Today's events in Illinois will cause me to suspend my self imposed moratorium on making political posts on this blog that has been in place since November 4th to post the following:
Picked this up on a blog over at National Review Online:
The FBI Special Agent in Charge of the investigation of (Illinois Governor) Blagojevich just said, "If Illinois isn't the most corrupt state in the United States, it's one hell of a competitor." Beautiful.
Give Obama a bit of credit; from the indictment, it sounds like Blagojevich wanted something in exchange for naming Obama's preferred candidate (Valerie Jarrett?) and all he was offered was "appreciation," spurring a profane response from the governor.
The question is, facing one of the most open-and-shut, slam-dunk corruption charges in recent political memory, does Blagojevich try to save his skin by talking about the corruption of other figures who have recently been involved in Chicago and Illinois politics? I wouldn't count on it, but it certainly isn't unthinkable.
UPDATE:
David Freddoso on a blog at National Review Online:
two important observations. First, no one wants a Senate appointment from a man accused of selling the seat. We may need a change of governor soon. There is no law in Illinois providing for situations in which the governor temporarily gives up his powers. The general assembly would have to pass such a law. An impeachment is probably more likely. Blagojevich could appoint someone from jail, but I don't think the Senate would seat such an appointment under these circumstances.
Second, by arresting Blagojevich before Inauguration Day, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has done the one thing that absolutely prevents Barack Obama from removing him from his position. As he has worked doggedly to send corrupt politicians (many of them Obama's friends and political allies) to prison Fitzgerald has arguably become the most important man in Illinois politics.
Did I mention Governor Blagojevich is a Democrat.
