Dec 14, 2008 10:21am

Illinois Attorney General Indicates Blago Could Step Aside and Keep Paycheck

ABC News’ Tahman Bradley Reports: Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan raised the possibility Sunday that embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich could step aside, if only temporarily, and still receive his salary.

Madigan, who on Friday asked the Illinois Supreme Court to temporarily remove Blagojevich from office in the wake of a federal investigation into his alleged effort to sale or trade Barack Obama’s old Senate seat, appeared on NBC’s "Meet the Press".

"We have heard that there is the possibility that tomorrow he will make an announcement that he will step aside. I don’t know if that means he will resign or take another option that’s provided under the Illinois Constitution where he can voluntarily recognize that there’s a serious impediment to his ability to carry out his duties and therefore temporarily remove himself."

She added, "I think that second option would potentially allow him to keep his salary. And again, I have heard as well that that is one of his main concerns – his financial circumstances right now."

In the 78-page criminal complaint against him, Blagojevich is caught on tape allegedly discussing his financial circumstances and the hope that he might be able to sell his sole power to appoint the U.S. Senate vacancy to enrich himself. The Illinois governor makes $177,412 annually.

A rising star in Illinois politics, Madigan’s rumored political interests have caused the attorney general to tread very carefully as she moves against Blagojevich.

"As the Attorney General, I’m the lawyer for the people of the state of Illinois. I will continue to do what is best for the people of the state and really after Tuesday morning my continuing concern about the people is what has taken precedent – my political concerns will follow," Madigan said when asked if she’s interested in the Senate seat.

User Comments

Is this the American way? He is a piece of corrupt crap but, hey, let’s reward him for his great job….?! This country has lost it’s way and no longer represents what it used to. Sad.

Posted by: Of course he didn't know | December 14, 2008, 10:59 am 10:59 am

This ranks up with giving CEO’s all the big pay to run them off also, eventually all the deadbeats have all the money and the common folks have none or none to work for when all has closed or fallen. The monopoly game always ends with one having all the money. good luck, economy sure looks poor and dim..

Posted by: john walker | December 14, 2008, 11:00 am 11:00 am

These dirt bags always protect themselves with legal shields. He can keep his pay instead of being held accountable by going to jail and loose everything. When you get to a certain level of notoriety or power you are unaccountable for your actions.

Posted by: joseshema | December 14, 2008, 11:09 am 11:09 am

So, would that be pay for NO play?
I trust politicians about as far as I can throw em.

Posted by: Rick C. Weinberg | December 14, 2008, 11:24 am 11:24 am

In this day and age of not requiring accountability, or even feeling shame for crimes against huge numbers of other people—-this figures.
It gets harder and harder for the rest of us to get out of bed each morning and try to take responsibility for the mounting debt and other problems facing our nation.
Whatever happened to “doing the right thing”–and why is it that CEO’s and politicians can just “stick it” to the rest of us and laugh all the way to the bank.
Sometimes I am ashamed to be the same nationality as these crooks. And is it any wonder that the rest of the world thinks we are corrupt? Or at least morally inferior to other nations?
No shame, and no consequences. Sad

Posted by: Debbie | December 14, 2008, 11:35 am 11:35 am

HERE WE GO AGAIN-FIRE THEM, LAY THEM OFF, PUT THEM IN JAIL, RAPE A CHILD, ETC BUT LET MAKE SURE THEY GET THERE PAY. DIDN’T WE PAY EVERYONE RUNNING FOR OFFICE THEIR FULL SALARY WHILE THEY WERE NOT IN THE SENATE OFFICE. CONGRESS ALSO GETS PAID WHEN THEY ARE NOT IN SESSION.DON’T THEY EVEN DRAW THEIR SALARY THE REST OF THERE LIVES, THEY DON’T PAY SOCIAL SECURITY EITHER. AT THE TOP, PRESIDENT INCLUDED, WHEN THE JOB ENDS, SO DOES THE PAY – YOU DON’T PAY SOCIAL SEURITY, YOU DON’T GET IT – THAT SHOULD BE FOR EVERYONE. CLEAN OUT FROM THE TOP DOWN AND TURN THIS COUNTRY AROUND. BE ON THE JOB OR YOU DON’T DRAW ANY PAY. IT IS SIMPLE AND WILL SAVE US BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.

Posted by: brenda | December 14, 2008, 11:43 am 11:43 am

What gall! Bad enough he gets paid the amount he does, but he wants more? No matter how much money these numbnuts get they still want more. After what he was caught doing he has the nerve to still try to weasel his salary and will get away with it due to the stupid laws on our books. If it was you or I we would have been suspended without pay on the spot! I say impeach this bum!!!

Posted by: Old School Woman | December 14, 2008, 11:47 am 11:47 am

They’re bribing him with his own salary to step down?! So Blago gets his bribes, one way or another. And I thought I moved to L.A. from my hometown of Chicago just to get away from the snow…

Posted by: michelle l. | December 14, 2008, 11:51 am 11:51 am

Now that just fair, so many people are getting laid off(without their pay)but let’s give this peice of human waste his salary.

Posted by: Kim | December 14, 2008, 11:53 am 11:53 am

At least he will get welfare. I was getting worried.

Posted by: Huh | December 14, 2008, 11:59 am 11:59 am

What do you think about Sen. Durbin’s asking Bush for early release of just one Illinois prison inmate?
The prisoner has a long criminal history, but Durbin wants him released after serving only 15% of his sentence because prison is “hard” for him. And the sentence is hard on the prisoner’s wife, too! Durbin thinks this is a real good reason for the U.S. president to early-release this criminal, whose greed and negligence of office lead to the car-crash deaths of six children in the same family. The criminal and his greedy wife spent $77 for ALL their living expenses in a year in which they traveled widely and lived lavishly. The criminal and his wife’s expenses were paid by Illinois residents wanting illegal, secret favors; by Illinois state employees the criminal was shaking down for cash birthday and Christmas “gifts”; and by all Illinois taxpayers whose state workers did the criminal’s political campaign work instead of their jobs.
Just like his friend always did, Durbin kept his early-release request a secret from the voters. Not once during his recent campaign did Durbin tell the voters he intended to single out and help only one inmate in the entire Illinois prison system.
The criminal Durbin wants an early release for? George Ryan, immediate past governor of Illinois.

Posted by: Dump Durbin | December 14, 2008, 12:03 pm 12:03 pm

This is not the American way. For too long there has been a lot of corruption but nobody seem to care.For this reason, America will soon fall into as in the days of lots, nothing but wickiness and lawlessness. It is a very shameful and sad. If a tree doesn’t give good fruit you cut it down and burn it. I can see the governor soul and I can tell he is nothing but selfish, arrogrant and greedy…..

Posted by: Carlos | December 14, 2008, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm

This is not the American way. For too long there has been a lot of corruption but nobody seem to care.For this reason, America will soon fall into as in the days of lots, nothing but wickiness and lawlessness. It is a very shameful and sad. If a tree doesn’t give good fruit you cut it down and burn it. I can see the governor soul and I can tell he is nothing but selfish, arrogrant and greedy…..

Posted by: Carlos | December 14, 2008, 12:10 pm 12:10 pm

I think it’s incredibly foolish for people to imagine that the Obama team didn’t participate in this man’s corruption when it suited them. They were buddies, for at least the past 10 years.

Posted by: we-get-who-we-voted-for | December 14, 2008, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm

Isnt stepping down and keeping your salary the ultimate pay to play? Only in America can a crook step aside/resign, fire themselves or whatever you want to call it, and then keep their salary for being a crook. If my moral, legal, and ethical compases were not working right, I might just do the same, but nothing is worth my name least my freedom.

Posted by: Rich | December 14, 2008, 12:18 pm 12:18 pm

Blago, “his main concerns – his financial circumstances”!!
To pay that CROOK is absurd!!
Sound like the Wall Street’s CEOs!!!
Only in America!!!!

Posted by: sisterdearest09 | December 14, 2008, 12:39 pm 12:39 pm

I’m for another American Revolution.Not with guns but at the polls.NO ONE should vote the next time to show solidarity in demanding that politicians change or else.I’ve voted once in my life when I was 21(Jimmy Carter);since then,I’ve not wasted my time to vote for anyone since they’re all a bunch of poops.Is there ANYONE who IS honest?

Posted by: sue | December 14, 2008, 12:45 pm 12:45 pm

We here in America build such dependence on things that even when those things threaten our very undoing,, we insist that they must survive or we will suffer–MORE. First they said that about the Banks. Then they implored us not to let AIG die. After that, it was the financial markets. Now,they say, we will REALLY suffer if the BIG3 fail. I wonder–where will it end. Is therenanything in this country not so important that I could be allowed to fail? Well— i guess when you stop to think about, given thatrelative wage difference between the average American and UAW workers we would all have to agree AGAIN.. the BIG3 must not fail–otherwise, those UAW workers will lose their jobs and not be able to buy good and services from the rest of us.. The ones who only make about $29/hour with benefits. Who the f..k is driving this economy anyway? I thought it would be those many many souls not associated with the automobile business. What a nation of civilized people we have become. Gee— I bet the people of that state would put up with with about anything.. What ever happened to the concept of the government being afraid of the people.. It would appear that this Illinois government has the people of that state so domesticated that they could throw a saddle on any on of them they(the people) would proudly prance around with the governor on their backs.

Posted by: jrc903 | December 14, 2008, 12:51 pm 12:51 pm

You have got to be kidding…How screwed up is Illinois to let this go on? This guy should be sent to prison. If he knows “stuff” on people and can prove it, let that come out in due course in a trial. Don’t sweep it under the carpet.
GET A GRIP!

Posted by: Venky | December 14, 2008, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm

All things considered, Balogbitch’s biggest concern ought to be whether he’ll even be alive in a week…
He can’t spend a dime if he’s wearing cement shoes at the bottom of lake Michigan!

Posted by: TheChairman | December 14, 2008, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm

You’re working yourselves into a lather needlessly. Keeping his pay does not mean that Blagojevich is safe from prosecution! It may simply mean that he can TEMPORARILY step aside until he is legally removed from office, at which time he will no longer receive pay. It means there are laws that govern the process, that people, lathered into unthinking anger because they believe they know the whole story, can’t just take matters into their own latered-up hands!
Signed,
Not a Blagojevich fan.

Posted by: smartgirl312 | December 14, 2008, 1:14 pm 1:14 pm

The people have not yet demanded some real change but perhaps they are cozying up to the idea; it may take several more decades before health care completely collapses, the federal government collapses under its own weight of and most of what the American worker can do – will be done cheaper and better elsewhere. We are not there yet but the table is now fully set…

Posted by: Michael | December 14, 2008, 1:16 pm 1:16 pm

Sure is a generous offer for someone caught red-handed. TOO generous.
Just how much dirt does he have on these politicians? I’m betting PLENTY!
Add blackmail to the list? LOL!

Posted by: Walker | December 14, 2008, 1:41 pm 1:41 pm

“Personl shame” is not in the lexicon of any politician in any country of this globe at any time. Similrly, “self-respect” is also a missing phrase of any politician in this country. We can always claim that “satan” has “”made me commit those “heinous” acts and crimes”". This has become a standard staple in our legal, ethicl, moral and cultural ethos, first starting with our own “preachers” of any and all denominations. “Accountability” and “personal responsibility” for what we think, preach, and act are missing in this society. We should therefore suffer the consequences of our own acts whether intended or unintended. We are not a pious society. Let us not pretend of what we are not.

Posted by: narumanchi | December 14, 2008, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm

—–”As the Attorney General, I’m the lawyer for the people of the state of Illinois. I will continue to do what is best for the people of the state and really after Tuesday morning my continuing concern about the people is what has taken precedent – my political concerns will follow,” Madigan said when asked if she’s interested in the Senate seat.—–
Why would she waste peoples’ time pursuing with that motion of hers to get Blago___ removed when everybody knows or should know including her that it’s got ZERO chance of being granted by the Ill. Supreme Court?
If she wasn’t acting out of the desire to increase her chances of getting the Senate seat herself, then in the very least she was seeking to elevate her profile and get free publicity.
At a time when the State of Illinois is getting portrayed as being one where political figures push the boundaries of legality for personal gain, I just find this whole gesture remarkable . . .
Maybe since criminality with Governors is such a common occurrence, the better remedy for that particular state might be to have the legislature pass a law making the Lt. Governor acting Governor automatically any time a Governor gets indicted if the end goal is to get Blago___ out of there (?)

Posted by: SamTheTVCat | December 14, 2008, 1:56 pm 1:56 pm

1). Blagojevich is suppoded to be innocent until proven guilty.
2). In our country we force our politicans collect campaign contributions in order to pay for the ads that communicate their message to the public. Money = speech.
3). Deals where politicans agree to help each other get what they want is not only common but exspected.
4). Patronage jobs are common place in politics and not illegal.
5). Job hunting is not illegal and it should a suprise to no one that this Governor is looking for work by appointment because he has been defamed two or three times pre week in the Chicage Tribune and cannot get elected dog catcher.
6). Unless they can prove Blagojevich accepted money that does not qualify as a legal campaign contribution then he did not take a bribe.
7). The prosecuter steped in and made the arrest before the alleged crime was committed.
8). The transcripts indicate the appearence of wronging but only the appearence sence no crime was committed.
9). We have not heard the tapes, all we have is this Republican appointed federal prosecuter’s word for iwhat was said, we might find out a year from now that the tapes are of poor quality and the conversation is inaudable.
inaudable

Posted by: Lizanne | December 14, 2008, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm

Blago is going to step down, but keep his pay??? Are these people nuts??? He should be facing criminal charges! What is wrong with the justice system? This is an insult!!!

Posted by: brannigon1 | December 14, 2008, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm

Oh well, bend over and crack a smile America!!! Here is comes again!! Spread them cheeks!!!

Posted by: brannigon1 | December 14, 2008, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm

He sounds like the character in the SNL spoof looking for his own personal bailout.
Maybe teh SEIU will take care of him so he will not reveal all the dirty truths about their corruption endemic in IL and their union and mob connections.

Posted by: scott jeffries | December 14, 2008, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm

Thats right you bunch of idiots! Reward him for breaking the law!!!

Posted by: brannigon1 | December 14, 2008, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm

There’s no doubt that if our Founding Fathers were somehow resurrected from their graves, they would be leading a revolution against the filthy corrupt den of criminals, whores, and traitors we mistakenly call “our” government. But since that can’t happen, I guess it’s up to WE THE PEOPLE to do it. And if you think you can force this terminally corrupt “government” to OBEY us through mere peaceful means like voting, then your head is clearly stuck up you-know-where.

Posted by: Somebody | December 14, 2008, 2:43 pm 2:43 pm

What a deal! This sounds like hush money…”if you don’t spill the beans on the other crooks, then we’ll keep the paycheck coming.”

Posted by: Ed | December 14, 2008, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm

From the Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — that WHENEVER ANY FORM OF GOVERNMENT BECOMES DESTRUCTIVE OF THESE ENDS, IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO ALTER OR ABOLISH IT, AND TO INSTITUTE NEW GOVERNMENT, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, IT IS THEIR RIGHT, IT IS THEIR DUTY, TO THROW OFF SUCH GOVERNMENT, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Posted by: Mike | December 14, 2008, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm

From the Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Posted by: Mike | December 14, 2008, 3:23 pm 3:23 pm

It is way past time for “WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE” to force a complete new CON-gress. They are all CROOKS!

Posted by: Dave | December 14, 2008, 3:26 pm 3:26 pm

Unbelieveable.

Posted by: Peg | December 14, 2008, 3:46 pm 3:46 pm

If has the courage to cleanse his staff and expel Rahm Emanuel it would demonstrate good governance. If however, he white washes the situation and continues on Chicago Style, then we are in for trouble. After Jan 20, Obama will be in charge of the FBI and can have the matter set aside.

Posted by: JoeForSure | December 14, 2008, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm

The Dems do not want inpeachment hearings because too much will come out. they will gladly pay his salary and get hush money to him. The question is who will give him a better deal? Fitzgerald or the Dems (read Daley and Obama)?

Posted by: Marge | December 14, 2008, 3:49 pm 3:49 pm

He should step down and not be entitled to anything except a stay on a locked psych ward.

Posted by: MyFellowAmericans | December 14, 2008, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm

Thanks, Mike!
The American people need to RISE UP and TAKE BACK the United States of America!!!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!

Posted by: sisterdearest09 | December 14, 2008, 4:10 pm 4:10 pm

Put his “salary” in escrow. If he’s innocent, pay it to him once innocence is established. If guilty, it goes bye bye, birdie. Bye bye.

Posted by: I'm Just Sayin' | December 14, 2008, 4:10 pm 4:10 pm

BTW Does anyone really think he is innocent? Does his behavior exhibit that of someone who has been wrongly accused?

Posted by: I'm Just Sayin' | December 14, 2008, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm

A philosopher once said that laws are like spider webs. while they catch small flies, wasps and hornets pass thorough.
The intimation here seems pointing in that direction.
And Bernie? What fate awaits him? Poor Martha Stewart was after all a small fly!
Corruption ………ha.

Posted by: james norwood | December 14, 2008, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm

It’s too bad the Illinois citizens can’t sue Blagojevich for corruption, etc. so that he can’t collect his future salary. Where is common sense–rewarding a crook! We keep seeing this practice of rewarding bad behavior with CEOs and politicians. Is it the lawyers who are responsible for these pay-outs?

Posted by: jonnie36 | December 14, 2008, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm

A special election would bring on just more corruption. Someone needs to appoint the open possition now.
There is too much scandle in the media to hold an election. Let it cool down for a couple years.

Posted by: David | December 14, 2008, 4:34 pm 4:34 pm

I guess we’re living in a crazy weird soap opera of life. Gee the Feds, states, locals and corporate greed are bed buddies. When you just thought things couldn’t get any stranger-boom

Posted by: t42 | December 14, 2008, 4:41 pm 4:41 pm

With the mess the country is in now with a recession looming how dare it beconsided to give that corrupt govenor his pay. So many people are out of work and need money to feed their families.
What is wrong with this system?????

Posted by: BZS | December 14, 2008, 4:42 pm 4:42 pm

How about waiting for the govenor to defend himself.I question Mr. Fitzgerald and his procedures.

Posted by: jim jones | December 14, 2008, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm

PS Oops I meant that the legislature could MAYBE pass a law which would generally give them the power to automatically suspend with pay any Governor indicted for corruption and replace that Governor with the Lt. Governor, and then specifically apply that law if it were to pass to the specific case of Blago___, and have the Sup. Ct. ascertain the Constitutionality of that (assuming Blago___) challenges it.
The difference between that sort of a suspension and impeachment being the amount of testimony required, and the number of votes that would be needed. The tapes alone, combined with the multiple instances of alleged corruption tending to demonstrate a pattern of corruption would seem to be sufficient to warrant a suspension at this point. The benefit to having a way to take quick action would be that it permits Illinois to more quickly get a new Senator and it prevents an accused Governor from doing anything weird like former Gov. Ryan did when he pardoned a bunch of death row convicts.
The Ill. Sup. Ct’s not going to want to act as a trier of fact before an indicted Gov. has had an opportunity to wage a defense – it goes against everything the criminal court system stands for.

Posted by: SamTheTVCat | December 14, 2008, 5:04 pm 5:04 pm

Blago looks like a Disney character. Those little eyes, that big head of hair. Unfortunately, the only Disney character he resembles is one of the bad guys. I know he has been proven guilty first but he is the most heinous sort of politician. Being a Dem, I’m so sorry because this is such a bruise for the Dems.

Posted by: diana d | December 14, 2008, 5:15 pm 5:15 pm

Blago resembles that other stalwart ally of the Clinton Regime, the famous tie eating Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia. Well known for his underhand dealings, Saakashvili is a close associate of Hillary Clinton, Madam Albright, George Soros and Henry Kissinger. The Clinton/Obama mob seems to attract crooks like flies to something.

Posted by: JoeForSure | December 14, 2008, 5:38 pm 5:38 pm

If that’s American politicians idea of capitalism, then they can SHOVE it up their a$$e$. They need a dose of reality and get their crooked butts THROWN out of office with just the shirts on their backs, AND be publicly humiliated like serving prison time.
Talk about ORGANIZED CRIME-This IS IT!!!

Posted by: Brad | December 14, 2008, 5:44 pm 5:44 pm

TheChairman: Are you forgetting that Obama has had numerous threats against his life. The gov. is not threatened but Emanuel has been threatened. Emanuel knows more than what he says and so does Jesse Jackson, Jr. Wait until the gov. goes to court. Madigan wants him to step down because she is afraid he will really open up and tell all. She also wants that senate seat and a run for the governor. The gov. should not resign but wait until what the court states and his lawyer’s say. He is not the only corrupt democrat. It all hasn’t come out yet but its on the way.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | December 14, 2008, 6:27 pm 6:27 pm

BZS: What is wrong with the system is we need to clean up welfare. We are giving two checks to families that adopt handicap children because they cannot work. They get an SSI check and an additional check because they are disabled. One check should cover their needs not two. There are people out of work that cannot get on SSI and the government is paying these families two checks for one child.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | December 14, 2008, 6:35 pm 6:35 pm

The Illinois Attorney Lisa Madigan is a pain in the neck just like her father was. The voter’s voted the Gov. in office twice so what is the problem. They don’t think before they vote. Did the voter’s vote Obama in for president knowing he had corrupt friends and a US bomber on his list of friends. I didn’t vote for the Gov. or Obama and it looks like the democrat dogs are in a mess.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | December 14, 2008, 6:53 pm 6:53 pm

Tony Rezko
Stuart Levine
Dr. Robert Weinstein
Governor Rod Blagojevich
· Obama conspired with one or more of the above named to rig
the IL Health Facilities Planning Board.
Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department have been involved
in an investigation of crime and corruption in Chicago and IL,
sometimes referred to as “pay for play.” This investigation and
subsequent prosecutions has been methodical and well executed. The
initial focus was on Tony Rezko and his trial and conviction that
evolved out the testimony of Stuart Levine who had been wiretapped.
Multiple indictments and arrests have developed from the Rezko trial
leading up to the recent arrest of IL Governor Rod Blagojevich. All
of the people indicted or arrested out of the investgation have one
thing in common. Connections to Barack Obama. It has been believed for
months that Rezko would talk and that Blagojevich and/or Obama was next.
It is now time to indict Barack H. Obama.
From the Petition to Impeach, expel Senator Obama
Whereas: Senator Barack Obama used the office of IL Senator to facilitate the vote rigging in Chicago as chairman of the Illinois Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Mr. Obama pushed legislation in Senate Bill 1332 to reduce the number of members of the Health Facilities Planning Board from 15 to 9. Mr. Obama did conspire with Stuart Levine, Tony Rezko and Rod Blogojevich to rig the committee and was rewarded with campaign contributions. The new members appointed included 3 doctors who contributed to Mr. Obama. On April 21, 2004, Stuart Levine explicitly advised Dr. Robert Weinstein, who is now indicted, of Tony Rezko’s role in manipulating the Planning Board’s vote.
The following have been indicted and/or arrested
Tony Rezko
“During the same time period, the indictment alleges, Rezko and Levine also were seeking to obtain a kickback of at least $1 million from contractor Jacob Kiferbaum, whose construction company was to build a new facility for Mercy Hospital in Crystal Lake, Illinois, if that facility received approval from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, on which Levine sat.”
Tony Rezko Indictment
Stuart Levine
“Levine used his influence with the Planning Board to ensure that Mercy Hospital received approval of its application to build the Crystal Lake hospital after hiring Kiferbaum’s company. In voting for, and influencing other Planning Board members to vote for, Mercy’s application, Levine concealed from the Planning Board his financial arrangement or contacts with Kiferbaum.”
Stuart Levine Indictment
Dr. Robert Weinstein
“The false statements count alleges that on May 24, 2004, Weinstein lied to an FBI agent when he said that Levine never told him that Rezko had influence over the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, the state board that regulates hospital construction and expansion. In fact, the indictment alleges Weinstein knew that he and Levine had discussed Rezko’s influence over the Planning Board, including in a recorded conversation on April 21, 2004, in which Levine explicitly advised Weinstein of Rezko’s role in manipulating the Planning Board’s vote earlier that day on the Certificate of Need application of Mercy Health System Corp. Hospital and other matters.”
Dr. Robert Weinstein Indictment
Governor Rod Blagojevich
“Rezko was a principal fundraiser for ROD BLAGOJEVICH. 3 His criminal trial
focused on allegations that Rezko and Stuart Levine, a member of the board of trustees of the Teachers Retirement System and the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, engaged in a scheme to defraud the State of Illinois of Levine’s honest services by demanding kickbacks, as well as political contributions to the campaign of ROD BLAGOJEVICH, in return for the exercise of Levine’s official influence. Relevant evidence presented at the Rezko trial is summarized below.”
“According to Levine, in approximately late October 2003, after Levine was
reappointed to the Planning Board, he shared a private plane ride from New York to Chicago
with ROD BLAGOJEVICH and Kelly. Levine, ROD BLAGOJEVICH, and Kelly were the only passengers on the flight. According to Levine, at the beginning of the flight, Levine thanked ROD BLAGOJEVICH for reappointing him to the Planning Board. ROD BLAGOJEVICH responded that Levine should only talk with “Tony” [Rezko] or [Kelly] about the Planning Board, “but you stick with us and you will do very well for yourself.” ROD BLAGOJEVICH said this in front of Kelly.”
“Levine’s criminal activities included his abuse of his position on the Planning Board to enrich both himself and Friends of Blagojevich. The Planning Board was a commission of the State of Illinois, established by statute, whose members were appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois. At the relevant time period, the Planning Board consisted of nine individuals. State law required an entity seeking to build a hospital, medical office building, or other medical facility in Illinois to obtain a permit, known as a “Certificate of Need” (“CON”), from the Planning Board prior to beginning construction.”
“Almanaseer testified that Beck instructed him that Rezko wanted Almanaseer to vote a particular way and that Almanaseer should follow Levine’s lead in voting on CONs.”
“During his testimony, Levine described a plan to manipulate the Planning
Board to enrich himself and Friends of Blagojevich. The plan centered on an entity commonly known as Mercy Hospital (“Mercy”) that was attempting to obtain a CON to build a new hospital in Illinois.” Governor Rod Blagojevich Criminal Complaint
Chicago Tribune Rezko Trial Transcripts
March 6, 2008; 12:29 a.m.
“Hamilton finished remarks after an hour. She did not mention the name of Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama, whose U.S. Senate campaign in 2004 allegedly was the beneficiary of $20,000 in campaign cash from intermediaries in the kickback schemes the government says were orchestrated by Rezko.”
March 10, 2008; 4:16 p.m.
“The name of Barack Obama, the Democratic front-runner for the presidential nomination, also appears in the e-mail as a member of a strategic team reviewing hospital board matters with the governor’s staff when he was a state senator. The hospital board was scheduled to be revamped in the summer of 2003.
Obama was then chairman of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services. Other legislative leaders, including Madigan, were part of that review panel as well, according to the e-mail.”
March 13, 2008; 3:09 p.m.
“Dr. Imad Almanaseer is on the witness stand this afternoon, testifying about his links to Antoin “Tony” Rezko and his time on the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board”.
“Almanaseer was appointed to the planning board in 2003 on Rezko’s recommendation. Prosecutors contend he became part of a five-member voting bloc on the board that followed Rezko’s wishes. Almanaseer said board Chairman Thomas Beck tried to steer his voting.”
March 19, 2008; 11:21 a.m.
“Prosecution witness Stuart Levine is walking jurors through the evolution of his relationship with defendant Tony Rezko. The two met at a dinner party shortly before the 2002 election in which Rezko’s close friend Rod Blagojevich was elected governor.”
“Levine said he met increasingly with Rezko in early 2003 after Blagojevich was sworn in as governor. On occasion, Levine said, Rezko described his close relationship with Blagojevich.
“He said that he had raised a great deal of money for Gov. Blagojevich and that he had great hopes and expectations that Gov. Blagojevich would run for president,” Levine recalled. “And although he knew it was a long shot, he was working toward that end.””
“”Mr. Rezko told me that he was able to have individuals appointed to state boards and was able to have individuals hired into state agencies and that he spoke very often — and in fact went over decisions — that Lon Monk would put into place,” Levine said.”
March 21, 2008; 12:10 p.m.
“Another government wiretap has been played with Antoin “Tony” Rezko’s voice on it, and this one could prove damaging to his defense. On the tape, recorded May 18, 2004, Rezko can be heard giving orders to political fixer Stuart Levine about how he wanted to manipulate the vote of one of Levine’s fellow members on the Illinois Health Facilities Planning board, Danalynn Rice.
On the call, Rezko is heard mentioning Chris Kelly, who with Rezko was one of the top fundraisers for Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Both Rezko and Kelly were key members of Blagojevich’s kitchen cabinet.
Rezko makes it clear in the phone call that Kelly, too, had been involved in trying to manipulate decisions of the hospital board, which Rezko has been charged with corrupting. Kelly apparently had called Levine earlier and told him he should be Rice’s mentor on the board, directing her to follow his lead on voting. Rice had been recently installed on the hospital panel at the insistence of a leader of the Laborers’ International Union, which had contributed more than $133,000 to Blagojevich’s campaign.”
Obama’s ties to Rezko, Blagojevich, corruption
Evelyn Pringle: Curtain Time for Obama — Part 2
Feds track Obama’s visits to Rezko
In the media, Obama always made it sound like he rarely saw Rezko, saying they met for breakfast or lunch once or twice a year. However, the FBI mole John Thomas helped investigators “build a record of repeat visits to the old offices of Rezko and former business partner Daniel Mahru’s Rezmar Corp., at 853 N. Elston, by Blagojevich and Obama during 2004 and 2005,“ according to the February 10, 2008 Sun-Times.
During his March 14, 2008 interview, the Times told Obama, Thomas is an FBI mole and he “recently told us that he saw you coming and going from Rezko’s office a lot.”
“And three other sources told us that you and Rezko spoke on the phone daily.”
“Is that true?” the reporter asked.
“No,” Obama said, “That’s not accurate.”
“I think what is true,” he said, “is that, it depends on the period of time.”
“I’ve known him for 17 years,” Obama stated. “There were stretches of time where I would see him once or twice a year.”
He told the Times, “when he was involved in finance committee for the U.S. Senate race, or the state senate races, or the U.S. Congressional race, then he was an active member.”
“During the U.S. Senate race, there’s be stretches of like a couple of weeks – for example prior to him organizing the fundraiser that he did for us – where I would probably be talking to him once a day to make sure that was going well,” he said.
“But the typical relationship was one that was fond,” he added. “We would see each other.”
“But there would be no reason for me to be seeing him that often,” he stated. This issue may be sorted out soon enough because Fitzgerald’s charts matching up Obama’s contributions, visits and calls are bound to be every bit as thorough as the ones produced to prove Rezko is guilty as charged in the first trial. They simply were not produced because they were not needed to prove the defendant guilty in the first case.
As an example of what records might be squirreled away, consider that an FBI agent presented a chart to the jury on April 28, 2008, showing 257 calls from Rezko’s phones to Blagojevich’s chief of staff, Lon Monk, between March 2004 and May 2004 alone.
He also had a list of all calls between Levine and Rezko from November 2002 to May 2004. Rezko’s attorney brought out a point that backs the assertion that just because records on Obama were not shown, does not mean they do not exist.
The attorney questioned the agent about missing calls, and specifically those to and from Christopher Kelly. The agent first said records were not available, but later admitted the government probably does have records on Kelly that were not available to him.
In addition, the contributions extorted through the Planning Board scheme were for the intended presidential candidate, Blagojevich. Obama’s US senate war chest was already funded and by the time these kickbacks were paid that campaign would be over.
But Obama did end up with $20,000 from the very first kickback paid in the pension fund scheme set up through the Board of the Teacher’s Retirement System.
Elie Maloof and Joseph Aramanda, the straw donors used to funnel the contributions to Obama, also made $1,000 contributions of their own for his failed run for Congress in 2000, on the same day March 17, 2000.
In addition, Aramanda gave $500 to Obama’s senate campaign on June 30, 2003. In the summer of 2005, Aramanda’s teenage son landed a coveted intern position in Obama’s senate office in Washington.
Obama also received contributions directly from the persons appointed to the pension board for the express purpose of rigging the votes. On June 30, 2003, appointee, Jack Carriglio contributed $1,000.
The other appointee, Anthony Abboud, donated $500 to Obama on June 30, 2003, $250 on March 5, 2004, and $1,000 on June 25, 2004.
Michael Winter, who prosecutors say agreed to serve as a funnel for kickbacks paid through an investment firm in one scheme donated $3,000 to Obama on June 30, 2003.”
Obama’s role in rigging the Health Planning Facilities Board
Evelyn Pringle, Obama Curtain Time 2
“Obama was chairman of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee in January 2003. A few articles in the media have mentioned that Obama sat on a committee that reviewed matters related to the Planning Board in conjunction with the Governor’s staff but none have discussed his integral part in getting the bill passed.
A review of senate records from January 2003 to August 2003, shows Obama played a major role as chairman of that committee, in pushing through Senate Bill 1332, that led to the “Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act,” which reduced the number of members on the Board from 15 to 9, making the votes much easier to rig.
Democratic Senator Susan Garrett sponsored the bill in the senate, and the chief co-sponsor was Republican Senator Dale Righter. These two senators were also on the Human Services Committee with Obama.
The bill was filed with the senate secretary on February 20, 2003, and assigned to Human Services Committee for review on February 27. Less than a month later, as chairman, Obama sent word that the bill should be passed on March 13, 2003.
On May 31, 2003, the House and Senate passed the bill and the only senator listed in the “yes” votes mentioned in the Board Games indictments is Obama.
Blagojevich made the effective date June 27, 2003, and the co-schemers already had the people lined up to stack the Board and rig the votes with full approval from Obama.
As discussed fully in >Curtain Time for Obama Part 1, the Republicans and Democrats worked together in setting up the Planning Board scheme because the Combine as a whole would profit.
During the trial, Stuart Levine testified that when he sought reappointment to the Planning Board, he told Republican co-schemer, Bill Cellini, to tell the Blagojevich administration he would vote however they wanted when approving projects.
He told the jury he had the same understanding with the two prior Republican governors, Jim Edgar, and George Ryan, who is now sitting in prison due to Fitzgerald’s successful prosecution of a corruption case against him.
A June 2003 email exchange produced in the trial shows Obama was one of eight officials who received the names of the nominees for the new Board ahead of time, from the office of David Wilhelm, who headed Blagojevich’s 2002 campaign for governor.
Tony Rezko’s name does not appear in the email. In fact, his attorney made the point to the jury that the exchange was from Blagojevich’s general counsel, Susan Lichtenstein, and Wilhelm’s office, and indicated the appointees were recommended by Wilhelm and supported by those who received the memo.
The memo said, “we worked closely over the past six months” with eight officials including three state senators.
Jennifer Thomas, a former aide in Blagojevich’s patronage office, testified that she attended regular weekly meetings at Rezko’s office between the spring of 2003 and November 2004, and Rezko floated names and specifically said Levine should be reappointed to the new Board.
The Senate bill said, the “Board shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate.” But the Senate Confirmation Hearings were a joke. For instance, the Feds recorded Levine talking to co-schemer, Jon Bauman, the day Levine learned he was approved by the Senate from the executive secretary of the Board.
Levine told Bauman he ran into Jeffrey Marks, who said “congratulations on your appointment,” and Levine asked for what. Marks said, “well the Senate Confirmation Hearings on Health Facility Plan Board members.”
He told Levine Senate President, Emil Jones, only allowed 2 members to be approved and “that was you and the other person he just put in.”
“Isn’t that hysterical ’cause you know they had this big battle going on,” Levine told Bauman.
Laughing away, Levine said, “don’t you just love it.”
“I’m one of those independents and not part of the block.”
“Well, good, you know it’s good to be just a true independent civil servant,” Bauman said laughing along with Levine.
“Is, is that a good thing,” Levine replied, “I’ve never been that.”
Corrupt appointees fund Obama and Blagojevich campaigns
The corrupt new appointees were all contributors to the presidential hopeful, Blagojevich, and the US senate hopeful Obama.
The previous Act allowed the Board itself to select a “Chairman and other officers as deemed necessary.” But the new law stated: “The Governor shall designate one of the members to serve as Chairman and shall name as full-time Executive Secretary.”
The Board’s then sitting-chairman, Thomas Beck, who was originally appointed by a Republican governor, testified under a grant of immunity that he brought a $1,000 check to Rezko on July 15, 2003, to make sure Blagojevich reappointed him.
A few weeks later, Beck said, Rezko called to say he would be reappointed along with a Republican holdover Levine. Beck also testified that Rezko told him Blagojevich was set to appoint Rezko’s three doctor friends to complete the rigged voting bloc. He said he met the doctors in August 2003, at the first meeting of the new Board.
Dr Michel Malek gave Obama $10,000 a little over a month before the first meeting on June 30, 2003. He also donated $25,000 to Blagojevich three weeks later on July 25, 2003, and gave Obama another $500 in September 2003. Malek was an investor in Riverside Park.
Dr Fortunee Massuda donated $25,000 to Blagojevich on July 25, 2003, and gave a total of $2,000 to Obama on different dates. Massuda’s husband, Charles Hannon, is a co-schemer in the pension fund case and testified against Rezko in the trial.
Dr Imad Almanaseer contributed a total of $3,000 to Obama after he landed the appointment. On March 13, 2008, Almanaseer testified against Rezko and told the jury he was an investor in Rezko’s fast-food businesses.
This doctor’s son, Ahmed Almanaseer, was given a trade office intern position with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Ahmed is president of HireIraqis.com a bilingual human resources “site aimed at linking Iraqi job seekers with the companies engaged in the reconstruction [in Iraq] efforts,” according to Rezko Watch/RBO.”
Conclusion
The names of Blagojevich and Obama were mentioned regularly during the Rezko trial. Since Blagojevich and Obama were not on trial at the time, much information known about them was withheld. To understand this fact simply read the Criminal Complaint against Rod Blagojevich. It is apparent that much
more is known about Barack Obama and that he is next in line to be indicted.
Since Barack Obama is attempting to sneak through the election process with a great many legal questions clouding his past and since the American public needs and depends on the Judicial Branch of government to protect it from criminals and imposters, I Citizen Wells, on behalf of the American public, ask that Mr. Patrick Fitzgerald or any authorized employee of the US Justice
Department, present Mr. Barack H. Obama with an indictment and/or Criminal Complaint at the earliest possible moment, with time being of the essence. The Electoral College meets next week and it is imperative that we do all that is in our power to prevent a constitutional crisis in this country.

Posted by: Bing | December 14, 2008, 7:01 pm 7:01 pm

Blago is corrupt and Dems are angered, but why don’t Dems speak out about Rangel. Obama and Pelosi should be ashamed.

Posted by: KRipka | December 14, 2008, 8:36 pm 8:36 pm

I am appalled by the legislature’s seeming unwillingness (or fear?) to immediately commmence proceedings that would lead to impeachment of the Governor. Citizens need to take back their government. There must be some legislator(s) who is/are willing to commence impeachment. Once that is in place let’s circulate a petition that would call for the recall of any legislator who votes against commencing the impeachment proceedings.

Posted by: Don | December 14, 2008, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm

He makes over 170grand a year and is in finacial difficulty? This fact alone should show everyone he is an idiot and is to dumb to be trusted. You do not have finiacial problems when you make this money, you have stupididy problems.

Posted by: vissionquet | December 14, 2008, 10:05 pm 10:05 pm

we-get-who-we-voted-for: if Obama and Blagojevich are such “buddies,” why is the governor on tape calling him a motherf***er? Why did Obama refuse to let Blagojevich campaign for him or speak at the Democratic convention? Chicago does have some crooked politicians. Being a politician from Chicago and not living inside of a bubble, Obama will have had contact with others around him in government. Since when is one person responsible for the actions of every other person they know, personally and professionally?

Posted by: 1bluestocking | December 14, 2008, 10:09 pm 10:09 pm

PPS Oh wait, I guess if this guy’s corrupt he’ll just veto the legislation rather than sign it into law even if it’s unanimous, wouldn’t you think?
Guess it’ll take impeachment . . .

Posted by: SamTheTVCat | December 14, 2008, 10:28 pm 10:28 pm

I see Blagovedich is being given incentive for stepping down tomorrow. Deja vu. This is playing politics for monetary incentive. Maybe it’ll resonate enough with Blago to step down. I bet in his cornering, he’s getting all the more inventive and repetitive with his not too nice embellishments.

Posted by: kat | December 15, 2008, 1:01 am 1:01 am

I see Blagovedich is being given incentive for stepping down tomorrow. Deja vu. This is playing politics for monetary incentive. Maybe it’ll resonate enough with Blago to step down. I bet in his cornering, he’s getting all the more inventive and repetitive with his not too nice embellishments.

Posted by: kat | December 15, 2008, 1:01 am 1:01 am

It’s not a surprise that the liberal controlled media did not miss to put the -D as for DEMOCRAT in front of the Gov.Blagojevich. Notice that they just mention his last name that hardly anybody remembers tomorrow.

Posted by: 2nfer | December 15, 2008, 1:34 am 1:34 am

“His main concern” – who in the hell cares about his concerns. Put him in jail and let his wife make amend$ with her father. That is, if she can’t be indicted for something as well.

Posted by: Yankee | December 15, 2008, 6:20 am 6:20 am

“His main concern” – who in the hell cares about his concerns. Put him in jail and let his wife make amend$ with her father. That is, if she can’t be indicted for something as well.

Posted by: Yankee | December 15, 2008, 6:20 am 6:20 am

If this had been a republican gov, with ties to the republican new prez-elect’s cheif of staff, can anyone imagine what the liberal media would do?
They have all given barry the benefit of the doubt, which is something they would never do to a republican. The level of protection and positive treatment they give to those on the left is very scary.

Posted by: Dave | December 15, 2008, 9:15 am 9:15 am

What’s the big deal? If Obama could sell political favors and still be elected to the white house, what’s so bad about Blago doing it? Let’s apply the same standard the media gave to Obama.. in which case Blago is the greatest thing since Jesus.

Posted by: howwouldiknow | December 15, 2008, 10:55 am 10:55 am

Blago should get nothing and everyone he takes down with him deserves whatever they get. Clean house now!

Posted by: NPage | December 15, 2008, 11:04 am 11:04 am

Sure he can keep his pay. Why not a hefty going away bonus as well? Just like the bonus of ten million dollars the CEO of Merrill Lynch is asking for because the company is broke, bankrupt, but has billions in taxpayer bailout money. Ten million of taxpayer money right into the crooks’ pockets, nothing new.

Posted by: feduptohere | December 15, 2008, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm

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Posted by: amource | February 14, 2009, 3:14 pm 3:14 pm

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