems and the mob. The story should continue to get interesting…
    If Blags is mobbed up (and I wouldn’t be surprised, there is a nexis between the mafia and Dems through organized labor), if there is any chance he’ll talk, he’ll disappear or suffer an unfortunate accident.

  37. #37
    On January 9th, 2009 at 4:47 pm, Bob1234 said:

    114-1? Nobody voted “Present?”

  38. #38
    On January 9th, 2009 at 4:49 pm, chapoutier said:

    114-1? Nobody voted “Present?”

    Casting the lone vote against impeachment was Rep. Milton Patterson, a Chicago Democrat. Another Chicago Democrat, Elga L. Jefferies, voted “present.” The terms of both lawmakers end next week.

  39. #39
    On January 9th, 2009 at 5:06 pm, schmanz said:

    If Blags is mobbed up (and I wouldn’t be surprised, there is a nexis between the mafia and Dems through organized labor), if there is any chance he’ll talk, he’ll disappear or suffer an unfortunate accident

    I’ve thought of that too — he might continue to fight to stay Gov so he doesn’t lose the State Police detail.

  40. #40
    On January 9th, 2009 at 5:25 pm, thewariscoming said:

    The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner? Wow, I wonder if Blago knows that’s an awesome Iron Maiden tune! He should run listening to that!

  41. #41
    On January 9th, 2009 at 5:42 pm, Bob1234 said:

    Another Chicago Democrat, Elga L. Jefferies, voted “present

    Wonderful! I’m relieved to know someone is carrying on the Obama tradition.

  42. #42
    On January 9th, 2009 at 6:19 pm, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    I imagine the Democratic Party of Illinois is terribly upset Blogo use land lines to discuss his dirty business. The crooks of Crook County, Cook, what ever, have certainly honed their craft better than that.

    popcorn?

  43. #43
    On January 9th, 2009 at 8:28 pm, ctmom said:

    For crying out loud, just seat the man. Why are they picking THIS to be the hill that they die on?

  44. #44
    On January 9th, 2009 at 9:08 pm, Jeff2161 said:

    Gee, What a result from the court. A dule elected Governor may appoint a replacement…Film at 11…Oops, sarc stuck on

  45. #45
    On January 9th, 2009 at 9:08 pm, Jeff2161 said:

    duly…sorry

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