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It's a problem many families face every Thanksgiving: What to do with that crazy relative.
But what if the host is the President-elect and the embarrassing relation is the governor of his home state?
In testimony at the federal corruption trial of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich today, a former top aide described the delicate dance between the two sides over the Blagojevich's presence at Barack Obama's historic election night victory party in Chicago's Grant Park.
Former Deputy Gov. Bob Greenlee testified that he "suggested" to the Obama camp that if Blagojevich was invited, he wouldn't attend. That way, Blagojevich would be spared the embarrassment of being snubbed and Mr. Obama would be spared the embarrassment of having the tarnished governor as an honored guest.
But on Election Day, Blagojevich gummed up with works by deciding that he really did want to attend.
When the governor's office asked the Obama camp for credentials, Greenlee testified, "the Obama campaign raised red flags." Top Obama staffer and former White House communications director Anita Dunn shot Blagojevich consultant Bill Knapp an e-mail with the subject line: "WTF."
Greenlee said the best he could do was to tell the Obama campaign that he "couldn't be sure he would show up."
In the end, Blagojevich did show up.
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Consider the source is always a good idea...
Bob Greenlee quit because he was involved in the stated case...and is now covering his, uh, tracks?
From HufPo;
CHICAGO — One of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's top deputies resigned Wednesday after being tied to the rampant corruption scandal surrounding the governor, the first member of the governor's inner circle to fall amid the accusations.
Illinois Deputy Gov. Bob Greenlee stepped down a day after Blagojevich was arrested on federal corruption charges.
The complaint against Blagojevich identifies a "Deputy Governor A" who is deeply involved in an alleged scheme to strong-arm the Chicago Tribune on the orders of the governor and his wife. When asked if his client was the deputy governor, Greenlee's attorney did not dispute that his client is "Deputy Governor A."
David Stetler told The Associated Press the reason behind Greenlee's resignation "should be obvious."
He wouldn't say whether his client was cooperating with federal authorities in the probe.
"I just don't think it's responsible to comment on the substance of a pending investigation," Stetler said. "I'm not going to tell you whether he's cooperating or not."
Stetler said Greenlee was "focused on trying to do the right thing. That's what he's going to do."
Greenlee, 33, attended Yale University and the University of Chicago Law School before joining Illinois state government. He was hired by Blagojevich in June and oversaw the administration's policy and legislative affairs efforts."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/10/bob-greenlee-top-blagojev_n_149988.html
"Bob Greenlee, who stepped down Wednesday, appears to be "Deputy Governor A" in the complaint filed by federal prosecutors against Blagojevich. The governor and his chief of staff, John Harris, were arrested and arraigned yesterday. Both were released on bond.
The document describes numerous secretly-recorded conversations between "Deputy Governor A" and the governor in which they strategize about how the governor can financially benefit from his power to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate, and other topics."
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/ConductUnbecoming/story?id=6435101&page=1
Blago is whatever he is, but this guy isn't a whistle blower, just another co-conspirator saying whatever he can to save his own skin. His recorded conversations, which he is now in part disavowing, is a window into his character. That and the fact that he was appointed by Blago, says a lot more about him than his testimony now.
Although you guys make light of this whole thing. I guarantee you, the Administration is not. They are worried.
Yeah... they're shakin in their shoes... lol
You could probably save a couple bucks Rob... if you laid off the psychic hot line for awhile...
"I guarantee you, the Administration is not. They are worried."
You have proof?
Rob...
You're not applying all your reading skills. There are tapes you can listen to; if you're visually impaired. Again FOX Noise's lies will be debunked.
Do you have proof they are not worried....they are...and should be! Blago is going to sing like a canary!! I see NO difference that what Obama did with Sestak...if Blago goes down, so should Obama!
Do us a favor there Fred and hold your breath will ya?
Didn't you hear? Blue's the 'new' red...
Blago needs to speed this process up and just tell everything. Wow, from on trial to saving our country. Save noone but yourself Blago, tell it all .