Posted on 01/13/2005 5:17:02 PM PST by Land_of_Lincoln_John
January 13, 2005 — The Blagojevich family feud is still alive and today the governor is on the attack. He says allegations of impropriety -- made by his father-in-law -- Chicago Alderman Dick Mell -- are reckless and untrue.
Several investigations are now underway as a result of the family feud that erupted last week when the governor closed a landfill run by relatives, including Mell. It escalated when Mell accused the governor's chief fundraiser of selling appointments for campaign cash. That sparked several investigations, which the governor says will give him a clean bill of health. He also says Mell should be held accountable for false accusations.
"In matters like this, we are to Teddy Roosevelt as clean as a hound's tooth," said Governor Rod Blagojevich
The governor says neither he nor anyone in his inner circle has ever rewarded $50,000 campaign contributors with coveted spots on state boards and commissions.
"They were reckless, defamatory, untrue statements, completely false. And we want independent groups to come out and say that," said Blagojevich.
The governor's father-in-law, Chicago Alderman Dick Mell, leveled the allegation against a top Blagojevich fundraiser last week after the governor shut down a Joliet landfill that Mell was involved in along with another family member. Mell now says he was simply reiterating media reports but the allegation sparked an investigation by Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
And Blagojevich who is furious at Mell making the charge, now wants his own inspector general to investigate.
"I want independent agencies to go talk to all the people involved and prove what I know is the case, that we do things right and if you make a reckless and defamatory accusation publicly and you've been in the business as long as he's been you have to be held accountable for making those," said Blagojevich.
The governor has appointed 700 people to various state boards and commissions. Out of that 700, 120 people, or 17 percent, have contributed a total of $1.9 million to his campaign fund. But they've also contributed $246,000 to a political fund controlled by Mell. The governor points out that 5 out 6 appointees haven't given him anything.
"The overwhelming majority of them have contributed nothing. And what is good about these investigations and why I welcome them and want them to happen as soon as possible and get done as soon as possible, is precisely what it's going to show," said Blagojevich.
The governor says he is worried about his father-in-law but he's not elaborating and he's not explaining what he means by holding Mell accountable. ABC7 News has not been able to reach Mell to see if he is serious about burying the hatchet after that tearful news conference this week.
Rats.
Designed to give the boy governor national exposure without damage. IMHO, it's a transparent way to demonstrate his independence from the Daley machine without actually really doing it. Mark my words, he'll declare his candidacy for POTUS in 2007 after he runs for and wins another term as governor. He's the Daley machine's stalking horse to get national reach.
I have a feeling Mell has the goods.
From a "Chicago Politics" point of view.....
The trouble is its going to be hard for the governor to back off his stance on the issue about improper permitting etc. without getting caught. And its going to be even harder for him to payoff Mell with all the visibility this has right now.
This all started because of the loudmouthed cousin who didn't know not to brag about the perks. The governor could have handled this better and much more quietly.
Someone will have to pay a price before this is done. And right now my money is on Mell taking Blago out.
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