Video- Rod Blagojevich gets fired from The Apprentice

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Good lord, wonder what he'll do now.

Judge OKs release of secret recordings between Burris, Blagojevich's brother

Just when you thought The Hair had been forgotten.

A federal judge today authorized the release of audio tapes of secret recordings of coversations between U.S. Sen. Roland Burris and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s brother to a Senate ethics committee.

Burris’ criminal lawyer, Timothy Wright, federal prosecutors and an attorney for Robert Blagojevich were in court this morning before U.S. Judge James Holderman, who handles grand jury matters.

Reporters were kicked out of the courtroom as the hearing was set to begin.

Before the hearing, Wright said, “the truth will finally come out,’’ in an apparent reference to recordings that took place last November and involve discussions between Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund chair Robert Blagojevich and Burris regarding fund-raising for the ex-governor.

$845

By GottaLaff

I think even I could raise this much. In fact, Paddy and I have raised about this much during one of our week-long fundraisers. It took Burris a whole quarter:

Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) reported raising just $845 during the first quarter of the year and had $111,032 in debts from defending himself in ongoing ethics and perjury probes, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Indictment suggests Rahm Emanuel, brother were victims of extortion attempt

By GottaLaff

Get the feeling we'll be finding out a lot about a lot soon?

Rahm Emanuel appears to have been a victim of one of the extortion attempts with which former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was charged tonight.

Patrick Fitzgerald's indictment refers to two incidents involving "Congressman A": In one, Blagojevich discusses approaching the unnamed congressman to broker a deal for Obama's Senate seat.

In another, unrelated, charge, Blagojevich in 2006 allegedly demanded that the congressman or his brother -- Emanuel's high-profile sibling is super-agent Ari Emanuel -- hold a fundraiser for the governor in exchange for releasing $2 million to support a publicly funded school.

Blagojevich "wanted it communicated to United States Congressman A that United States Congressman A's brother needed to have a fundraiser" for Blago, the indictment says. [...]

The indictment notes that Emanuel did not, in fact, hold the fundraiser; the money was released anyway.

BREAKING: Rod Blagojevich indicted on 16 felony counts

By GottaLaff

Per MSNBC, he's charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion. More soon.

UPDATE, via BREAKING NEWS on Twitter:

FORMER ILLINOIS GOVERNOR'S BROTHER, 2 FORMER AIDS AND TWO BUSINESSMEN ALSO INDICTED ON CORRUPTION CHARGES.

ROD BLAGOJEVICH ACCUSED OF CORRUPTION INVOLVING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN STATE PENSION BONDS.

UPDATE:
Per David Shuster just now on MSNBC, part of the charge was a deal he was trying to make with Karl Rove to influence Fitzgerald to drop the charges.

While prosecutors went about their work, the impeached and ousted governor was apparently vacationing at a Disney World resort in Florida.

U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald had until Tuesday to produce an indictment replacing a criminal complaint filed against the former governor Dec. 9 after FBI agents arrested him at his Chicago home.[...]

Blagojevich, 52, was charged in the complaint with scheming to sell or trade President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat and a host of other corruption. He denies wrongdoing. [...]

Fitzgerald has said he filed the criminal complaint instead of an indictment in December because he wanted to arrest Blagojevich immediately to stop what he called a "political corruption crime spree" by the governor. It would have taken much more time to present the evidence to a grand jury and get it to vote for an indictment. [...]

Besides the Senate seat allegations, an affidavit accompanying the complaint accuses Blagojevich of trying to squeeze companies for campaign money and pressure the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers calling for his impeachment.

UPDATE: 19 counts now?

UPDATE:

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, his brother Rob and Christopher Kelly, a former top fundraiser for Blagojevich, were all indicted today on corruption charges, the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago announced.

Also charged in the indictment were Lon Monk, a lobbyist and former Blagojevich chief of staff; John Harris, also a former chief of staff to Blagojevich; and William Cellini, a Springfield insider for decades. [...]

The criminal complaint charged Blagojevich with attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama and seeking the firing of Tribune editorial writers in return for state help on the sale of Wrigley Field. The ballpark and newspaper are owned by Tribune Co.

Blagojevich's brother, Rob, took over as head of the governor's campaign fund last August, just two months before federal authorities won court authorization to wiretap the then-governor's home phone and campaign office.

Monk was also caught on the recordings.

This marks the third time Kelly has been charged by federal authorities but the first time for alleged wrongdoing with the former governor. In January the wealthy roofing contractor pleaded guilty to tax fraud for concealing his use of corporate funds to cover gambling debts, but just weeks later, he was charged in connection with a kickback scheme at O'Hare International Airport.

Authorities have alleged that Harris tried to carry out the governor's plan to have Tribune editorial writers fired for critical editorials of Blagojevich.

Report: Blago's contribution list included Senate hopefuls

By GottaLaff

Blagoeouqalfjopqiujvich makes the news again:

A list of people targeted for contributions by former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign committee included four possible candidates for appointment to President Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat, according to a published newspaper report. [...]

It's dated Dec. 3 — six days before Blagojevich's arrest on federal charges of scheming to sell or trade the Senate appointment, among other misdeeds. [...]

The list published by the Sun-Times contains the names of J.B. Pritzker, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Luis Gutierrez and Roland Burris. All were reported to be under consideration and Burris ultimately won the governor's appointment to the Senate.

None is reported to have contributed. About 150 names are on the list, some with dollar amounts as goals and adding up to more than $2 million.

"They may have had him on the list," said Pritzker spokesman Dave Lundy. "But they had a lot of quirky ideas that didn't have a basis in reality." Pritzker was being targeted for $100,000, according to the list.

Schakowsky said she never was asked for a donation. "The empty space next to my name speaks volumes and shows that Blagojevich knew better than to approach me," Schakowsky said.

Gutierrez had taken himself out of the running for the seat in late November. Burris, a former Illinois attorney general, has acknowledged he attempted to raise money for Blagojevich, but has denied wrongdoing.

Also listed are at least six Blagojevich appointees to state boards or other jobs.

Can we just be rid of him now? Please?

Blag-Oy!-evich gets radio gig

By GottaLaff

On the plus side, if there's one thing he can do, it's talk... and talk... and talk...

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich "has a new gig -- as a radio talk show host," the AP reports.

WLS-AM program director Bob Shomper says Blagojevich will be on the air on the Chicago station Wednesday morning, taking calls from listeners, telling stories and talking with guests.

Rod Blagojevich gets six-figure book deal

By GottaLaff

Apparently, if you have an unpronounceable name, use words like &%!@! and *#*@!, make a few shady deals while in public office, and get impeached, you are rewarded with a book deal:

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has landed a six-figure book deal to tell his story, his spokesman confirmed to CNN Monday. [...]

The book, which has a working title of “The Governor,” is scheduled to be released by Phoenix Books in October.

Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's publicist and founder of The Publicity Agency, said the governor will divulge information that will be “embarrassing” to himself and others.

See? Now that's the American way.

Roland Burris' Son Got Job from Blago

By GottaLaff

Toast, toastier, toastiest:

The son of embattled Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) "is a federal tax deadbeat who landed a $75,000-a-year state job under former Gov. Rod Blagojevich five months ago," the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

"Blagojevich's administration hired Roland W. Burris II as a senior counsel for the state's housing authority Sept. 10 -- about six weeks after the Internal Revenue Service slapped a $34,163 tax lien on Burris II and three weeks after a mortgage company filed a foreclosure suit on his South Side house."

Bye now.

Burris Will Not Resign, Will Not Run in 2010

By GottaLaff

The bad news and the good news:

Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) meets with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) today to attempt quell the storm surrounding his appointment to the Senate seat left empty by Barack Obama.

Lynn Sweet has the scoop: "Burris will also be sending, directly or indirectly (maybe this is it) two messages: he will not resign in the wake of the controversy surrounding his appointment by the ousted Gov. Blagojevich and he will not run for the seat in 2010. Burris has finally realized that not seeking election next year is the least price he will pay."

I'd like to personally thank him for the unnecessary distraction from much more important matters, and for enhancing the Democrats' image, all while providing cable outlets with weeks of entertainment. Sarcasm, folks.

Burris Now Admits He Tried To Raise Money For Blago

By GottaLaff

Say good-bye to Burris:

Roland Burris has now admitted he tried to raise money for Rod Blagojevich, at the request of the former governor's brother.

The Chicago Tribune reports:

U.S. Sen. Roland Burris has acknowledged he sought to raise campaign funds for then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich at the request of the governor's brother at the same time he was making a pitch to be appointed to the Senate seat previously held by President Barack Obama.

Burris' latest comments in Peoria Monday night were the first time he has publicly said he was actively trying to raise money for Blagojevich. Previously Burris has left the impression that he always balked at the issue of raising money for the governor because of his interest in the Senate appointment.

More here.

This episode of As the Stomach Turns needs to finally end. In fact, cancel the entire series.

Note to Roland Burris: Shhhh.

By GottaLaff

When you're in a hole, stop digging:

Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) "trying to save his sinking Senate career, delivered a brief statement Monday morning where he argued he answered questions about the contacts he had with former Gov. Blagojevich team leading up to his appointment," Lynn Sweet reports.

Unlike the fiasco yesterday, Burris did not take any questions.

First Read says the new Burris revelations may be enough to: "(1) Seriously hurt Burris' chances of surviving primary challenges from strong Democratic challengers like Lisa Madigan, Jan Schakowsky, Jesse Jackson Jr. or others, and (2) Embolden those Democrats and give them prime oppo ammo."

Republicans hope the controversy allows them to win the Senate seat in 2010.

Yesterday, Jeff Toobin said that Burris hurt himself politically, but not legally. Whatever his problems, I still appreciated his smackdown of the press.

VIDEO: Roland Burris' warning to press was prophetic

By GottaLaff


An unedited video of the entire presser can be found here. My original post is here, which describes Senator Burris laying into the press, warning them that their sloppy reporting would result in a field day for Republicans out for blood (see video above). Guess what:

Politico notes Illinois Republicans "are calling on Burris to resign; he's facing a possible perjury investigation in his home state; and his Senate colleagues may face new pressure to launch an Ethics Committee probe to determine whether he should be expelled from the body."

Burris called it.

Roland Burris rips into the press

By GottaLaff

Following up this post:

Roland Burris was very combative at his press conference, and just swatted the reporters hard. He told them this is a non-story, and if they'd done their job correctly they'd see that. He then said that because of their reporting, the GOP could run with it, go to "some grand jury", when in fact, this is the end of the story, not the beginning.

Jeffrey Toobin: Burris has a political problem, not a legal one. His statement wasn't false, but voters may think he was downplaying his connections to Rod Blagojevich come election day. He was smart to come out and answer questions, and he meandered some, but he had to answer the accusations. His political viability may be in question. However, prosecution is a very, very remote possibility.

Senator Roland Burris facing perjury probe

By GottaLaff

Burris is going to do a Q and A at 3:30 pm CST:

U.S. Senator Roland W. Burris will make a statement and answer questions today regarding his supplemental affidavit to the Illinois House Impeachment Committee.

Why? Because of this:

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's brother solicited Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) "for up to $10,000 in campaign cash before Blagojevich named Burris to the coveted post -- something Burris initially failed to disclose under oath before an Illinois House impeachment panel," the Chicago Sun Times reports.

Burris "acknowledges being hit up for the money in a new affidavit he has sent to the head of the House committee that recommended Blagojevich be removed from office."

However, in the affidavit, Burris said he refused to contribute to Blagojevich or to assist in fundraising for him.

What, this just came to him? This story will never go away, will it? We're all stuck in Blago-Burris Hell.

BREAKING: Blago's (endless) lament

By GottaLaff

HairMan is lamenting about his kicked-outitude:

Blago is telling us how much he did for the state of Illinois. "Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you." He's going to keep fighting to clear his name.

He says he loves us.

He took no questions. Bye, BlagoHairovich.

Oops, he's back. Too bad, I thought we finally got rid of him. Ohhh, it's because he forgot to speak Spanish. He's doing that now.

Okay, now he's taking questions. He's asking some little kid if he wants to be on the Tee Vee Machine. In fact, he's really pushing the little kid to be on the Tee Vee Machine. Blago? The little kid doesn't want to be on the Tee Vee Machine.

He's asking if the press will still cover him. No, seriously, he came right out and asked them.

He's going to keep fighting for "those without a voice". And remember, and never forget, he provided health care to his peeps. He tells us that a lot.

"This is a valley in our lives."

He predicted the unamimous vote. "The fix was in." He really likes that phrase, he says it several times daily.

He's telling the little kid he's old enough to vote, because he lives in Chicago. The little kid screamed, "Yaaayyy!"

He's discussing his immigrant father, and getting a little maudlin. "I didn't do anything wrong." (That wasn't the maudlin part.)

"I'll have more to say later." That's an understatement.

"It was a fore-ordained result... I'd like to tell ya some of the inside stuff."

He's saying this could happen "to you." Now I'm scared. I didn't realize I could be impeached.

He's repeated that he was twice-elected more than... well, twice. "It was a fixed deal from the beginning." "My prediction was right. They pitched a shutout 59 to nothin'."

He's been fighting for bigger principles, he says. He's quoting Dr. Martin Luther King now.

Chris Matthews just said, "He said the point is mute." Yes, Tweety said, "mute."

Tweety: "He did brilliantly... he went after every erogenous zone in the Democratic party."

BREAKING: Blagojevich removed from office

By GottaLaff

I'm watching the vote live now. Tally: 40 votes in, that's what it took. Done deal.

Update: Final tally was 58-0, one no-vote. Unanimous.

One of the "yes" voters gestured with a "thumbs down" as he said "yes".

Pat Quinn is literally standing in the lobby, ready to be sworn in.

Blago Talks (And Talks) To Rachel

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Personally, I'm over this clown, but I hear Rachel made some news last night. Transcript here.

AUDIO: The Blagojevich tapes

By GottaLaff

Here they are, the recordings they've all been talking about...Blah-Blah-Blago:

Secret recordings of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) -- in which the governor discussed dealing with gambling legislation and an alleged interest in a corresponding campaign donation -- were played in public for the first time during his impeachment trial today.

The Chicago Sun Times quotes state Sen. Dan Cronin (R) on the tapes: "It sounds like a couple of organized crime figures out preparing to break some kneecaps. It's just horrible. It's nauseating. It's sickening."

Judge for yourself:



Audio via.

Russ Feingold Wants to End Senate Appointments

By GottaLaff

What Blagoeuoeuboiqvozhesvich and Paterson have wrought... or rotten:

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) plans to introduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to end appointments to the Senate by state governors.

Said Feingold: "The controversies surrounding some of the recent gubernatorial appointments to vacant Senate seats make it painfully clear that such appointments are an anachronism that must end. In 1913, the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution gave the citizens of this country the power to finally elect their senators. They should have the same power in the case of unexpected mid term vacancies, so that the Senate is as responsive as possible to the will of the people. I plan to introduce a constitutional amendment this week to require special elections when a Senate seat is vacant, as the Constitution mandates for the House, and as my own state of Wisconsin already requires by statute."

A Constitutional amendment? That won't be easy.