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Illinois Governor Arrested
Beleaguered Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich was taken into custody by law enforcement authorities at his home this morning, reports the Tribune Company, sourcing a US Attorney's office spokesman. The governor's chief of staff, John Harris, was also arrested.
Hours earlier, the Chicago Tribune reported that the federal probe of pay-to-play politics in the Blagojevich administration had expanded to include the question whether the process of filling Barack Obama's US Senate seat -- for which the governor is responsible -- had become tainted.
Earlier this week, the same (also beleaguered!) paper reported that the feds had secretly taped Blagojevich as part of their investigation.
Yesterday, the governor told reporters: "I don't believe there's any cloud that hangs over me. I think there's nothing but sunshine hanging over me".
Late Update: Prosecutors have filed a criminal complaint.
Josh
Zachary
No suprise from me here in Chicago. The only wrinkle, and it is truly incredible, is Blag's attempt to sell the replacement for Obama's Senate seat!
December 9, 2008 10:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
If he leaves office who takes over for him, is it a Dem? I hope so because I thought from the beginning it was a mistake for Obama resign untill the last second, certainly no earlier then his replacement was ready to be appointed. If a Rep. will suddenly be in a position to appoint a replacement that would be a world class f-up on Obama's part.
December 9, 2008 10:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Napoleon--Democratic Lt. Governor Pat Quinn would take over if Blago were to resign or be impeached. Quinn is a straight-shooter and a great progressive.
December 9, 2008 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I guess you can say that the Blagojevich's "chicken" has "come home to roost".
Just like in a lot of states, voters in Illinois are getting EXACTLY what they deserve or want.
Maybe, now they can be serious about who they vote into office, and rather than coveting corruption, voters can pay attention to seekers of elective office who SHUN corruption! OsiSpeaks.com
December 9, 2008 12:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Every nation deserves its government...At June 25,1999 in Chicago, some savage was driving his car down the sidewalk and hit me. I survived, but my bones were broken. Judas' government has blocked crime investigation and did not pay me any victim's compensation. What's more, government was terrorizing me and demanding to pay for treatment of my broken bones. In order not to pay me miserable $100 welfare, bureaucrats were demanding inmates of my slum to sign their dirty scribble about my insanity...Fortunately, they refused to sign it. So finally I was compelled to leave your barbaric country.
December 13, 2008 10:24 AM | Reply | Permalink