Posted on 04/02/2009 3:01:35 PM PDT by STARWISE
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, his brother Rob and Christopher Kelly, a former top fundraiser for Blagojevich, were all indicted today on corruption charges, the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago announced.
Also charged in the indictment were Lon Monk, a lobbyist and former Blagojevich chief of staff; John Harris, also a former chief of staff to Blagojevich; and William Cellini, a Springfield insider for decades.
The indictment comes four months after Blagojevich was arrested and charged with engaging in pay-to-play politics in a sweeping federal complaint that accused him of trading state jobs, contracts and regulatory favors for campaign contributions.
The criminal complaint charged Blagojevich with attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama and seeking the firing of Tribune editorial writers in return for state help on the sale of Wrigley Field. The ballpark and newspaper are owned by Tribune Co.
Blagojevich's brother, Rob, took over as head of the governor's campaign fund last August, just two months before federal authorities won court authorization to wiretap the then-governor's home phone and campaign office.
Monk was also caught on the recordings.
This marks the third time Kelly has been charged by federal authorities but the first time for alleged wrongdoing with the former governor. In January the wealthy roofing contractor pleaded guilty to tax fraud for concealing his use of corporate funds to cover gambling debts, but just weeks later, he was charged in connection with a kickback scheme at O'Hare International Airport.
Authorities have alleged that Harris tried to carry out the governor's plan to have Tribune editorial writers fired for critical editorials of Blagojevich.
(Excerpt) Read more at chicagobreakingnews.com ...
Blagojevich has denied any wrongdoing.
The former governor apparently isn’t even in Illinois today. He is registered at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., a hotel operator confirmed this morning. He could not be reached for comment, however.
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/04/rod-blagojevich-indictment-illinois.html
~~Let the tapes and the singing begin ....... PING!
No Drudge siren of obommie bowing to saudi king and kissing his ring? That’s bigger news than Blago.
Yep. Time to climb the ladder. Fitz needs some bigger pelts. But I won’t hold my breath...
Blagojevich, 52, , was charged 16 felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion and making false statements to federal agents. He allegedly used his office in numerous matters involving state appointments, business, legislation and pension fund investments to seek or obtain such financial benefits as money, campaign contributions, and employment for himself and others, in exchange for official actions, including trying to leverage his authority to appoint a United States Senator, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
Also charged as co-defendants in the same indictment are:
John Harris, 47, of Chicago, Blagojevich’s chief of staff from late 2005 until last December after he was arrested along with Blagojevich. Through his attorney, Harris, who is charged with a single count of wire fraud, has authorized the Government to disclose that he has agreed to cooperate with the United States Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of this case;
Alonzo Monk, 50, of Park Ridge, a lobbyist doing business as AM3 Consulting, Ltd., and a long-time Blagojevich associate who served as his general counsel when Blagojevich represented Illinois’ Fifth Congressional District, and later managed his 2002 and 2006 gubernatorial campaigns, was his first gubernatorial chief of staff from 2003 through 2005, and later chairman of his campaign fund;
Robert Blagojevich, 53, of Nashville, Tenn., Blagojevich’s brother, who became chairman of his campaign fund in August 2008;
Christopher Kelly, 50, of Burr Ridge, a businessman and a principal campaign fundraiser who also served as chairman of Blagojevich’s campaign fund from early 2004 until August 2005. The indictment alleges that with Blagojevich’s knowledge and permission, Kelly at times exercised substantial influence over certain activities of the governor’s office; and
William F. Cellini, Sr., 74, of Springfield, a businessman who also raised significant funds for Blagojevich, in part through his role as the executive director of the Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association. Cellini had longstanding relationships and influence with trustees and staff members of the Teachers Retirement System of Illinois (TRS), and he was associated with Commonwealth Realty Advisors, a real estate asset management firm that invested hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of TRS, the indictment alleges.
http://cbs2chicago.com/governor/rod.blagojevich.indicted.2.974448.html
Thank you .......
I’ll just ask the obligatory rhetorical question:
How the hell does Obama come out of such a system and not be corrupt himself?
He’ll walk.
The folks over on DU are all convinced this bowing was a photoshop — despite the video coverage... Of COURSE, this is being covered up.
As for this indictment — I’m still waiting to see Fitzgerald’s findings in his ACORN investigation, Project Vote, and how that ties to Obama, Pelosi, and Reid...
Maybe with these indictments Blago will spill the beans... One can only hope, but I’m not going to hold my breath.
When ya gonna sing, Blago?
Your welcome.
I like this part...
Harris through his attorney has authorized the Government to disclose that he has agreed to cooperate with the United States Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of this case;
I wonder if Zero will be called to testify ... and be found wanting and then impeached(???) Be still my beating heart. But then we’d have Biden so forget it ....
DUH! Are they that stupid? Never mind!
no patti? ... just damn
“Blagojevich’s brother, Rob, took over as head of the governor’s campaign fund last August, just two months before federal authorities won court authorization to wiretap the then-governor’s home phone and campaign office.”
From the above, the Justice department started wiretapping Blago’s activities in October, just before the election.
Nice timing!
When Obama BOWED DEEPLY he DID NOT do his Power Play “Hand on the Other person’;s shoulder” thingy....he thinks the Muslim KING is his superior.
Obama makes Blago look like a piker.
HT: Flopping Aces for wiretap conversations
http://www.floppingaces.net/2008/12/11/more-questions-about-obama-and-blagojevich/
9/17/08 0 calls Emil Jones about ethics bill
9/19/08 Blago calls the move a Republican trap, and brings up Rezko’s name in a presser. “I have a theory on what happened in the Rezko situation was a system, you know, sucked him in and then some lines were crossed and then that person found himself actually violating some of the rules,” Blagojevich said.
10/07/08 Blago tells Rezko to tell the truth, the day after federal prosecutors indicated that the convicted fund-raiser might be cooperating with them. Rezko sentencing subsequently delayed.
10/12/08 Rezko starts talking.
10/17/08 Blago sends 0 message via Sun-Times’ Sneed, “Who will it be?”
10/21/08 Order was signed authorizing a 30-day interception of oral communications at Friends of Blago, Blago’s personal office and the conference room and that it was begun on Oct. 22.
??? Feds ask Trib to hold the presses due to wire taps.
10/28/08 “Goodbye gov? Sneed hears a plan is afoot to impeach Gov. Blagojevich following the presidential election next month. Word is the votes are there. Stay tuned.”
??? Rahm approached by 0’s White House staff the week before the election. 0’s senate replacement was sensitive enough that senior Obama aides wanted to keep the matter within the circle of Illinois political figures. Among 0’s inner circle Rahm had closest relationship with Blago. Rahm spoke by phone with aides to the governor.
10/31/08 “I just don’t want to jinx him and I don’t like the karma of me thinking that far ahead,” Blagojevich said of Obama ‘s prospects in Tuesday’s election. The governor added, “We have had some discussions about a process which we’ll share ... if all goes well.”
Businessmen with ties to both Illinois Blago and JJJ discussed raising $1 million for 0’s seat. Raghuveer Nayak and Blago aide Rajinder Bedi told attendees at an Oct. 31 meeting that they needed to raise the money for the governor to ensure JJJ’s appointment. “Raghu said he needed to raise a million for Rod to make sure Jesse got the seat,” an unidentified source who attended the meeting told the Tribune. Blago also attended the meeting, which was sponsored by Nayak, an Oak Brook businessman.
11/01/08 Source said that contact between the Obama camp and the governor’s administration regarding the Senate seat began the Saturday before the Nov. 4 election, when Emanuel made a call to the cell phone of Harris. The conversation took place around the same time press reports surfaced about Emanuel being approached about taking the high-level White House post should Obama win. Emanuel delivered a list of candidates who would be “acceptable” to Obama, the source said. On the list were Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, Illinois Veterans Affairs director Tammy Duckworth, state Comptroller Dan Hynes and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Chicago, the source said. All are Democrats.
11/03/08 Wiretap conversation 1:
*Blagojevich and Deputy Governor A discuss the possibility of an open US Senate seat the day before the Presidential election
* Blagojevich threatens to assume the seat if he is not offered anything
Converstation 2:
* Blagojevich speaks with Advisor A
* Blagojevich tells Advisor A that he is aware of media reports of Senate Candidate 1’s interest in the open US Senate seat; Blagojevich states he will only offer Valerie Jarrett the Senate seat if he gets “something real good;” he reiterates his intention to assume the seat and to drive a “hard bargain”
11/04/08 Conversation 3:
* Deputy Governor A broaches the topic of the Senate seat, and he asks Blagojevich to draft of list of wants for the seat
* Blagojevich notes that nothing can be written down
* Blagojevich states he is interested in an ambassadorship
Conversation 4:
* Blagojevich speaks with John Harris, his Chief of Staff
* Blagojevich mentions the “trick” of conducting negotiations with Obama “indirectly”
* He hypothetically asks Obama what Obama is willing to offer for the seat, and he again reiterates his intention to assume the seat himself
11/05/08 Blago meets with 0 regarding senate appointment process. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2146114/posts (Follow up 11/08, both reports pulled 12/10/08.)
Conversation 5:
* Blagojevich speaks with Deputy Governor A regarding position he can assume if he were to offer the Senate seat to Obama’s chosen candidate
* Secretary of Health and Human Services and ambassadorships are discussed; also discussed is Secretary of Energy and Blagojevich’s connection to the coal industry
Conversation 6:
* Blagojevich speaks with John Harris
* They discuss federal positions that could be traded for the Senate seat, and Blagojevich mentions the private sector and whether Obama could put something “big” together there
* Harris mentions private foundations, and Blagojevich tells Harris to do “homework” right away on the possibility
* The Red Cross is mentioned, but Harris states that it would have to be a private foundation under the influence of a President Obama
Conversation 7:
* Blagojevich speaks with Harris and with Deputy Governor A
* They discuss potential private foundations heavily dependent on federal aid, as this would place it under the influence of Obama
Conversation 8:
* Blagojevich speaks to Advisor A
* Blagojevich mentions how Obama could remove someone from the Board of a private foundation and appoint Blagojevich
* Blagojevich voices demands for something for the seat, and he reiterates an intention to appoint himself to the seat
??? Sometime after the election, Emanuel called Harris back to add the name of Democratic Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan to the approved list, the source said.
??? One source confirmed that communications between Emanuel and the Blagojevich administration were captured on court-approved wiretaps.
11/06/08 Rahn named chief of staff.
Conversation 9:
* Blagojevich speaks with Spokesman
* Blagojevich instructs Spokesman to leak information to the Chicago Sun-Times about Senate Candidate 2, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and Blagojevich’s interest in Senate Candidate 2, which the Chicago Sun-Times published
* Blagojevich instructed Spokesman to leak such information, as he desired to communicate dissatisfaction to the Obama campaign about Valerie Jarrett and what he thought they were offering for her appointment
??? AFTER being name chief of staff, Rahm has multiple conversations with Blago, giving him a list of names acceptable to 0.
??? Schakowsky also spoke of a conversation she had with Emanuel shortly after he was named chief of staff. She said she called Emanuel him “to get some intelligence” on whether Obama might approve of her selection as senator. “He indicated that the president-elect would be fine with certain people and I was one of them,” Schakowsky said.
11/07/08 Blago sends second message to team 0 via Sneed, “Sen. Madigan?”
Conversation 10:
* Blagojevich speaks with Advisor A
* Blagojevich tells Advisor A he will offer the seat to Jarrett if he is appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services
Conversation 11:
* Blagojevich speaks with Harris and Advisor B, a Washington, DC, consultant
* Blagojevich indicates that he will offer Jarrett the Senate seat if he is appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services, but Harris notes that any deal cannot appear to be a quid pro quo
* Blagojevich notes his financial situation, and Harris states that “they” are considering it
* Blagojevich, Advisor B and Harris then discuss the possibility of a three way deal involving Blagojevich, Obama and “Change to Win,” an organization tied to SEIU (Service Employees International Union)
* Harris mentions how such a deal would conceal a quid pro quo
* Advisor B, who is in DC, is pleased with the notion of a three way deal, and he states that Obama should be leveraged with this deal, as it is better than Madigan as Senator and Blagojevich continuing as Governor
11/08/08 Conversation 12:
* Blagojevich and Harris speak
* Discussed is the potential of a financial benefit for Blagojevich’s wife, who he believes can work in New York or DC with her Series 7 license
* An interim position at Change to Win for Blagojevich’s wife is also discussed
11/10/08 Marathon conference call, more than two hours, between “various Washington, D.C., based advisers,” Blago, his wife, his general counsel, an unnamed adviser, and John Harris, regarding “what (Blago) can get from the President-elect for the Senate seat.” Blago believed the candidate was Jarrett.
7:56 PM ET, CNN reported that “two Democratic sources close to President-elect Barack Obama tell CNN that top adviser Valerie Jarrett will not be appointed to replace him in the U.S. Senate.”
Conversation 13:
* Blagojevich, his wife, Harris, Governor General Counsel and various Washington, DC, advisors, including Advisor B, speak on a conference call
* Blagojevich mentions his connections in Obama’s teams, and he asks how that can be parlayed into financial and political benefits for him and his wife
* Blagojevich mentions how he can assume the Senate seat in order to avoid impeachment in Illinois, and he agrees that Obama will not appoint him to a Cabinet position, as he is too controversial
* Blagojevich asks what he can obtain for the Senate seat, and he mentions that Governor General Counsel believes Blagojevich can be appointed to a private sector Board in exchange for appointing Jarrett to the Senate, but it would have to be a Board not directly connected to Obama
* Blagojevich’s wife also mentions her desire to be appointed to a Board, and Blagojevich mentions his wife’s experience and Series 7 license
* Blagojevich mentions that he does not want to be Governor anymore
* Blagojevich complains that the advisors on the phone are telling him that he must “suck it up” for another two years
* Blagojevich complains that he will receive nothing in return for appointing Jarrett, and he threatens to appoint Senate Candidate 4, one of the three Deputy Governors of Illinois, in retaliation
* Blagojevich mentions how his wife is more qualified to sit on corporate boards than a “specifically named individual,” who is most probably Michelle Obama
* Harris and Blagojevich remind advisors of the problem of Blagojevich’s financial security, and Blagojevich indicates that without something in return he will not appoint Jarrett
* Harris broaches the three way deal with Obama, Blagojevich and the SEIU involving “Change to Win;” such a deal will occur in two years
* A Blagojevich advisor admonishes Blagojevich to be “leery” of promises for events to occur to two years from now
* Blagojevich then discusses other manners whereby he can earn money
Conversation 14:
* Blagojevich and Advisor A discuss the open Senate seat
* Blagojevich asks if Obama could appoint his wife to a Board
* If Obama cannot or will not appoint Blagojevich’s wife to a corporate Board, then Blagojevich will appoint Jesse Jackson, Jr. to the Senate seat
Conversation 15:
* Blagojevich and Advisor A discuss the open Senate seat again
* Blagojevich asks Advisor A to leak to the Chicago Sun-Times that he is seriously considering Jesse Jackson, Jr., for the open Senate seat
* Blagojevich considers this to be another threat to the Obama campaign, who still desires Jarrett
* It is clear that Blagojevich has not intention of selection Jackson; he simply hopes to apply pressure to the Obama campaign
11/11/08 Conversation: 16
* Blagojevich and John Harris discuss the open Senate seat
* Blagojevich suggests the creations of a 501(c)(4) he could run that would be funded by Warren Buffett or other wealthy Obama allies
* Blagojevich also mentions that he could appoint Senate Candidate 4, Illinois Deputy Governor Louanner Peters, who will vacate it if Blagojevich is impeached and in need of a political office
* Blagojevich knows Obama will not offer him what he wants in exchange for appointing Jarrett
Conversation 17:
* Blagojevich and Advisor A discuss the open Senate seat
* Advisor A mentions how he is attempting to leak the story about Jesse Jackson, Jr., to the Chicago Sun-Times, and Blagojevich asks about the viability of the creation of a 501(c)(4) to be bankrolled by wealthy Obama allies
* Blagojevich mentions how he could run such an organization, and he mentions how Senate Candidate 6, an Illinois millionaire who may be Blair Hull, can bankroll the organization, but Advisor A explains how it would be difficult for Blagojevich to appoint Senate Candidate 6 to the open seat
* Blagojevich explains how Senate Candidate 6 is better than receiving nothing for selecting Valerie Jarrett, and he asks Advisor A to locate someone who could broach the possibility of bankrolling a 501(c)(4) with Senate Candidate 6
11/12/08 Durbin announces his intent to speak about his senate candidates with Blago.
Conversation 18:
* Blagojevich speaks with John Harris
* Blagojevich and Harris learn through CNN that Jarrett has withdrawn her name from consideration for the US Senate seat
* Harris interprets it as a tactic of the Obama team
* Blagojevich broaches the topic of a 501(c)(4) again, and he mentions how Obama and allies can fund it while he is still Governor and Jarrett is Senator; Blagojevich also mentions that Senate Candidate 6 can help bankroll the issues advocacy group to be led by Blagojevich
* They agree this is easier for Obama than for Obama to appoint Blagojevich to a position
Conversation 19:
* Blagojevich discusses the open Senate seat with Advisor B
* Blagojevich discusses the option of a 501(c)(4) with Advisor B, who says the “Change for Win” option is better, for from Obama’s perspective, there would be fewer “fingerprints” of Obama’s involvement
* Advisor B mentions that “Change for Win” is a better option, as there will not be stories in four years of how Obama bought Blagojevich off
* Blagojevich mentions how a 501(c)(4) will exist in two years, while “Change to Win” may not
Conversation 20:
* Blagojevich speaks with a different DC advisor about the open Senate seat
* Blagojevich mentions the 501(c)(4), but the advisor in DC reiterates the reason why “Change to Win” is more desirable: it is one step removed from the President-elect
Conversation 21:
* Blagojevich speaks with an SEIU official, SEIU President Andy Stern, who was in DC, about the open Senate seat
* SEIU official met with Blagojevich the previous week, and Blagojevich understood Stern was an emissary of Jarrett
* Blagojevich tells Stern he heard Obama was considering candidates other than Jarrett for the open seat, and Stern states he would discuss this with Jarrett
* Blagojevich mentions the 501(c)(4) advocacy group option to Stern, and he mentions how that advocacy group could assist Jarrett
* Stern says he will “put that flag up and see where it goes”
Conversation 22:
* Blagojevich and Advisor B discuss the open Senate seat
* Blagojevich tells Advisor B that he asked Stern to broach the topic of a 501(c)(4) with Jarrett, Co-Chair of the Obama Transition Team
Conversation 23:
* Blagojevich and Harris discuss the open Senate seat
* Blagojevich mentions how he will decide how he will select a candidate for the Senate seat, and he mentions his legal situation as the most important variable
* Harris reminds him that his legal situation is the hardest one to satisfy, and Blagojevich claims it can be satisfied if he appoints himself to the seat
11/13/08 Durbin asks Blago for a meeting, voices Duckworth as a favorite.
Jarrett accepts cabinet post.
“After several pages of detailing those machinations, the criminal complaint takes an abrupt turn, describing NO WIRETAPS for a period of THREE WEEKS. The complaint says Blagojevich had “numerous conversations” about the Senate seat during that period, but it doesn’t detail any.”
Conversation 24:
* Blagojevich and Harris discuss the open Senate seat
* Blagojevich tells Harris he wants to speak directly to “President-elect Advisor” about the 501(c)(4) option and how it could be bankrolled
* Blagojevich says he wants “President-elect Advisor” to receive word of the 501(c)(4) option on that day, for when “President-elect Advisor” asks about the open fifth Congressional district Seat, it will be in the advisor’s mind
* Blagojevich may have the power to appoint a Representative to Illinois’s fifth Congressional district seat, which was previously occupied by Rahm Emanuel
Conversation 25:
* Blagojevich and Advisor A discuss open Senate seat
* Blagojevich mentions how he hopes the 501(c)(4) is in the head of the “President-elect Advisor,” but he hopes it is implanted in that person’s mind in a manner in which it is not connected to the open Senate seat or the open House seat
* When asked by Advisor A if it is, Blagojevich responds, “it’s unsaid. It’s unsaid.”
Conversation 26:
* Blagojevich and Advisor A discuss open Senate seat
* Blagojevich asks Advisor A to contact Individual A and ask Individual A to contact “President-elect Advisor” about the 501(c)(4)
* Advisor A asks if it should be mentioned outside of the open Senate and House seats, and Blagojevich says yes
* Advisor A asks if Blagojevich wants Individual A to contact “President-elect Advisor” as Blagojevich thinks there is still “life” in Valerie Jarrett
* Blagojevich thinks there is still life in Jarrett, but he also thinks there are other options
11/14/08 0 announces senate seat resignation, and distances himself from Blago, (courtesy of the WaPo). Resignation meant to ratchet up the pressure on Gov. Rod Blagojevich “to name a successor more quickly than planned.”
11/23/08 Axelrod said, “I know he’s talked to the governor and there are a whole range of names many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them.” (youtube video pulled 12/10/08)
11/26/08 Durbin weighs asking Bush to commute ex-Gov. Ryan
11/27/08 Blagojevich: Bush should let Ryan out of Prison
12/05/08 “Chicago Tribune ran a story on its front page reporting that law enforcement had secretly recorded Blagojevich’s conversations as part of a criminal investigation. Blagojevich immediately instructed Fundraiser A to “undo” the plan to meet personally with the associate of Candidate Five, (JJJ).”
12/06/08 Blago fundraiser Saturday in Elmhurst, co-sponsored by Nayak and attended by JJJ’s brother, Jonathan, as well as Blago.
The “Nayak” co-sponsor mentioned is Naghu Rayak, an Oak Brook doctor and president of Rogers Park Surgery. Nayak is a generous political contributor and has contributed to Blagojevich and numerous other statewide office holders, namely Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn as indicated on the ISBE website
12/08/08 Blago and JJJ met to discuss the Senate seat on Monday, one day before federal prosecutors arrested Blago.
12/09/08 Blago arrested, is accused of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, as well as soliciting bribes.
“President-elect Obama was scheduled to travel this morning to the Chicago FBI briefing before his mid-day meeting with former Vice President Al Gore,” wrote the Wall Street Journal’s Jonathan Weisman in the morning’s first pool report. “But it has been announced that he will instead be going straight to his transition office.”
12/10/08 0 and Durbin call for Blago’s resignation.
12/12/08 Rahm won’t go to the Chicago Presidential transition offices in order to avoid reporters. “I’m getting regular death threats. You’ve put my home address on national television. I’m pissed at the networks. You’ve intruded too much.”
Madigan asked the state’s highest court Friday to strip scandal-plagued Blago of his powers. The filing says he is “unable to serve as governor due to disability and should not rightfully continue to hold that office.”
12/14/08 Sneed hears rumbles President-elect Barack Obama’s chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, is reportedly on 21 different taped conversations by the feds — dealing with his boss’ vacant Senate seat!
12/15/08 0’s office says his staff had no ‘inappropriate contact’ with Illinois governor. In the statement, Pfeiffer said that incoming White House counsel Gregory Craig has kept federal prosecutors informed of the internal review “in order to ensure our full cooperation with the investigation” into allegations against the governor.”
0 transition office notified reporters moments ago that it will not release information on contacts that 0 staff members had with advisers to Blago until next week.
Since arresting Blago, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has renewed interest in convicted fundraiser Tony Rezko’s part in the purchase of 0’s Chicago mansion, according to a former real estate analyst, Kenneth J. Conner, who says he was interviewed by the federal prosecutor in the past 10 days.
Bill Richardson now being investigated by a federal grand jury for pay to play allegations. Since arresting Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has renewed interest in convicted fundraiser Tony Rezko’s part in the purchase of Barack Obama’s Chicago mansion, according to a former real estate analyst who says he was interviewed by the federal prosecutor in the past 10 days.
Caroline Kennedy 100% on wanting Hillary’s seat. (Chris Kennedy on Quinn’s list to fill 0’s seat?)
0 has chosen Chicago schools chief Arne Duncan to serve as education secretary.
Senator John F’n Kerry was named chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.
Presidential electors formally elected 0 the nation’s 44th president.
House Speaker Michael Madigan Monday formed a House committee to begin preparations to impeach embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich. A resolution to being the impeachment proceedings passed unanimously, 113-0. Respresentatives Lou Lang of Skokie, John Fritchey of Chicago and Jack Franks of McHenry County will serve as managers or prosecutors. “We have given the governor six days to resign,’’ Madigan said.
12/16/08 Federal judge indefinitely postponed Jan. 6 sentencing for Tony Rezko.
Rezko moved from “the hole” at Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Chicago to another institution.
Sneed hears rumbles President-elect Barack Obama’s chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, is reportedly on 21 different taped conversations by the feds — dealing with his boss’ vacant Senate seat!
Hey, Gov! You've just been indicted! Whaddya gonna do now?
Blago: "I'm going to Disney World!"
I wonder if Zero will be called to testify ... and be found wanting and then impeached(???) Be still my beating heart. But then we’d have Biden so forget it ....
____________________
Executive privelidge....
I am seriously impressed. Good job.
Oh - that ....
Blago won't be allowed to go to trial. He knows were to many of the bodies are buried. (though I hope I am wrong).
Ooh, that’s rich .... ;)
Thank you. All references can be sourced.
Yes, there are, but I’m sure you knew that... Forget the video - they are convinced the dude who posted it at DU is a FreeperTroll! Now they are saying — oh, it looks like he dropped something — an explanation we here at FR were talking about, 5 HOURS AGO, and before the video was found! I’m thinking of signing up just to post a YouTube link to those fools on the thread.
Re#27 Time will tell. Rezco has been singing for months and Fitz has been working on Chicago for years. He also sees himself as a white knight. He would not go quietly. Nor, however, would he have the huevos to indict the 0ne...
That's odd. Everyone Fitz indicted in the Obama-senate-seat-for-bribes scandal is an Illinois resident except Blago's brother. Hey Field! Seem any Chicago goons hanging around the neighborhood lately? Some federal agents will be down there shortly to get 'em.
I can just hear Blago saying.....””Well, I guess I’ll have to roll over one more time.........”
He doesn't. The MSM just doesn't feel like doing any investigative reporting or vetting. He walks on water, don't ya know?
So even they have a problem with the Dark Lord bowing to the King and have to play it off as a fake.
In other news?
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/353797,CST-NWS-rezdavis23.article
Obama ‘s ex-boss a Rezko partner - Lawyer consulted on final Rezmar redevelopment
Chicago Sun-Times (IL) - Monday, April 23, 2007
Author: Tim Novak, The Chicago Sun-Times
EXCERPT
While Davis was running the law firm, he was also a board member of the Woodlawn Preservation and Investment Corp., a not-for-profit company that hooked up with Rezko’s Rezmar Corp. on tax-supported projects to rehabilitate apartments for low-income tenants. Davis ‘ firm handled the legal work on those housing deals.
Davis has long been an influential member of the Woodlawn community just south of the University of Chicago. His father was the university’s first African-American professor. Since 1991, Davis has been a member of the Chicago Plan Commission, appointed by Mayor Daley, a friend.
Four years ago, Blagojevich appointed Davis to the Illinois State Board of Investment, which controls state pension funds — one of a series of appointments the governor made at Rezko’s request.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/watchdogs/672314,CST-NWS-watchdog29.article
Obama helped ex-boss get $1 mil. from charity - Senator’s spokesman: ‘Not a conflict to do what’s right’
Chicago Sun-Times (IL) - Thursday, November 29, 2007
//
(no link)
Double-Duty Davis - Rezko pal pushed pension deal — and months later, the pension firm hired him
Chicago Sun-Times (IL) - Thursday, June 26, 2008
Author: Chris Fusco, Dave Mckinney and Tim Novak, The Chicago Sun-Times
In July 2004, state pension board member Allison S. Davis voted to turn over as much as $100 million in state workers’ retirement cash to an investment management firm.
Months after it won the lucrative deal at Davis ‘ urging, that investment firm hired Davis .
RREEF America REIT II Inc. agreed to pay the Chicago developer $30,000 a year to take a part-time post on its board of directors, even as Davis continued to serve on the Illinois State Board of Investment.
There were questions about the legality of the dual roles. According to Illinois law, “No member of the board shall have any interest in any brokerage fee, commission or other profit or gain arising out of any investment made by the board.”
But the state board got a legal opinion that Davis could hold both posts as long as he didn’t vote on any future state deals for RREEF, a real estate investment trust.
It’s an unusual situation. Davis — who was appointed to the state pension board by Gov. Blagojevich at the behest of since-convicted gubernatorial adviser Tony Rezko — is the only member of the state’s two main pension boards to also serve as a paid board member of a firm that handles state employees’ retirement money.
(snip)
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/644511,CST-NWS-davis11.article
How reform-minded City Hall critic became a cozy insider - Foe of Daley I, now ally of Daley II — caught in glare of unwanted spotlight
Chicago Sun-Times (IL) - Sunday, November 11, 2007
Author: Tim Novak, The Chicago Sun-Times
As a young lawyer, Allison S. Davis was a City Hall outsider.
He criticized Mayor Richard J. Daley over the 1968 riots. He worked to integrate Chicago neighborhoods. And he fought to elect judges based on legal ability, not political connections.
Today, Davis is a consummate City Hall insider.
He’s a loyal ally of Mayor Richard M. Daley, who appointed Davis to Chicago’s prestigious Plan Commission. Davis has gotten deal after deal from the mayor, helping to make Davis one of the city’s top developers. And Davis has forged strong ties to the Daley family, doing deals with one of the mayor’s nephews and giving legal business to Daley & George, mayoral brother Michael Daley’s law firm.
Now, Davis finds himself in the glare of an unwanted spotlight.
One of his business partners, William Moorehead, recently began serving a four-year prison sentence for stealing more than $600,000 from at least 13 federally funded housing projects he managed — including two buildings that he and Davis co-own. During the period Moorehead has admitted he was stealing the money, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned, he lent Davis $100,000 — a loan that has drawn scrutiny from federal investigators, though Davis hasn’t been accused of any wrongdoing.
(snip)
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/570056,CST-NWS-vanecko23.article
Mayor’s Nephew Cashing In - Bob Vanecko wants to revive Chicago’s struggling neighborhoods with $68 million in city-linked pension funds. He has his eye on areas near his uncle’s proposed Olympic stadium.
Chicago Sun-Times (IL) - Sunday, September 23, 2007
Author: Tim Novak, The Chicago Sun-Times
A nephew of Mayor Daley stands to make millions of dollars from city-connected pension funds.
In winning business from pension funds for city workers, cops, teachers and CTA employees, Robert G. Vanecko said he never told anyone he’s Daley’s nephew.
But officials with those funds knew who he was, interviews and documents show.
Vanecko and his partner, Allison S. Davis , a top mayoral ally, also asked pension funds outside Chicago to invest with DV Urban Realty Partners, a company they formed two years ago. None did.
It’s a risky venture, Vanecko and Davis warned potential investors.
Still, the city-related pensions opened their checkbooks, giving DV Urban $68 million. They did so even as they face growing financial worries, according to a recent state study.
(snip)
http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/1496799,CST-NWS-refuse26.article
Pension funds may not cooperate on subpoena
March 26, 2009
BY FRANK MAIN, FRAN SPIELMAN AND TIM NOVAK Staff Reporters
Trustees for at least two city pension funds are considering stonewalling Chicago’s inspector general over a subpoena for records involving their investments with a company co-owned by one of Mayor Daley’s nephews.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/1407352,CST-NWS-davis01.stng
Insiders’ housing projects targeted - Subpoena probes deals by Obama ex-boss and Daley pal Davis , plus Rezko, Cellini
Chicago Sun-Times (IL) - Sunday, February 1, 2009
Author: Tim Novak, The Chicago Sun-Times
A federal grand jury has subpoenaed records on dozens of low-income housing projects built over the last 30 years by indicted businessman William F. Cellini, convicted political fund-raiser Tony Rezko and City Hall insider Allison S. Davis .
(snip)
Davis , 69, and Vanecko, 43, are partners in a start-up real investment company, DV Urban Realty Partners. Five city pension funds have invested $63 million with the Davis and Vanecko company.
THE OTHERS
A federal grand jury also has demanded that the Illinois Housing Development Authority turn over records on a dozen other people:
- Nicholas Hurtgen, a former investment banker awaiting trial on corruption charges.
- Brian Hynes, a lobbyist who once represented the state agency.
- Chris Kelly, a close friend and adviser of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
- Mark Kirincich, president of Commonwealth Realty Advisors, a company started by William Cellini.
- Robert Kjellander, a lobbyist, Republican Party heavyweight and close Cellini pal.
- Milan Petrovic, a lobbyist and Blagojevich buddy.
- Paul Rosenfeld, an IHDA lobbyist and Blagojevich insider.
- Marvin Traylor, a lobbyist and Cellini associate.
- John Wyma, a lobbyist and longtime Blagojevich associate.
- Kelly King Dibble, former IHDA executive director and relative of President Obama’s adviser Valerie Jarrett .
- Darren Collier, an ex-IHDA staffer.
- Michael Todd, an ex-IHDA staffer.
//
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/1407352,CST-NWS-davis01.stng
Insiders’ housing projects targeted - Subpoena probes deals by Obama ex-boss and Daley pal Davis , plus Rezko, Cellini
Chicago Sun-Times (IL) - Sunday, February 1, 2009
Author: Tim Novak, The Chicago Sun-Times
(snip)
- Kelly King Dibble, former IHDA executive director and relative of President Obama’s adviser Valerie Jarrett .
//
Dr. Orly, Obama Trust House Research Needed
A Natural Born Citizen...Orly? ^ | Jan 19, 2009 | me
Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 9:22:28 AM by urtax$@work
Saturday, January 3, 2009 More help in research needed Obama’s house is sitting in a trust: Northern Trust Co, attorney Kelly Dibble. I got info that there are other properties sitting in that trust. Does anybody have addresses of these properties, legal descriptions, any info on these properties? What type of a trust is it: Charitable trust? Revocable? Irrevocable? Who are the beneficiaries? Who is listed as a trustor? Can smbd check microfish in county recorders office and get certified copies of tax payments? Orly Posted by Orly Taitz, DDS Esq. at 6:45 AM
http://209.157.64.200/focus/f-bloggers/2167360/posts
I hope he opens his mouth telling all he knows about OBAMA.
Brown Shirt Ernst Rham, giving the obamafascist salute....
Lon Monk = reference to Monica Lewisnky
After watching Fitz's rambling press conference, after indicting Scooter Libby, after investigating a non-crime, spending million of taxpayers dollars looking for the answer that was known within 24/48 hours, I had the impression that Fitz existed in an alternate reality.
Is he as clean as MSM tries to make him out to be, or does someone in the Windy City own him?
ping
Lawn Monk.
Start talking,Blago. Take Obama down with you..make your jail time shorter..cut a deal..you da man..you can do it..you got da connections don’t ya..maybe not..but go ahead give it a whirl.
Advice to Blago:
1. Keep your head away from loaded guns
2. Do not hitch a ride with Sonny Corleone
3. Do not sleep with a horse:
......and the singing begin ......
Michelle is toast. Her acting as the receiver for Hussein’s gotten gains will end her career as First Lady.
That is funny, but I am not joking:
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich plays Monica Lewinsky in *** REVERSED *** Impeachment script
Reminder:
REVERSED Impeachment script explained October 5, one month before the election, the day OJ Simpson was declared guilty
http://engforum.pravda.ru/showthread.php?t=228279
In
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2151372/posts?page=23#23 THIS DAY IN HISTORY: President Clinton Impeached
Baloney..............
Awww, his wife wasn’t indicted. What a disappointment!
bump
bttt
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