I agree with the Gov. He should be given a chance to prove "that's something all of us in politics do."
Posted on 01/29/2009 10:28:43 AM PST by Zakeet
Gov. Rod Blagojevich appeared at his impeachment trial today and asked senators how they can vote him out of office based on criminal charges that haven't been proven.
Blagojevich said removing him from office would set a "dangerous and chilling precedent" for future governors. He says he's "begging" for senators to let him prove his innocence.
The governor told senators that an FBI agent reading the allegations to lawmakers — as happened this week — does not amount to proving the charges.
Blagojevich's arrest last month on corruption charges has played prominently at his impeachment trial.
Federal prosecutors allege he schemed to sell President Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat for campaign cash or a plum job for himself. Blagojevich denies any wrongdoing. There is no trial date set in the criminal case.
The Democratic governor repeated his frequent complaint that he wasn't allowed to call witnesses who would have defended him against the criminal charges at the heart of the impeachment case.
Blagojevich did acknowledge that the truth of his actions might not be flattering in some cases. He referred to taped conversations played earlier in the Senate trial. The tapes appeared to show Blagojevich linking legislation to campaign contributions.
He said that's something "all of us in politics do."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
I agree with the Gov. He should be given a chance to prove "that's something all of us in politics do."
We need to keep this issue alive. As long as it turns it threatens the Rat establishment. But even if he did sing...they’d say he is just trying to bring down someone else to save his butt.
Oh I hope a chill just went down Obama’s back.
He’s right and why should he go down while the other guilty like Daily, Obama and a multitude of crooks in Chicago go free.
LOL, while I agree with your point, this guy is toast.
How can he call it mere allegations, when they have him on tape facilitating a crime?
Asta la vista Blago.
Its called a TAPE you jerk. Get out.
this guy is completely off his nut...
He is right. By forcing him out, he will open the flood gates on everyone that he knows is dirty. If I were a Chicago politician still working in Chicago or Washington DC now, I would not sleep well. There will be others to take a fall, bank on it.
Past due time to flush that toilet...
I don’t know what sort of immunity is enjoyed by the Governor, but the President is immune from prosecution while in office. This is to keep the Judicial Branch from being used as a tool against the Executive.
Perhaps they HAVE to impeach and remove Blago BEFORE they can try him for “criminal charges that haven’t been proven.” Dunno, though, since the charges against him are Federal.
I wish I had his hairline.
Agreed. Blago needs to give the court and public some details.
that’s a helmet, not a hairline.
Someone should help Blago with some $$’s AND HELP WRITE A BOOK ABOUT how he been disrespected by his fellow crooked politicians. Hell, I’ll help with the book.
Is he actually facilitating a crime?
We all know that Obama’s wife Michelle got a job making $300,000 a year with a hospital as a payoff to Obama. When she quit this job it was abolished. Why isnt Obama on trial.
Also: Dont look for this trial to lead to others in Chicago. Blago was set up because he wouldnt play without pay from Obama, He can sing all he likes, bit it wont go any farther, Fitz is a Democrat tool.
Just a point: little over a month ago, the director of the Abraham Presidential Library & Museum (excellent, excellent place to visit, I encourage everyone to see it) was arrested for shoplifting(!). Blagojevich FIRED the guy two days later - without due process, without a trial, without giving a closing statement, without being allowed to “defend himself”, etc. The impeachment process is NOT - repeat NOT - a criminal trial, and what’s being done to Blago is exactly what he did to that director - he’s being fired. Blago will get his day in court to prove his innocence. Don’t fall for his shuck and jive act in the national media.
In that one call he is arranging for a $100,000 payment. That was my take on it. He arranges for an intermediary to participate, and an entity to make the payment.
Perhaps others can correct me, if I’m off base.
Because you are a risk to O like Foster to Slick....be careful where you walk on snowy nights, cuz.
You stepped on the wrong toes in your own party Blago, live with it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.