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Subscribe to RSSIf at first you don't succeed, try try again: Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) was convicted on 17 of 20 charges in his retrial.
A jury has convicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich of nearly all the corruption charges against him, including trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama's old Senate seat.
Blagojevich had faced 20 charges, including the Senate seat allegation and that he schemed to shake down executives for campaign donations. He was convicted on all charges regarding the Senate seat.
The jurors delivered their verdicts Monday after deliberating nine days.
Blagojevich testified for seven days, denying wrongdoing.
Prosecutors said he lied and the proof was on FBI wiretaps. Those included a widely parodied clip in which Blagojevich calls the Senate opportunity "f------ golden."
[snip]
Jurors in his first trial deadlocked on all but one charge, convicting Blagojevich of lying to the FBI.
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About time & Good Riddance!
He can now join the other former IL Governor George Ryan (R) behind bars!
I wonder how much hair gel is going for these days in the prison commissary? lol
Who knows, maybe he'll win the prison talent show!
http://www.google.com/url?url=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DtpzV_0l5ILI&rct=j&sa=X&ei=n9wITuiaIOPl0QHom-TyCg&sqi=2&ved=0CDEQuAIwAA&q=jailhouse+rock&usg=AFQjCNE7-vB_PAjFHCZGF2GrutDsD1TAjQ
Elvis is rolling over in his grave!
Feisty:
I agree, if you do the crime you do the time. I hope they give him a crew cut. Nobody, democrat or republican is above the law and I do not care if you are or were a governor, senator, House rep, Judge etc.
They all have to live by the rules and laws. Break them and off the jail, lose your money, house whatever. I have had enough of this crap from those who think they are above the laws we hold dear and obey.
Bye ByeBirdie -
Another poster boy for public campaign financing and tougher ethics enforcement.
I agree AM - The dollars that have corrupted the political process on both sides is horrendous. But what would happen to all those K Street lobbyists? Can we afford, in this economy, to have all those people out of work?
Kirby: Yes. ;-)
How many Democrats will be caught in scandals this year? The over/under in Vegas right now is 7 with 5 months left, I would take the over. Chicago politicians are all suspect.... Rahm Emanuel could be next....
This Blago thing is all about money and political influence and the democrats have a lot at stake!
Bill T, you took the words right out of my mouth..... I love the city of Chicago very much, it's the politicans there that scare me!
Well, there goes his pistachio nut commercial...
Maybe he can take a pack of butts into the big house with him, and proclaim "I got something f**ing valuable here- I ain't gonna just give it away". Hey, Rod- there are sevearl of your namesakes commin' to see ya, big boy.
ouch......What a fall, greed.
DBO:
That is not the "Butt(s)" they will be after - most inmates do not smoke an anymore. Hope he goes away for a long long time.
There are a few others in the news lately that should join him. Maybe they could get together an form a circle jerk.
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort him. OMG did I just say that? ;-)
Will he be a tea bagger now?
No....... he'll likely be a rod bender.
Drive-by----what happened to your vow not to be funny?!
You-know-who granted me a repreive. (but only after once again 'appearing unto me', of course)
Kriby- he would be a 'tea bagEE', instead of a 'tea baggER'.
Consecutive games with at least one hit in baseball...that's a good streak to continue.
Consecutive free throws made without a miss...another good streak to continue.
Consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 rushing yards....another good one.
Consecutive governors sent to prison...yeah, not so good!!! Hopefully that streak will end soon!!
;-)
Grimey -
Remember where you are talking about.
I agree Grimey! Enough is enough! I don't care if it's a (R) or a (D) after the name....
You said it, Grimey. Illinois has been a bi-partisan jailed Governor state and no matter how you slice it, that's not good.
Of course, New Jersey has some pretty corrupt politicians, too; and Bell, California. Truth is, no state or city is totally exempt or free of bad politicians seeking ill gotten gains.
Frank:
Good post. I think there are still a few that will be going to the steel chateau if not careful. You are correct though, we the people deserve more from our elected and/or appointed officals.
Somehow too many are addicted to power and greed and that will be there downfall. It always is.
Thanks to a good jury for convicting just another corrupt Illinois politician! How many of these idiots are going to have to sit in prison before the rest of the corrupt politicians open their eyes and realize that the people are fed up? I understand that the huge Chicago political machine is going to continue to pump out corruption.........there is a very long history and pattern to break. Too bad Chicago can't be separated into a 51st state and leave the rest of Illinois to the decent people of Illinois. At least this is a small step in the direction of decency for Illinois! Now we need to join the rest of the nation in a concealed carry law and maybe Illinois can take another step in the right direction!
Good. Blago is a serial liar who told so many stories that he no longer recognized the truth from his version of it. Beyond the reality that he brought this mess on himself, it really is sad--the guy has a brilliant almost photographic memory, had a bright future ahead but instead chose corruption and greed as the easier path to achieve success. He has no one to blame but himself.
I have a photographic memory but I'm sometimes out of film! : )
Apparently, Blago was filmless about the law and ethics.
All a political witch hunt by the Obama administration at the behest of Emanuel and the other Chicago hoods. Now we know why Illinois is the armpits of America. Hopefully Blago will appeal and not go to jail pending appeal. When you look at the facts he did nothing that most politicians have done for years through back room deals. A big waste of federal money and time. Chicago has one of the highest murder rates in the U.S.
Why do you consider it a waste?
The money the government spent could have been used for more worthwhile things than prosecuting a political hack. Remember this is the 2d trial and I am willing to bet that it cost several millions of dollars. He was just on the wrong side of the political party in charge and stepped on toes in the Obama administration.
Bubba's just gonna love running his stubs through Blago's hair...he just looks so purty...
This may be the last case where the people's voice is heard! Celebrate America.
To answer your question in addition to Blago the following IL Governors were found guilty:
George Ryan, Dan Walker, Otto Kerner, Wm Stratton, Lennington Small.
Non governors convicted include Paul Powell, Orville Hodge, Wm Scott, Dan Rotenkowski and Mel Reynolds for various state and/or federal charges..
Good to see in the end, no one in IL is above the law, bookem danno!
Not to worry - I see a presidential pardon in his near future.
Also, it's 'funny' how many of these stories about Blago make NO mention of his political party.