“Nope. Thompson and Edgar never went to jail”
The definition of genius in Illinois politics running a balanced budget on the state level and not getting indicted.
By that standard, both Thompson and Edgar were geniuses of Illinois politics.
FLASHBACK:
Senator says he’s still willing to help Blagojevich despite - hiring concerns
Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) - Thursday, July 27, 2006
Author: John Patterson Daily Herald State Government Editor
EXCERPT
SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Sen. Barack Obama expressed concern about the growing number of reports of potentially illegal hiring under Gov. Rod Blagojevich but said he’s willing to help his fellow Chicago Democrat’s re-election bid.
“I have not followed closely enough what’s been taking place in these investigations to comment on them,” Obama told the Daily Herald this week. “Obviously I’m concerned about reports that hiring practices at the state weren’t, at times, following appropriate procedures. How high up that went, the degree at which the governor was involved, is not something I’m going to speculate on.
“If I received information that made me believe that any Democrat had not been acting in the public interest, I’d be concerned.”
Numerous state agencies have had hiring and contracting records subpoenaed, and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald confirmed in a recent letter to state authorities that his office is conducting an investigation of “very serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud” and has a “number of credible witnesses.”
(snip)
Obama , who endorsed Blagojevich for a second term nearly 18 months ago, said he’s ready to help Illinois Democrats in the upcoming elections.
“If the governor asks me to work on his behalf, I’ll be happy to do it,” Obama said.